High Plain Elementary Corner
Ms. Leveque's and Mrs. Lyons' Weekly Newsletter
From the Desks of Ms. Leveque and Mrs. Lyons
Wednesday, May 6th is an early release day. All students will be released at 12:15.
Week of May 3, 2026
Dear HPE Families,
We appear to have some spring fever in our driving practices. We are sending reminders of our dismissal plans as we are seeing unsafe practices that don't follow our rules. We work to create a safe and efficient dismissal. We ask that you set the example for your children. In the rolling car line, there is no left hand turn at the end of the line back into the driveway. This holds true for the morning and the afternoon. With students crossing on the crosswalks and busses using the driveway, it is unsafe to turn left at the end of the carline. All cars must turn right and exit on Cross Street. In addition, if a bus is late and you change the dismissal plan for your child, your only option is to pick up in car line. Walkers are only for individuals who live on the surrounding streets and can walk home. The HPE community thanks you.
We had a wonderful Cultural Heritage Night on Thursday. We had representation from Canada, India, Sri Lanka, Russia, Greece, Cambodia, Mexico, Nepal, China, Ireland, and England. We had a variety of craft activities, a performance, games, and food. We love how the strength of our school comes from the diversity within our community which shined bright this evening.
Enjoy,
Ms. Leveque and Mrs. Lyons
-Tuesday, May 5: Grade 5 Math MCAS
-Wednesday, May 6: Early release; 12:15 dismissal for all students
-Thursday, May 7: Grade 5 Math MCAS
-Friday, May 8: Grade 4 Math MCAS
-Wednesday, June 17: Last day of school for students; early release (12:15)
School Year Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:45-3:30
Andover Public School 2025-2026 Calendar
As part of our HPE Student Council, we have a news team that has a weekly report for our students. Here is the latest news.
Mark your calendars!
The testing window has been set by DESE and we are planning for the following MCAS test dates at HPE. Please note that students will take 2 days of tests per content area. Please refrain from vacations or unnecessary absences on these dates.
Grade 3
-Mathematics Assessments: Tuesday, May 12 and Thursday, May 14
Grade 4
-Mathematics Assessments: Friday, May 8 and Wednesday, May 13
Grade 5
-Mathematics Assessments: Tuesday, May 5 and Thursday, May 7
-Science, Technology and Engineering (STE) Assessments: Tuesday, May 19 and Wednesday, May 20
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
Show Choir Workshop for Students Grades 5 through 8
The Andover High School show choirs are hosting a one-day workshop for any interested student in grades through 8. Students will have the opportunity to work with the AHS show choir students and staff to learn vocals and choreography and to find out more about Andover’s show choir program.
The workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 5th, from 3:45 - 8:00 pm at South School. Sign up at this link: https://forms.gle/2A1VeJYSK1sQFKho8.
Questions can be directed to Ms. Lambros (sabrina.lambros@andoverma.us) or Ms. Kennedy - elizabeth.kennedy@andoverma.us
Attention Fifth Grade Families
For interested Band and Orchestra Students, if you are starting, we'll teach you everything from the very beginning. No experience is needed. If you are already playing? Get ready to work in a full ensemble year-round. And if singing is your thing, please join our award-winning Choral program. Whatever your musical background, there's a place for you here.
Special Opportunities:
Field Trips to the University of New Hampshire, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and Into the Game and Mel’s Funway
Regular Guest Artists from UNH, Boston Children’s Chorus, University of Hartford, Gordon College, etc.
Junior Districts
Concerts like Vocal Gala, All Strings Night, and All Bands Night
After School Ensembles: MS A Cappella - Vocalize!, MS Show Choir - Interlude!, Jazz Band, Chamber Orchestra
Students must be enrolled in Band, Orchestra, and Chorus to participate in an after-school ensemble. Exceptions may be made if there is a scheduling conflict.
Website: https://sites.google.com/andoverma.us/the-arts-in-andover/6-8-band-orchestra-and-chorus
Promo Video: https://youtu.be/n8z6NuqI02k
Dear High Plain Families,
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 High Plain 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. (This is not necessary if you are in a redistricted to West Elementary address.)
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. Thank you for your time!
We wanted to share information about some assistance programs available to Andover families through the Andona Foundation (https://andona.org/). Please let Jill Celata, High Plain School social worker, know if you need assistance or have any questions. You can reach her at: jill.celata@andoverma.us.
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:
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.
As the Andover School Committee moves forward in the process of selecting a new Superintendent, we are excited to announce upcoming engagement opportunities and a dedicated webpage for students, staff, and the community.
Selecting a Superintendent is one the School Committee’s most important responsibilities, and the School Committee is committed to a comprehensive, thorough, and transparent search for the best possible leader of our schools. We encourage your participation in this process. Thank you.
As some of our families and students go through the process of redistricting from High Plain to West Elementary, we want to ensure you feel fully supported. We know change brings many questions, and we share a common purpose, to make this transition as smooth and positive as possible for every family and child.
We encourage all families to reach out with questions as we welcome a conversation with you.
Ms. Leveque, High Plain Principal, and Dr. Carideo-Cobbs, West Elementary Principal
Our PTO plans lots of fun for our students and families. Please sign up for the PTO Newsletter at www.highplainpto.org so you don’t miss out on fun events. We will be at the Open House Curriculum Night so come say hello!
SCHOOL BUS
Bus transportation to and from school is provided free of charge to elementary students. Kindergarten students must be met by a known adult at the bus stop. Bus routes will be listed in the Aspen portal.
NAME/BUS TAGS (For Kindergarten and Grade 1 Students)
Your child’s teacher will give you a name tag necklace on the first day. Please have your kindergartner or first grader wear the nametag until further notice. The information on the tag is based on what families have entered on the back to school forms.
CAR PICKUP/DROPOFF
Please note that there are differences in morning arrival and afternoon car pick up. In the morning, you may arrive between 8:45-9:00 by using the High Plain Rd. entrance or the Cross St. entrance. In the afternoon, you can only arrive through the Cross St. entrance. The High Plain Rd. entrance is closed to allow buses. In the afternoon, dismissal begins at 3:30. Both morning and afternoon arrival, all vehicles must turn right when leaving the drop off/pick up line.
WALKERS & BIKE RIDERS:
· For morning arrival, a school crossing guard will be at the Cross Street/Brady Loop entrance.
· All AM walkers and bike riders should use the Cross St. entrance and the sidewalks that follow the front side of the school.
· Bike Riders: Only students in grades 3, 4, and 5 may ride a bike to and from school. A permission form must be completed with the main office.
Communication with our families is essential to the success and wellness of our students. To assist our families and help them connect with the appropriate staff who is best suited to answer questions, we have updated our “Who We Are” page on our website. The information will guide families to resources on how to reach staff with concerns and how to stay connected to news and events across the district.
This is a reminder that the High Plain Road entrance is closed to cars at dismissal. It is the access entrance for buses only. The Cross Street entrance is how cars enter for car pickup. This is a safety concern. We have seen cars try to sneak in daily and it's simply not fair to those who are following the dismissal procedures. We ask you to be respectful of your fellow HPE community members and abide by this rule.
Breakfast and lunch are once again free to all students. Breakfast is served from 8:45-8:55 each morning and no advanced ordering is needed.
Lunches will need be preordered. Lunch requires families to order in advance to ensure we have the correct allergy-friendly lunch for all our students. 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.
Information about the Andover Public Schools lunch program, as well as menus and instructions for online ordering, may be found on the website here: http://www.andoverschoolnutrition.com/
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.
In School Devices
K-3 Devices will stay in school.
4-5 Devices can be brought home if directed by the classroom teacher to complete an assignment. Otherwise, they will remain in school.
Please make sure that you arrive with your license. We cannot check you in and let you enter without your license or state issued ID. You also need to have a valid CORI form on file. Please help us with these required safety steps.
School Hours of Operation
8:30 am: School office opens
8:45 am: School drop off
9:00 am: School day begins
After 9:00 am: Children are tardy and must be accompanied by a parent into the office
After 2:00 pm: Unless it's an emergency, no dismissal changes
Students must be dismissed before 3:00
3:30 pm: School ends
Ms. Sarah Leveque, Principal
Email: sarah.leveque@andoverma.us
Website: https://aps1.net/212/High-Plain-Elementary-School
Location: 333 High Plain Road, Andover, MA, USA
Phone: 978-247-8600
