Greetings WEL Community,

March is shaping up to be a busy and exciting month at WEL! This week, we’re especially excited to welcome author Kate Messner on Friday, March 6. Students in grades K–5 will attend an assembly with Kate, followed by a writing workshop for Grade 4.

In alignment with the Arts & Letters module on freedom and the American Revolution, our fourth graders are currently engaged in a research project in the library. Many of you may know Kate for her popular History Smashers series — including her title on the American Revolution. Students have selected their topics in teams and will begin researching and taking notes prior to Ms. Messner’s visit. Her presentation with Grade 4 will focus specifically on research and developing strong writer’s “voice,” and we have shared the assignment with her so she can thoughtfully connect her talk to students’ work. The visit will conclude with several Grade 5 students enjoying lunch with Ms. Messner — no doubt an exciting and inspiring day at WEL!

We’re also looking forward to our upcoming parent–teacher conferences and deeply value the strong home–school partnership that supports our students’ growth and success. Thank you for taking the time to connect with teachers and for being such an important part of your child’s learning journey.

Kindergarten registration remains open. If you have not yet registered an incoming kindergartener, please be sure to do so soon. If you have neighbors or friends with kindergarten-aged children, we would greatly appreciate your help in spreading the word.

Finally, WERAWC is just around the corner! If you haven’t already, please be sure to review the special edition newsletter outlining the many activities, presentations, and opportunities our children will enjoy — all made possible through the generosity and dedication of our incredible PTO.

Be Well,
Dr. Cobbs and Dr. Donaher

West Elementary's Food Recovery Program is in need of parent volunteers for 30 min. shifts (8:30-9:00 am) on school days.

What is West El's Food Recovery program?

· The town of Andover's FIRST in-school food rescue program, run completely by volunteers.

· In the West El Cafeteria, unopened, approved food items that would otherwise go in the trash are collected.

· Rescued food is donated to the Village FoodHub, supporting families right here in Andover.

· Over 3,000 food items have been delivered to the FoodHub since the program's launch in November.

· Reducing food waste, fighting food insecurity in our own community, teaching our kids to help others!

What does volunteering look like?

· Pick an 8:30-9:00am shift on any weekday (lunch and food-drop off shifts available as well).

· Skip the morning drop-off line. Park in visitor parking and walk right in with your student(s)!

· Help guide students as they discard their meal tray so unopened food can be rescued.

· Your student(s) and younger siblings can help you, too!

How do I sign up?

· Sign up for any shift(s) that would work for your schedule (West Elementary: 2025-26 Food Recovery Program).

· Make sure you have a CORI on file for this school year.

· Questions? Contact: greeninitiatives@westelpto.com.

Each grade has either just started or will be starting Module 3 in our new Arts and Letters curriculum. Here is a preview of the knowledge-building topics:

In order to keep our school safe (and efficient), we are asking parents to pre-register for all special events, like concerts and grade level events, that you will be attending at WEL

Prior to each event, you will receive an invitation that includes an RSVP link. Please complete the RSVP form for each person attending. If you have already checked in at WEL this year and received a badge, a visitor badge will be pre-printed and ready for you when you arrive. If you have not checked in this school year, you will need to click the Visitor Aware link located at the bottom of the RSVP form to complete the registration (this is only required once per school year).

Families who do not pre-register will need to register upon arrival, which may delay entry. Pre-registering helps us ensure a smooth and timely check-in process for everyone. When you arrive at the event, please have your driver’s license ready. After verification, you will receive your badge and may then attend the event.

Thank you for your support in advance of this change!

MCAS will be held as follows:

English Language Arts:

• Grade 5: April 6, 2026 & April 7, 2026

• Grade 4: April 9, 2026 & April 14, 2026

• Grade 3: April 13, 2026 & April 15, 2026

Math

• Grade 5: May 4, 2026 & May 5, 2026

• Grade 4: May 7, 2026 & May 12, 2026

• Grade 3: May 11, 2026 & May 13, 2026

Science (Grade 5 Only)

• May 18, 2026 & May 19, 2026