Week of May 6, 2024

Good evening, Finney Families!

This week is a special week, as it is Staff Appreciation Week! Please see flyers below for how you can help celebrate and honor our staff.

We will end the week with our annual Finney VAPA Celebration! This year, we will showcase music, art, theatre/drama, & dance (thanks to our amazing VAPA program and team who are dedicated to arts education and integration). Refreshments will be available for purchase- we hope to see you there!

We will also continue testing this week and throughout the month. All of our grade levels will be testing this week. Please see calendar below for details. You’ve got this, Bulldogs!

April-June at a Glance  

  • May 13: School Site Council Meeting
  • May 17: Quarter 4 Awards Assembly.  If your child is being recognized, you will receive an invitation from their teacher in the coming weeks. 
  • May 24-27: No School in honor of Memorial Day Weekend 
  • May 29: 1st Grade Dance Performance 9:00-10:00 in the Finney auditorium. 
  • On May 31: Annual field day!  Please click here to view the flyer & find information about volunteering for this event.  Our 6th grade dance will also occur this evening! 
  • June 3: Peace Run Assembly/Event 10:45-11:30 am. 
  • June 4: Staff vs 6th grade kickball game, Kinder Promotion 10:30-11:30, & 6th grade BBQ from 11:00-1:00. 
  • June 5: Our last day of school & 6th Grade Promotion 8:30-9:30 

Upcoming Dates (CVESD District Calendar)
May 24: No School (Memorial Day Weekend)
May 27: No School (Memorial Day Weekend)
June 5: Last day of school

Have a great rest of your weekend, Bulldogs. See you tomorrow!

Week of 4.15.24

Good evening Finney Families!

We have a few important updates/announcements this week!

We are entering end of year testing “season” and wanted to provide you with our updated testing calendar. Please see below. 🙂

We have also started planning our annual Field Day! Please see the flyer below for Field Day details. Volunteers are needed and appreciated for this event.

We are excited for another week of fun & learning!

See you tomorrow, Bulldogs!

Upcoming Dates (CVESD District Calendar)
May 24: No School (Memorial Day Weekend)
May 27: No School (Memorial Day Weekend)
June 5: Last day of school

Week of April 8, 2024

Good evening, Finney Families!

Welcome to the second week of the fourth quarter. 🙂 We had a wonderful first week back from Spring Break and are looking forward to the next.

This week, Our Finney soccer team has a game on our Finney field from 4:15-5:30 Tuesday.  Good luck, Bulldogs! 

On Thursday, some of our 6th grade students will be honored by receiving Masonic Awards!  The assembly is from 9:45-10:15.  If your student is being honored, you will be notified by their teacher. 

In a few weeks, students will be taking statewide assessments and district local measures assessments.  We are excited to celebrate the growth and success of our students. Please be sure students arrive at school on time each day, as testing will occur in the morning.  Please reach out with any questions.  We’ve got this, Bulldogs! 

Reminder: Registration for the 24-25 school year is open.  Please visit the CVESD website to register your student(s).  Please reach out to our office team if you need support. 

Upcoming Dates (CVESD District Calendar)
May 24: No School (Memorial Day Weekend)
May 27: No School (Memorial Day Weekend)
June 5: Last day of school

Looking forward to a great week, Bulldogs! See you tomorrow!

Week of November 27, 2023

Please welcome Ms. Rachel Scott, Acting Principal at Finney! Ms. Scott joins us most recently from Salt Creek where she was the Associate Principal. Prior to that she taught Special Education for multiple years in CVESD. We are excited to welcome her to Finney!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! We have many fun events happening at Finney in the next few weeks! If you are able to volunteer for any of the events below, please reach out to Mrs. Claudia Alanis, PTA President (cjalanis67@gmail.com) with the days/times you are available.

  • APEX Fun Run Thursday, December 7
    • Volunteers needed to help track laps run by students 7:30am – 11am
  • Holiday Gift Shop December 7 – 8
    • Volunteers needed 11a – 2p (Thursday) & 8a – 1:00p (Friday)
  • All School Recess Monday, December 11
    • Volunteers needed 10a – 10:45a

Join Ms. Scott and Mr. Latoni as they go over our School Plan for Student Achievement. This plan outlines how we will improve our student achievement, chronic absenteeism, and suspension rate. We welcome any and all suggestions!

PTA Winter Wonderland Bazaar Thursday, December 7 4p – 6p!

BREAKFAST & SNACKS: FREE breakfast is available for all students from 7:15-7:40. Students are encouraged to bring a healthy snack from home to eat at morning recess. Students may NOT share food at school.

Upcoming Dates (CVESD Calendar):

  • Nov. 20 – 24 Thanksgiving Break – No School
  • Nov. 27 Students Return – Regular Day
  • Dec. 7 APEX Fun Run **Volunteers needed!**
  • Dec. 7 PTA Winter Wonderland Bazaar 4p – 6p
  • Dec. 8 Holiday Gift Shop 8a – 1p **Volunteers needed!**
  • Dec. 11 All-School Recess/Teacher Breakfast 9:30a – 11a **Volunteers needed!**
  • Dec. 18 – Jan. 9, 2024 Winter Break – No School
  • Jan. 10 Q3 Begins – Minimum Day

Week of November 13, 2023

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! If you are able to volunteer for any of the events below, please reach out to Mrs. Claudia Alanis, PTA President (cjalanis67@gmail.com) with the days/times you are available.

  • APEX Fun Run Thursday, December 7
    • Volunteers needed 7:30am – 11am
  • Holiday Gift Shop December 7 – 8
    • Volunteers needed 11a – 2p (Thursday) & 8a – 1:00p (Friday)
  • All School Recess Monday, December 11
    • Volunteers needed 10a – 10:45a

Family Handbook Highlight: DRESS CODE (pg. 14)

  • Jewelry can be dangerous and should be left at home.
  • Hats, beanies and/or hoods are not to be worn in class.
  • No make-up.
  • No long nails and no fake nails.
  • Wear closed toe shoes with non-slip soles suitable for PE
  • Shorts PASS student’s fingertips when arms are at sides. 
  • Tank tops must have straps at least 3 fingers wide.
  • No crop tops.
  • Gang-related attire is prohibited. 
  • No clothing with references to drugs or alcohol. 
  • Ensure words on clothing are appropriate. 
  • Mark all sweaters, jackets, and coats with your name.

BREAKFAST & SNACKS: FREE breakfast is available for all students from 7:15-7:40. Students are encouraged to bring a healthy snack from home to eat at morning recess. Students may NOT share food at school.

Upcoming Dates (CVESD Calendar):

  • Nov. 13 – 17 6th Grade Camp
  • Nov. 14 SSC 2:35pm Room 602
  • Nov. 15 CVESD Board Meeting
  • Nov. 20 – 24 Thanksgiving Break – No School
  • Nov. 27 Students Return – Regular Day
  • Dec. 7 APEX Fun Run
  • Dec. 18 – Jan. 9, 2024 Winter Break – No School
  • Jan. 10 Q3 Begins – Minimum Day

Week of November 6, 2023

Scholastic Book Fair is happening this week! CLICK HERE to check out our online flyer and to set up your child’s E-Wallet.

If you are able to volunteer for any of the events below, please reach out to Mrs. Claudia Alanis, PTA President (cjalanis67@gmail.com) with the days/times you are available.

  • Book Fair November 6 – 9
    • Volunteers needed 10a – 10:45a & 2:00p – 2:30p
  • APEX Fun Run Thursday, December 7
    • Volunteers needed 7:30am – 11am
  • Holiday Gift Shop December 7 – 8
    • Volunteers needed 11a – 2p (Thursday) & 8a – 1:00p (Friday)
  • All School Recess Monday, December 11
    • Volunteers needed 10a – 10:45a

No School Friday, November 10 in honor of Veteran’s Day.

25% of our students had perfect attendance in October! Our top 3 classrooms were Mrs. Gillespie, Mrs. Martinez, and Mrs. Fontes! Way to go!

Family Handbook Highlight: TARDIES/ABSENCES (pg. 6)

  • The gate is locked at the 7:45 bell. Students who are late will need to report to the Health Office to get a tardy slip. Tardies contribute to a student’s absence rate, with every three tardies counting as an absence.
  • Once a child has been tardy for 15 minutes or more 3 times, it is counted as an absence. Once a child has missed 10% of school days excused or unexcused, the child is considered chronically absent, and a School Attendance and Review Team meeting will be scheduled to discuss possible solutions. Children on Zone Transfers may lose the right to return to Finney Elementary School the next school year if attendance issues persist.

FREE Afterschool Opportunities:

Board Games Sign Up Link

Running Club Sign Up Link

Afterschool Strings (4th – 6th Grade) Sign Up Link

Study Club (4th Grade) Sign Up Lin

BREAKFAST & SNACKS: FREE breakfast is available for all students from 7:15-7:40. Students are encouraged to bring a healthy snack from home to eat at morning recess. Students may NOT share food at school.

Upcoming Dates (CVESD Calendar):

  • Nov. 13 – 17 6th Grade Camp
  • Nov. 15 CVESD Board Meeting
  • Nov. 20 – 24 Thanksgiving Break – No School
  • Nov. 27 Students Return – Regular Day
  • Dec. 7 APEX Fun Run
  • Dec. 18 – Jan. 9, 2024 Winter Break – No School
  • Jan. 10 Q3 Begins – Minimum Day

Week of October 30, 2023

Join Mr. Latoni on Friday, November 3 at 8am in the auditorium for Principal’s Coffee Chat and ELAC (English Learner Advisory Committee) Meeting!

No costumes allowed at school on October 31.

Family Handbook Highlight: DRESS CODE (pg. 14)

  • Jewelry can be dangerous and should be left at home.
  • Hats, beanies and/or hoods are not to be worn in class.
  • No make-up.
  • No long nails and no fake nails.
  • Wear closed toe shoes with non-slip soles suitable for PE.
  • Shorts PASS student’s fingertips when arms are at sides. 
  • Tank tops must have straps at least 3 fingers wide.
  • No crop tops.
  • Gang-related attire is prohibited. 
  • No clothing with references to drugs or alcohol. 
  • Ensure words on clothing are appropriate. 
  • Mark all sweaters, jackets, and coats with your  name.

FREE Afterschool Opportunities:

Board Games Sign Up Link

Running Club Sign Up Link

Afterschool Strings (4th – 6th Grade) Sign Up Link

Study Club (4th Grade) Sign Up Lin

Finney parents are invited to attend the annual CABE Mini Conference at Otay Ranch High School on Saturday, November 4th. If you would like to attend, Finney parent involvement funds will cover the cost. Please notify the front office if you are interested.

BREAKFAST & SNACKS: FREE breakfast is available for all students from 7:15-7:40. Students are encouraged to bring a healthy snack from home to eat at morning recess. Students may NOT share food at school.

Upcoming Dates (CVESD Calendar):

  • Nov. 6 – 9 Book Fair
  • Nov. 10 Veteran’s Day – No School
  • Nov. 13 – 17 6th Grade Camp
  • Nov. 20 – 24 Thanksgiving Break – No School
  • Dec. 18 – Jan. 9, 2024 Winter Break – No School
  • Jan. 10 Q3 Begins – Minimum Day

Week of October 23, 2023

Our school day begins promptly at 7:45am and that is when the main gate is locked. Please exit the campus prior to the bell ringing at 7:45am. Thank you for helping our students’ learning begin on time and keeping our campus secure!

Friday, October 27 is the annual Finney Costume Parade at 8:15-8:45 a.m. on the east blacktop. Families are welcome, and can enter and exit through the side gate on the east side of the auditorium for this event. Student costume guidelines:

  • Faces must not be covered up.  Masks will be allowed during parade only.
  • Costumes are to be tasteful and appropriate for elementary school. Our youngest students are 3 years old. Nothing scary, please. No references to shows or games that are not appropriate for young children. 
  • Blood, guts and/or gore are not allowed.
  • Fake guns, swords, knives or anything resembling a weapon is not allowed.
  • Costumes must not require parent or adult assistance.
  • Students participating in the parade should arrive to school in their costume and remain in costume all day.
  • Students not participating will be supervised in the library.
  • No costumes allowed at school on Oct. 31.

FREE Afterschool Opportunities:

Board Games Sign Up Link

Running Club Sign Up Link

Afterschool Strings (4th – 6th Grade) Sign Up Link

Homework Help (2nd Grade) Sign Up Link

Study Club (4th Grade) Sign Up Link

Finney is seeking a parent representative to the CVESD Budget Advisory Committee (BAC). The parent representative will learn about school and District budget processes and provide valuable input on District budget priorities. The first BAC Meeting is on October 25, 6:00-7:00 pm at the CVESD district office, 84 East J Street, Chula Vista. If you are interested in serving as Finney’s BAC representative, please let the front office know.

Finney parents are invited to attend the annual CABE Mini Conference at Otay Ranch High School on Saturday, November 4th. If you would like to attend, Finney parent involvement funds will cover the cost. Please notify the front office if you are interested.

BREAKFAST & SNACKS: FREE breakfast is available for all students from 7:15-7:40. Students are encouraged to bring a healthy snack from home to eat at morning recess. Students may NOT share food at school.

Upcoming Dates (CVESD Calendar):

  • Oct. 27 Costume Parade 8:15a
  • Nov. 6 – 9 Book Fair
  • Nov. 10 Veteran’s Day – No School
  • Nov. 13 – 17 6th Grade Camp
  • Nov. 20 – 24 Thanksgiving Break – No School
  • Dec. 18 – Jan. 9, 2024 Winter Break – No School
  • Jan. 10 Q3 Begins – Minimum Day

Week of October 16, 2023

Our school day begins promptly at 7:45am and that is when the main gate is locked. Please exit the campus prior to the bell ringing at 7:45am. Thank you for helping our students’ learning begin on time and keeping our campus secure!

The District will conduct a new principal selection process, and we encourage you to participate by completing the new principal survey below. Your responses will assist us in determining the qualities you are seeking. If you wish to be considered for the interview process, please contact Assistant Superintendent Jason Romero at jason.romero@cvesd.org.

New principal survey: https://tinyurl.com/3va7tbm8

Check out our new after-school classes starting this week (October 16):

Arts & Crafts Sign Up Link *Begins Thursday, October 12

Board Games Sign Up Link

Running Club Sign Up Link

Check out these clubs starting October 23:

Afterschool Strings (4th – 6th Grade) Sign Up Link

Homework Help (2nd Grade) Sign Up Link

Study Club (4th Grade) Sign Up Link

Friday, October 27 is the annual Finney Costume Parade at 8:15-8:45 a.m. on the east blacktop. Families are welcome, and can enter and exit through the side gate on the east side of the auditorium for this event. Student costume guidelines:

  • Faces must not be covered up.  Masks will be allowed during parade only.
  • Costumes are to be tasteful and appropriate for elementary school. Our youngest students are 3 years old. Nothing scary, please. No references to shows or games that are not appropriate for young children. 
  • Blood, guts and/or gore are not allowed.
  • Fake guns, swords, knives or anything resembling a weapon is not allowed.
  • Costumes must not require parent or adult assistance.
  • Students participating in the parade should arrive to school in their costume and remain in costume all day.
  • Students not participating will be supervised in the library.
  • No costumes allowed at school on Oct. 31.

Finney is seeking a parent representative to the CVESD Budget Advisory Committee (BAC). The parent representative will learn about school and District budget processes and provide valuable input on District budget priorities. The first BAC Meeting is on October 25, 6:00-7:00 pm at the CVESD district office, 84 East J Street, Chula Vista. If you are interested in serving as Finney’s BAC representative, please let the front office know.

Finney parents are invited to attend the annual CABE Mini Conference at Otay Ranch High School on Saturday, November 4th. If you would like to attend, Finney parent involvement funds will cover the cost. Please notify the front office if you are interested.

BREAKFAST & SNACKS: FREE breakfast is available for all students from 7:15-7:40. Students are encouraged to bring a healthy snack from home to eat at morning recess. Students may NOT share food at school.

Upcoming Dates (CVESD Calendar):

  • Oct. 27 Costume Parade 8:15a
  • Nov. 6 – 9 Book Fair
  • Nov. 10 Veteran’s Day – No School
  • Nov. 13 – 17 6th Grade Camp
  • Nov. 20 – 24 Thanksgiving Break – No School
  • Dec. 18 – Jan. 9, 2024 Winter Break – No School
  • Jan. 10 Q3 Begins – Minimum Day

Week of October 9, 2023

Please welcome our Interim Principal, Mr. Latoni! Mr. Latoni joins us with over 20 years in education and 12 years as principal in CVESD. He grew up in Puerto Rico and enjoys archery, backpacking, and board games. We are excited to have him! You can reach him at Erik.Latoni@cvesd.org.

The District will conduct a new principal selection process, and we encourage you to participate by completing the new principal survey below. Your responses will assist us in determining the qualities you are seeking. If you wish to be considered for the interview process, please contact Assistant Superintendent Jason Romero at jason.romero@cvesd.org.

New principal survey: https://tinyurl.com/3va7tbm8

Check out our new after-school classes starting this quarter:

Arts & Crafts Sign Up Link *Begins Thursday, October 12

Board Games Sign Up Link

Running Club Sign Up Link

Finney is seeking a parent representative to the CVESD Budget Advisory Committee (BAC). The parent representative will learn about school and District budget processes and provide valuable input on District budget priorities. The first BAC Meeting is on October 25, 6:00-7:00 pm at the CVESD district office, 84 East J Street, Chula Vista. If you are interested in serving as Finney’s BAC representative, please let the front office know.

Finney parents are invited to attend the annual CABE Mini Conference at Otay Ranch High School on Saturday, November 4th. If you would like to attend, Finney parent involvement funds will cover the cost. Please notify the front office if you are interested.

BREAKFAST & SNACKS: FREE breakfast is available for all students from 7:15-7:40. Students are encouraged to bring a healthy snack from home to eat at morning recess. Students may NOT share food at school.

Upcoming Dates:

  • Oct. 12 PTA Meeting
  • Oct. 27 Costume Parade 8a
  • Nov. 10 Veteran’s Day – No School
  • Nov. 13 – 17 6th Grade Camp
  • Nov. 20 – 24 Thanksgiving Break – No School
  • Dec. 18 – Jan. 9, 2024 Winter Break – No School
  • Jan. 10 Q3 Begins – Minimum Day