Andover Public Schools has received DESE’s Genocide grant for this year. As part of the grant, 8th grade students will participate in two sessions of work on the Holocaust organized by the https://www.lappinfoundation.org/

A instructor from the Lappin Foundation will work with students and teachers on background information on the Holocaust. Which will be followed by another hour of listening to a Holocaust speaker, either in person or via zoom which could include a narrated animated film of a survivor’s story, followed by a speech, then Q & A with the students.

Sessions will take place on March 31st and April 1st.

As the warmer days of spring approach, teams have been planning field trips for their students. Further details about each grade’s trip will be sent out in a few weeks. These field trips are a great opportunity for students to experience a fun day and bond with their classmates.

It is important to us that every student has the opportunity to participate on the field trip; therefore, if there are any financial or logistical concerns about your child’s participation, please reach out to one of the teachers on your child’s team. The school will work with you to alleviate those concerns.

Our expectations for our students is that they will conduct themselves appropriately during any school event including off campus activities. In addition, students need to demonstrate before an activity that they can meet the conduct expectations of West Middle School. Any continual disruptive behavior in school may impact a student’s participation in a field trip.

We are looking forward to a spring that supports student welfare and success!

The 1st Annual WMS Talent Showcase will be on Friday May 2nd at 6:30pm in the auditorium. The talent show planning committee meets every Monday after school until 3:50pm.

The audition for student Emcee’s will be on Monday March 24th and 31st. Students auditioning can choose either date.

All information such as upcoming dates, Emcee audition script, planning committees, to-do lists and more can be found on our Schoology group page. Use access code D772-TTWR-T79SP to join the group for more information.

It's time to start summer planning! If your student is interested in summer math opportunities, please see the information below:

For students current in Grade 7 Math that would like to take Grade 8 AMP next year: 7th Grade AMP

For current 8th grade students: High School Summer Math

West Middle School will be holding a cultural day during lunches on Thursday, April 10th.

We will need 10 parents to help with serving for each lunch period. Please contact Nurse Gibson in the WMS clinic if you are interested in helping that day.

AYS has some exciting opportunities available for middle school students.

School Vacation: Flyers and registration link has more information

1. Full Day programs available on Tuesday 4/22 and Thursday 4/24
2. Field Trip on Friday 4/25/25
3. Field Day Wednesday 4/23/25 2PM-4PM (6th-8th Grade):
   We’re hosting a fun and engaging Field Day for middle schoolers. The event is only $10 for non-members & $5 for members. Registration is required. We’ll have a small number of free slots available — up to 5 per school. These slots will be reserved, so if you see students who could benefit, please feel free to refer them by simply emailing their full name. For these select families, AYS can help register them. Food will be a minimal additional cost of $1 for a hotdog and drink.

Summer:

1. Outer Limits Full Day Summer Program (6th-8th Grade):
   This program offers fantastic opportunities for fun throughout the summer months with activities throughout the day, offsite outings in the afternoons and field trips every Friday. We offer financial assistance to families in need, based on availability. We also encourage families to apply through Andona Scholarships.
2. Community Service Summer Week (6th-8th Grade): Designed for youth entering grades 6-9, participants will engage in service projects then take part in afternoon outings. There’s a half-day or full-day option with opportunities to earn a completion letter and recommendation. A letter of interest is required from participants.

It's almost MCAS season! Scheduled dates per subject are below:

• ELA: April 7th and 8th (all grades)
• Civics: April 30th (8th grade only)
• Math: May 5th and 6th (all grades)
• Science: May 14th and 15th (8th grade only)

* Makeup dates will be available *

• 3/31 - 4/1 - Holocaust Presentation
• 4/7-4/8 - ELA MCAS
• 4/9 - Early Release
• 4/10 - Cultural Day
• 4/10 - Final Math Team Meet
• 4/15 - Career Day at AHS
• 4/21-4/25 - April Break
• 4/30 - Civics MCAS
• 5/2 - Progress Reports Issued (if applicable)