Dear WEL Families and Caregivers,

Last week was an exciting and enriching time at West Elementary!

We were thrilled to welcome author Kate Messner to our school. Thanks to a generous grant from the Cummings Foundation, Ms. Messner led two engaging presentations for our students in grades K–2 and 3–5. She also facilitated a special writing workshop for our fourth-grade students, giving them the opportunity to learn directly from a published author about the writing process, creativity, and storytelling.

In addition to her presentations, Ms. Messner spent time having lunch with a group of our outstanding fifth-grade students. This was a wonderful opportunity for students to ask questions, talk about books, and connect with an author in a more personal setting.

Our third-grade students also enjoyed a PTO-sponsored enrichment program from the Paul Revere House titled “The Midnight Ride.” This interactive experience brought history to life and deepened students’ understanding of the events surrounding the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere. Experiences such as this support both our Social Studies and Arts & Letters curriculum, strengthening learning within the grade level and building knowledge that extends beyond the classroom.

A few important reminders for families:

• Please connect with your child’s teacher to schedule a spring parent–teacher conference if you have not already done so. These meetings are a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and growth.

• Wednesday is an Early Release Day. Please plan accordingly for dismissal times.

Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and support. Opportunities like these are made even more meaningful through the collaboration between our staff, families, and community partners.

Warmly,
Dr. Cobbs & Dr. Donaher

On Wednesday, March 4th, our second graders welcomed student ambassadors from Andover High’s Yellow Tulip Project. This nation-wide group has a chapter at AHS, and works to promote mental health awareness. After listening to the high schoolers read books about identifying emotions (“A Little Scribble Spot” by Diane Alber, and “In My Heart: A Book Of Feelings” by Jo Witek), our students engaged in an art activity decorating rocks with bright and positive messages about wellness and hope.

Please take a moment to review our monthy math newsletter! https://drive.google.com/file/d/13D8uW-bPcoeU25l5lpXoYjD7DiNZn2VE/view?usp=sharing

We Need You!

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.

Sweetheart Dance – New Date!

Better late than never! Our Sweetheart Dance has been rescheduled! More details and volunteer sign up to come.

Saturday, March 21

5:00–7:00pm

Thank you for your flexibility, and we’re looking forward to a fun and memorable evening together.

Join us for HERITAGE NIGHT!

Thursday, March 26

5:30–8:00pm

Back by popular demand….West El Heritage Night! Celebrate cultures from around the world with music, crafts, performances, a food truck & more!

We need YOUR help to make this event great. Sign up to showcase a country or performance. Or volunteer to help that night. We can’t wait to see our West community shine!

https://www.signupgenius.com/.../70A0F4EA9AC23AAFE3...

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

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!