Dear West El Caregivers,

Last week we proudly kicked off WERAWC with a wonderful whole-school gathering and a fantastic performance from our Student Council. Their energy and enthusiasm set the stage for what promises to be an inspiring celebration of creativity and learning.

This week, the excitement continues as our halls, classrooms, and learning spaces welcome a wide range of guests—authors, illustrators, musicians, artists, and even some spectacular service animals! These experiences help bring the arts and literature to life for our students and remind us how powerful creativity can be in our learning community.

We also want to celebrate our talented WEL musicians. Several of our band students represented our school last week at the District-Wide Band Concert at Andover High School, and this week our strings students will take the stage for the District Strings Concert. We are incredibly proud of the time, dedication, and teaching that have helped our students reach these milestones.

It is shaping up to be a joyful and inspiring week at WEL. Wishing everyone a wonderful week ahead!

Dr. Cobbs & Dr. Donaher 🎶📚🎨

Dr. Riley, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, is excited to share the next phase of our Vision of the Graduate (VoG) work with the Andover community. As you may know, over the past four years, the VoG design team has partnered with educators, students, families, and community members to shape the APS Vision of a Graduate—a shared vision for the skills and mindsets our students need to thrive now and in the future.

In the last issue of All Around APS, we introduced the student‑designed Vision of a Graduate (below) and a short Vision of a Graduate introductory video, showcasing the creativity and leadership of our learners.

To begin our VOG launch, Dr. Riley will be hosting a parent Zoom on Thursday, March 19th from 12:00pm-1:00pm. Please register here to learn about the APS Vision of a Graduate. Thank you for your continued partnership and support!

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...

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.

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!