The days are getting a bit shorter, and a few recent mornings have had that cool and crisp fall feel. Another sign that fall is arriving is that the school athletes have returned and are participating in organized practices.
Two AE/MS teams began practices on August 17. Coach Amy Makechnie and her seventh and eighth grade soccer players started preseason training together, and the fifth- through eighth-grade cross country participants have been seen running along the trails with Coach Brian Reynolds.
In addition, AE/MS has four boys who have started practicing with the Merrimack Valley Middle School football team.
AE/MS doors will open wide for the first day of school on Wednesday, August 26. The incoming kindergarten class will get a sneak preview the day before, when they attend the August 25 Kindergarten Orientation.
We have welcomed several new students as they have registered over the summer. Considering the number of new student registrations this summer, our enrollment appears to be on the rise.
Teachers of kindergarten through fourth grade students have all sent out their “Welcome to My Class” letters. Homeroom assignments for grades five through eight have been posted in the building.
Classrooms are coming together, bulletin boards are taking shape, and supplies are arriving daily. Many teachers are in the building now. It is an exciting time in the building as a new year approaches.
AE/MS has signed on to partcipate in the New Hampshire Gleans Program (which was featured on page 24 of the Beacon last month). New Hampshire Gleans is part of the New Hampshire Farm to School Initiative. Local farm produce is donated to food pantries, soup kitchens, community suppers, and schools. Farms are harvested and/or produce is set aside at Farmers Markets.
New Hampshire Gleans will be gathering surplus produce and delivering it to our school. The fresh produce will be cleaned and prepared for school lunches. We try to add as much fresh produce as possible to our breakfast and lunch program. We are hopeful that our older students will have the opportunity to help harvest fruit and vegetables as part of the program.
Speaking of fresh produce, please consider donating surplus fruit and veggies from gardens in the community to AE/MS. We welcome cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes, etc. Whatever you have too much of will be welcomed into our lunch program. Just drop it off, or call and we will pick it up. Thanks!
Students will see a new Peace Pole when they return to school. The Peace Pole, which has been in the courtyard for many years, really needed some attention, and the Andover Girl Scouts came to the rescue. Check it out!
How did those cabbages fare this summer? The incoming fourth grade students were all given cabbage plants last spring to grow and nurture as part of a contest. It is time to photograph those cabbages and send the photos to Ms. Unger at HUnger@nullAEMSeagles.org. Who will have … the biggest cabbage? The most creative cabbage? The silliest cabbage? Stay tuned!
Visit our school Web site at AEMSeagles.org for current updates and school information.