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Mary E. Finn Elementary School

Oct. 9, 2026

Posted Date: 10/09/26 (04:37 PM)


Finn Family Newsletter

October 9, 2026

Photo of Finn School
 

From the Principal

We had another wonderful week of learning at the Finn School! As I walked through our classrooms, I observed so much great mathematical thinking happening. Students were engaged in problem-solving, sharing their ideas, explaining their thinking, and learning from one another. It was exciting to see their curiosity and confidence in action! We also had several friends kick off our Walk to School Program this week. It was such a great way to start the day. Enjoy the weekend!

  • Teachers will send out Parent-Teacher Conference Sign-Ups for our November conferences via ParentSquare next week. 
  • On Friday, October 30th, students are welcome to wear fall colors, comfortable clothes (such as pajamas or onesies), Finn spirit wear, or Halloween costumes to school. Please note that students will remain in their chosen outfits throughout the entire day, as changing clothes during school hours is not permitted. All attire should allow for easy bathroom use and full participation in gym, lunch, recess, and specials. For those choosing to wear Halloween costumes, please ensure they are not disruptive to student learning and do not include toy weapons (e.g., guns, knives, swords, etc.). We also ask that costumes avoid any scary or gory accessories, full masks, or face paint. We understand that not all families celebrate Halloween, and we respect those preferences. Participation in costume-wearing is completely optional. This will be a full day of learning for students. Activities during the day will not include any Halloween themes.
  • During small-group reading instruction, students may work with different teachers throughout the school year. Teachers collaborate to monitor student progress, share instructional strategies, and provide targeted instruction to ensure that each student’s individual reading needs are met. 
  • In December, we will be recognizing Celebrations Around the World. This is an opportunity, as a parent/caregiver, to come into our school and share with our students the celebrations/holidays your family observes. If needed, we can provide an interpreter so all of our families can participate. You will see a separate post with a form attached for you to fill out. 
 

A Little Music Note

Hello, Finn Families!

I’m hoping that your young musician has been sharing some of their favorite songs and activities with you from music class. Please, drop me a note or comment to let me know what songs or activities came home in the first few weeks of music. 

I would not be surprised if many of you have heard our September Action Poem, “Ten Apples High” or October’s poem, “Chip Chop.”  Action poems are enjoyed by almost all students and many staff! Not only do these quick poems (also called Nursery Rhymes/fingerplays) have many cross-curricular benefits, but they also provide many skills for developing musicianship, such as: rhythmic awareness, expression, and steady beat, as well as performance and audience skills. If you would like to learn more about the value of Action Poems, you can check out this article. And, if you have not heard an Action Poem yet this year, please take a moment to ask your child if they can share one with you. 

Thank you!
JM
 

From the Nurse's Office

Quick Reminder: Daily Snacks! 
Please remember to send a healthy snack with your child each day! While we keep a small stash of snacks for forgotten days, our supply is limited.
To keep all of our students safe, please ensure all snacks are completely nut-free. Having a safe, favorite snack brought from home keeps our students energized and ready to learn. Thank you so much for your support in keeping our classroom safe and fueled!

--
Kathleen Carvalho, MSN, RN
School Nurse 
Mary E. Finn Elementary School
 

Invitation to the First ELPAC Meeting!

We are delighted to invite you to the first English Learner/Multilingual Learner Parent Advisory Council (ELPAC) meeting of the year: 

Thursday, October 15, 2026
6:30–8:00 PM
Algonquin Regional High School (ARHS) Library, 79 Bartlett Street, Northborough

ELPAC brings families, educators, and community members together to support our multilingual learners. Together, we help shape the programs and services that serve them. Your experiences and ideas matter to us.
Interpreters in Portuguese, Spanish, Arabic, and Chinese, pizza, and babysitting will be available.

Other upcoming ELPAC meeting dates are: (all 6:30–8:00 PM, ARHS Library):
  • Thursday, October 15, 2026
  • Tuesday, November 10, 2026
  • Thursday, January 21, 2027
  • Thursday, February 25, 2027
  • Thursday, April 15, 2027
  • Special celebration: International Night / Culture & Music Festival, Friday, May 7, 2027 (tentative date)
For any questions or for more information, please contact Selvi Oyola, Director of Multilingual Learners at soyola@nsboro.k12.ma.us.

 

Upcoming Dates/Important Reminders

  • Oct. 12, No School
  • Oct. 14, Finn School Council, 3:40 - 4:40
  • Oct. 14, Walk to School Wednesday
  • Oct. 20, Spirit Day - Patriots/Favorite Football Team
  • Oct. 20, Walk to School Wednesday
  • Oct. 28, Picture Retakes
  • Oct. 30, Spirit Day - Fall Colors/Costumes
  • Nov. 4, Walk to School Wednesday
  • Nov. 5, Principal Coffee, 9:30-10:30, topic focus: Math
  • Nov. 10, Rainbowraiser Fundraiser
  • Nov. 11, Veterans Day - No School
  • Nov. 12, Early Release - Parent Teacher Conferences
  • Nov. 13, Early Release - Parent Teacher Conferences
 

Mary E. Finn Elementary School

  • Deb Lemieux, Principal
  • dlemieux@nsboro.k12.ma.us
  • Address: 60 Richards Rd., Southborough, MA 01772
  • Phone: (508) 485-3176
  • Fax: (508) 229-4449