It’s hard to believe we have only five school days left until winter break! This year has flown by, and we’re excited to make the most of these last days with our students before the winter break.

Last week was truly special as we embraced the joy of learning beyond the classroom. Students in grades K, 2, and 4 enjoyed enriching field trips,:

• Fourth Grade explored the Museum of Science and delved into fascinating exhibits.
• Second Grade experienced the magic of theater at Wheelock Family Theater’s performance of A Year with Frog and Toad.
• Kindergarten visited the Addison Gallery, sparking curiosity and creativity through art.

These memorable experiences were made possible by the incredible support of our Sanborn PTO and Fun Run dollars—thank you for making these opportunities a reality for our students!

Looking ahead, we’re excited to invite you to a couple of important upcoming an event:

• Informance: WED, Dec 18, 11:00am Library: 3rd grade String

As we enter this final week before winter break, let’s continue to celebrate learning, creativity, and our community spirit. Thank you for your ongoing support in making Sanborn such a special place for all.

This year, APS is engaging in a comprehensive literacy K-8 review. The goal of this work is to improve our systems so that we can effectively support teachers and families in the hard work of guiding literacy success for all students.

To help inform our strategy, we want to learn more about your family’s experience with literacy curriculum, materials, and assessments through a brief, anonymous survey accessed here: bit.ly/APSfamily. Please complete one survey per household. We hope to have all feedback completed by January 10th. Thank you!

We have been studying the music of the Nutcracker in music class this week. Here are some links for extra watching. Also, there is an entire version of the Nutcracker on Musicplayonline.com at this link. Students are welcome to enjoy other songs, games and instrument tutorials on www.musicplayonline.com Our school code is : D654018

Dates for the calendar:

January 22: Winter Chorus/Orff Concert 7:00pm

January 23: 3rd Grade Lexington Symphony Field Trip (permission forms went home this week)

February 12: 5th grade chorus performs at the Collins Center 7:30pm

Head Lice: Parents are encouraged to check your child’s hair for head lice regularly. If you discover head lice or have any questions please contact the School Nurse at 978-247-9702.

Illness guidelines: It is that time of year again when colds, flu and other illnesses are circulating. To prevent illness you are encouraged to get updated flu and COVID vaccinations if you have not done so. Your child’s pediatrician can help to determine what your child’s vaccine needs are for this Fall.

If your child is ill, they can return to school when they have been fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication like Tylenol or ibuprofen ( Motrin). They should also be free of vomiting and diarrhea for 24 hours and should complete 24 hours on an antibiotic to return to school. These guidelines help to prevent the spread of illness at school. Please call the Absentee Line at 978-247-9701 if your child will be absent or tardy. Thank you!

If you are not sure if your child should return to school, please call the Sanborn Clinic to check in with the nurse.

Spare Clothing: The clinic is in need of gently used elastic waist girls pants. Donations can be sent into the clinic. If your child does come home with clothing borrowed from the clinic, please wash it and send it back to keep the borrowing closet going.

Also, it is recommended that you send a spare set of clothing to be stored in your child’s locker in case a change is needed during the school day. Children are much happier if they are able to change into their own clothing when necessary.

Please contact Lisa Slattery in the Sanborn Clinic with questions at 978-247-9702 or lisa.slattery@andoverma.us

Saturday, December 23 - Wednesday, January 1 Winter Recess - no school

Communication with our families is essential to the success and wellness of our students. To assist our families and help them connect with the appropriate staff who is best suited to answer questions, we have updated our “Who We Are” page on our website. The information will guide families to resources on how to reach staff with concerns and how to stay connected to news and events across the district.

• Winter Explorations are coming! Registration opens on December 19th at 7pm and will close on January 2nd at 7pm. Classes start the week of 1/6! Check out the schedule here.
• Mark your calendars! Join us on Tuesday, January 28th, at 7p in the Sanborn Library for a special PTO Meeting featuring Superintendent Dr. Parvey. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear updates, ask questions, and engage with our school leadership. Don’t miss it!
• The Sanborn Fun Run is shifting to an indoor Fun Run Dance Edition this year! The fundraiser is the same, but with a cool GLOW in the dark vibe this Valentine’s Day. More details to come soon, ahead of our program kick-off on February 3rd. The proceeds of YOUR fundraising dollars pay for all of your child’s PTO-sponsored in-school enrichment programs, field trips, and Author’s Week.
• A few ways to stay up to date on the latest news and offerings from the PTO:

• The Bulldog Spirit is the monthly newsletter from the Sanborn PTO where they communicate about our school events, fundraisers, enrichment activities, etc. Sign up here.
• Bookmark the PTO website!
• For real-time updates during the school year, follow the Sanborn Community on social media: Facebook, Instagram
• Join your child's grade-level Facebook group - this group is just for kids in your child’s grade. Here you can connect, ask grade-specific questions, etc.