Duval Dispatch

Hello Duval Community!

Last day of September and then we head into a very fun, busy, and community-building month of October! As the weather shifts to just slightly cooler, our ability to get into more serious academic work grows. At the same time, being able to get outside in cool air has been really wonderful.

Last week, we celebrated Go Gold for Hope! As a combined team, our community raised hundreds of dollars to help childhood cancer research and family support! (Final tally to come...) Along with the money, students were challenged to do respectful acts to earn a yellow ribbon for their classroom door. Hundreds of ribbons appeared on doors throughout the week as kids did some really great things for others. On Friday, we tallied up the ribbons and awarded a Gold medal to Mrs. Cameron's class, and Silver and Bronze medals to Mrs. Graffam's, Ms. Crouse's, and Mrs. Curley's classes!

THIS week, we will be celebrating 😀 World Smiley Face Day on Friday 😀! Stay tuned for more details!

Have a great week everyone!

Dr. Marcus and Ms. Craig

We need a Lunch Aide for the next three weeks. Hours are 10:45-1:45 each day, helping run a comfortable, safe cafe experience for our kids. Pay is per WH Para/Substitute contract. If you are able or interested, please call or email Dr. Marcus ASAP!

Speaking of lunch and recess, we are also looking for volunteers to come to recesses and help coach the more active games, or even teach good old playground games. Folks are welcome to come to as few or as many recesses as possible, with a brief training from Dr. M ahead of time. This is a great volunteer opportunity for folks who'd like to help make recess an even more fun and enjoyable experience for all! Email Dr. M if you're interested.

Rainy Day. Many thanks to families for your patience and caution this last Friday. Overall, it was a smooth and safe dismissal. Remember, No passing anywhere on campus driveways.

Please do not arrive for Parent Pick Up before 3pm. Thank you!

Placards: Please email Mrs. Brandon if you need one or more yellow placards. If you don't have one and the person doing pick up doesn't recognize you, getting out your license and checking for allowed pick up REALLY slows everyone down.

Walkers/Bikers: Parents on foot picking up should be on the grass by the bike rack, far left of school, NOT down by car pick up.

Buses. Please be outside or clearly visible to the bus driver at least 5 minutes before expected pick up or drop off time.

News from Nurse Melissa. Check it out HERE.

Check out some pics from an exciting week of raising money for childhood cancer research and performing respectful acts.

Oct. 4- World Smiley Face Day!

Oct. 8- PTO Meeting and Papa Gino's Night

Oct. 8- Katy Boucher Parent Program at WHRHS

Oct. 11- Early Release Day

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Calendar Items for the Year. We'll have a link HERE permanently and update it frequently.

With the changing of seasons comes a wave of PTO events!

Next up is our annual Monster Mash on Friday, October 25th from 6-8 PM. Please join us for a night of dancing, games, snacks, and more. Flyers will be coming home with your students this week with more information about the event.

Our first fundraising effort of the year will also be getting underway as we prepare for our Basket Raffle and Auction. Between our themed classroom baskets, local business donations, and one of a kind experiences offered by our families and staff, there will be over 100 prizes up for grabs. On Friday, November 15th we invite you to the Whitman VFW from 6-9 PM. Please stay tuned for more details.

These events and more will be discussed at our upcoming meeting on Tuesday, October 8th at 7 PM in the Duval Library. Childcare will be provided for Duval students by Whitman-Hanson National Honors Society students.

We hope to see you all soon,

Marshall Ottina

President, Duval PTO

• Families can log into Infinite Campus for classroom information. Need an Infinite Campus Parent Portal Account? Please contact the Technology Department at 781-618-8100

• 🐣 Be the first to say to Dr. M or Ms. C. "October is pumpkin time at Duval" and win a class prize.
  

• YMCA Before/After School Care Information

• The WHRSD and Duval School PTO Facebook pages are excellent social media resources for staying connected and informed.

• WHRSD Academic Calendar includes holidays, vacations, and early release date.

John H. Duval Elementary provides a safe, supportive environment where children are able to reach for the stars!

Email: john.marcus@whrsd.org
Website: https://whd.whrsd.org
Location: 60 Regal Street, Whitman, MA 02382
Phone: 781-618-7055
Twitter: @DuvalElementary