Duval Dispatch

Duval Families,

As we head into October, we’re excited to shift from our September focus on Inclusion to our October theme of Respect, with a special focus on Responsibility!

Next Friday, we’ll kick off our October theme at our All School Meeting, where we’ll talk with students about what respect looks and sounds like here at Duval. We’ll be spending lots of time throughout the month helping students think about how we show respect for ourselves, one another, our school, and our learning community.

Speaking of respect, we’d love your help reminding students that learning time at school is important—and deserves our full attention! One simple way we can all support this is by keeping smart devices off and away during the school day.

Our school expectations are:

Smartphones: Off and away during the school day.

Smartwatches: If a student wears a smartwatch, it should not have texting or gaming capabilities available during the school day.

We know these devices can be a big part of kids’ lives, and we also know how tempting it can be to check a message, play a game, or see what’s happening! Our goal is to create a school environment where kids can be present, connected, and focused on learning and one another.

If a student is found using a smart device during the school day, our response will be:

• 1st offense: Reminder
• 2nd offense: Call home
• 3rd offense: The device will no longer be allowed at school and will need to stay home.

Thank you for partnering with us and helping reinforce these expectations at home. When we all send the same message, it makes it so much easier for our students to understand that respect and responsibility are things we practice together!

We’re looking forward to a wonderful October of learning, growing, and showing what Respect at Duval looks, sounds, and feels like!

Ms. Craig and Mrs. Salamone

A few helpful reminders to make lunchtime a smooth and positive part of the school day:

• Breakfast & lunch are free for all students!
• Eating first, chatting later! Please remind your child to focus on eating first so they have enough time to enjoy their lunch and connect with friends afterward.
• Students sit with their class. Some classes may share half of a table with another class.
• There is plenty of support! Mrs. Boulter and Mr. Fernandes are always in the cafeteria, along with other paraeducators from around the building, to help students as needed.
• Check the menu together! Reviewing the lunch menu (on the website) with your child can help them choose a meal they’ll be excited to eat.
• Lunch from home? Please label all lunch boxes, containers, and other items with your child’s name.
• Please don’t share food. For safety reasons, students should only eat the food that is provided for them or brought from home.
• Late arrival or early dismissal? If your child will be arriving late or leaving school early, please check their lunch time so you know whether they will have an opportunity to eat at school.

As the weather gets cooler, our Lost & Found is already starting to grow! We’re seeing lots of sweatshirts, jackets, and water bottles making their way onto the table—and unfortunately, many of them don’t have names on them.

Please take a quick minute to label your child’s belongings, especially their sweatshirts and jackets as we head into colder weather. A name written on the tag makes it so much easier for us to get those favorite items back to their owners!

🏷️ Please label:

• Sweatshirts & jackets
• Lunchboxes
• Water bottles
• Hats, gloves & other cold-weather gear

A simple name on the tag can save a sweatshirt from a long stay in the Lost & Found!

Thank you for helping us keep our Lost & Found a little less lost!

If you have a dismissal change from your child's regular routine, a note MUST be sent in ahead of time. Please DO NOT rely on an email or even a phone call during the day.

Please call the Duval main office at 781-618-7055 (Press 1), if your child is going to be absent or late. We take the responsibility to care for your child very seriously and we need to know your child is safe!

Each Dispatch, we have a section for Nurse Melissa to share the latest health news. Here is this month's update.

Thank you.

It is hard to believe it is almost October. For the PTO, that means two big events are coming up; Monster Mash (October 23rd) and The Basket Raffle (November 6th)!

Monster Mash tickets are on sale now through October 8th! This is always a fun event for Duval students! Please see the attached flyer for all the details. Click here to purchase tickets, sign up to bring donations, and to volunteer! https://my.cheddarup.com/c/monster-mash-20751/items. We appreciate the support!

Basket raffle is November 6th! More details to come including classroom basket themes for this year!

Let our local dining partners do the cooking for you! Enjoy Napoli Pizza on September 30th and October 1st and The Meadow Brook Restaurant on October 12th! Please mention Duval at check out!

Did you know Duval has textile collection bins located in our parking lot near parent pick up? These collection bins support both Duval and our community. Please see the attached flyer for what items are accepted.

Upcoming PTO dates:

Napoli Pizza Partnership - September 30th & October 1st

Last day to buy Monster Mash tickets - October 8th

Meadow Brook Restaurant Partnership - October 12th

Next PTO Meeting - October 13th

Monster Mash - October 23rd

Basket Raffle - November 6th

Please follow our social media pages for the most up to date information. We can also be reached via email at duvalpto@gmail.com.

Sept 29- Bruins Home Opener; Wear Black & Yellow or your Bruins Gear!

Oct. 5- Fall Picture Day

Oc. 12- No School. Indigenous Peoples' Day

Oct. 13- PTO Meeting 7PM Duval Library

Oct. 15- Early Release; PK-12 Dismissal 12:10

Oct 23- Monster Mash 6:00-8:00

Calendar Items for the Year. Click HERE.

• WH Elementary Handbook

• School Lunch Menus

• Infinite Campus Log In for grades, class info. Need help? Contact Tech: 781-618-8100

• School Status (emails, texts from WH or Duval)

• YMCA Before/After School Care Information

• The WHRSD and Duval School PTO Facebook pages.

• Anonymous Bullying or Harassment reporting: call 781-618-7086

John H. Duval Elementary provides a safe, supportive environment where children are able to reach for the stars!

Email: ashley.craig@whrsd.org
Website: https://whd.whrsd.org
Location: 60 Regal Street, Whitman, MA 02382
Phone: 781-618-7055
Twitter: @DuvalElementary