DFP Family Update

Dear Feeney Families,

What a joy it was to welcome your children to DFP yesterday! It was wonderful to see them meeting their teachers and exploring their new classrooms We are so excited for the amazing year ahead!

The first day of school can bring big feelings—for children and grown-ups alike—and that is completely okay! A new classroom, new teachers, and a new routine can take some time to adjust to.

If your child has a difficult time separating at arrival next Tuesday, we encourage you to keep goodbyes brief, loving, and confident before heading out. While it can be hard to walk away when your child is upset, our experience tells us that children often become engaged in play and classroom activities very quickly. Those tears frequently turn into smiles sooner than you might expect!

Please know that our teachers are here to support your child through this transition. If your child is having a particularly difficult time settling in, I will reach out to you with an update so you know how they are doing.

Thank you for trusting us with your children. We are looking forward to a wonderful year of learning, growing, and making memories together! If you have any questions between now and the start of school, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Warmly,

As you could see yesterday, playground construction is well underway! In just a few short weeks, our students will be exploring and playing on a brand-new playground structure, enjoying the swings, and interacting with exciting sensory boards.

🚧 Temporary Arrival & Dismissal Procedures

During construction, there will be temporary changes to arrival and dismissal procedures for students in Ms. Heidi’s, Ms. Stacy’s, and Ms. Effie's classrooms.

*This dismissal procedure will also apply to Ms. Erin's students who dismiss at 11:00 am.

Please note: Construction vehicles will be parked in front of the playground, blocking the parking spaces.

For morning arrival and afternoon dismissal, please follow these directions:

• Drive around the loop near the main entrance of Elm Street School.
• Park on the right side of the loop.
• Walk your child to the DFP playground gate for arrival.
• Please use the same procedure at dismissal, walking to the DFP playground gate to meet your child.

Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we work through this exciting construction project. We can’t wait for our students to enjoy their new playground!

Please read carefully the arrival and dismissal document attached below. Our start time is 8:30 AM and Elm Street School's start time is 9:00 AM. Please make every effort to be at preschool on time to avoid the Elm Street School arrival time. If you are late, please park in one the parking spots in front of the DFP playground or in a visitor spot in the parking lot and walk your child into the main office of Elm Street School.

*We will have staff at the doors for an extended period of time at the start of the year as we expect some students to arrive later due to the elementary school start times.

Due to playground construction, Popsicles at Preschool will take place in the Elm Street School gym.

Please 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: Mac and Cheese or Pasta

Friday: Pizza

Students eat both snack and lunch in the classroom. Students do not eat in the Elm Street School cafeteria.

If you are interested in joining our School Governance Council or would like to learn more about it, please contact Julie Martin. 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.

DFP picture day is on Friday, October 16. You will receive more information including how to order pictures, in mid-September.

September:

8 - First Day of Preschool

17- Popsicles at Preschool at 5:30 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