<!DOCTYPE html><html lang="en" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" data-smore-id="6a05cc41e10dd68fe16078ad"><head><meta charset="utf-8"><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width"><meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge"><meta name="x-apple-disable-message-reformatting"><meta name="format-detection" content="telephone=no,address=no,email=no,date=no,url=no"><meta name="color-scheme" content="light"><meta name="supported-color-schemes" content="light"><title>West Elementary School</title><style>:root{color-scheme:light;supported-color-schemes:light}body,html{margin:0 auto!important;padding:0!important;height:100%!important;width:100%!important}*{-ms-text-size-adjust:100%;-webkit-text-size-adjust:100%}#MessageViewBody,#MessageWebViewDiv{width:100%!important}table,td{mso-table-lspace:0!important;mso-table-rspace:0!important}table{border-spacing:0!important;border-collapse:collapse!important;table-layout:fixed!important;margin:0 auto!important}img{-ms-interpolation-mode:bicubic}a{text-decoration:none}.aBn,.unstyle-auto-detected-links a,a{border-bottom:0!important;/*cursor:default!important*/;color:inherit!important;text-decoration:none!important;font-size:inherit!important;font-family:inherit!important;font-weight:inherit!important;line-height:inherit!important}.a6S{display:none!important;opacity:.01!important}.im{color:inherit!important}img.g-img+div{display:none!important}@media only screen and (min-device-width:320px) and (max-device-width:374px){u~div .ec{min-width:320px!important}}@media only screen and (min-device-width:375px) and (max-device-width:413px){u~div .ec{min-width:375px!important}}@media only screen and (min-device-width:414px){u~div .ec{min-width:414px!important}}</style><style>
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</style></head><body width="100%" style="margin: 0; line-height: 1.5; padding: 0 !important; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;font-family:Roboto,Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><table role="presentation" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#ccc" style="background-color:#ccc;"><table role="presentation" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="background-color: #f8f8f8;"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#f8f8f8"><div style="max-height:0; overflow:hidden; mso-hide:all;" aria-hidden="true">West Elementary School Weekly Update May 18, 2026- May 22, 2026 </div> <div style="display: none; font-size: 1px; line-height: 1px; max-height: 0px; max-width: 0px; opacity: 0; overflow: hidden; mso-hide: all; font-family: sans-serif;"> </div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="#F4F4F4" style="border-top:1px solid #ddd;border-bottom:1px solid #ddd"><table width="700" role="presentation" align="center" style="border-radius:4px;overflow:hidden;width:100%;max-width: 700px" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 100%" align="left" valign="middle"><span style="color:#777; font-family: 'arial', sans-serif !important; font-size: 12px !important;">Not displaying correctly? <a style="text-decoration: underline;" href="https://out.smore.com/render/ae9un/aschin?__$u__" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"><span style="color:#444;font-size: 12px !important;">View in browser</span></a></span></td><td align="right" valign="middle" width="110"><a href="https://out.smore.com/render/ae9un/6UQHyB?__$u__" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.smore.com/render/s/F4CbsWK9Hr.png" alt="Translate this newsletter" width="110" height="34" valign="middle"></a></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#fff"></td></tr></tbody></table> <table role="presentation" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="background:url(https://cdn.smore.com/render/ae9un/sg8TnBKvGy.jpg); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; background-size:contain;"><v:rect xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" fill="true" stroke="false" style="mso-width-percent:1000;position:absolute;left:0;top:0;z-index:-1;height:1200px"><v:fill type="frame" src="https://cdn.smore.com/render/ae9un/sg8TnBKvGy.jpg" color="#ccc" aspect="atleast"></v:fill></v:rect> <table role="presentation" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="700" class="outlook-tb"><tbody><tr><td align="center"><table role="separator" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" width="700" height="32" style="border-radius:4px;overflow:hidden;width:100%;max-width: 700px"><tbody><tr><td> <br></td></tr></tbody></table> <table class="nl-c" align="center" role="presentation" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" width="700" style="background:#ffffff url('https://cdn.smore.com/images/handwritten-bg.png') repeat;border-radius:4px;overflow:hidden;width:100%;max-width: 700px;outline: solid 5px rgba(0,0,0,0.1)"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" style="background: "><h1 style="margin:0"><a target="_blank" style="display:block" href="https://out.smore.com/render/ae9un/uxaWMP?__$u__" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" aria-label="secure.smore.com" class="focusable skip-tracking"><img src="https://cdn.smore.com/render/ae9un/W2E07DUANl.png" width="700" alt="West Elementary School " border="0" style="width: 100%; max-width: 700px; max-height: 350; min-height: 280; height: auto; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 15px; color: #555555; display: block;" class="g-img"></a></h1></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:20px 20px 20px 20px" align="left" valign="top" class="box"><table width="100%" role="presentation" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="8" style="display:block;width:100%;max-width:700px;height:0px;border-top:2px solid #b61719;" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tbody><tr><td width="100%"></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:20px 20px 20px 20px" align="left" valign="top" class="box"><table width="100%" role="presentation" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="8" style="display:block;width:100%;max-width:700px;height:0px;border-top:2px dotted #b61719;" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tbody><tr><td width="100%"></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:20px 20px 12px 20px" align="left" valign="top" class="box"><table align="right" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" width="202" style="margin-left:16px !important;min-width:202px;max-width:100%;border-radius:4px;width: calc((580px - 100%)*1000);"><tbody><tr><!--[if mso]><td width="16" style="width:1rem;"></td><![endif]--><td valign="top" align="left" style="min-width:192px;max-width:100%;border-radius:4px;width: calc((580px - 100%)*1000);"><img src="https://cdn.smore.com/u/thumbs/af63/thumb-98d8e7c03b1e7a5d8fb5ddab98a6283c.jpeg" alt width="192" style="display:inline-block;min-width:192px;max-width:100%;border-radius: 4px;float:right;width: calc((580px - 100%)*1000);"></td></tr><!--[if mso]><tr><td height="4" colspan="2"></td></tr><![endif]--></tbody></table> <h4 dir="ltr" style="font-size:1.125rem;font-weight: 700;line-height: 1.25;font-family:sans-serif;margin:0 0 8px 0 !important;color:#505050;display:block;text-align:left">From the Desk of Dr. Cobbs & Dr. Donaher</h4> <div dir="ltr" style="font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;text-align:left" class="svelte-14ndg3y rich-i"><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">West El Community,</span></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Jan Holden for being selected as a 'Citizen Who Cares' by the Andover Rotary Club. </span><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">Each year, the Rotary Club of Andover proudly celebrates individuals whose commitment to service and volunteerism reflects the true essence of community leadership and generosity. Ms. Holden has been a member of the WEL community for many years, acting as an Instructional Assistant and a Registered Behavior Technician. In addition to this, she is a long time member of the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence where she teaches food nutrition and prepares healthy meals for children and their families. An active member of the South Church, she leads and supports a number of social services within and beyond the congregation. Congratulations Mrs. Holden- we love you!</span></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">Dr. Cobbs & Dr. Donaher</span></p></div> <div style="clear:both;"><!--[if mso]> <![endif]--></div></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:12px 20px 5px 20px" align="left" valign="top" class="box"><h3 style="margin:0 0 0 0"><div style="font-size:25px;text-align:center;line-height:1;" dir="ltr"><img src="https://cdn.smore.com/render/ae9un/roDN0GgaXT.png" alt="Arts " width="53" height="24.95" style="display:inline"><img src="https://cdn.smore.com/render/ae9un/QQaZNX9v7x.png" alt="& " width="22" height="24.95" style="display:inline"><img src="https://cdn.smore.com/render/ae9un/FjeyxJhvkA.png" alt="Letters " width="80" height="24.95" style="display:inline"><img src="https://cdn.smore.com/render/ae9un/SjYD3NRdhe.png" alt="Family " width="72" height="24.95" style="display:inline"><img src="https://cdn.smore.com/render/ae9un/vKZeRAPqg3.png" alt="Survey" width="74" height="24.95" style="display:inline"></div></h3></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:5px 20px 20px 20px" align="left" valign="top" class="box"> <div dir="ltr" style="font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;text-align:left" class="svelte-14ndg3y rich-i"><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">As we complete our first year with </span><em>Arts & Letters</em><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">, our new elementary English Language Arts curriculum, your voice matters! This short survey is designed to gather your thoughts and experiences as a parent or guardian — from how your child has engaged with the material to any changes you've noticed in their reading and writing. Your honest feedback will help us continue to support every learner and make informed decisions going forward. The survey takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. Thank you for being a partner in your child's education!</span></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">Click here for </span><a data-id="l-1380335142" href="https://out.smore.com/render/ae9un/G3Imoq?__$u__" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="ada-bg-white ada-text-black focusable"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#1c6e98"><u>Arts & Letters Parent & Guardian Survey</u></span></a></p></div> <div style="clear:both;"><!--[if mso]> <![endif]--></div></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:20px 20px 20px 20px" align="left" valign="top" class="box"><table width="100%" role="presentation" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="8" style="display:block;width:100%;max-width:700px;height:0px;border-top:2px solid #b61719;" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tbody><tr><td width="100%"></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:20px 20px 20px 20px" align="left" valign="top" class="box"><h3 style="margin:0 0 0 0"><div style="font-size:25px;text-align:left;line-height:1;" dir="ltr"><img src="https://cdn.smore.com/render/ae9un/xCgPwogyve.png" alt="An " width="37" height="25.15" style="display:inline"><img src="https://cdn.smore.com/render/ae9un/wykwA6TLs5.png" alt="Important " width="110" height="25.15" style="display:inline"><img src="https://cdn.smore.com/render/ae9un/Y9Ezz25bIp.png" alt="Note " width="53" height="25.15" style="display:inline"><img src="https://cdn.smore.com/render/ae9un/CHQTrx98R7.png" alt="From " width="57" height="25.15" style="display:inline"><img src="https://cdn.smore.com/render/ae9un/nHSk5iHDTd.png" alt="Nurse " width="67" height="25.15" style="display:inline"><img src="https://cdn.smore.com/render/ae9un/wEkDShpJnS.png" alt="G. " width="24" height="25.15" style="display:inline"><img src="https://cdn.smore.com/render/ae9un/UFvmzuHx7e.png" alt="and " width="44" height="25.15" style="display:inline"><img src="https://cdn.smore.com/render/ae9un/nHSk5iHDTd.png" alt="Nurse " width="67" height="25.15" style="display:inline"><img src="https://cdn.smore.com/render/ae9un/yIXMKzYsIy.png" alt="Becky" width="63" height="25.15" style="display:inline"></div></h3></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:20px 20px 20px 20px" align="left" valign="top" class="box"><table width="100%" role="presentation" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="8" style="display:block;width:100%;max-width:700px;height:0px;border-top:2px solid #b61719;" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tbody><tr><td width="100%"></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:20px 20px 20px 20px" align="left" valign="top" class="box"> <h4 dir="ltr" style="font-size:1.125rem;font-weight: 700;line-height: 1.25;font-family:sans-serif;margin:0 0 8px 0 !important;color:#505050;display:block;text-align:left">Effective School Year 2026-2027: Requires Attention </h4> <div dir="ltr" style="font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;text-align:left" class="svelte-14ndg3y rich-i"><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">Dear Parents and Guardians,<span></span></span></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><br></span></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">I am writing to inform you of updated Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines regarding the administration of medication in public schools.<span></span></span></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><br></span></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">To ensure we remain in compliance with these new state regulations, and to provide the highest level of safety for our students, the district has updated its policy regarding the validity period of medical orders.<span></span></span></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><br></span></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><strong><em><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">New Medication Order Requirements:</span></em></strong><em><span></span></em></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><strong><u><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">Effective immediately</span></u></strong><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">, all medical orders for both prescription and non-prescription medications must be dated within the current academic cycle:<u> <strong>July 1st through June 30th.</strong></u><span></span></span></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><u><strong><br></strong></u></span></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><strong><em><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">What this Means for your family:</span></em></strong><em><span></span></em></p><ul style="font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;padding:0 0 0 1em;margin:0;"> <li><strong><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">Annual Renewals:</span></strong><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"> Any medication orders on file from the previous school year will expire on June 30th. You must provide a new, signed medication order from your child’s licensed prescriber for the upcoming school year.<span></span></span></li> <li><strong><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">July 1st Start Date:</span></strong><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"> We encourage parents to schedule wellness visits or contact their child's physician after July 1st to ensure the paperwork is correctly dated for the full upcoming school year.<span></span></span></li> </ul><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><br></span></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">If you have any questions, please contact your school’s health office directly ( 978-247-53--). Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students safe and healthy.<span></span></span></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><br></span></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">Nurse Gibbons and Nurse LeBlanc </span></p></div> <div style="clear:both;"><!--[if mso]> <![endif]--></div></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:20px 20px 20px 20px" align="left" valign="top" class="box"><table width="100%" role="presentation" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="8" style="display:block;width:100%;max-width:700px;height:0px;border-top:2px solid #b61719;" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tbody><tr><td width="100%"></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:20px 20px 20px 20px" align="left" valign="top" class="box"><table align="right" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" width="202" style="margin-left:16px !important;min-width:202px;max-width:100%;border-radius:4px;width: calc((580px - 100%)*1000);"><tbody><tr><!--[if mso]><td width="16" style="width:1rem;"></td><![endif]--><td valign="top" align="left" style="min-width:192px;max-width:100%;border-radius:4px;width: calc((580px - 100%)*1000);"><img src="https://cdn.smore.com/u/thumbs/4f4a/thumb-713f21757d8f11b34b06bd052780e13c.png" alt width="192" style="display:inline-block;min-width:192px;max-width:100%;border-radius: 4px;float:right;width: calc((580px - 100%)*1000);"></td></tr><!--[if mso]><tr><td height="4" colspan="2"></td></tr><![endif]--></tbody></table> <h4 dir="ltr" style="font-size:1.125rem;font-weight: 700;line-height: 1.25;font-family:sans-serif;margin:0 0 8px 0 !important;color:#505050;display:block;text-align:left">Cellphone & Technology Use </h4> <div dir="ltr" style="font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;text-align:left" class="svelte-14ndg3y rich-i"><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">The Social Work Team would like to take this opportunity to pass along some resources and information regarding student cell phone and technology use. As we know, devices like phones and smart watches can be useful tools when utilized appropriately. However, we must also remember that elementary age students are closer to the beginning of their brain development journey than they are the end. Therefore, we all must be vigilant regarding how and when these devices are being used. Group text chains, online gaming and social media are all platforms with opportunities for teasing, bullying or sharing of sensitive information. As caregivers, there are ways for you to monitor the activity and usage of these online environments so that social connections are fostered in the healthiest way possible. We encourage you to explore the resources listed below for ideas and strategies so that we can together encourage digital citizenships for our students.</span></p></div> <div style="clear:both;"><!--[if mso]> <![endif]--></div></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:20px 20px 20px 20px" align="left" valign="top" class="box"><table width="100%" role="presentation" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="8" style="display:block;width:100%;max-width:700px;height:0px;border-top:2px solid #b61719;" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tbody><tr><td width="100%"></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:20px 20px 20px 20px" align="left" valign="top" class="box"><!--[if mso]> <table width="660" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="10" role="presentation" align="center" style="width:660px;"><tbody><tr><![endif]--><!--[if mso]> <td valign="top" align="left"><![endif]--> <table align="left" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" width="202" style="margin-right:1rem !important;min-width:202px;max-width:100%;border-radius:4px;width: calc((580px - 100%)*1000);"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" style="min-width:192px;max-width:100%;border-radius:4px;width: calc((580px - 100%)*1000);"><img src="https://cdn.smore.com/u/thumbs/d351/thumb-c702dd41db87ae948e90538339f5264c.jpeg" alt width="192" style="display:inline-block;min-width:192px;max-width:100%;border-radius: 4px;float:left;width: calc((580px - 100%)*1000);"></td><!--[if mso]><td width="16"> </td><![endif]--></tr><!--[if mso]><tr><td height="4"></td></tr><![endif]--></tbody></table> <!--[if mso]></td><!--[if mso]><td valign="top"><![endif]--> <h5 dir="ltr" style="font:bold 18px/1.2 sans-serif ;margin:0 0 10px 0 !important;color:#505050;display:block;text-align:left">Andover 250 Celebrates America </h5> <div dir="ltr" style="font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;text-align:left" class="svelte-14ndg3y rich-i"><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">Throughout 2026, the Andover Community will host and participate in a series of patriotic events commemorating the 250 anniversary of the United States, with the support of the Andover Celebrates 250 Community. Thank you for the volunteers who have designed and supported the enclosed events. All are welcome to attend!<span></span></p></div> <div style="clear:both;"></div> <!--[if mso]></td><![endif]--><!--[if mso]></tr></tbody></table> <![endif]--></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:20px 20px 20px 20px" align="left" valign="top" class="box"><table width="100%" role="presentation" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="8" style="display:block;width:100%;max-width:700px;height:0px;border-top:2px solid #b61719;" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tbody><tr><td width="100%"></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:20px 20px 20px 20px" align="left" valign="top" class="box"><table align="right" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" width="202" style="margin-left:16px !important;min-width:202px;max-width:100%;border-radius:4px;width: calc((580px - 100%)*1000);"><tbody><tr><!--[if mso]><td width="16" style="width:1rem;"></td><![endif]--><td valign="top" align="left" style="min-width:192px;max-width:100%;border-radius:4px;width: calc((580px - 100%)*1000);"><img src="https://cdn.smore.com/u/thumbs/751f/thumb-8c004832ecfc6fb5d9f64dd7d5dc6345.jpeg" alt width="192" style="display:inline-block;min-width:192px;max-width:100%;border-radius: 4px;float:right;width: calc((580px - 100%)*1000);"></td></tr><!--[if mso]><tr><td height="4" colspan="2"></td></tr><![endif]--></tbody></table> <h4 dir="ltr" style="font-size:1.125rem;font-weight: 700;line-height: 1.25;font-family:sans-serif;margin:0 0 8px 0 !important;color:#505050;display:block;text-align:left">Grade 2 Families!</h4> <div dir="ltr" style="font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;text-align:left" class="svelte-14ndg3y rich-i"><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">ANDOVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS ELEMENTARY STRINGS PROGRAM FOR 3RD GRADERS</p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><br></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">We are pleased to invite your child to join our elementary instrumental music program in Grade 3 next year. In Andover, students<span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"> </span></span><em>may</em><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"> </span>begin string instruction in Grade 3, when they have the<span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"> </span></span><em>option</em><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"> </span>to play a<span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"> </span></span><strong>string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass).<span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"> </span></strong><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">This will be a regularly scheduled part of their music curriculum, and string instruments</span><strong><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"> </span>must</strong><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"> </span>come to school for weekly lessons</span><strong>.<span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"> </span></strong><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">Students who do not opt into this program will receive other additional music instruction.</span></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><br></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><strong>Strings Instruction -<span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"> </span></strong><strong>Things to consider:</strong></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><u>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</u><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">. 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.</span></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><br></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">We ask that you consider this with your child and make the selection by</span><strong><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"> </span>June 7th, 2026</strong><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"> </span>- if possible.<span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"> </span></span><strong>Families who do not wish to participate in the strings program do not need to respond to the form below:</strong></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><br></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span></span><a data-id="l-3593714306" href="https://out.smore.com/render/ae9un/quHjKf?__$u__" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="ada-bg-white ada-text-black focusable"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#1c6e98"><u><u>Grade 3 Strings Registration</u></u></span></a><span></span></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><br></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><strong>Renting an Instrument:</strong></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">There are several instrument rental options for the Fall for families interested in string instruction. Below is a partial list of vendors. Families are welcome to explore other rental options. This information will be shared again later in the summer:</span></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><br></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">Johnson String Instruments of Newton, MA -<span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"> </span></span><a data-id="l-5518936597" href="https://out.smore.com/render/ae9un/3PUxKx?__$u__" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="ada-bg-white ada-text-black focusable"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#1c6e98"><u><u>http://www.johnsonstring.com</u></u></span></a></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">Leonards Music of Bedford, MA -<span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"> </span></span><a data-id="l-1892628947" href="https://out.smore.com/render/ae9un/kk0rXm?__$u__" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="ada-bg-white ada-text-black focusable"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#1c6e98"><u><u>http://www.leonardsmusic.com</u></u></span></a></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">Spencer Brook Strings of Maynard, MA -<span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"> </span></span><a data-id="l-5096570101" href="https://out.smore.com/render/ae9un/pAUg8v?__$u__" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="ada-bg-white ada-text-black focusable"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#1c6e98"><u><u>http://www.spencerbrookstrings.com</u></u></span></a></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">Rowen Strings of Boxford, MA -<span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"> </span></span><a data-id="l-4086013376" href="https://out.smore.com/render/ae9un/muRZY8?__$u__" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="ada-bg-white ada-text-black focusable"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#1c6e98"><u><u>https://www.rowenstrings.com</u></u></span></a></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><br></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">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.<span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"> </span></span><strong>We strongly discourage parents from buying an instrument at this time.</strong><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"> </span>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.</span></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><br><span></span></p><p style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><strong>PLEASE NOTE: Instruments purchased online may be of poor quality.</strong><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"> </span>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<span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"> </span></span><a data-id="l-2645473918" href="https://out.smore.com/render/ae9un/vkgcx-?__$u__" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="ada-bg-white ada-text-black focusable"><span style="text-decoration:underline;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#1c6e98"><u><u>Andover Coalition for Education</u></u></span></a><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">, for beginning<span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;"> </span></span><em>Grade 3 string players</em><span style="margin:0;font-size:15px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#111;">, 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.</span></p></div> <div style="clear:both;"><!--[if mso]> <![endif]--></div></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:20px 20px 20px 20px" align="left" valign="top" class="box"><table width="100%" role="presentation" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="8" style="display:block;width:100%;max-width:700px;height:0px;border-top:2px solid #b61719;" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tbody><tr><td width="100%"></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td align="left" valign="top"><img width="700" src="https://cdn.smore.com/u/thumbs/f471/thumb-335c5e2350b3d0bc1942b88481aa2c04.jpeg" alt style="display:block;overflow:hidden;max-width:100%;max-height:550px;background-color:transparent;object-fit:contain;"></td></tr><tr><td style="padding:20px 20px 20px 20px" align="left" valign="top" class="box"><table width="100%" role="presentation" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="8" style="display:block;width:100%;max-width:700px;height:0px;border-top:2px solid #b61719;" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tbody><tr><td width="100%"></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:center;"><table bgcolor="#b61719" width="100%" style="border-radius:0 0 4px 4px;overflow:hidden;text-align:center;color:#ffffff;background-color:#b61719;" cellpadding="16"><tbody><tr><td><table role="presentation" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" width="100%" style="border-radius:0 0 4px 4px;overflow:hidden;color:#ffffff;background-color:#b61719" bgcolor="#b61719"><tbody><tr><td style="width:100%;"><table role="presentation" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" style="margin:0 !important;"><tbody><tr><td valign="top"><img width="52" src="https://cdn.smore.com/render/ae9un/wNOt2wbrGP.png" alt="Important Information 's picture"></td><td style="text-align:left;"><div style="font:bold 18px/1.2 sans-serif ;margin:0;padding:0;color:#ffffff">Important Information </div> <span style="font:13px/1.2 sans-serif ;margin:0;padding:0;color:#ffffff"></span></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-top:8px;text-align:left;"><table role="presentation" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" style="margin:0 !important; padding-top:0px;"><tbody><tr><td style="width:100%;"><table role="presentation" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" style="margin:0 !important; padding:0 !important;"><tbody><tr><td style="display:inline-block;margin-right:8px;font:bold 12px/1 sans-serif;color:#ffffff;padding:6px 12px;border: 1px solid #ffffff !important; border-radius:16px;"><a target="_blank" style="display:block;color:#ffffff;" href="https://out.smore.com/render/ae9un/LtxTG_?__$u__" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" aria-label="secure.smore.com" class="focusable skip-tracking">Contact</a></td></tr></tbody></table></td><td style="display:inline-block;text-align: right"><table role="presentation" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" style="margin:0 !important; padding:0px !important;"><tbody><tr><td style="padding:6px;"><a target="_blank" href="https://out.smore.com/render/ae9un/n152pV?__$u__" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" aria-label="www.facebook.com" class="focusable skip-tracking"><img src="https://cdn.smore.com/render/s/VAiZF-mxnv.png" alt="Signature facebook" width="15" height="14"></a></td><td style="padding:6px;"><a target="_blank" href="https://out.smore.com/render/ae9un/Su7HCs?__$u__" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" aria-label="www.twitter.com" class="focusable skip-tracking"><img src="https://cdn.smore.com/render/s/kIQJgcM9ON.png" alt="Signature twitter" width="15" height="14"></a></td><td style="padding:6px;"><a target="_blank" href="https://out.smore.com/render/ae9un/d_MZK_?__$u__" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" aria-label="www.instagram.com" class="focusable skip-tracking"><img src="https://cdn.smore.com/render/s/1xyF9Y_Dok.png" alt="Signature instagram" width="15" height="14"></a></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td style="text-align:left;padding-top:8px;"><div style="font-size:13px;"><div dir="ltr" style="font-size:13px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#ffffff;text-align:left" class="svelte-14ndg3y rich-i"><p style="margin:0;font-size:13px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#ffffff;"><span style="margin:0;font-size:13px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#ffffff;">West Elementary School</span><span style="margin:0;font-size:13px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#ffffff;">58 Beacon Street</span><span style="margin:0;font-size:13px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#ffffff;">Andover, MA 01810</span><span style="margin:0;font-size:13px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#ffffff;">Phone: (978) 247-5300</span><span style="margin:0;font-size:13px;font-family:sans-serif;color:#ffffff;">Fax: (978) 247-5390</span></p></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table> <table role="separator" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" width="700" height="40" style="border-radius:4px;overflow:hidden;width:100%;max-width: 700px"><tbody><tr><td> <br></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table> <table role="presentation" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#f8f8f8"><img src="https://secure.smore.com/app/reporting/pixel/ae9un?src=mass_notification" width="1" height="1" style="width: 1px; 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