As autumn settles in and the air turns crisp, I am reminded of the beauty and energy that this time of year brings to our school community. The colorful leaves, cool mornings, and warm sunshine create the perfect backdrop for learning and play. It’s wonderful to see our students enjoying the field, making use of our additional basketball hoops, and laughing together in the play areas. Their joy and connection with one another truly reflect the heart of our school.

Inside our classrooms, that same sense of engagement and collaboration shines brightly. I am so proud when I observe our students working together to discuss ideas thoughtfully, persevering through challenging math problems, and posing insightful, inquiry-driven questions in both science and social studies. These moments remind me daily of their curiosity, resilience, and love of learning.

I am equally inspired by the creativity that fills our music and art rooms, where students express themselves in such unique and imaginative ways. In physical education, our teachers’ intentional planning continues to stand out—lessons that seamlessly integrate health education while keeping students active, moving, and motivated.

This season is a beautiful reminder of growth and gratitude, and I am deeply thankful for our dedicated staff, our enthusiastic learners, and the supportive families that make our school community so special. Wishing you a peaceful week!

Warmly,
Dr. Cobbs

On Monday, December 8, 2025, we are proud to welcome the Wreaths Across America Official Escort to Arlington National Ceremony for a special community remembrance ceremony in honor of our fallen veterans.

With the help of thousands of volunteers, Wreaths Across America (WAA) is working to fulfill its mission to Remember, Honor and Teach through the annual laying of wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. The escort of the wreaths to Arlington is a sight to behold, and will this year consist of over 13 tractor trailer trucks and 50 vehicles transporting Gold Star families, VSO partners, Veterans, Law Enforcement and Volunteers to Arlington.

Their stop at West Elementary School in Andover, MA is one of approximately 12 visits to schools, veterans’ homes, monuments and communities along the East Coast that the convoy will make during its weeklong voyage from Harrington, Maine, to Arlington, Virginia.

In order to best prepare for this day, I am seeking information from our caregiver community. Specifically, if you are actively serving one of the US Armed Forces, or are a veteran of one of our services, please email me directly. I would be honored to have you as invited guests. Kindly email me at maryellen.carideocob@andoverma.us. To learn more about the Wreaths Across America Program, visit www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org.

YOU’RE INVITED!

We are excited to offer two opportunities for parents and guardians to explore Arts & Letters, our new K–5 ELA curriculum.

In-person Evening Session

📅 Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025

⏰ Time: 6:30pm
📍 Location: West Elementary School

58 Beacon St, Andover

Virtual Lunchtime Session

📅 Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025
⏰ Time: 12:00-12:30 pm
📍 https://zoom.us/j/98465277328?pwd=jG5JaxmuLUunKERQsmy5ZKNr7NpAdR.1

Passcode: 120013

During the session, you’ll:
✅ Learn how Arts & Letters supports your child’s literacy growth
✅ See examples of engaging texts and lessons
✅ Understand how reading, writing, speaking, and listening connect
✅ Ask questions and share feedback

We are excited to partner with you in helping students become confident readers, writers, and thinkers!

Questions? Contact Maura Donoghue, Elementary Literacy Program Coordinator at maura.donoghue@andoverma.us

Congratulations to the WEL students for creating two fabulous scarecrows for the ACE Scarecrow Festival, happening October 18, 2025- November 1, 2025. If you are downtown, be on the lookout for these two beauties! Special thanks to teacher Jamie Kaplan for taking on this adventure each year. v

Monday, October 20: Diwali
Tuesday, October 28 Arts and Letters ELA Curriculum Parent Information Night, 6:30pm, West Elementary School

Thursday, October 30 Arts and Letters ELA Curriculum Parent Information Night, 12-12:30pm, virtual. Information above.

-Tuesday, November 4: No school districtwide; Grades Kindergarten - 5th Parent-Teacher Conferences
-Friday, November 7: No school for kindergarten; Kindergarten Parent-Teacher Conferences

-Tuesday, November 11: No school; Veterans Day