Bulldog Bulletin
Week of May 25th
Every Voice, Every Heart, Every Day
We have completed MCAS for the 2025-2026 school year! I am very proud of how hard our students worked and the effort they showed throughout testing.
Last week was filled with special moments at Sanborn. Mr. Bucco, principal of Wood Hill Middle School, visited our fifth graders to help them begin thinking about their transition to middle school. Kindergarten students did a wonderful job with their performance on Thursday. On Friday, we started the day with a visit from the Andover Police Department for their annual High Five. We also welcomed graduating seniors back to Sanborn for their Last Lap. Finally, kindergarten students participated in the Animal Adventures enrichment program, sponsored by the PTO, to support their science curriculum.
Next week, there will be no school on Monday in honor of Memorial Day. When we return on Tuesday, fifth grade students will have their Step Up Day and will visit Wood Hill Middle School. On Wednesday, we will have our Spring Performance. On Friday, the Andover Pollinator Project will visit fourth grade classrooms as part of their science learning.
As we complete our first year with Arts & Letters, our new elementary English Language Arts curriculum, your voice matters! This short survey is designed to gather your thoughts and experiences as a parent or guardian — from how your child has engaged with the material to any changes you've noticed in their reading and writing. Your honest feedback will help us continue to support every learner and make informed decisions going forward. The survey takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. Thank you for being a partner in your child's education!
Click here for Arts & Letters Parent & Guardian Survey
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
May 25: No School, Memorial Day
May 27: Spring Concert: Chorus, Orff, Band, Strings 6:30p
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
