Lego Robotics Club is in the planning stages for interested students in grades two through five. This would be an afterschool activity on Mondays. We are currently exploring the interest level.

There is a Proctor Academy student who is enthusiastic and passionate about Lego robotics. She started and grew the program in her California town to 90 participants. She would love to get a program established at AE/MS, and we would love to have one. It will happen!

The Holiday Exercise Streak has ended, but please don’t stop getting that daily exercise. All the students who participated in the program were given gift bags containing a certificate, a Runner’s Alley water bottle, and a Proctor Academy tech shirt.

A gift certificate from Runner’s Alley for a free pair of shoes was drawn randomly and given to one very lucky participant. Thank you to Amy Makechnie, Proctor Academy, and Runner’s Alley for this fun and healthy program.

The Tilton Veterans Home appreciated receiving Christmas cards from AE/MS students from all grades.

We found an expensive Minolta camera in our lobby after Grandparent Thanksgiving in November, and it still has not been claimed. Is anyone missing a camera?

The annual Fire Safety Inspection took place in December. Andover Fire Chief Rene Lefebvre and Chuck Ellis toured the building with Jane Slayton and Victor Stewart. As a follow up to the inspection, batteries will be replaced in exit lighting, and an emergency exit will be clearly designated. A few other things will need attention as well.

The AE/MS event Bedtime Stories and Book Swap was fun. Pajama-wearing kindergarten through fifth grade student families returned to school in the evening to listen to staff members read winter-themed bedtime stories. Crafts and activities accompanied the stories, and students brought in books to swap. The evening ended with a book raffle and milk and cookies.

The community support for families during holidays was again absolutely astounding. This amazes me every year and makes be feel so very good about our special little town.

There are countless organizations, businesses, churches, families, groups, and individuals within our community that funnel gifts, money, meals, and gift cards through our office to be matched with families. This occurs at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and throughout the year. The recipients are very appreciative of this generosity.

The Andover Players have put in many rehearsal hours for Annie, our spring drama production. The Andover Players had a treat this month when they attended the new Annie movie at Smitty’s during the school day. What fun!

Our fourth grade class was chosen to take the National Assessment of Educational Progress test at the end of January. This one-class-period test is commonly referred to as the nations’ report card.

The 2015-16 school calendar was adopted at the January meeting of the Andover School Board. The new calendars were sent home with students and can also be found on our Web site.

AE/MS is always looking for Legos. If you have some at home that are collecting dust, please consider donating them.