Sept. 11 Family Newsletter

We’ve had another wonderful week at the Finn School! Our students are settling into their classrooms, building new friendships, and continuing to learn and practice our school routines and expectations. It has been wonderful to see their growing confidence and excitement as they become more comfortable in their new school year!

We have a few announcements.

Dear Families, 

I am writing to share information about one of the ways your child in grades K-5 will be assessed in reading this year. Our teachers have many ways to check your child’s reading development and growth, including an early literacy universal screening assessment. Early literacy universal screening assessments are brief tests that provide information about your child’s early reading skills. Screening makes it possible to see if a student is at risk of developing reading difficulties, including risk of dyslexia. Screening does not diagnose dyslexia or other disabilities, but it does help us understand which students may need additional support to be successful readers. We are required to assess students in grades K-3 at least twice per year consistent with Massachusetts regulation 603 CMR 28.03(1)(f). 

Our district uses screening assessments called Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills, 8th Edition (DIBELS) and Acadience RAN. These are two of several screening assessments approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Your child will be assessed three times during the school year. It typically takes five to ten minutes to complete both assessments. The tentative schedule for this school year is shown below.

Grade

Approximate Screening Dates

Kindergarten

Fall: Week of October 19th, 2026

Winter: Week of January 11th, 2027

Spring: Week of May 24th, 2027

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th

Fall: Weeks of September 8th and September 14th, 2026

Winter: Week of January 11th, 2027

Spring: Week of May 24th, 2027

Following the screening assessment, a team at our school will review all students’ results. If your child scores “significantly below benchmark,” we will contact you within 30 school days of testing to discuss how we can support your child. 

Please reach out if you would like additional information.

Screening is another step that helps students at our school become proficient readers, and we are grateful for your continued support and partnership. 

Best, 

Deb Lemieux

You can place your order on mylifetouch.com using your Picture Day ID: EVT7ZPWT4. Order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping!

Your child can also bring their completed flyer with cash or check on Picture Day. Orders after Picture Day must be placed online on mylifetouch.com 

Picture re-take day is October 28th.

If any families need financial assistance to purchase a photo package, please email our school nurse, Kathleen Carvalho - kcarvalho@nsboro.k12.ma.us or 508-485-3176 x63107

Preschool is excited to begin our Focus on Learning curriculum with our first unit, Families! This unit gives us a wonderful opportunity to learn more about people who are special and important to each of our students! Throughout the unit, preschoolers will listen to engaging stories, participate in meaningful discussions and complete fun, hands-on activities that explore families and the many different ways families can look. 

This month, we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities across our nation and around the world. From groundbreaking scientists and artists to everyday heroes in our own neighborhood, Hispanic and Latino heritage is woven into the fabric of who we are as a country. We encourage you to explore music, food, literature, and stories from these vibrant cultures alongside your children at home. This observance offers an opportunity to learn about trailblazers who have shaped our world, and we hope these conversations continue around your dinner table!