06/24/2026
¡Muchas felicidades a nuestra Directora Ms Quintana! Gracias por su arduo trabajo. La familia Finkl se siente muy orgullosa de usted /Congratulations to our Principal Ms Quintana Thank you for your hard work. The Finkl family feels very proud of you.
This week, we’re proud to spotlight Nancy Quintana, principal at Finkl Elementary School and a member of our 2025–26 Malott Educator Fellowship cohort.
Principal Quintana leads Finkl with the kind of deep care that makes students, families, and staff feel seen, known, and supported. This year, she has translated that care into action by strengthening Tier 1 attendance structures, which include building a positive school culture, using universal data tracking, and proactively preventing chronic absenteeism.
According to ISBE, IAR proficiency at Finkl increased from 32.7% in 2021 to 44.5% in 2025, while chronic absenteeism decreased roughly seven percentage points from 2024 to 2025. Finkl’s K–2 cluster classroom was also recognized as a district Model of Excellence, drawing educators from across CPS to learn from the school’s practices and approach.
Beyond the classroom, scholars with disabilities are thriving through expanded opportunities to lead, compete, and create. This year, students revived a school coffee shop, participated in the Special Olympics, joined Robotics4All, and created artwork on permanent display at the district’s Office for Students with Disabilities.
Principal Quintana’s leadership extends beyond her school community as she also serves as CPAA Auxiliary 4 President for Networks 7 and 8. Through every initiative, she is helping build a school where every system reflects a simple but powerful belief: every student belongs.
