Doyon News
Friday, September 5, 2025
Dear Doyon Families,
Our special school has been abuzz, welcoming all students in grades prekindergarten through five. Learners have been excited to reunite with teachers and explore the start of their school year. Thank you to families for being able to support us in navigating the beginning of what is to be a fantastic year of learning!
This week, learners have focused their attention on exploring routines and procedures necessary to be successful at school. Students have discussed with teachers what to do where/when throughout our school community. This is an important component of our Responsive Classroom pedagogical approach. Be sure to ask your children about the routines they have learned as they have started the year.
On Friday, we had our first whole school assembly of the year. Students and staff shared their Hopes and Dreams for the year ahead, as well as participated in Just Like Me, a game played to get to know one another and build connections across our school community.
Students participated in two safety drills this week - both of which were fire drills. The first drill was guided, meaning that there was no active alarm and the drill was conducted through a series of directions given by Mr. Whitehouse-Mullen from the Main Office. The second drill - held on Thursday - was led by the Ipswich Fire Department. Students were successful at quickly and quietly exiting the building and following teacher directions to maintain safety. Thank you to our community helpers for assisting us in learning/practicing these important school routines.
Please take a moment to review our weekly update. There is lots of information for you to explore! As always, we are here to help you - just be in touch! Enjoy the short weekend, ahead of our very first five day school week!
Warmly,
Mr. Whitehouse-Mullen & Mrs. Benincasa
Please save the date! Please note that these times have adjusted slightly.
- Thursday, September 25: Curriculum Night Grades - 2nd, 3rd & 4th (5:15 - 7:15 PM)
- Tuesday, September 30: Curriculum Night Grades Pre-K, K, 1st & 5th (5:15 - 7:15 PM)
Grade-Level Presentation Times (Locations to be Announced)
Thursday, September 25:
- Grade 2: 5:15 PM
- Grade 3: 5:15 PM
- General Session: 6:00 PM
- Grade 4: 6:30 PM
Tuesday, September 30:
- Grade PreK & K: 5:15 PM
- General Session: 6:00 PM
- Grade 1: 6:30 PM
- Grade 5: 6:30 PM
This year, our school will continue to explore CARES and deepen our understanding of what it means to display these prosocial attributes. This work directly intertwines with our commitment to being a Responsive Classroom school. We will continue to consider the Responsive Classroom CARES acronym, wondering: How do students show Cooperation, Assertion, Responsibility, Empathy, and Self-Control?
Are you interested in serving as a parent representative on the Doyon School Council? We are anticipating at least one vacancy on the School Council at this time.
What is a School Council?
A school council is a representative, school-building-based committee comprised of the principal, parents, teachers, and community members that work together to establish goals, shape the policies and programs of the school, and improve student achievement. The school council assists the school administration in:
Adopting educational goals for the school that are consistent with local educational policies and statewide student performance standards
Identifying the educational needs of students attending the school
Reviewing the annual school building budget
Formulating a school improvement plan
School councils also serve as a voice and sounding board for the school community. Each member of the council is available to hear concerns and suggestions from parents, teachers, students, and the community at large.
The Doyon School Advisory Council consists of parent representatives, teacher representatives, administrative representatives, and one community representative. The mission of the School Advisory Council is to develop the school improvement plan through monthly meetings with input from all different representatives involved in the school: parents, teachers, administration, and community members.
The Doyon School Council typically meets once per month on a Wednesday at 5:30 PM alternating in-person and via zoom. Our first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 15 at 5:30 PM in the Doyon Library. All school council meetings are open to the public and all parents are welcome to attend.
If you are interested in joining the school council, please fill out this Google Form.
Should there be a larger interest than spaces available, elections will be held during Curriculum Nights and the information provided in the Google Form will be made public.
Annual Mum Sale: Fall is in the air, Mum sale is here. Purchase your Mums now and pick up at the ice-cream social on September 19 from 5-7 PM on the front lawn of Doyon. Here is the link to the mums ordering - https://doyon-fries.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/351556. All proceeds from this fundraiser go towards FRIES to help with enrichment programs used throughout the year, community events, and teacher appreciation. Order now!
Special Event at Marini Farm: Save the Date for Combined school wide event at Marini Farm 9/10
Please join us to kick off the beginning of the school year with a combined Doyon & Winthrop event at Marini Farm, families can enjoy the maze and playground area.
To purchase tickets, please click: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/marini-farm/2025-DoyonWinthrop-FRIES-family-night-at-marini-farm
If you need assistance in purchasing tickets, please be in touch with Mrs. O'Neill, School Adjustment Counselor.
Ice Cream Social: Join us for ice cream on the lawn of Doyon School 5-7 September 19. Dairy free options will be available. To volunteer, please click link https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EAFA92EA7F5C34-58381760-icecream
September Fries Meeting: Wednesday 9/17 @ 7 pm in Doyon's School Library. (Please note the time change, every other month will be via zoom). Be part of the school wide PTO to help fund student enrichment programs, teacher appreciations, and events for the school.
Spooky Walk: 10/4 (More info to come & lots of volunteer opportunities)
Parent Involvement Survey: Follow this link for the FRIES Parent Involvement Survey. Thanks for your feedback!
Doyon Green Team needs your gently used, clean, Elementary-age, Halloween costumes for the annual Costume Shop and Swap at this year’s Spooky Walk taking place on Saturday October 4th. The Costume Shop and Swap is FREE with purchase of Spooky Walk tickets. There will be a collection bin outside of Doyon for the costumes starting Friday, September 5th. Stay Green and have your kiddos come shop the costume swap at the Spooky Walk!
Hello Doyon Families! 😁
I am thrilled to be back as your school nurse here at Doyon and I look forward to a healthy school year!
Please keep your children home if they have a fever or are feeling ill. To return to school, they must be fever free for 24 hours and generally feeling better. I do try and track school illnesses and trends so please let me know. I have seen a few scattered cases of a quick viral illness involving headaches/vomiting as well as many bug bites!
Other housekeeping notes:
1. Please bring in any medications (including epipens and inhalers). All orders need to be renewed each year with a doctor's signature
2. Preschool and Kindergarten parents- please send in any physicals/immunizations along with proof of a lead test
3, First and fourth graders need a physical done within the past year so please send in or schedule with your pediatrician soon
3. Let me know of any new health issues
As always, I am here to help and answer any questions you may have.
Mary Sforza RN, MSN, NCSN
Doyon School Nurse
