Proctor Informational Update: Weekly Family Newsletter February 8, 2026

Posted Date: 02/08/26 (09:00 AM)

Dear Proctor Penguins and Families,

It has been a full and productive week of learning and connection at Proctor. We are well into Black History Month, and classrooms across the school are engaging in lessons and activities that celebrate history, identity, and contributions that shape our communities and world.

Our third-grade violinists shared a pre-performance with their peers and with second-grade students. We are proud of their effort and growth as they build confidence while inspiring younger learners.

Through our PRISM grant partnership, representatives from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education visited this week to observe ELA core and foundational skills instruction. Mrs. Schwehr showcased her UFLI training in practice, and Mrs. O’Connor and Mrs. Strout highlighted strong co-teaching during the ELA core block.

Community-building circles continue to expand beyond homerooms. A special thank you to Mrs. Coffin for facilitating her first circle in art class, strengthening connection and belonging across settings.

As shared earlier this week, we also conducted our second safety drill, focusing on barricade and lockdown skills. Students and staff approached the practice thoughtfully, and these opportunities support preparedness while maintaining calm learning environments. Thank you again to the Northborough PD for their support.

Thank you for your continued partnership. Together we live the Penguin Way by taking care of ourselves, each other, and our school.

This weekly newsletter will outline the following updates:

Save the Date
5th Grade All Town Band
Field Day Action Team
ARHS PTO
MCAS Dates
Family Resources
PTO
NSPAC

Respectfully,

Stacy Mahoney and the Proctor Team

Upcoming Events

2/12- 3rd Grade Strings Concert 6:30 pm LSS

2/14- Worcester Railers- Northborough 5th Graders will perform the National Anthem- see below

2/16-2/20- February Break

3/11- Read A Thon

3/26 - Grade 5 Caregiver Orientation @ Melican, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

2025-2026 School Year CALENDAR

(includes key dates like the first day of school, holidays, early release days, and professional development days)

5th grade All Town Band

All-Town Band will begin soon for 5th grade band students across our four elementary schools. This program gives students the opportunity to connect with peers from other schools, work with middle school band mentors, and become familiar with Melican Middle School and its music staff.

Rehearsals will be held at Melican Middle School on Wednesdays from 3:45–4:45 PM, running March 11 through May 13, culminating in a concert on May 13 at Algonquin Regional High School.

Please note that transportation will not be provided this year. Families are encouraged to coordinate carpools if possible. If transportation presents a challenge, please reach out and we will do our best to support participation.

Students should bring their instrument, method book, and music to school on Wednesdays. All-Town Band is an additional opportunity and does not replace regular lessons or rehearsals at their elementary school.

Please complete the Google Form permission slip using the QR code by Friday, March 6.

Thank you for your support!

Mrs. Makara

Help Us Reimagine Field Day: Join the Action Team!

As we begin planning for Field Day this spring, we are excited to approach the experience with fresh thinking and a continued focus on inclusion, engagement, and belonging for all students.

We are inviting parents and caregivers who are interested in being part of a small “action team” to help us reflect on past Field Day experiences and collaborate on ideas to ensure the day is accessible, joyful, and meaningful for every learner. This group will partner with school staff to think about activity design, participation structures, and ways to support a wide range of student needs and strengths.

Participation will include about 3 planning conversations (virtual or in person) leading up to the event. If you are interested in being part of this collaborative effort, please send me an email by FEBRUARY 27.

We are grateful for the partnership of our families and look forward to building something special together for our students.

ARHS PTO

The Algonquin High School PTO is excited to announce a Gift Card Fundraiser featuring a limited selection of local favorites and

experiences. This is a great opportunity to stock up for school breaks, family outings, or easy gifting, all while supporting our students and

school community. Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805084AAAA728A2F94-62016850-arhs

Available gift cards include:

Apex Entertainment gift card bundles (special bundle pricing available)
Cold Stone Creamery
Savr Restaurant on Boston’s waterfront
Mauro’s Cafe
Southborough House of Pizza

All gift cards are offered at face value, with the exception of the Apex Entertainment bundles, which are discounted. Quantities are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Funds raised directly support:

Student scholarships

JPPP programming

Student events

Staff appreciation celebrations

Gift cards may be picked up in the ARHS Main Office once payment is received.

Payment options:

PayPal or Venmo: @APTO-DEddy (please note “APTO Gift Card Fundraiser”)

Check payable to ARHS APTO, dropped off at the Main Office

If you prefer to make a direct contribution instead of purchasing a gift card, donations are always welcome and deeply appreciated.

Thank you for your continued support of the ARHS community. These fundraisers make a meaningful impact for our students and staff.

Warm regards,

ARHS APTO

Spirit Wear Collection

We are excited to share that Northborough Public Schools is hosting a Spirit Clothing Drive from January 15 through February 15. Families are invited to donate gently used school spirit wear to be reused or repurposed. Items can be dropped off at any Northborough Public School. If you need assistance with pick-up, please reach out using the contact information on the flyer. Thank you for supporting sustainability and helping keep school spirit going strong across our community.

MCAS Dates

English Language Arts (ELA)

Grade 5

Monday, March 30- ELA Day 1

Tuesday, March 31- ELA Day 2

Grade 4

Wednesday, April 1-ELA Session 1

Thursday, April 2- ELA Session 2

Grade 3

Monday, April 6- ELA Day 1

Tuesday, April 7- ELA Day 2

Mathematics (MATH)

Grade 5

Wednesday, April 29- Math Session 1

Thursday, April 30- Math Session 2

Grade 4

Friday, May 1- Math Session 1

Monday, May 4- Math Session 2

Grade 3

Wednesday, May 6- Math Session 1

Thursday, May 7- Math Session 2

Science, Technology & Engineering (STE) Grade 5 ONLY

Friday, May 8- STE Session 1

Monday, May 11- STE Session 2

Resources to Support Families

iCARE- Caregivers Advancing Resilience and Empowerment
For information about Local Supplemental Food Resources please use this LINK.
Raising Caring, Resilient, and Values-Guided Children (in an age of anxiety)
Mental Health Resources for Youth and their Families

Proctor PTO

SAVE THE DATE:

Read a Thon- Wed, 3/11

SPRING FAIR- Sat, 4/4 10am-2pm

Board Members Needed for '26/27 School Year

Learn the ins and outs of Proctor while helping the community. (this is Lisa's last year) Email proctorpto@gmail.com for more info.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Lisa Smith, President

Proctor PTO 2025-2026

Northborough/Southborough Parent Advisory Council (NSPAC)

NSPAC Gym Meet Up

Join NSPAC for a meet up of families with children on IEP or 504 plans. Children will play gym games led by Northborough Recreation staff while parents can mingle in the Rec Center.

Please sign up in advance. See attached flyer for additional details.

Please visit the NSPAC Website for more information!