As we reflect upon and count our blessings at Thanksgiving time, I am truly appreciative for our school community – students, parents, staff members, and our town. I feel fortunate to be part of this amazing and supportive community, where education is valued and collaboration and commitment is the norm. We are fortunate to have “our” Andover in this often-times crazy world.
As an educator and school leader, I am thankful for the town of Andover and all it does for AE/MS while sharing the huge responsibility for teaching, supporting, and raising our youngest community members.
November is always incredibly busy at our school. It is the end of the first marking period, parent-teacher conferencing, the start of basketball season, eighth grade trip fundraising, Veterans Day activities, and Grandparent Thanksgiving.
In November, we hosted Andover’s veterans, closely followed by sharing Thanksgiving with our AE/MS grandparents. It is a pleasure and a gratifying experience for our students and staff to offer these days. Both events require much teamwork and collaboration. Both events are favorite days for our students and staff members.
Our students, young and old, learn so much through the AE/MS Veterans Day assemblies. As a school community, we are fortunate to have so many local veterans take an active interest in attending this assembly.
And then there are the grandparents! It is so much fun to watch the interaction between the students and their adoring grandparents. Grandparents tour the building and spend time in the classrooms, and all the while their grandchildren are excitedly showing them everything they think is important. Grandparents are at times pulled in several directions.
A fabulous turkey dinner is enjoyed while new friends are made between families, volunteers, and staff members. It is also wonderful for us to see the same grandparents return year after year!
December brings the kindergarten through fifth grade Holiday Concert, which will be held on Thursday, December 11, at 6:30 PM. This is a fun and festive night, as students take the stage and sing Christmas favorites while wearing their finest holiday attire.
It is impossible not to be filled with holiday spirit while enjoying this evening. It is always fun to see the kindergarten students take the stage for the first time! It never fails to be entertaining (and humorous).
Speaking of music, we are always looking for musical instruments. If you have an instrument in good shape that you no longer use, please consider donating it to the school. Contact Ms. Brittney Fournier, AE/MS music teacher, if interested. Playing an instrument can be unaffordable for some families, so we try to have instruments available for students.
The school building has been prepped for the cold and blustery weather ahead. The school gardens have been turned over and covered up. Some playground equipment is retired for the winter, only to be replaced by new playground activities that include creative use of snow.
Holiday Shoppe
The Holiday Shoppe will be held on Thursday, December 18. This is the much-anticipated shopping day for all students. It gives the students an opportunity to surprise their family members with gifts they pick out all by themselves. Due to the generosity of the community, the local individuals of the New Hampshire Circle of Home and Family, AE/MS staff, and PTO members, we are able to have a bountiful Holiday Shoppe every December. AE/MS school nurse Christine Frost coordinates this magical day.
Holiday wreath decorating will take place in the gym on Saturday, December 6. The Andover Transfer Station Swap Shop will be set up in the gym at the same time. Wreath orders have been received from community members and local businesses. After the orders are filled, the remaining wreaths are decorated and delivered to the Town buildings. This has become a fun tradition and a great way to start the season.
The Town of Andover, through the efforts of the Recreation Committee, is again generously making the ski program available and affordable to Andover families. The first ski day is Friday, January 9. Students have the opportunity to alpine ski or snowboard at Ragged Mountain Resort. Any questions regarding this program should be directed to Sue Norris or Jen Hauser. Participating students will be dismissed early on Friday afternoons to participate in the Town program.
Those students who do not ski on Friday afternoons will have the opportunity to skate at the Proctor Academy rink. We appreciate Proctor Academy staff for making this possible every winter. Skaters will return to school in time for dismissal. Skating will also start on Friday, January 9. Students must have skates and helmets. We do have some skates available at school. Consider donating skates that children have outgrown at the end of the winter. We have a good collection, and we are happy to share skates with community groups.
Help us recycle and earn money for the school playground at the same time. We are collecting toner and ink cartridges from printers and copiers. You will find a collection box near the school office. If there is a parent or community member who would like to help with the collection, please let me know.
A school can never have enough LEGOs. If you have any to spare, please consider donating them to AE/MS. They are treasured by students, young and old, for inside recesses and other activities.
Congratulations to our big Box Tops for Education winners, and thank you to all who participated. It really does pay off for our playground. We have earned $770 dollars just this fall! Cameron Chevarie and Garrett Barton were the B-I-G collectors, and each will receive Monarchs tickets. Keep saving, and thank you!
Save the date! The Andover Players will present the musical Annie on March 26 and 27. The cast has been chosen, and auditions are underway. You won’t want to miss this!
We are looking toward the future. It is never too soon to start finding members for the next kindergarten class. If you know of any Andover children who will be five years old before September 30, 2015, please contact me.