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DFP Family Update

November 21, 2025

DFP Family UpdateNovember 21, 2025

Greetings Feeney Families,




We spent this week continuing to share what we’re grateful for—our families, friends, homes, classroom community, and all the meaningful parts of our lives. Our young learners have also shown wonderful flexibility while our playground is being improved. We are so excited to see the progress, including the new fencing installed today, and we can’t wait to enjoy the updated space soon!

A reminder that next week is a short week as we head into the Thanksgiving break. On Wednesday, 11/24, Elm Street School will hold its annual Turkey Trot outside (weather permitting). Please use extra caution when driving through the campus at dismissal. The loop near the main office will be used for the event and will be inaccessible. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Wishing you a warm and restful weekend!

Julie Martin

Thank you for your donations to the Walpole Food Pantry! Thank you for your donations to the Walpole Food Pantry!

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Thank you for your generous donations to the Walpole Food Pantry. We collected several rolls of both paper towels and toilet paper which will be delivered this weekend.

Playground Rendering Playground Rendering

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The new fence is installed and we are almost ready to get back outside! The new fence is installed and we are almost ready to get back outside!

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SAVE THE DATE! Hand-Me-Up Clothing Consignment Fair is Sunday, January 25th SAVE THE DATE! Hand-Me-Up Clothing Consignment Fair is Sunday, January 25th

Learn more on the DFP Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CgUf4JKsq/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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PAC NEWS: Are you interested in a Trivia Night? PAC NEWS: Are you interested in a Trivia Night?

We are seeking a group of families interested in planning a Trivia Night fundraiser with all proceeds going towards our playground. If you are interested, please contact Julie Martin. Thank you.

Cold Weather Gear Reminder Cold Weather Gear Reminder

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As the weather finally makes a turn please help your children remember to bring cold weather gear to school. Some of our first recesses are earlier in the morning when it is still chilly enough to wear jackets. It's a good idea to dress in layers as some of the afternoon recesses can be much warmer. Better to have the jacket and not need it then be too cold outside! Remember to label eveerything please!

Application for the 2026-2027 School Year Application for the 2026-2027 School Year

The application for the 2026-2027 school year will be available on our website on January 5, 2026. The application will be available for two weeks and peers will be selected via lottery.

Tuition for the 2026-2027 School Year Tuition for the 2026-2027 School Year

Please see the table below for proposed class offerings and tuition for the 2026-2027 school year. Please note that class offerings may be subject to change.

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Aggie Animals at DFP! Monday, November 24 Aggie Animals at DFP! Monday, November 24

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ClassroomsCount Scholastic Fundraiser! ClassroomsCount Scholastic Fundraiser!

We have raised $350 towards our goal of $500 for our ClassroomsCount fundraiser - thank you. If you would like to contribute, please click on the link below.

https://shop.scholastic.com/viewCampaign?campaignId=765cdb62-ad24-4cb0-aff3-73b8405cc3db

School Committee Summary 11/20/25 School Committee Summary 11/20/25

🍎

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Tips for Helping Your Kids Maintain a Routine Through the Busy Holiday Season

The holiday season can be full of memory-making and merriment. But between travel plans, class parties, last-minute shopping, and sensory overload, it can also be the season for burnout and chaos. The team at Atrium Health Levine Children’s shares a few ways to help your child maintain some structure so you can all keep the peace and find some holiday harmony.

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What Can You Do at Home to Support Hand Strength? What Can You Do at Home to Support Hand Strength?

Short (3–5 minutes) of hand-strengthening activities can make a big difference in

improving pencil grasp, endurance, and precision for writing and cutting tasks.


Hand Strengthening Activities

1. Playdough & Putty Play

● Roll, pinch, and flatten playdough or therapy putty.

● Hide small beads or coins in playdough for “treasure hunts.”

● Use tools like plastic scissors, rollers, or cookie cutters.


2. Squeezing & Pinching

● Squeeze spray bottles (watering plants, cleaning tables).

● Use clothespins or chip clips to clip onto cardboard or paper.

● Pinch pompoms or cotton balls with tweezers or tongs and transfer them into cups.


3. Construction & Building Toys

● Connect and pull apart Duplos, Legos, or pop beads.

● Snap together interlocking toys (e.g., bristle blocks, magnetic tiles).

● Screw and unscrew toy nuts and bolts.


4. Tool Use & Manipulatives

● Use hole punches to make “confetti.”

● Wind up toys and watch them go.

● Turn keys in locks or twist caps onto bottles.


5. Art & Craft Activities

● Tear paper for collages (great for finger and thumb strength).

● Use eye droppers or pipettes for watercolor art.

● Cut thick materials (construction paper, straws, playdough).

Important Dates: Important Dates:

November:

24- Aggie Animals Visit DFP

26 - Early Release at 11:00 am

27-28 - Thanksgiving Break, no school


December:

3 - School Governance Council at 8:00 am

12 - Early Release at 11:00 am

16 - PAC Meeting at 6:00 pm

23- Early Release at 11:00 am

24-January 2 - No School, Winter Break


January:

5- Return from winter break

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

Julie Martin, Director: jmartin@walpole.k12.ma.us

Tina DiCicco, School Nurse: 508-660-7374 ext. 5620

Annmarie Khokha, School Business Office, responsible for tuition payments: akhokha@walpole.k12.ma.us

Amanda Torigian, Administrative Assistant, Elm and DFP: atorigian@walpole.k12.ma.us

Susan Shea, Administrative Assistant, Elm and DFP: sshea@walpole.k12.ma.us

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