Dear Families,

We had a great week at Thacher! Today marked our first professional development half day of the year, and our staff spent valuable time engaging in training for all of our emergency response procedures (e.g., fires, evacuations, medical emergencies, tornados, etc).

As the weather begins to change, please be sure your student comes to school dressed appropriately for the cooler temperatures. All grades continue to enjoy recess daily, weather permitting.

A reminder that there is no school on Monday in observance of Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Enjoy the long weekend, and we look forward to seeing everyone back on Tuesday, rested and ready for another great week of learning.

Warm regards,

Frank Rich, Principal

Sarah Desautel, Asst. Principal

It’s been an awesome start to the school year in Physical Education! Students have done a fantastic job learning and settling into their routines. Over the first few weeks, we focused on teamwork, communication, and building positive connections through fun icebreaker-style games and activities. It’s been great to see everyone encouraging one another and showing such great sportsmanship in the gym and on the field.

We’ve now kicked off our annual Thacher Olympics, and students are giving their best effort in a variety of events—including the quarter-mile run, 40-yard dash, softball throw, basketball hot shot, long jump, and sit and reach. The excitement and energy have been incredible! I’m so proud of our students for challenging themselves, cheering for their classmates, and setting the tone for an active and inclusive year ahead.

On Tuesday, we kicked off our very first Unified Walking Club after school, and what an amazing start it was! Our Thacher students showed incredible kindness, teamwork, and enthusiasm as they walked side by side with their peers from Insights and Project Success. It was a terrific reminder of how special our school community is—where inclusion, friendship, and positivity truly shine. 

If you ever have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out at anytime!

Mr. Ryan Henry 

Rhenry@attleboroschools.com

Physical Education Teacher

We’re excited to invite parents, caregivers, and community members to join our School Council! By law, every school has a council made up of both staff, family, and community representatives, and your voice is an important part of shaping our school’s future.

This year, the council will be working on both our current and new School Improvement Plan. Meetings are usually held virtually from October through February, making it easy to participate from home.

If you’re interested in serving or would like to learn more, please reach out me at frich@attleboroschools.com

You can also find additional information about School Councils here. We would love for you to join us!

Parents/guardians must sign off as an acknowledgement of the student handbook. This has to be done for EACH CHILD. Thank you.

State Mandated Screenings

All health screenings conducted in school are required by Massachusetts State Law. Screenings are ongoing throughout the school year. If you do not wish your child to participate, you must write a letter to the school nurse declining your child’s participation. This letter must be written each year and be specific to which screenings you do not wish your child to participate in.

Vision (grades 1-4), hearing (grades K-3) and height & weight (grades 1& 4) screenings have begun and will continue through October.

Vision Screenings:  PREK and Kindergarten SPOT vision screening with Lion's Club will take place on October 14th & 15th

Families are notified of any concerns and referred for evaluation as necessary.

Kindness Closet

In need of donations:

• Boys' NEW underwear sizes 6, 7, 8, 10, 12

• Boys' new gently used pants size 6, 7, 8

Click the image above to view it in other languages

Lisa Kilfoyle lkilfoyle@attleboroschools.com

Stephanie Rosario srosario@attleboroschools.com

School Nurses

Thacher Elementary School

2025-2026 District Calendar of Events (click to view)

October 13: No School

October 17: PTO Harvest Night