ANDOVER ELEMENTARY MIDDLE SCHOOL
November 14, 2013
Dear AEMS Family,
A record was set at AEMS on Tuesday! We had the largest number of veterans attend our assembly than we have ever had. It was wonderful to see them all. I am over-the-top proud of our school community. Audience behavior was exemplary. Singing, readings, and performances were heartwarming and well-prepared. Our veterans were very appreciative of the attention and gifts bestowed upon them. Thank you to all who contributed refreshments. The Eagle Cafe was once again a popular spot for the veterans to linger and enjoy each other’s company while being served coffee, cider, and baked goods by our eighth grade students. As a school community it is very important for us to honor and recognize the contributions to our country by our veterans. In so doing, our students better understand and appreciate the freedom they have always known. AEMS considers itself very fortunate to have so many caring and dedicated veterans that enjoy spending the morning with us.
Congratulations to Betsy Abrahamson! Betsy is the first middle school student to meet Ms. Kidane’s “40 Book Challenge.“ Betsy has read 40 novels in many different genres. Middle school students interested in taking on the challenge should see Ms. Kidane.
Fresh and local veggies again! NH Gleans is a program that connects surplus farm and garden produce with local area organizations. NH Gleans works through the NH Farms to Schools Program. Gleaning is going onto farms and picking produce that the farmer doesn’t want or needs to sell. We have an Andover resident that is actively involved with this program and has generously supplied our school lunch program with enormous quantities of fresh vegetables this fall. We are very appreciative! We try and avoid making menu changes but when we have the opportunity to serve a fresh fruit or vegetable we do make substitutions. The quality produce is coming from a farm in Webster.
Tomorrow is the last chance for students in grades 1-6 to play basketball through the Andover Recreation Program. Call or email Emily Furtkamp today if your child is interested in playing. She can be reached at efurtkamp@nullkearsarge.org or 735-4299. Registration paperwork can be picked up in school office and it is on our school website.
Time is also running out to sign up for the Town of Andover’s Friday Ski Program. It is especially important to act quickly if you need rentals as representatives from Ragged Mountain will be coming to the school very soon to fit students for equipment. It is much easier to have fittings done at AEMS than make a special trip to the mountain. We do have paperwork for the town program in the office. If you have any questions or need more information please contact Ellie George at 735-5590.
There is a Preschool Screening Childfind Clinic at Boscawen Elementary School tomorrow from 1:00-3:00. It is free for children through 5 years of age. You should call 753-4891 for an appointment.
Square One Art needs to be returned by November 19th. You can send it back to school for processing or follow the instructions to process online. If you need more than the one package sent home with students please contact Carmen Bates and she will give you the information you need to place an order.
An order form for Andover sportswear is attached. Please return it tomorrow if interested. Be sure and let us know if it is a Christmas surprise and we won’t send it home with students. Sportswear will be back in time for Christmas. Many of you have already ordered but I wanted to give another chance for interested families.
Grandparent Thanksgiving is Thursday! Please make sure we are aware of grandparents or older relatives who are attending. We want to have plenty of food for all. Please know that we do realize that not all students are fortunate to have local grandparents and the school staff members do ensure that the experience is a good one for all. If your child is going home with their grandparents please send in a note giving permission.
Grandparent Thanksgiving lunch is considered a regular school lunch for your child. It can be handled through your “My School Bucks” account. Money for grandparents can be sent to the school office before Thursday or on Grandparent Thanksgiving. We are trying to not make this process confusing. Call Gail if you have any questions.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call.
Sincerely,
Jane Slayton