Bulldog Bulletin
Week of November 10th
Every Voice, Every Heart, Every Day
Reminder: There is no school on Tuesday in honor of Veterans Day. We offer our heartfelt gratitude to all Veterans for their service and dedication.
Last week, families had an opportunity to meet with teachers to discuss student progress. If you were not able to schedule a conference, please reach out to your child’s classroom teacher.
First and third grade students also welcomed Meteorologist Danielle Noyes, who shared her expertise and helped connect to each grade’s weather learning.
Next week, first graders will be visiting the Memorial Hall Library as the bookend lesson for Arts & Letters will participate in an in school experience with the historical society Discover my Neighborhood as part of their social studies curriculum.
Dear Families,
Exciting news! Many of our students are nearing the completion of Module 1 in Arts and Letters in the weeks ahead, and we couldn't be prouder of their progress!
At the beginning of this module, we shared Parent Tip sheets with you and now seems like the perfect time to revisit them. As your child wraps up this learning journey, these tip sheets can be wonderful conversation starters at home. You can have rich discussions about the captivating books they've read and all the amazing ELA and World Knowledge skills they've developed!
Ask them about their favorite characters, what surprised them most, or which new concepts they found most interesting. You might be amazed by how much they've absorbed and how eager they are to share their discoveries with you! This is such a great opportunity to celebrate your child's learning.
We've attached the Parent Tip Sheets below for your convenience. They can also be found on the Elementary Literacy page on the APS website. Just click on the tab titled Arts & Letters. This link also includes the webinar from last week's parent presentation.
Module 1 Parent Tip Sheets: Kindergarten, Grade One, Grade Two, Grade Three, Grade Four, Grade Five
We hope they help spark meaningful conversations that reinforce your child's learning and show them how much you value their hard work.
Thank you for being such supportive partners in your child's educational journey. Your engagement at home makes all the difference!
Clinic Update
Annual health screenings will start the week of November 10th. The following screenings are conducted by Mrs. Slattery with the assistance of the Health Services Team.
Vision Screening: Grades Kindergarten through Grade 5 (Children prescribed eye glasses wear them during the screening.)
Hearing: Kindergarten through Grade 3
Height and Weight: Grades 1 and 4
Postural (Spinal) Screening: Grade 5 – This screening is conducted as a separate screening and parents will receive a notification once the date is set.
Parents are notified if the student does not pass the screening and the student is referred for follow up with the pediatrician.
If you do not want your child to participate in the screening process please let Mrs. Slattery know in writing.
Spare Clothing: The clinic is in need of gently used elastic waist pants. Donations can be sent into the clinic. If your child does come home with clothing borrowed from the clinic, please wash it and send it back to keep the borrowing closet going. Also, it is recommended that you send a spare set of clothing to be stored in your child’s locker in case a change is needed during the school day. Children are much happier if they are able to change into their own clothing when necessary.
Head Lice: Parents are encouraged to check your child’s hair for head lice on a routine basis. If you need help or have any questions please contact the school nurse.
Please contact Lisa Slattery in the Sanborn Clinic with questions at 978-247-9702 or lisa.slattery@andoverma.us
Food Resources for Andover Families
Earlier this month, the district shared an important update for families who are affected by the recent government shutdown, which creates potential challenges for some households.
During this time of uncertainty, the district continues to provide Universal Free Meals as required by state law, ensuring that all students receive one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day.
The Town of Andover also provided a list of community resources to help residents access support or volunteer their time. Local food pantries prepared to assist families in need, even as resources grew tighter approaching the Thanksgiving season.
We encourage families to reach out to their building principals if they are in need and to use these community connections to support one another during this time. Together, as a community, we can help ensure that every family feels supported and cared for.
Assistance Programs
We have a number of occasions around the corner that may stretch families financially including Book Fair (coming on November 17th) and the Holidays. If your family needs financial assistance, support is available. Please fill out this confidential form Sanborn Assistance Programs Sign-Up 2025-26 to indicate your interest in learning more about Book Fair Vouchers, Holiday Assistance and more.
If your family does not need financial assistance, there’s no need to complete this form.
Currently, Village Food Hub has tickets available for their Thanksgiving meal program for those in need. Tickets are limited so sign up here ASAP if you expect to need this program.Village Food Hub Meal Sign Up.
Information on other food resources are available here: https://andoverma.gov/1623/Food-Resources-for-Andover-Residents
Tuesday, November 11: No school; Veterans Day
Wednesday November 12: Virtual PTO Meeting 7:00 PM
Monday, November 17: Scholastic Book Fai
Wednesday, November 19: Book Fair Bingo Night 5-6:30PM
Wednesday, November 26 Early Release (12:15 dismissal) for Thanksgiving Recess
Thursday, November 27 - Friday, November 28: Thanksgiving Recess
Wednesday, December 3: Early Release Day 12:15
Technology and Electronics at School
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. There has been an uptick of students using technology during the school day and on the bus.
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.
WELCOME from the Music Room
We are planning a special presentation at our Harvest Festival (a performance in November) to represent all of the voices at Sanborn School. We would like each family to take a picture and make a short video sharing how you would say the word “welcome” in your home language. We would like to have as many languages as possible represented. Please go to this link to find out more and upload your pictures/videos!
Carpool drop off Reminders
Please be sure to pull up as far as you can in the loop.
Please do not pull around the car in front of you.
If you need to go into the building please park in the parking lot not in the front loop because it is an active drop off area.
Square 1 Art
The Square 1 Art fundraiser deadline is quickly approaching! Each student has created a unique artwork that can be turned into custom keepsakes—like beach bags, travel mugs, greeting cards, and canvases. These make perfect gifts for birthdays, holidays, teachers, and family while supporting our art room!!
🛒 Order online: square1art.com/shop
🔍 Find your child’s art: square1art.com/artsearch
📅 Fundraiser Order Deadline: November 14
Don’t wait—place your order today and celebrate your child’s creativity!
If you have any questions please contact Karen at kacarriuolo@comcast.net
