Greetings West El!

During Teacher Appreciation Week, we pause to recognize the extraordinary dedication of our educators and all those whose daily interactions shape the lives of our students. The impact of this work extends far beyond the classroom. From teachers and specialists to support staff, counselors, and paraprofessionals, each individual plays an essential role in creating a nurturing environment where students feel seen, valued, and inspired to achieve their best. We truly have the best at West and we are proud to work beside them all!

As we move further into spring, our school is full of energy and excitement. Our halls are buzzing with MCAS success, musical talent, vibrant spring artwork, and the joyful sounds of students happy to be back outside at recess—even if there is still a bit of a chill in the air!

We are especially proud of our West Elementary team members who participated in the Colleen Ritzer 5K, demonstrating both community spirit and dedication to an important cause. We are also cheering on our young athletes in Girls on the Run, who are training hard and building confidence as they prepare for their upcoming 5K race.

In addition, we recently enjoyed a fun-filled McDonald’s fundraiser made possible through the generosity of our local business partners and the support of our PTO. The funds raised through this event are earmarked for scholarships and to support Grade 5 activities as our students prepare for this exciting milestone year. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event such a success.

If you have not already done so, please be sure to register with our PTO to stay informed about before-school programming, climate and culture events, and the many volunteer opportunities available throughout the year. Your involvement helps strengthen our school community in meaningful ways.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Wishing everyone a wonderful week ahead!

Dr. Cobbs & Dr. Donaher

A friendly—and slightly urgent—reminder from our ever-expanding Lost & Found Boutique: please label all of your child’s clothing, water bottles, lunchboxes, sweatshirts, jackets, and any other personal treasures they bring to school.

At this point, our Lost & Found has grown into what can only be described as a fully stocked boutique collection—complete with seasonal outerwear, mystery hoodies, and enough water bottles to hydrate a small village. While we appreciate the fashion contributions, we would much rather these items make their way back to their rightful owners.

Please take a moment to remind your child to check for missing belongings, and families are welcome to stop by as well. Any unclaimed items will be donated on Friday, so this is your final chance to shop the collection before it closes for the season!

We are finishing up Module 3 in our classrooms and about to embark into our last module. Here are the exciting topics!

Show Choir!

The Andover High School show choirs are hosting a one-day workshop for any interested student in grades through 8. Students will have the opportunity to work with the AHS show choir students and staff to learn vocals and choreography and to find out more about Andover’s show choir program.

The workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 5th, from 3:45 - 8:00 pm at South School. Sign up at this link: https://forms.gle/2A1VeJYSK1sQFKho8.

Questions can be directed to Ms. Lambros (sabrina.lambros@andoverma.us) or Ms. Kennedy - elizabeth.kennedy@andoverma.us

Middle School Band, Orchestra, and Chorus welcome ALL students!

For interested Band and Orchestra Students, if you are starting, we'll teach you everything from the very beginning. No experience is needed. If you are already playing? Get ready to work in a full ensemble year-round. And if singing is your thing, please join our award-winning Choral program. Whatever your musical background, there's a place for you here.

Special Opportunities:

Field Trips to the University of New Hampshire, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and Into the Game and Mel’s Funway

Regular Guest Artists from UNH, Boston Children’s Chorus, University of Hartford, Gordon College, etc.

Junior Districts

Concerts like Vocal Gala, All Strings Night, and All Bands Night

After School Ensembles: MS A Cappella - Vocalize!, MS Show Choir - Interlude!, Jazz Band, Chamber Orchestra

Students must be enrolled in Band, Orchestra, and Chorus to participate in an after-school ensemble. Exceptions may be made if there is a scheduling conflict.

Website: https://sites.google.com/andoverma.us/the-arts-in-andover/6-8-band-orchestra-and-chorus

Promo Video: https://youtu.be/n8z6NuqI02k

ANDOVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS ELEMENTARY STRINGS PROGRAM FOR 3RD GRADERS

We are pleased to invite your child to join our elementary instrumental music program in Grade 3 next year. In Andover, students may begin string instruction in Grade 3, when they have the option to play a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass). This will be a regularly scheduled part of their music curriculum, and string instruments must come to school for weekly lessons. Students who do not opt into this program will receive other additional music instruction.

Strings Instruction - Things to consider:

Learning a string instrument is a wonderful way to begin an instrumental music career in school. However, there must be a commitment to home practice and instrument care. Students enrolled in the string program are expected to participate for the whole school year, be prepared for scheduled public performances, and practice regularly. Students and families are encouraged to review policies around instrument rental and care. We are here to support you. The first few lessons will focus on some real basics: unpacking/packing, bow hold, instrument position, and instrument/bow care, but through commitment and regular practice, students will be performing several short, recognizable songs by the end of the year.

We ask that you consider this with your child and make the selection by June 7th, 2026 - if possible. Families who do not wish to participate in the strings program do not need to respond to the form below:

Grade 3 Strings Registration

Renting an Instrument:

There are several instrument rental options for the Fall for families interested in string instruction. Below is a partial list of vendors. Families are welcome to explore other rental options. This information will be shared again later in the summer:

Johnson String Instruments of Newton, MA - http://www.johnsonstring.com

Leonards Music of Bedford, MA - http://www.leonardsmusic.com

Spencer Brook Strings of Maynard, MA - http://www.spencerbrookstrings.com

Rowen Strings of Boxford, MA - https://www.rowenstrings.com

Renting a good-quality string instrument has many benefits. Rental companies provide security in terms of repair and size upgrades as your child grows. Instrument pricing, sizing, and rental information for these companies can be found on their websites. We strongly discourage parents from buying an instrument at this time. Grade 3 students will need a smaller instrument fitted to their specific size in order to learn successfully and will need a size upgrade every year or so (free through a rental service) after that.

PLEASE NOTE: Instruments purchased online may be of poor quality. A poor quality instrument will greatly hinder your child’s progress. While buying online may seem like an attractive option, it may cause many unnecessary challenges. Through a generous donation by the Andover Coalition for Education, for beginning Grade 3 string players, we have many high quality, school-owned stringed instruments (violins, violas, cellos, and basses) available for those who qualify for financial assistance. More information will be available later in the summer.