DFP Family Update

Dear Feeney Families,

It has been a wonderful and successful start to the school year at DFP! Our students have jumped right into learning classroom routines and procedures, building new friendships, and becoming part of their classroom communities. Already, we are seeing kindness, curiosity, and cooperation in so many ways.

During my classroom visits, I’ve had the opportunity to hear thoughtful conversations about feelings, friendship, family, and what it means to be part of a caring community. It has been wonderful to see our students learning not only from their teachers, but also from one another as we navigate these first few weeks together.

It is clear that we are off to a strong start, and I look forward to all the learning, growth, and joy that this school year will bring. Thank you for your continued support, partnership, and trust.

Enjoy your weekend,

Julie Martin

As we remember September 11, we take a moment to honor the many lives that were lost and the families and communities who were forever changed. For our youngest learners, we will focus on the values that help make our community strong—kindness, caring for others, helping one another, and appreciating the people who keep us safe.

We are grateful for the many helpers in our community and for the caring adults who surround and support our children each day.

Arriving on time helps children begin their school day feeling calm, confident, and ready to learn. It gives them time to greet their teachers and friends, settle in, and participate in important morning routines and learning activities.

We know mornings with young children can be unpredictable. Please plan enough time to arrive on time and ready to learn. Thank you for helping your child start each day with a successful transition.

A reminder when the doors to the preschool are closed, please bring your student to the main office of Elm Street School.

Thank you for following our arrival and dismissal procedures during playground construction. As you can see, the playground is progressing quickly and it looks fantastic. We expect completion of the project in the next two weeks or less.

Due to playground construction, Popsicles at Preschool will take place in the Elm Street School gym. Please enter the building through the main entrance of Elm Street School and follow the signs to the gym on the lower floor.

Thank you for emailing the names of those who will pick up your child. Please continue to email Julie Martin and your child's teacher with the names of anyone who may pick up your child from school. Be sure all individuals have identification with them. Thank you.

If your child attends a full-day program, lunch is available through our Nutrition Department at no cost.

Lunch options are as follows:

Monday: Chicken Nuggets

Tuesday: Burgers

Thursday: PANCAKES (this is a change)

Friday: Pizza

Friday, September 18 is our first early release day of the school year. All students will dismiss at 11:00 am.

Please note the following:

Students in Miss Effie's MORNING class will attend school. There is NO SCHOOL for Miss Effie's AFTERNOON students.

Students in MISS ERIN's class will be dismissed at DOOR 1 (the same door as arrival) rather than the playground.

All other classes will dismiss as usual, thank you.

We hope to see you and your student at our curriculum night on Tuesday, September 29 at 6:00 pm. This is an opportunity for you and your child to visit the classroom and see what and how they are learning.

Please note, this evening is not intended for individual student conversations with the teacher. If you would like to speak with your child's teacher, please reach out via email.

This evening will conclude promptly at 6:40 pm.

*When you arrive, please enter through the PLAYGROUND ENTRANCE. I will be there to greet you.

We are still seeking a family representative to join our School Governance Council. The School Governance Committee meets monthly to discuss our School Improvement Plan and goals for this school year. More information can be found HERE.

Meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month at 8:00 am. Please contact Julie Martin if you are interested. Thank you for considering this opportunity.

DFP picture day is on Friday, October 16. You will receive more information including how to order pictures. There will be a future picture re-take day and a spring picture day.

September:

8 - First Day of Preschool

17- Popsicles at Preschool from 5:30-6:30 pm

18 - Early Release Day at 11 am for ALL students

29- DFP Open House/Curriclum Night at 6:00 (more information to come)

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