Duval Values Project
We are about to embark on a very important project in the history of the school, and we need your help! As we start a new year but are still in the early stages of a new administration, we hope to establish a set of values on which our school stands. While we talk about being respectful, safe, and kind in our motto, our goal is to hear from ALL members of the Duval Community to solidify what key concepts we all agree with, and thus underlie our work with students.
Each family is asked to think about a value, something that doesn’t cost anything, but something that your family holds dear. Discuss it at dinner or in a free moment. What one thing do you think is most important about the Duval School, what value is most important for us as a community? Put that idea or word(s) on the side of a small box covered in paper bag or tan material. Together, these boxes will be the bricks that build a replica of Duval for all to enjoy.
As we get more and more “bricks” we will be collecting more and more ideas of what values we hold dearly as a community. From those ideas we will have conversations with each class about what 8-10 values represent the core values of the school. From there we will discuss the creation of a refined list at a faculty meeting, and finally at the School Council meeting in February. A final list will be created and will serve as the basis for everything we do at Duval in the future. The Duval Values will be posted in all rooms and will be a shared set of beliefs, and a shared language that we will be able to use as a community to make Duval an even better place than it already is.
So, please have a discussion as a family and come up with one value or idea that you think we treasure as a community. Some examples might be “respect” or “fun” or “perseverance.” Wrap up a small box so it looks like a tan brick and then put the word on the side of the box. Send it in as soon as you can so we can build a mini Duval in the lobby! Thank you!
Winter Recess
It's COLD and it's New England! We go out for recess!
ALL students MUST come to school prepared to go outside for recess. Students should come with a coat, hat, gloves/mittens, and boots (if there's snow). If you need help getting any of these, please email or call Dr. M, Ms. Craig, or Mrs. Sewall.
And pleeeeaase, PUT NAMES ON EVERYTHING! Thank you very much!!
PTO NEWS!
We hope you all had a restful break and are ready to face the challenges of a new year.
Our first meeting of the year is Tuesday January 14th at 7 PM in the Duval Library. We are having a crucial vote on our Boosterthon project spending and we would love to hear as many voices as possible. As always, free childcare will be provided and you have a chance to walk away with a prize in our monthly Dolphin Games. Be sure to show up early in order to not miss your chance
Next up in January is our first Scholastic Book Fair of the year from January 27th-31st, with a family night of fun on the evening of Wednesday January 29th. Be on the lookout for more information on the Fair itself, the eWallet program, and volunteering opportunities.
Speaking of volunteers, it is crucial that you verify your background check status with the front office if you want to help out with In-School events. Even if you have done one in the past, it may have expired. Please check with Ms. Brandon to make sure your CORI is up to date.
Thank you all and we hope to see you soon,
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