Doyon News
Friday, March 13, 2026
Dear Doyon Families,
Happy Friday!
What a treat we had this week with a couple of warmer days to remind us that Spring is just around the corner. As the snow melts, I just wanted to remind families that it's still a good idea to send kiddos to school in boots and have sneakers to change into. The playground out back is still very wet and muddy. It would also be helpful to pack a change of clothes (extra pants, socks, etc.) in case things get extra messy. Thanks for helping everyone stay dry, comfortable, and ready to play!
Doyon Devours Books has been so much fun! Our students have read a total of 104,775 minutes as of Friday! Amazing! Throughout the week, we have shared updates from the "Reading Minutes Leaderboard" and enjoyed some literacy-inspired competition. We look forward to seeing the grand total on Monday. Also on Monday, we will draw three lucky Reading Bingo cards and winning students will receive a Tidal Page gift card. Thank you for reading at home, logging minutes, and playing bingo! We appreciate the support!
The 46th Annual Elsie Piddock Jump Rope Contest took place on Wednesday at the IHS basketball court, and it was an absolute BLAST! A big shout out to all the jumpers, families, and teachers! We couldn't have these special events without your support, you rock!
Warmly,
Mrs. Benincasa
Paul F. Doyon Memorial School Make up Day Plan
Over the past week, I have been working with the administration and the Ipswich Educators Association President to come up with the best possible solution to make up for the time that staff and students missed when we had no heat in the building for three days.
After numerous discussions, we have come to the conclusion that the best option is to extend the Thursday early release days to full days for the remainder of the school year. This will make up the time requirement for lost time on learning as well as contractual hours.
We will implement this change starting next Thursday, March 19, 2026. Thursdays will now be full school days with the same dismissal time as the rest of the week.
Please let me know if there are any questions or concerns about this change in the schedule.
As of today the last day of school is scheduled to be Tuesday, June 23, 2026 for all schools.
Dr. Brian J. Blake
Superintendent of Schools
DEEP Volunteers Needed!
Spring DEEP Dates - Mondays or Wednesdays 8:00-8:30 am OR 3:00 - 4:00 pm
Monday Dates - 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18
Wednesday Dates - 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20
Volunteer sign-ups will close on Sunday, March 22nd, at 9:00 pm!
Ipswich Public Library
Rising 4th Graders
Several spots still remain for rising fourth graders for the annual free Ipswich Public Library Summer Book Camp! The camp includes children who are rising third to fifth graders, but spaces for those two grades are currently full. The theme this year is the circus. The camp runs from Monday, July 6-Thursday, July 9 from 9:30 am to noon. Please only register your (rising 4th grade) child if they can attend all four days. Camp activities include stories, crafts, snacks and outdoor games that are all based around each summer's chosen theme. To register, click the button below.
Please call the Children's Room at 978-412-8713 with any questions!
Doyon CARES
Our amazing Student Leadership Team (SLT) did a fantastic job preparing and sharing thoughtful ideas about how students at Doyon show C.A.R.E.S. every day!
Way to lead by example, SLT! Youβre helping make Doyon an even kinder, more caring place! We canβt wait to hear your messages. Keep showing those C.A.R.E.S. values, everyone!
Doyon and Beyond
Movie Night Fundraiser
Movie night hosted by Doyon's 5th Grade class
Support Doyon 5th Graders
Buy a Doyon umbrella or black fleece blanket and help support Doyon's 5th Grader class
Frozen
Updated practice times
Egg My Yard
IHS Softball Fundraiser
Soccer Cleat Swap
Need larger cleats? Have gently used cleats you no longer need? Lets swap!
MCAS Dates
π΅Grade 3 ELA: Monday, March 23rd and Wednesday, March 25
Make ups: Friday, March 27th
π΅Grade 3 Math: Wednesday, April 29th and Friday, May 1st
Make ups: Friday, May 8th
π’Grade 4 ELA: Monday, April 6th and Tuesday, April 7th
Make ups: Friday, April 10th
π’Grade 4 Math: Monday, May 4th and Tuesday, May 5th
Make ups: Friday, May 8th
π Grade 5 ELA: Monday,. March 30th and Tuesday, March 31st
Make ups: Friday, April 3rd
π Grade 5 Math: Monday, May 11th and Tuesday May 12th
Make ups: Friday, May 15th
π Grade 5 STE: Monday, May 18th & Tuesday, May 19th
Make ups: Wednesday, May 20th
FRIES Focus
π Thank you to all of the volunteers who donated items for the Bingo baskets. A special thank you as well to our number callers for helping keep the games running smoothly. With the support of our amazing community, Bingo Night was a wonderful success. We truly appreciate everyone who helped make the evening so much fun!
β¨ Next Meeting
Wednesday, March 18th - ZOOM
https://zoom.us/j/9335002301?pwd=Pj96LzyWKk4ZtFXLTNOgsY0KuBsXap.1
β¨Looking to Get Involved?
The FRIES Treasurer position will be opening at the end of this school year (2-year term). If youβre interested or would like more information, please reach out to Dougherty.family91@gmail.com.
LOST & FOUND
This weeks lost and found! Do you recognize any of these items?
Thank you to everyone who has added labels to your child's belongings!! We were able to return items to their owners π
Library Happenings! π
Nurse's Notes
Dear Doyon Families,
In terms of school illnesses, we are again seeing a bit of everything across all grades - some strep in kindergarten/4th grade and some tummy bugs (presenting as nausea, dizziness) in third grade. I also continue to see cases of Flu B across all grades. A reminder that students may return to school when they are 24 hours fever free; however, what I am seeing with Flu B cases in particular is the energy level does take a few days to return.
In the coming weeks, I will be conducting state-mandated health screenings. These include height/weight for 1st and 4th grade students, postural/scoliosis screenings for 5th grade students as well as hearing for students through grade 3, and vision for all students. Please note that these screenings are not for diagnostic purposes but to determine if your child needs further evaluation.
If you do not wish for your child to participate, please email me at msforza@ipsk12.net and attach a physical stating the screening(s) were done to this email. It is always a good idea to have a recent physical exam on file and keep your child's health record up to date.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Mary Sforza RN, MSN, NCSN
Important Dates
March 2026
Thursday, March 19: School Committee Meeting at IHS 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Friday, March 20: Kindergarten swim YMCA
Monday March 23: Grade 3 ELA MCAS
Wednesday, March 25: Grade 3 ELA MCAS
Wednesday, March 25: Annual Stringfest at the PAC (4th grade and up)
Friday, March 27: Grade 3 ELA MCAS Make ups
Friday, March 27: Kindergarten swim YMCA
Saturday, March 28: Movie Night at the PAC! Hosted by Doyon's 5th Grader Class
Monday, March 30: Grade 5 ELA MCAS
Tuesday, March 31: Grade 5 ELA MCAS
Tuesday, March 31: Grade 1 Music Showcase 6:30 PM
Tuesday, March 31: Grade 3 Music Showcase 7:30 PM
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.