We had an exciting week at South School, highlighted by our incredible Science Fair and Warrior Way events. Be sure to check out more photos below! It’s hard to believe we are entering the final stretch of the school year, and there are many wonderful events ahead. We will continue to keep families updated through this newsletter.

Thank you to our PTO for bringing Li Liu, a Chinese acrobat, to perform for our students this Wednesday. In addition to the performance, students will learn about the historical significance of traditional lion and dragon dances and reflect on what it might have been like to grow up in a different time and place.

On Thursday, we look forward to our much-anticipated Around the World Night from 6:00–7:30 PM. This drop-in event celebrates the rich cultures of South School, and we hope all families can join us. Student artwork will be displayed throughout the building, and families will share their cultures through displays, art, and games. There will also be opportunities to sample foods from around the world and enjoy both live and recorded performances. This special evening will take the place of our annual South SOARS Night, and we hope to see everyone there!

Warmly,

Brenda Lee, Principal

Olivia Goodrich, Assistant Principal

We are finishing up Module 3 in our classrooms and about to embark into our last module. Here are the exciting topics!

I am proud to share that our students have officially completed their contributions to the district-wide art initiative, "The Declaration of Interdependence." In partnership with the Rotary Club of Andover, our young artists have spent the last few months reflecting on the question: "What does it mean to be connected to others?" The results are nothing short of inspiring. From K through 5th grade, our students have used their 5x5-inch canvases to tell a story of community, kindness, and shared humanity. Thank you to Mr. Brady and Ms. Garrity for their work.

Thank you to the AHS Athletes for coming to South and spending the day with our students!

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

We have one parent volunteer but would love one more to support this incredible group!

We wanted to share information about some assistance programs available to Andover families through the Andona Foundation (https://andona.org/). Please let Andrea Goodman, South School social worker, know if you need assistance or have any questions. You can reach her at: andrea.goodman@andoverma.us or 978-247-9816.

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:

2026 Andona Campership form

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.

Expanding Emotional Vocabulary

This Week's Words: (BLUE)

Kindergarten ~ Bored
First Grade ~ Distracted

Second Grade ~ Timid

Third Grade ~ Isolated

Fourth Grade ~ Regretful

Fifth Grade ~ Despair

The testing window has been set by DESE and we are planning for the following MCAS test dates at South. Please note that students will take 2 days of tests per content area. Please refrain from vacations or unnecessary absences on these dates.

Grades 3 and 4

-Mathematics Assessments: Tuesday, May 12 and Wednesday, May 13

Grade 5

-Mathematics Assessments: Thursday, May 7 and Friday, May 8

-Science, Technology and Engineering (STE) Assessments: Monday, May 18 and Tuesday, May 19

All students are able to receive 1 free breakfast and 1 free lunch daily during the 2026-2026 school year. Breakfast will be served in the cafeteria from 8:45 - 9:00 and does not need to be ordered ahead of time.

Lunches will need be preordered. 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.

Please click below for the monthly menu and more information about Andover's Nutrition Program including how to sign up.

April Dates:

• Wed., Apr. 29th - All-school CE - Acrobat Li Liu
• Thurs., Apr. 30th - Around the World @ South School - 6pm

May Dates:

• Wed., May 6th - Early - 12:15pm dismissal
• Wed., May 6th - Kindergarten Visitation - 1:30pm
• Thurs., May 7th - K CE - Top Secret Science
• Mon., May 11th - Grade 5 CE - Top Secret Science
• Tues., May 12th - Grades 3 & 4 Math MCAS
• Wed., May 13th - Grades 3 & 4 Math MCAS
• Thurs., May 14th - Tjalsma & Lovely field trip to Concord Museum
• Frid., May 15th - Walsh & Ryan field trip to Concord Museum
• Wed., May 20th - K Math Mania - 9:30am-10:30am
• Wed., May 20th - Grade 1 field trip to Seacoast Science Center
• Thurs., May 21st - Middle School Principals visit 5th Graders
• Fri., May 22nd - AHS Seniors Final Walk Through
• Mon., May 25th - Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL
• Tues., May 26th - 5th Grade Move-up Day to Middle Schools
• Tues., May 26th - Grade 3 - Sheehy - field trip to Historical Society
• Wed., May 27th - Grade 3 - Montgomery - field trip to Historical Society
• Thurs., May 28th - Grade 3 - O'Bryan - field trip to Historical Society
• Fri., May 29th - Spring Fling - 5pm

Also, as a reminder, CORI Forms need to be filled out every school year to volunteer and participate in school activities, such as chaperoning a field trip. If you would like to fill it out at home before coming over, here is the link to print the form: CORI FORM

Want to stay up to date with all the latest PTO news?

Visit www.SouthPTO.com

Email: brenda.lee@andoverma.us
Website: https://www.aps1.net/405/South-Elementary-School
Location: 55 Woburn Street, Andover, MA, USA
Phone: 978-247-9800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southschoolaps