Last week—let’s make it the best one yet!

What an incredible Art Show and Ice Cream Social! The dunk tank was a hit and such a fun way to wrap up the year together. This week has been full of excitement and memorable moments:

• On Tuesday, our 5th graders went on a fantastic field trip to Lexington and Concord, generously sponsored by the PTO and your Fun Run dollars.

• On Wednesday, Grade 1 dove into ocean exploration—also supported by the PTO and Fun Run funds.

• That same day, 4th and 5th graders enjoyed a (very warm!) Track and Field Day.

• On Thursday and Friday, our 5th graders took part in Nature’s Classroom on Wheels—a wonderful hands-on learning experience.

I’m looking forward to a few more special celebrations. On Tuesday, we’ll gather for Flag Day, featuring songs from our 2nd graders and poetry from our 4th graders. Then, we’ll honor our amazing 5th graders during the Celebration of Learning on June 12th at 10:00 a.m.

And on the last day of school—get ready for a school-wide scavenger hunt, ending with… my sliming!

We’ve also selected our theme for next year:

Every Voice, Every Heart, Every Day.

I’m excited to see how we’ll bring this to life in so many meaningful ways together.

See more information below from in the PTO notes.

Instrument Petting Zoo - June 9th at Andover High School

The Andover High School Music Department is hosting an exciting Instrument Petting Zoo for elementary students in grades 2 through 5 from 4:00 to 6:30 PM at the AHS Cafeteria. This hands-on event provides young musicians with the opportunity to try out and explore a diverse range of musical instruments in a fun and welcoming environment. Students will have the chance to discover which instruments spark their interest.

Grade 3 - String Instruction

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. We ask that you consider this with your child and make the selection by July 1st, 2025 - 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

Grades 4 & 5 - Strings and Band

We welcome new and returning 4th and 5th grade students to our program in both Strings and Band. Next year, Strings and Band students will receive one 30-minute weekly group lesson that will occur within the typical school day. Band instruments, such as flutes, clarinets, brass, and saxophones, are available starting in grade 4. Percussion begins in grade 5.

Band

Strings

Important Notes

• String instrument education begins in grade 3, so second and third graders can get a head start exploring violins, violas, cellos, and basses at the Instrument Petting Zoo
• Whether your child participated in previous years or is starting an instrument for the first time, all students must obtain one of the required instruments and purchase the appropriate lesson book
• All lessons are integrated into the regular school day schedule

Additional Information can be found here: https://sites.google.com/andoverma.us/the-arts-in-andover/elementary-instrumental-music

All student medication is returned to parents at the end of the school year as medication cannot be stored in the clinic over the summer. Parents must pick up medication by dismissal time (12:15 pm) on Friday, June 13th. Medication cannot be sent home children.

The clinic is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am to 3:40 pm and until 12:15 pm on Friday, June 13th – our last school day.

Please contact Lisa Slattery in the clinic with any questions or concerns at 978-247-9702 or via email at lisa.slattery@andoverma.us. Thank you.

Many times throughout the year students ask if they can bring in their instruments and play for the class. The time has come! Students who take lessons (in school or outside of school) will be invited to play for their class during their regular music time on the date below. Students can also sing if they prepare a song. Each student will be able to perform one song so that everyone who comes prepared can have time to perform. If time, your child may be able to play an additional song. The last opportunity is with Ms. Kish's class on Tuesday.

Mrs. Waddell

Tuesday June 10: 2nd grade Flag Day 9:00am

Thursday June 12: Celebration of Learning 10:00am

Friday June 13: Last Day of School 12:15 Dismissal

Sunday July 6: Last Day to Order School Supplies for

2025-2026 School Year Opening Dates:

Wednesday, August 27: First day of school, students grades 1-12

Friday, August 29 and Monday, September 1: No School: Labor Day

Tuesday, September 2: First day of school for Kindergarten

Wednesday, September 10: Back to School Night

Andover Public School 2024-2025 Calendar

"Thank you for all you have done to make Sanborn even more amazing! To those moving on to new roles and those continuing in familiar roles, I know you’ll continue to support Sanborn in new and meaningful ways. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter!"

PTO Executive Board

President
Abbie Connors
Vice President & Communications Chair
Kristen Andrews

Secretary

Meagan Annino
Treasurer
Meghan McDermott
Co-Events Chair
Kimiko Vecchione

Enrichment Chair

Jamie Sloan

Room Parent Chair

Callan Almeida

Fundraising Chair

Lisa Dore

Your child’s end-of-year MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) and Dibels mCLASS results will be sent home on Friday, June 13th with your child. These reports provide valuable insights into your child’s growth and progress in reading and math over the school year.

Click the links below to learn more about how to interpret and understand your child’s MAP and DIBELS (mCLASS) assessment and results.

MAP

Dibels mCLASS

If you have any questions after reviewing the report, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Carolyn Fawcett or Margo McGonigle.

Kindergarten: Ms. Airoldi and Ms. Baffo

First Grade: Ms. Lundgren, Ms. Goldman, and Ms. Doucette

Second Grade: Ms. Hart and Ms. Quigley

Third Grade: Ms. Fiore, Ms. Boucher, and Ms. Gianopoulos

Fourth Grade: Ms. Kish, Ms. Price, and Ms. DeMattia

Fifth Grade: Ms. Crowley, Ms. Diodati, and Ms. Romano

The bus pass registration for the 2025-2026 school year will be open June 1, 2025 through July 25, 2025.

Please note that the process for registering a grade 6 student for transportation has changed. Moving forward we will no longer use paper request forms; an online Google form is available on the APS website.

To learn more about the bus pass information, please visit the APS transportation page, scrolling down to the bottom tab called "Grade K-12 Bus Pass Information."

As the 2024-2025 school year draws to a close, middle school is swiftly approaching. We would like to offer you some information regarding your student's technology experience over the next three years.

From grades 6 to 8, Andover families have three choices:

1. Family Device Purchase (Bring Your Own Device or BYOD)

In grades 6-8, all students are required to use a Chromebook. Families that choose to purchase a device may select any manufacturer and style of device. We recommend considering ruggedized devices that can stand up to adolescent use, as well as devices with:

· 6-8 hours of battery life

· 4 GB [Minimum] - 8GB [Higher Performance] RAM

· Built-in camera and speakers.

· An 11-15" Screen

Focus on these core items over processors, hard drive capacity, or other capabilities. For example, our current standard model for Chromebooks is an HP Fortis G5 x360.

You do not need to purchase this exact device.

In middle school, all Chromebook devices must be managed by the Andover IT department. A managed device provides a consistent experience for all students during the school day, and offers the following benefits:

· A safer browsing experience during school hours.

· Access to Andover’s Wireless Networks and all required instructional materials.

· During school hours, students are only able to run district-approved applications.

· After school, on weekends, and during vacation, browsing controls are turned off.

Please enroll your child’s device prior to the first day of school - see below for instructions and additional information:

Chromebook Enrollment Instructions

Help will be available at your child’s school during their first week for those that have difficulty placing their device under management.

2. Rent a Chromebook

If you prefer not to purchase a device, you may rent a Chromebook directly from the town for $130 per year.

· You will be provided with a new Chromebook suitable for your student at the start of 6th grade, which will be returned at the end of 8th grade.

·

The rental fee includes accidental damage repair and replacement provided by Andover IT.

· Students keep the device year-round until they leave middle school – the annual fee is assessed at the start of each school year.

For details on the benefits and limitations of the program see these FAQs (scroll down to the Rental Program). Families may reserve a rental Chromebook from Monday, June 2 through Friday, June 30, 2025, using the eFunds payment site linked here. Devices will be delivered to Schools during the week of August 18th.

3. Loaner Chromebooks for families with special circumstances

Families with financial concerns are encouraged to contact the school principal any time after August 1st, 2025 to discuss the possibility of obtaining a loaner device at low or no cost. Loaner devices will be available in main offices two weeks before the commencement of the school year. Each school will develop a distribution plan for families.

If you have questions, please send an email to etech@andoverma.us and place BYOD in the subject line.

• On Thursday, 6/12, the 5th graders will have their Celebration of Learning -- a special ceremony at the conclusion of their time at Sanborn. In order to let as many of their former teachers attend, we are asking if parents would like to come in and cover their child's classroom during the event. Please visit the sign up form and claim your child's classroom. Parents are needed from 9:45 am until 11:00 am (and will need a current CORI form on file). Teachers will provide all the information you need to cover the class while they are outside at the event.
• Sanborn is partnering with School Tool Box again this year to offer an easy and cost-effective way to purchase back-to-school supplies for the fall. Log on to www.schooltoolbox.com, search for “Sanborn” and then locate your child’s grade level list. Each grade has required items, as well as add-on and optional items. Once ordered, the boxes are delivered to your child’s classroom for the first day of school. Supply prices either meet or beat the prices at Amazon, Staples and Target; each box is rounded up to the next dollar to provide a small amount of funds for the school to purchase additional supplies for Sanborn families in need. Please order by July 6 in order to have your supply box delivered in time for the start of school.
• A few ways to stay up to date on the latest news and offerings from the PTO:
• The Bulldog Spirit is the monthly newsletter from the Sanborn PTO where they communicate about our school events, fundraisers, enrichment activities, etc. Sign up here.
• Bookmark the PTO website!
• For real-time updates during the school year, follow the Sanborn Community on social media: Facebook, Instagram
• Join your child's grade-level Facebook group - this group is just for kids in your child’s grade. Here you can connect, ask grade-specific questions, etc.