Bulldog Bulletin
Week of June 1st
Every Voice, Every Heart, Every Day
As we head into another busy and exciting week, I want to take a moment to celebrate all of the wonderful learning, performances, and community experiences happening across Sanborn. These final weeks of school are full, but they are also such a special time to see our students’ growth, confidence, and joy on display.
Last week, fifth grade students attended Step Up Day and visited Wood Hill Middle School. On Wednesday, we held our Spring Performance. It is always wonderful to hear all of the talent at Sanborn! On Friday, the Andover Pollinator Project visited fourth grade classrooms as part of their science learning.
Next week is another busy one! On Monday, K-5 students will participate in Code and Circuit Enrichment, sponsored by the PTO and your Fun Run dollars. On Wednesday, fourth grade will visit Fenway Park as part of their Arts and Letters unit, “Let’s Play Ball!” On Thursday evening, we will have our annual Art Show and Ice Cream Social. The Art Show begins at 5:30 in the cafe, and the Ice Cream Social begins at 6:00. Finally, we will end the week with the 4th and 5th Grade Track and Field event.
Important Update: New Medication Order Requirements for the 2026-2027 School Year
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines regarding the administration of medication in public schools have been updated.
To ensure we remain in compliance with these new state regulations, and to provide the highest level of safety for our students, the district has updated its policy regarding the validity period of medical orders.
New Medication Order Requirements:
Effective immediately, all medical orders for both prescription and non-prescription medications must be dated within the current academic cycle: July 1st through June 30th.
What this Means for your family:
- Annual Renewals: Any medication orders on file from the previous school year will expire on June 30th. You must provide a new, signed medication order from your child’s licensed prescriber for the upcoming school year.
- July 1st Start Date: We encourage parents to schedule wellness visits or contact their child's physician after July 1st to ensure the paperwork is correctly dated for the full upcoming school year.
Please contact Lisa Slattery RN in the Sanborn Clinic with any questions at 978-247-9702.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students safe and healthy.
APS Bus Registration for the 2026-27 School Year
Please make note that bus pass registration for the 2026-2027 school year will be open June 1, 2026 through July 24, 2026.
Below is information for registering your child for transportation. Additional information is also available on the APS website.
Please note that the process for registering a grade 6 student for transportation changed last year. Moving forward we will no longer use paper request forms; an online Google form is available on the APS website.
Please help us as we begin to plan for our classrooms and scholar supplies for next school year! If your family is moving out of the Sanborn district, or if your student will be attending a private school next school year, please let us know by completing the form linked below as soon as possible.
It is critically important information as we plan our classroom placements and scholar supply ordering for next year. The office will prepare records for transfer to the new school, but records will not be sent until we receive a request from that school.
ANDOVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS ELEMENTARY STRINGS PROGRAM - Grade 3
Hello Andover Families,
We are pleased to invite your child to join our elementary instrumental music program in Grade 3. In Andover, students may begin string instruction in Grade 3, when they have the option to play a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass). This will be a regularly scheduled part of their music curriculum, and string instruments must come to school for weekly lessons. Students who do not opt into this program will receive other additional music instruction.
Strings Instruction - Things to consider:
Learning a string instrument is a wonderful way to begin an instrumental music career in school. However, there must be a commitment to home practice and instrument care. Students enrolled in the string program are expected to participate for the whole school year, be prepared for scheduled public performances, and practice regularly. Students and families are encouraged to review policies around instrument rental and care. We are here to support you. The first few lessons will focus on some real basics: unpacking/packing, bow hold, instrument position, and instrument/bow care, but through commitment and regular practice, students will be performing several short, recognizable songs by the end of the year.
We ask that you consider this with your child and make the selection by June 7th, 2026 - if possible. Families who do not wish to participate in the strings program do not need to respond to the form below:
Grade 3 Strings Registration - UPDATE
Renting an Instrument:
There are several instrument rental options for the Fall for families interested in string instruction. Below is a partial list of vendors. Families are welcome to explore other rental options. This information will be shared again later in the summer:
Johnson String Instruments of Newton, MA - http://www.johnsonstring.com
Leonards Music of Bedford, MA - http://www.leonardsmusic.com
Spencer Brook Strings of Maynard, MA - http://www.spencerbrookstrings.com
Rowen Strings of Boxford, MA - https://www.rowenstrings.com
Renting a good-quality string instrument has many benefits. Rental companies provide security in terms of repair and size upgrades as your child grows. Instrument pricing, sizing, and rental information for these companies can be found on their websites. We strongly discourage parents from buying an instrument at this time. Grade 3 students will need a smaller instrument fitted to their specific size in order to learn successfully and will need a size upgrade every year or so (free through a rental service) after that.
PLEASE NOTE: Instruments purchased online may be of poor quality. A poor quality instrument will greatly hinder your child’s progress. While buying online may seem like an attractive option, it may cause many unnecessary challenges. Through a generous donation by the Andover Coalition for Education, for beginning Grade 3 string players, we have many high quality, school-owned stringed instruments (violins, violas, cellos, and basses) available for those who qualify for financial assistance. More information will be available later in the summer.
Sincerely,
Julie Diehl, Elementary Strings Instructor - julie.diehl@andoverma.us
June 4 Art Show & Ice Cream Social, 5:30-7pm
June 12: Flag Day 9:00
June 16: Celebration of Learning 10:00
June 17: Last Day of School 12:15 dismissal
