Duval Dispatch
Celebrating 70 Years of Regal/Duval!
Week of Nov 17th
Dear Duval Families!
With the staffing reductions and changes around the district, we will be working with teachers this week to plan for the adjustments needed in the absence of or shift in 10 Duval staff members. These are difficult and will result in fewer services overall, but we are doing everything we can to maintain the high quality, inclusive, differentiated curriculum we have come to expect at Duval.
While a tough week for the Dolphin community, it is important to carry on the traditions and programs we had planned as best as we can for our kids. Our 60s Celebration will go on on Thursday, and the PTO Basket Raffle will be at the VFW on Friday evening. Don't forget to wear 60s gear on Thursday!
We are continuing the Snack and Dinners Food Bank here at Duval. If you need help, please click HERE or email Ms. Craig. All info is kept confidential! We are so happy to have helped over a dozen families so far! Thank you to all of who have donated!
Have a good week everyone! Looking forward to seeing you at the Basket Raffle Friday!
💙
Dr. Marcus and Ms. Craig
News from the Nurse
Headbanz in K
Twinning it at recess!
PTO NEWS!
Dear Duval Families,
We wanted to begin our update this week saying that we all share the same anger, frustration and sadness that many of you are feeling about the recent decisions made to eliminate and alter several positions at Duval. As a PTO we have been so lucky to be able to spend a substantial amount of time with our teachers and staff and have seen firsthand how critical they are to the success of our school. We remain committed to supporting the Duval community and will continue to prioritize our goals around supporting our staff and students as we move through this school year.
While the timing is bittersweet we are still very excited for our Annual Basket Raffle which is this Friday 11/21 at 6pm at the Whitman VFW. This event has historically fully funded our teacher reimbursement program. For those unfamiliar with this program we are able to offer a $300 reimbursement for classroom teachers, specialists and student services. This helps to offset the numerous out of pocket expenses they typically have to cover individually. Coming into this uncertain school year we made a commitment to keep this program running and to not decrease the amount we would offer. We are hopeful with the support of our amazing Duval community, we will hit our goal on Friday! All funds raised will go directly back to our classrooms, our teachers and our students.
This week students will have a chance to purchase tickets for 24 baskets created by Duval families and staff. If you would like your student to participate you can send payment via Venmo or send cash/check in advance of their library day. See flyer to check which day each class comes. These baskets will also featured at our event on Friday evening. We will also have 120+ raffle prizes, live auction experiences, 50/50 raffle and 2 grand prizes! So many chances to win and winners do not need to be present so share with your family and friends!
Our Basket Raffle event has grown every year and it is such a fun way to spend the evening with other Duval families and friends. We would love to show our staff how the Duval community always shows up. This year, more than ever, we have poured all of our efforts into making this event our most successful one yet. We can’t wait to see you all Friday!
💙
Jen Chester
President, Duval PTO
About Us
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