As a reminder, the West El car line should use one lane only when lining up, in order to leave space for emergency vehicles and visitor parking. Cars may loop through the West Staff parking lot to help minimize backups on Beacon Street.

If our carpool lane staff determines that it is appropriate to use both lanes, they will clearly indicate this.

Additionally, we have seen an increase in drivers traveling in the wrong direction on the one-way lanes.

For everyone’s safety, please adhere to all posted signage and traffic patterns.

Thank you for your cooperation.

As fall sets in, so does the rise in flu and other respiratory illnesses. Please review the following guidelines to help keep our school community healthy.

When to Keep Your Child Home

• Fever

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Contagious diseases – please call the clinic to discuss any questions with the nurses.

When Your Child May Return to School

• Fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.

• Vomiting or diarrhea-free for 24 hours.

• When medication is prescribed for a contagious infection, the student must have taken the first dose unless otherwise directed by your physician.

• Head Lice: A nurse must check your child before they may return to school.

Although we are not currently seeing many cases of head lice, we often experience an increase following school vacations. Please continue performing monthly head checks at home and reach out to the clinic with any concerns.

Important Reminder for Third-Grade Families

All third-grade students are required by the Town of Andover and Massachusetts State Law to have a current physical and up-to-date immunization record on file. Please send copies to the West Elementary Clinic by:

• Sending them in with your student

• Faxing to 978-247-5391

• Emailing a scanned copy to either of the clinic email addresses listed below

If your child’s yearly appointment has not yet occurred, please forward the documentation once it is completed. Any physical completed on or after April 1, 2025, is acceptable.

Thank you for your cooperation and timely attention to these important health requirements.

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.

As we move deeper into the fall and winter months, we want to ensure all students stay comfortable, safe, and ready to enjoy their time outdoors. At West Elementary, students will continue to go outside for morning arrival and recess as long as the feels-like temperature is above 20 degrees. Fresh air and active play are important parts of the school day, even in the colder months.

Please help your child come to school prepared by dressing in warm layers and making sure coats, hats, gloves, and other winter accessories are ready to go each morning. And don’t forget—label everything clearly with your child’s name. Our lost and found grows quickly this time of year, and a name makes all the difference in getting items back to their owners.

Thank you for helping us keep students warm, active, and ready for a great day of learning!

Wednesday, November 26th - Early Release @ 12:15pm. Please put any absences or changes to dismissal in Pick Up Patrol.

Thursday, November 27th & Friday, November 28th - No School for Thanksgiving Break

Tuesday, December 2- Individual Picture Day Re Takes

Wednesday, December 3: Early Dismissal at 12:15

Wednesday December 24- January 2: Winter Recess

* Notes

You can reach the Nurses/Clinic directly @ 978-247-5302

Pick Up Patrol Users Guide