Bulldog Bulletin

It’s hard to believe there are only 19 school days left—so much fun is packed in!

Math MCAS are now complete. Next week, we’ll round out our testing period with the 5th Grade Science MCAS. I know our students will finish strong. We had very few make-ups, which means you all did an excellent job ensuring students were present and prepared to do their best!

The Kindergarten Magic Forest performance was wonderful—thank you again to Ms. Waddell and the entire Kindergarten team.

Looking ahead, we will have our last spirt week of the year! See the flyer below! We also have our third-grade informance at 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, 5/21. We’ll end the week by welcoming back our high school seniors for their final lap at Sanborn. It’s always such a joy to see our Sanborn alumni return!

Mood Meter Update

We will continue to explore the Mood Meter at Sanborn School. We are returning to words in the Blue Quadrant, which represents low energy and low pleasantness. You can practice these words at home.

• Kindergarten – bored

• First Grade – distracted

• Second Grade – timid

• Third Grade – isolated

• Fourth Grade – regretful

• Fifth Grade – despair

May's Theme of the Month: Self-Control

Here are some ways you can practice at home:

🗣 1. Use “Think Alouds”

• Model your own self-control out loud:
  “I really want to watch TV, but I need to finish the dishes first.”

🕹 2. Practice Turn-Taking

• Use board games or sharing toys to build patience and delayed gratification.

🧩 3. Encourage Problem-Solving

• When there's a conflict, ask:
  “What else could you do instead of yelling?”
  “How can you solve this with words?”

🛌 4. Stick to Routines

• Predictable schedules help children feel in control and make it easier to regulate behavior.

🎉 5. Praise Self-Control When You See It

• “You stayed calm when you didn’t get your way. That took a lot of self-control!”

Over the past year, Andover Public Schools has completed a comprehensive K–8 Literacy Audit and English Language Arts Curriculum Review. Guided by the Implement Massachusetts framework from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the APS Literacy Vision, a dedicated team of K–8 educators engaged in an extensive yearlong process of professional learning and program evaluation.

In early May, APS teachers who piloted the programs in elementary and middle school classrooms, along with administrators, selected as their preferred ELA curriculum:

• Grades K–5: Arts and Letters
• Grades 6–8: Amplify ELA

APS Office of Teaching and Learning will host a Let's Talk! on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the School Committee Room (30 Whittier Court - 2nd floor) to share information about the curriculum resources with APS families, staff and the community. We invite all in the community to join and ask questions!

Andover Coalition for Education’s (ACE) mission is to invest in innovative initiatives that prepare APS students for success both in and beyond the classroom. This spring, ACE awarded over $20,000 in Teaching Innovation Fund (TIF) grants, supporting 11 educator-led projects that bring creativity and fresh ideas into schools.

Looking for a meaningful way to get involved? Celebrate an educator who’s made a difference in your child’s life through our Teacher and Staff Tribute Program. Check this link to learn more about the program to honor an APS staff member. ACE is also growing their team, if you're interested in learning more, please visit their website for details.

Wednesday, May 21st | 5:00–6:30 p.m.

Shawsheen Preschool staff will welcome alumni for a special evening of tours. This will be a chance for former students and families to take one last look through the building and classrooms before Shawsheen Preschool begins the move to Beacon Street.

Monday, May 19: Grade 5 Science MCAS

Monday, May 19: Grade 5 Science MCAS

Friday, May 30th: Field Day

Tuesday, June 3rd: Special Olympics

Wednesday, June 4th: 4th and 5th Grade Track Meet

Thursday June 12: Celebration of Learning 10:00am

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

• There are several great Volunteer Roles that need to be filled for the next school year, so we can continue to provide all the great programs and events that Sanborn families love. Please consider taking something on with a friend! We are also looking to fill two remaining positions on the PTO Board: Events Chair and Secretary (email pto@sanbornpto.net to learn more about joining the board).
• Our final PTO Meeting of the year will take place on 5/20 at 7pm and will be virtual and we'll be voting on the incoming PTO Board members! Join here.
• Join us for our final parent social of the school year at Oak & Iron Brewery on Wednesday, May 21st, from 6:30-8:30pm. This event is free to attend and the PTO will provide food from Andover Deli Market.
• Field Day is on 5/30 and we’re looking for a few volunteers to help run games, manage stations, and cheer on our students. This event isn’t possible without your support! Shifts are available in the morning, afternoon, or sign up for both — whatever works for you!
  
• Please consider volunteering during our annual Ice Cream Social & Art Show on 6/5 - this is our end-of-year event and a great way to celebrate all the amazing work the kids have put in this year!
• Attention 5th Grade Families! Please check your inbox for emails from your room parents with details about the Celebration of Learning and the IRCC Pool Party. Don't forget to sign the permission form for your child to attend the pool party.
• 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.