Our daily column, 5 Things You Need to Know Today, will help you to get your day started and offer you some fodder for water cooler conversation.

1. Today is an early release day for elementary school students in the Framingham Public Schools. This is the first of 5 Thursdays in a row - 6 if you count Thanksgiving - that elementary students will be released early from school.

2. Looking for something for the kids to do afterschool? Consider the open LEGO blocks build event at the main Framingham Library from 3 to 4 p.m. for kids ages 5 and older. The event is free.

3. Another option for kids, especially those who still want to wear their Halloween costumes is a trick or treat event at the American Careers Institute. The event was originally scheduled for Monday but was postponed until today from 2:30 to 6 p.m. at 125 Newbury St. due to Hurricane Sandy This is a safe, free event for Framingham families featuring candy and give aways for the kids, cotton candy, popcorn and free family picture with your trick-or-treater. While the event is free pre-registration is required by calling 508-620-5904, ext. 3002 or texting JohnR @ 58124

4. Trick or Treaters, accompanied by an adult, may trade in their cavity-causing loot for a chance to win an iPod Touch and other great prizes Saturday, Nov. 3 from 2-5 p.m. at Framingham Dental Center. This free Halloween Candy Buy Back event will have a special appearance by the Tooth Fairy, too.

5. Today is the final day to enter Patch's Best Halloween Costume in America contest. National judges will choose 21 finalists from each Patch state and select one grand prize winner based on who has the most creative and innovative costume. Each state finalist will receive $250 and one grand prize winner will receive $5,000. Click here to upload your photo!

BONUS: Thanks to Dunning Elementary School Principal Kim Taylor for the photo featured in today's column. It was taken at her school right after the hurricane.