SOUTH SCHOOL July 2026 Newsletter | | |
| South School Families, We hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer filled with time to relax, recharge, and make special memories with family and friends. We hope these summer months have brought plenty of fun, laughter, and opportunities to enjoy the things you love.
As we begin looking ahead to another exciting school year, we're reaching out to share a few important updates to help your family prepare for a successful start. In this newsletter, you'll find school supply lists, information about our 2026–2027 school theme, Every Voice Matters, and reminders about important dates and back-to-school events.
We can't wait to welcome our students and families back to South School for another year of learning, growth, and connection. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Warmly, Brenda Lee, Principal Jennifer Montgomery, Assistant Principal | | Every Voice Matters We’re excited to share that our theme for the upcoming school year is Every Voice Matters. At South School, we believe every student has ideas worth sharing, questions worth asking, and experiences that enrich our learning community. This year, we will intentionally create opportunities for students to use their voices through meaningful academic discussions, sharing their thinking, listening to different perspectives, and learning from one another.
Beyond the classroom, Every Voice Matters reminds us that the way we communicate is just as important as what we say. We will continue to emphasize kindness, respect, good manners, and thoughtful communication so that every member of our community feels valued, heard, and included. When every voice is welcomed and respected, we create a stronger school community where everyone belongs.
Throughout the year, we'll encourage students to speak up, listen with purpose, and lift one another up because every voice has the power to make our school a better place. We can't wait to bring this theme to life together! | | Mrs. Alanna Houle - Kindergarten Teacher Hello! My name is Alanna Houle and I am very happy to be joining the South community! This is my 9th year teaching. I previously taught second grade for four years, first grade for one, and kindergarten for three. I am very excited to continue teaching in kindergarten at South! In my spare time you can find me at the beach or lake, spending time with my family and friends, reading and taking walks with my son. In my classroom you will find a space where students feel comfortable, confident, and willing to take risks in their learning. A fun fact about me is that I have traveled to 18 different countries! I am looking forward to this coming school year!
| Mrs. Maria Horsman - Third Grade Teacher My name is Maria Horsman, and I am so excited to join South School! This is my 10th year teaching 3rd grade, and I am thrilled to continue my journey at South Elementary. I love going to the beach, reading, and taking walks with my Bernese Mountain Dog. I strive to create a classroom where every student feels welcomed, encouraged, and excited to learn. I look forward to partnering with families this year to help students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. | | Grade K: Alexa Ewing, Alanna Houle, Marci Ridley, Gayle Robbins Grade 1: Courtney Cole, Krista Ludvino, Donna Shalek Grade 2: Crystal O’Keefe, Renee Theodorou, Joellen Zappas Grade 3: Maria Horsman, Heather O’Bryan, Carolyn Sheehy Grade 4: Kelly Ryan, Sherril Tjalsma, Maura Walsh Grade 5: Beth Kennedy, Jen Fecteau, Hillary Phelan, Jimmy Selvitella | |
Your child will also need a school-sized backpack and a refillable water bottle. The PTO generously gives South School students a durable take-home folder to start the year. Thank you, PTO!
If you need any financial assistance with supplies, please do not hesitate to reach out to Brenda Lee at brenda.lee@andoverma.us We will make sure that every student is prepared for the first week of school. | | We anticipate the date of Friday, August 14th for class placements to be available, as our student information system transitions to the 2026–27 school year within the first few weeks of August.
You WILL receive an email once the information is ready, letting you know it’s time to log in to the Aspen Portal to view your child’s teacher assignment. This is the same portal you use to access report cards and update emergency contact information. While you are in there, please UPDATE ALL FORMS. We need each student to be updated. This information is necessary for the start of the year! | | CORI Forms must be filled out every school year to volunteer and participate in school activities, such as chaperoning a field trip. Since we know the start of the school year is busy, feel free to drop by the office in August (with your license) on Mondays - Thursdays from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM to fill one out. If you would like to fill it out at home before coming over, here is the link to print the form: CORI FORM If you prefer to wait until school starts, that is fine too. | | | | | | | | Opening Dates -Friday, August 14th: Anticipated date for release of Classroom Placements -Wednesday, September 2nd: First day of school, students grades 1-5 -Friday, September 4th and Monday, September 7th: No School: Labor Day break -Tuesday, September 8th: First day of school for Kindergarten -Wednesday, September 16th: Open House |  | APS-Calendar-SY-2026-27.pdf |
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| | We encourage all families to get involved with our wonderful PTO this year. Whether you can volunteer at an event, lend a hand behind the scenes, or simply participate in PTO activities, your support helps strengthen our school community and creates meaningful experiences for our students. We hope you'll consider joining them in making this a fantastic year at South School!
INTERESTED IN A PTO LEADERSHIP POSITION ? The PTO needs your help! Interested in being on the board or holding a leadership position? The PTO is looking for help updating the PTO website and assistance with communication. They are also looking for help with Tiger Tickets. Please email southptopresident@gmail.com if you are interested in helping the PTO!
Be on the lookout from additional communication for the PTO about more open positions. | CONTACT INFO FOR BRENDA LEE |  | Brenda Lee Brenda is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters |
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