Bulldog Bulletin

What a fantastic week it has been. Spirit Week kicked off with the 67th day of school, followed by grade levels wearing their colors, White Out Day, Black Out Day, and ending with Pajama Day. Third grade students shared a wonderful String Informance on Wednesday. First grade enjoyed an in-school experience with the North Shore Educational Consortium, and second grade had the opportunity to visit the Addison Gallery. We wrapped up the week with our Winter Wonderland Fun Fest. What a wonderful adventure for our students.

Looking ahead, third grade will participate in a space presentation on Monday. We will close the week with a special visit from Helen Keller, who will be sharing her story with second and third grade students.

As a reminder, please be sure students are dressed for the weather, as we go outside for an extended period of time.

There are just seven school days until vacation, and the energy in the building is certainly growing.

Sanborn was one of only 92 schools out of 1,500 in Massachusetts to be recognized for its pre pandemic recovery in ELA and Math. Sanborn Elementary Principal Carolyn Fawcett also presented at the conference alongside educators Kristen Fiore and Melissa Boucher, who supported the discussion. Their session, “You Belong Here”: Strengthening School Culture and Instruction through Belonging Centered Practices, highlighted how Sanborn has grounded its school improvement efforts in belonging and equity. This intentional work has resulted in improved outcomes in ELA, Math, and Science, along with a reduction in chronic absenteeism, underscoring the powerful connection between belonging and academic success.

As we move into winter weather, we want to ensure a consistent and safe outdoor experience for all students.

Outdoor Clothing Expectations
Students who wish to play in the snow need to come prepared with snow pants, boots, jackets, and gloves or mittens. Those without full snow gear will remain on the blacktop. Please label each item so that misplaced clothing can be returned. If your child is well enough to attend school, they are well enough to go outdoors. We make every attempt to go outside everyday, so please be sure that students dress for the weather even if they do not want to go in the snow.

Outdoor Behavior Expectations
To keep recess safe and enjoyable for everyone, snow and ice will remain on the ground. Students who choose not to play in the snow will stay on the blacktop.

Snow play is a beloved part of winter at Sanborn and these expectations help ensure that all students can enjoy this season safely and comfortably.

This week our words are Red Words- Low Pleasantness and High energy

Kindergarten-Confused

First Grade - Worried

Second Grade Tense

Third Grade- Aggravated

Fourth Grade- Insulted

Fifth Grade-Passionate

Performance Days:

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 will be invited to play for their class during their regular music time on the date below. 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. If the instrument is too big or your child has a lot of anxiety playing in front of others feel free to send a video of their performance and I will share with the class. diane.waddell@andoverma.us Please look your child’s class time below Mrs. Waddell

Our Lost and Found is full! We will be donating all leftover items on Friday, December 19th. Please be sure to check the table!

Wednesday, December 24-Sunday January 3rd: Winter Break No School

Sanborn has several financial programs available throughout the year including help with registration fees for Winter Exploration classes (which opens next week). We never want the cost of something to be a barrier for students to be able to participate in Sanborn Community activities. To learn more, please fill out this confidential form Sanborn Assistance Programs Sign-Up 2025-26 to indicate your interest in learning more about Sanborn Assistance programs. and Ms Cann, our social worker will be in touch as programs become available. Please reach out directly to Ms. Cann if you have other needs that are not covered by these programs at jennifer.cann@andoverma.us.

If your family does not need financial assistance, there’s no need to complete this form.

Information on local food resources are available here: https://andoverma.gov/1623/Food-Resources-for-Andover-Residents

What a fantastic Spirit Week- thanks to all that helped make it a fun one! Here’s what the PTO wants you to know this week…

• Thank you to everyone who came to our Holiday Shopping Night at Learning Express. Thanks to you we raised over $400 for our Sanborn students and staff!

• Winter Explorations class descriptions and schedule are here! Note: Since sharing last week, HipStitch (a new class this year) unfortunately had to cancel their class due to staffing availability; we hope to reschedule them to our spring session! Registration is open Thursday 12/18 at 8:00pm until Thursday 1/8 at 8:00 pm.

• The next Parent Social is in the works! Save the Date for Hot Vinyasa Yoga at Wild Om on 1/21 from 7:15pm-9:15pm. There will be an hour-long class and then an hour of social time. Get your tickets here!

• Frozen Tickets go on sale 1/5 Get your tickets here!