Week of May 5th
Dear Duval Families!
Another exciting week ahead, and one of only six to go. Lots to do before we reach the finish line.
After a wonderful art project where families sent in "bricks" of the Duval school wall with values they cherish, and then vibrant discussions at staff, PTO, and school council meetings, we have landed on 10 words that rang true for everyone. These values are what we hold dear and set the basis for how staff, students and visitors to Duval are expected to interact. Many thanks to everyone who contributed to this list. Our values will be used for celebration and learning tools next year.
Just a reminder that the Whitman Town Meeting is Monday night at 7:30pm at the Whitman Town Hall auditorium.
Kindergarten Orientation is this Tuesday evening from 6-7pm. We welcome all new and veteran families to the event. Spread the word!
Have a wonderful week everyone!
Dr. Marcus and Ms. Craig
MCAS Note Tradition! (Thank you Theme Team!)
To encourage and support our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students as they continue on their MCAS journey this spring, we invite families to help us line our hallways with notes of encouragement! If you were unable to make it into the building last week, please send in a note (sealed in an envelope) or email the note to your child's teacher and we can paste them to the banners! Shhhhh it's a surprise!
Kindergarten Orientation Night
For families with incoming Kindergartners next year, we welcome you to our Orientation Night on Tuesday, May 6th, at 6pm in cafeteria. If you know of other families who might not get the Dispatch, please let them know. We look forward to seeing folks on Tuesday evening!
Safety and Traffic Notes
We've put up some additional signs recently, but as a reminder, there is NO PASSING during drop-off and pick-up, and the back of the building is only for kids and school staff during the day.
With warmer weather, a reminder that all students commuting on wheels MUST have a helmet on as per Mass General Laws. Also, no e-scooters please.
If kids want to come back to play, they MUST wait until 3:30pm, AFTER dismissal is fully over.
Heart Association Kids' Challenge
Dolphin TV
Dolphin TV Channel is HERE to see all broadcasts.
Please click on Subscribe so our livestreams can be seen by more people!
PTO NEWS!
It's hard to believe we're in the final stretch of the school year already! We have so many fun events between now and June 13th, so please make sure you have an active CORI on file if you haven't done so already. You do not want to miss out on Book Fair, field trips, or Fun Day!
Fun Day sign-ups will be posted on Friday May 23rd. As always, they will be sent out earlier to parents that have volunteered throughout the year as a thank you. There are still a couple of opportunities left to lend a hand before that in order to get first dibs on Fun Day slots.
Before we get into all that, though, it's time to take a moment to care for our amazing Duval Teachers and Staff! Teacher Appreciation Week kicks off this week! Please see the flyer below for a list of activities and the Sign-Ups here to donate goodies for our incredible faculty!
Breakfast- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090849A8AC2EA5FA7-55756857-taw2025
Treats- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090849A8AC2EA5FA7-55756867-taw2025
A final reminder that PTO board nominations for the 2025-26 year remain open and will be voted on at our final meeting of the year on Tuesday, May 13th.
Thank you!
Marshall Ottina
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