DFP Family Update
November 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 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
The new fence is installed and we are almost ready to get back outside!
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
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
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
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
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.
Aggie Animals at DFP! Monday, November 24
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
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:
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

