DFP Family Update
November 14, 2025
This week, we explored the theme of gratitude with our students. We talked about what it means to be thankful, the people and things we appreciate, and the special role family plays in our lives. Students shared who they are thankful for and reflected on why those people are important to them.
We also discussed simple ways we can show gratitude to others—using kind words, helping a friend, taking turns, and noticing when someone does something thoughtful. It was a wonderful opportunity to build empathy and strengthen our classroom community. If you’d like to continue the conversation at home, ask your child who they are thankful for today! We’ve seen incredible progress on our playground construction this week! It has been exciting to watch how quickly everything is taking shape. The students have been eagerly observing the changes, and we are just as excited to have them back outside enjoying the new space soon.
Thank you for your continued support—enjoy the weekend ahead.
Warm regards,
Julie Martin
Playground Rendering
PAC Meeting Monday, 11/17 at 6:00pm
Our next Parent Advisory Council (PAC) meeting is on Monday, November 17 at 6. We will discuss the Hand-Me-Up Consignment event in January, the Third Annual DFP Carnival in March, and the potential of our first ever DFP Trivia Night.If you are unable to join us in person, please consider joining via Google Meet (the link will be shared on Monday morning). I hope to see you there.
Picture Re-Take Day is Thursday, November 20
If you plan to have your child's photo taken on Thursday, November 20, please notify your child's teacher. Thank you.
DFP Donations to the Walpole Food Pantry
The Walpole Food Pantry is in need of:
TOILET PAPER AND PAPER TOWELS
We will be collecing these items through Friday, November 21.
Thank you for your generous donations so far!
They are also accepting direct donations: https://www.wcfp.org/donate-now
Aggie Animals at DFP! Monday, November 24
SAVE THE DATE! Hand-Me-Up Clothing Consignment Fair is Sunday, January 25th
Learn more on the DFP Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CgUf4JKsq/?mibextid=wwXIfr
DFP is now participating in Box Tops for Education!
The Box Tops app makes it easy to earn cash for the school of your choice, whether it’s your child’s school or a local school that could use a little help. Please download the app "Box Tops for Education" and search for Daniel Feeney Preschool (you will see it listed as Daniel Freeney Preschool - that should be resolved soon). You can earn money for DFP while you shop!
ClassroomsCount Scholastic Fundraiser!
We have raised $350 towards our goal of $500 for our ClassroomsCount fundraiser - thank you. If you would like to contribute, please click on the link below.
https://shop.scholastic.com/viewCampaign?campaignId=765cdb62-ad24-4cb0-aff3-73b8405cc3db
Occupational Therapy Tip - Why Hand Strength Matters
Why Hand Strengthening Matters for Preschoolers
1. Prepares for Writing and Drawing
● Strong hand and finger muscles help children hold crayons, pencils, and
markers with control.
● Builds endurance for writing and coloring without tiring easily.
2. Supports Everyday Independence
● Helps with self-care skills like buttoning, zipping, using utensils, and
opening containers.
3. Builds a Stable Foundation for Fine Motor Skills
● Strength in the hands and wrists supports dexterity and precision needed
for tasks like cutting, building with blocks, and manipulating small toys.
● A strong “core” in the hands allows smoother coordination with the eyes.
4. Promotes Bilateral Coordination
● Strengthened hands work better together, which is essential for tasks like
stabilizing paper while cutting or holding an object while using the other
hand to manipulate it.
What Can You Do at Home to Support Hand Strength?
Short (3–5 minutes) of hand-strengthening activities can make a big difference in
improving pencil grasp, endurance, and precision for writing and cutting tasks.
Hand Strengthening Activities
1. Playdough & Putty Play
● Roll, pinch, and flatten playdough or therapy putty.
● Hide small beads or coins in playdough for “treasure hunts.”
● Use tools like plastic scissors, rollers, or cookie cutters.
2. Squeezing & Pinching
● Squeeze spray bottles (watering plants, cleaning tables).
● Use clothespins or chip clips to clip onto cardboard or paper.
● Pinch pompoms or cotton balls with tweezers or tongs and transfer them into cups.
3. Construction & Building Toys
● Connect and pull apart Duplos, Legos, or pop beads.
● Snap together interlocking toys (e.g., bristle blocks, magnetic tiles).
● Screw and unscrew toy nuts and bolts.
4. Tool Use & Manipulatives
● Use hole punches to make “confetti.”
● Wind up toys and watch them go.
● Turn keys in locks or twist caps onto bottles.
5. Art & Craft Activities
● Tear paper for collages (great for finger and thumb strength).
● Use eye droppers or pipettes for watercolor art.
● Cut thick materials (construction paper, straws, playdough).
APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR
The application for the 2026-2027 school year will be available on our website Monday, January 5, 2026. This is for NEW peers applying for the first time, not current students who plan to re-enroll. More information will be on our website soon.
Important Dates:
November:
17- PAC Meeting at 6:00pm
20 - DFP Picture Retake Day
20 -Parent/Educator Conferences 5-7 pm
24- Aggie Animals Visit DFP
26 - Early Release
27-28 - Thanksgiving Break, no school
IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION
Julie Martin, Director: jmartin@walpole.k12.ma.us
Tina DiCicco, School Nurse: 508-660-7374 ext. 5620
Annmarie Khokha, School Business Office, responsible for tuition payments: akhokha@walpole.k12.ma.us
Amanda Torigian, Administrative Assistant, Elm and DFP: atorigian@walpole.k12.ma.us
Susan Shea, Administrative Assistant, Elm and DFP: sshea@walpole.k12.ma.us
