Doyon News
Friday, June 5, 2026
Dear Paul F. Doyon Memorial School Families,
As we move closer to the end of the school year, I find myself reflecting on what a special week we've had here at school. From long-standing traditions to memorable performances and community celebrations, our students have had so many opportunities to show Doyon pride and CARES.
One of the biggest highlights was our 44th Annual Doyon-a-Thon! πββοΈπββοΈ This beloved tradition brought together students, staff, families, and volunteers for a morning filled with energy, school spirit, and plenty of smiles. It was wonderful to see students encouraging one another, challenging themselves, and having fun together. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who helped make this event such a success.
We were also treated to a fantastic Grade 5 Band and Orchestra Concert. Our student musicians showcased hard work and dedication, and it was a joy to watch their confidence and talent on display. Thank you to our music teachers for helping students discover and develop their musical gifts.
Our Early Act students had the opportunity to attend a Rotary luncheon this week. We are so proud of the positive impact these students are making in our school and community. Their efforts remind us that even our youngest learners can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Meanwhile, our kindergarten students enjoyed a special trip to the Ipswich YMCA Splash Pad. It was a wonderful way to celebrate a year of learning, growth, and friendship.
One of the most meaningful moments of the week was welcoming back the Ipswich High School graduating seniors for their annual walkthrough. As they walked through our hallways in their caps and gowns, our students and staff lined up to cheer them on. Seeing former students return as confident young adults ready to begin their next chapter was both inspiring and emotional. It was a powerful reminder of the important journey that begins right here in our elementary school. π
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Weeks like this remind us how fortunate we are to be part of such a caring and connected school community. We look forward to celebrating many more end-of-year milestones with our students in the weeks ahead.
Warmly,
Mr. Whitehouse-Mullen, Principal
Mrs. Benincasa, Assistant Principal
The Placement Process: An Overview
As we prepare for the upcoming school year, I would like to thank our teachers and staff for the thoughtful and collaborative work they have done to complete student placements. Creating balanced classrooms is a careful process that begins with gathering parent feedback. We greatly value the insights families provide about the learning environments and classroom attributes that best support their children.
Following the collection of family input, teachers work together to review a variety of information, including student academic data, social-emotional needs, and peer dynamics. They thoughtfully consider each student's individual needs.
Our special education staff carefully review student support plans to ensure that student needs can be met effectively within each classroom. Once preliminary placements are developed, we (the principals) review each grade level's recommendations to ensure that family input has been considered and that classrooms are balanced and supportive learning communities for all students.
With only three classrooms at each grade level, it can be challenging to accommodate every specific placement request. We appreciate families' understanding of this reality and are grateful for the thoughtful feedback that focuses on the educational setting and learning environment that will help students thrive.
Thank you for your partnership and trust in this process. Our shared goal is to create classroom communities where every child feels supported, challenged, and ready for a successful school year.
Photo Reminder
As we enjoy upcoming school events and celebrations, we kindly remind everyone to be mindful when taking photos. Please avoid photographing or recording children other than your own, and do not share images of other students on social media or other public platforms without their family's permission.
We appreciate your help in respecting the privacy and safety of all of our students and families.
Thank you for your cooperation and support.
Field Day
Field Day will take place on Tuesday, June 9 (rain date June 10th). Kindergarten through Grade 2 take place in the morning and 3rd through 5th in the afternoon.
Due to a phenomenal response to our volunteer request we regretfully must say that we are not allowing spectators at this event for safety and parking concerns.
Thank you,
Whitney Cardew (wcardew@ipsk12.net)
Mark Southam (msoutham@ipsk12.net)
978-356-5506 (X 119)
EDP on Beach Day
Morning EDP will be available only at Winthrop School. There will be no morning EDP at Doyon School on Beach Day. Students who typically attend morning EDP at Doyon are welcome to attend at Winthrop and may ride the bus transporting students to the beach.
Please note that afternoon EDP will be closed at both schools on Beach Day.
Beach Day is on Wednesday, June 17th (Rain Date: Monday, June 22nd).
Last Day of School **CHANGE TO RELEASE TIME**
We've been getting a lot of questions about the last day of school. The last day of school for grades 1-11 will be June 23rd. The schedule for dismissal will be 11:20am dismissal for middle & high school and 11:50am dismissal for both elementary schools. Staff have the rest of the day to complete their checkout process before heading into summer!
Doyon CARES
As we continue into this homestretch of the school year, it is a great time to take a few minutes with your child to revisit CARES. Sometimes excitement, anticipation, or fatigue make demonstrating CARES more challenging. Talking about this and helping your child be prepared during field trips, end of year celebrations, and just those last, warm days can make a big difference! Thank you for all you do to support CARES at home!
Doyon and Beyond β¨
Rising 5th Grade Students
The Essex County Summer Day Program still has open slots for the FREE weeklong summer camp run by the District Attorney's office. There are two one week sessions to choose from: 7/20-7/28 & 7/27-7/31. The DA's Summer Program is a great full day camp with a lot of fun activities. Transportation is also provided by Ipswich Police Department from the police station. Any questions can be sent to jperna@ipsk12.net.
Thanks,
Det. Joe Perna
School Resource Officer
FRIES Focus
π FRIES Book Collection π
FRIES is collecting books (new or gently used in good condition) for an end-of-the-year teacher gift we are putting together. Our goal is to provide one book for each teacher! All genres are welcome and appreciated. A collection bin will be located out front for donations.
π LOST & FOUND π
π Library Happenings π
Nurse's Notes
Dear Doyon Families,
A few housekeeping notes:
1. If your child has medication or supplies in the nurseβs office, this medication must be picked up/sent home prior to the last day of school. Please call/email to arrange pick up.
2. Each new school year you will need to bring in new medication and new orders from your childβs physician.
3. If your child is on a Health Care Plan this will carry into next year. If there are any changes you would like to make, please let me know. In addition, should anything new arise over the summer, please let me know π
4. Screenings are mostly complete - I'm just finishing up those who I missed. Referral Letters will be coming home next week in your child's backpack. Keep in mind that these screenings are not for diagnostic purposes but to determine if your child needs further evaluation.
5. Schedule those summer physicals! It is always a good idea to have a recent physical exam on file and keep your child's health record up to date.
Wishing you a healthy and happy summer!
5th Grade Corner
Hi Doyon 5th Grade Families,
- Tuesday, June 9 β Field Day
- Friday, June 12 β IMS Visit (9:00β10:30 AM)
- Monday, June 15 β Tentative: 5th Grade Picnic + Class Gifts/T-Shirts
- Tuesday, June 16 β Kona Ice + 5th Grade Show (6:00 PM)
- Tuesday, June 23 β Last Day + 5th Grade Moving On Ceremony (9:00 AM)
Important Dates
Tuesday, June 9: Field Day!
Wednesday, June 10: Field Day rain date
Friday, June 12: 5th Grade to IMS, Moving Up Day!
Monday, June 15: Grade 5 Picnic/Kona Ice
Tuesday, June 16: Grade 5 Evening Show 7:00 PM
Tuesday, June 16: Kindergarten Screening
Wednesday, June 17: Beach Day!
Wednesday, June 17: Last day of Pre K & Kindergarten
Thursday, June 18: Kindergarten Screening
Friday June 19: NO School - Juneteenth Holiday
Monday, June 22: Beach Day (Rain Date)
Tuesday, June 23: Last day of School - Grades 1 thru 5
School Safety
Curious about school safety procedures? Take a peek at the documents displayed below. These documents are shared with students at the start of the school year by Detective Joe Perna, our School Resource Officer. The documents may serve as a guide to support families in discussing school safety. As always, please be in touch with questions around school safety at the Paul F. Doyon Memorial School.