Bancroft Bulletin

Hello Bancroft -

It’s hard to believe how quickly March has flown by! The past few weeks have been filled with many wonderful events, and we’re excited to share some photos highlighting a few of these below. There were also many enrichment programs throughout March and we did not get pictures of them all - be sure to ask your child about the programs for their grade. :)

Looking ahead to early April, we will be conducting our biannual spring A.L.I.C.E. drill. These safety drills are an important part of practicing our routines and ensuring we are prepared in the event of an emergency. We are grateful for the continued partnership with Andover Police and district staff, who work closely with us to support these efforts and help keep our school community safe. As always, following the drill, I will send an email to parents and guardians to confirm that the drill has taken place.

We are gearing up for MCAS testing which starts this Tuesday, March 31 for students in grades 4. The schedule is listed below. We encourage families to help our students feel at ease so they are not stressing about these assessments. They have all the information they need to do well. A few reminders to get a good night's sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, arrive on time, and try their best is all they need. All Smartwatches should be kept at home on testing days as they cannot be worn during the assessment. The rest is up to them and we have full confidence they will succeed.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Beth & Kim

Beth Leavitt, Principal

Kim Rabold, Assistant Principal

beth.leavitt@andoverma.us or kimberly.rabold@andoverma.us

April 8: Early Release, Dismissal at 12:15

April 9: Grade 3 Strings and Recorder Informance - info was sent to grade 3 parents

April 20 - 24: NO School, Spring Vacation

Andover Public Schools 2025 - 2026 Calendar

Andover Public School 2026-2027 Calendar

MCAS dates

Grade 3

ELA - April 6 and April 7

Math - May 11 and May 12

Grade 4

ELA - March 31 and April 1

Math - May 13 and May 15

Grade 5

ELA - April 13 and April 14

Math - May 4 and May 5

Science - May 18 and May 19

Do you want to learn the best strategies for navigating Andover schools and meet other multilingual families in our community? Please click the link below to register for our March 31st ELPAC meeting so we can ensure you feel welcome, supported, and connected!

Invitation link - https://app.smore.com/n/zbmk5

RSVP - https://forms.gle/VR5P6gobT18zg6Jb7

¿Quiere conocer las mejores estrategias para navegar las escuelas de Andover y conocer a otras familias de nuestra comunidad? Haga clic en el enlace a continuación para registrarse en nuestra reunión de ELPAC del 31 de marzo para que podamos asegurarnos de que se sienta bienvenido, apoyado y conectado.

Você quer aprender as melhores estratégias para navegar nas escolas de Andover e conhecer outras famílias em nossa comunidade? Clique no link abaixo para se inscrever em nossa reunião do ELPAC em 31 de março, para que possamos garantir que você se sinta bem-vindo, apoiado e conectado!

您想了解在安多弗 (Andover) 学校就读的最佳策略并结识我们社区的其他家庭吗？请点击下面的链接注册参加 3 月 31 日的 ELPAC 会议，以便我们确保您感到受欢迎、获得支持并与大家建立联系！

هل ترغب في تعلم أفضل الاستراتيجيات للتنقل في مدارس أندوفر والتعرف على عائلات أخرى في مجتمعنا؟ يرجى النقر على الرابط أدناه للتسجيل في اجتماع ELPAC المقرر عقده في 31 مارس لضمان شعورك بالترحيب والدعم والتواصل معنا!

Week of March 23rd

This week, all students were in review skill stations. Stations and skills practiced included chasing and fleeing in a game called “Spin the Pin”, overhand throwing using the Tchoukball targets, tossing and catching using the juggle sticks, reaction time playing a game called “Reaction Ball Challenge”, and manipulative skills using the scoops in a game called “Bucket Ball”.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN MUSIC CLASS 3/23/26-3/27/26

K students experience a musical walk, around the music room in which they hold their “mallet microphone” and walk the beat as they sing. Students participate in singing the classical folk songs like “Engine Engine”, “Mary Had a Little Lamb”, “Starlight, Starbright”, etc. in between the “I Take a Little Walk” song.

1st grade students are doing a nice job with practicing their beat-keeping skills with the “Steady Beat Rap” and “Bounce Bounce Bounce the Ball.” Students also work together cooperatively as they sing and move to one of their favorite singing games “Old King Glory.”

2nd and 3rd grade students are having fun with movement exploration. We discuss “pathways” in music as we travel the music room safely and expressively. The music we listen to as we travel is Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five.”

Fourth and Fifth grade students are busy composing and creating borduns on the barred instruments: glockenspiels, xylophones, and metallophones. A bordun is a continuous drone-like accompaniment. We learn about the simple, broken, and level borduns. Students take time working in pairs to create their own bordun and then share them with the class.

Week of March 23

Kindergarteners are learning about Korean American artist Joo-Young Choi. She creates puppets and characters for imaginary worlds that she makes up. She creates installations with characters as a type of mythology. Students will be creating their own imaginary friends in art class.

First and second graders are learning about the art and life of blown glass artist, Dale Chihuly. They will use folded paper to recreate seemingly moving colors in his style.

Third grade students are creating clay planets inspired by artist/inventor James Nasmyth for the spring art show.

Fourth graders are beginning to weave with yarn on cardboard looms. They will look at artist tapestries from around the world as inspiration. We are collecting yarn donations!

Fifth graders are learning about the Japanese Holiday Kodomo no hi also known as Children’s Day. To celebrate, they are creating Koinobori, also known as carp kites.

Week of March 23

This week, Kindergarten read Three Bears in a Boat by David Soman. Students discussed how transportation has changed over time. After the read aloud, students sketched their own sail boat through a guided drawing. Next week, students will participate in a STEM tinkering activity to create a boat out of everyday materials.

First grade continued to work on our fairytale unit. After reading Goldilocks and Just One Bear by Leigh Hodgkinson, students discussed the similarities and differences between the fractured fairytales we have read. Students then continued their work on their own mini book and many brought the mini books home this week. They have worked very hard on their stories and are excited to share! Ask your child to share their mini book story!

Second grade continues to read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. In chapter 4 students finally met the Queen of Narnia, also known as the White Witch. After the read aloud, students continued to work on their Bancroft door stories. This was our last week working on this writing project. Students brought their writing journals home and I encourage you to ask your child to share their story! Their stories are very creative and it was wonderful to see what they believe is behind the Bancroft doors!

Third grade read Fireflies by July Brinckloe this week, as they began wrapping up their narrative writing unit. Students brought their writing journals home this week and are excited to share their small moment stories. Students discussed how narrative writing can feel different from creative writing and the classes decided it can be more challenging to write about our own experiences.

Fourth grade reviewed digital citizenship this week. Students discussed how to use their Chromebooks as a tool and how to take care of them. Students also discussed how to communicate with others in digital spaces, whether they are communicating online, in text messages, or in group chats. Each class had very interesting discussions about digital communications and debated whether the intent or the reception of a communication is more important. As fourth grade enters the next phase of their research, students will be using their Chromebooks to create a podcast.

Fifth grade students continued to work on their self selected research topics. Many students began creating their final product and are excited to share their information with their peers.

School librarian: Tiffany Hutchins

Librarian email: tiffany.legare@andoverma.us

Dr. Riley, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, is excited to share the next phase of our Vision of the Graduate (VoG) work with the Andover community. As you may know, over the past four years, the VoG design team has partnered with educators, students, families, and community members to shape the APS Vision of a Graduate—a shared vision for the skills and mindsets our students need to thrive now and in the future.

In the last issue of All Around APS, we introduced the student‑designed Vision of a Graduate (below) and a short Vision of a Graduate introductory video, showcasing the creativity and leadership of our learners.

To begin our VOG launch, Dr. Riley will be hosting a parent Zoom on Thursday, March 19th from 12:00pm-1:00pm. Please register here to learn about the APS Vision of a Graduate. Thank you for your continued partnership and support!

Technology is an amazing tool for learning, creativity, and staying connected. At the same time, it’s important for families to stay aware of how children are using their devices—especially when it comes to group text messages, online searches, and everyday communication with friends. We are hearing about concerning message threads so we decided to add some information in the newsletter this week.

Group chats can move quickly and sometimes include jokes, photos, or comments that aren’t kind or appropriate. Kids may feel pressure to go along with what others are saying or sharing, even if it makes them uncomfortable. It’s also helpful and important for parents to check in on what their child is saying to others, not just what others are sending to them. Messages, screenshots, and photos can easily be saved and shared far beyond the original conversation.

The same is true for web searches. Curiosity is normal, but the internet can lead to content that isn’t meant for young children. Talking with kids about safe searching and what to do if something confusing or uncomfortable appears can help them make better choices.

A few helpful reminders for families:

• Keep devices in shared spaces when possible.

• Review texts, group chats, and apps together.

• Talk about using kind and respectful words online.

• Remind kids that digital actions leave a lasting footprint.

• Encourage them to come to a trusted adult if they see or receive something inappropriate.

Technology works best when families stay involved and keep communication open about how it’s being used.

We are all working to manage the age of technology and are looking for support between school and home. Many children have new smart devices and the elementary schools have some guidance.

A kind reminder to our families that cell phones must be turned off and in students’ backpacks at the start of the school day. Smartwatches may be worn as regular watches, however, students are not allowed to text, communicate with others, use applications, take pictures or videos, or access social media services and websites.

Should parents/guardians urgently need to reach their child during the school day, we ask that you call the main office. Students are also allowed to come to the main office if they need to contact someone at home. If a cell phone or watch becomes a significant distraction, school administrators will reach out to parents/guardians. The Andover Public Schools is not responsible for lost, stolen, damaged, or broken devices.

To promote healthy digital habits during the school day, the resources below may be helpful to use. We appreciate your partnership as we work to keep interruptions to the school day at a minimum.

Resource for Apple Watches:

How to set a School Time schedule

• Open the Watch app on your iPhone. Tap All Watches, then tap your child's watch.

• Tap Done, then tap Schooltime.

• Turn on Schooltime, then tap Edit Schedule.

• Choose the days and times when you want Schooltime to be active.

• Tap Add Time if you want to set up more than one schedule in a day.

Resource for Gizmo Watches:

How to set up School mode

• Open the. Gizmo Hub app.

• Tap the. School mode switch. turn on or off. If necessary, set up a School Mode schedule.

Bobcat to Bobcat is a committee in our school of staff members who work to support families who may need assistance with various needs throughout the year. This includes helping with scholarships for events, holidays, and more. Our work is confidential and financially supported by our PTO as well as our staff and families who donate when needed.

All donations are given anonymously and recipients’ information will be kept in strict confidence.

We have an amazing community here at Bancroft and know that when there is a need, everyone pitches in. We will reach out throughout the year!

If you are a family wanting to be on our list needing support, please email our social worker, Nancy Modlish at nancyjo.modlish@andoverma.us or me, Beth Leavitt at beth.leavitt@andoverma.us.

We wanted to share information about some assistance programs available to Andover families through the Andona Foundation (https://andona.org/).

Clown Town:

2026 Clown Town sponsorship form - due May 4

The annual Clown Town carnival will be held in downtown Andover on May 15th through May 17th this year. Each year, Andover schools awards families with the Andona sponsorship for Clown Town. This packet includes rides, tickets and vouchers for Andona activities at Clown Town. Please pick up the packet at the "Information Booth" by the gazebo on any day of the event. Please reach out to your school adjustment counselor if you would like an alternative form of pickup.

Campership Assistance:

2026 Andona Campership form

The campership assistance (up to $300) to help pay fees for a summer program of your choice. To learn more and apply for their program, please click the application below. Forms are due May 15th.

Please reach out to Gabrielle at camperships@andona.org with any additional questions about either opportunity.

All students are able to receive 1 free breakfast and 1 free lunch daily during the 2025 - 2026 school year. Breakfast will be served in the cafeteria from 8:45 - 9:00 and does not need to be ordered ahead of time.

Lunches will need be preordered. It is very important that our cafeteria has an accurate lunch count each day. Please review with your children each morning what you have ordered for them.

Please click below for the monthly menu and more information about Andover's Nutrition Program including how to sign up.

Every year the lost & found racks become quite full of clothes, water bottles, shoes, etc. and you can help by LABELING EVERYTHING!!

PLEASE write your last name on items and this will help us to return things to your child.

Thank you!!

APPEL - These are in-person classes held at High Plain Elementary start on October 7 from 9:30-11am. No sign up necessary.

ESOL - Classes meet virtually on Monday evenings from 6:00-7:00pm starting on October 6. Participants need to sign up to receive a Google Meeting link. Limit 25 participants.

MOST IMPORTANT - CARS DO NOT TRAVEL FROM THE BANCROFT ROAD SIDE OF THE SCHOOL. YOU ENTER THE CAR LANE FROM WEST KNOLL.

OUR BUSES MUST USE BANCROFT ROAD AND IT IS NOT WIDE ENOUGH FOR CARS AND BUSES. YOUR COOPERATION IS GREATLY APPRECIATED FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL!

When cars are waiting prior to 8:45 and prior to 3:30, they must be TURNED OFF.

This is a NO IDLING ZONE as the SIGNAGE INDICATES.

DROP OFF: ALL CARS MUST DRIVE UP WEST KNOLL TO DROP OFF STUDENTS. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not get out of the car in the morning to help your child. We have staff on duty to assist and this will hold up the line quite a bit. We know many have to rush off and we want to help in any way we can. This is a way we can help one another!

There is a staff member there to direct traffic and it is a single lane so you may not pass even if your child has exited your car.

PARENT PICK-UP: ALL CARS MUST DRIVE UP WEST KNOLL TO PICK UP STUDENTS. NO CARS WILL BE PERMITTED TO ENTER FROM BANCROFT ROAD.

In order to help expedite the pick-up procedure, please write your last name ONLY in LARGE, BLACK, BOLD print on a piece of tag board/paper and have it prominently displayed when you arrive to pick up your child. This will expedite the process. If someone else is picking up your child, please have them follow the same protocol.

AGAIN . . . DO NOT EXIT YOUR CAR DURING THIS TIME OR PASS CARS! Every car stays in a single line and waits for the car in front of you to drive off.

Thank you very much!

• Bancroft School
• Bancroft PTO

Important Links (APS):

• Andover Public Schools
• Handbook
  
• Elementary School Libraries
• Bullying Incident Report Form
• Menu
• LINQ Ordering System

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Email: beth.leavitt@andoverma.us
Website: Bancroft School

Instagram: @bancroftaps
Location: 15 Bancroft Rd, Andover, MA, USA
Phone: (978) 247-9500

X: @BancroftAPS