Duffy PTO Dragon News 8.23.26
Sun, Aug 23 4:17pm


WELCOME TO THE 2026–2027 SCHOOL YEAR!


The Duffy PTO is excited to welcome our new and returning families to another school year! We’re looking forward to a year filled with fun, friendships, community, and plenty of great Duffy memories.

Below you’ll find everything you need to know to start the year, including upcoming events, important dates, ways to get involved, and what’s happening throughout our Duffy community.

We can’t wait to see everyone and kick off a great year!


FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL!


OPEN HOUSE 🏫
Tuesday, August 25 | 8:45–9:15 AM

We welcome all Duffy students to meet their teacher and see their classroom space on Tuesday, August 25th from 8:45-9:15 am.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL + PARENT WELCOME & COFFEE ☕
Wednesday, August 26 | Coffee 8:45–9:45 AM
2:00 PM Dismissal

After drop-off, join us for coffee, meet other Duffy families, connect with the PTO, and celebrate the start of a new school year.

MORE DETAILS HERE  ::  VOLUNTEER HERE

INTERESTED IN BEING A ROOM LEAD?  🍎

We’re looking for parents and guardians to serve as Room Leads for the 2026–2027 school year! Help support classroom communication, connect families, and coordinate activities throughout the year.

MORE DETAILS HERE 


COMING UP AT DUFFY


WELCOME WAGON PIZZA DINNER 🍕
Thursday, September 3 | 5:00–6:00 PM

For New Duffy Families

New to Duffy? Join us for pizza, meet other new families, and get to know our Duffy community before the Ice Cream Social.

MORE DETAILS HERE :: VOLUNTEER HERE 


DUFFY ICE CREAM SOCIAL 🍦
Thursday, September 3 | 6:00–7:00 PM

For All Duffy Families

One of our favorite ways to start the year! Join us for ice cream, friends, and a fun evening together at Duffy.

MORE DETAILS HERE :: VOLUNTEER HERE 


CURRICULUM NIGHT 🍎

Thursday, September 10

5:30–6:15 PM | Kindergarten–Grade 2
6:15–6:45 PM | Specials & Support Staff
6:30–7:15 PM | Grades 3–5

Stop by the PTO table while you're there to learn about upcoming events, committees, volunteer opportunities, and ways to get involved this year.

MORE DETAILS HERE :: VOLUNTEER HERE


FIRST PTO MEETING 🍏

Tuesday, September 15 | 7:00–8:00 PM | Virtual

New and returning families are always welcome! Hear what’s happening, share ideas, and learn more about what the PTO has planned for the year.

MORE DETAILS HERE :: VIRTUAL MEETING LINK


PICTURE DAY 📸

Friday, September 18

Save the date and get those smiles ready!


DUFFY PTO: OUR IMPACT YEAR IN REVIEW


Please take a minute to review the Duffy PTO Year in Review below.  Thank you to our amazing Duffy community for supporting our amazing school!


MEET YOUR 2026–2027 DUFFY PTO BOARD


A big thank you to the parents and guardians who have volunteered their time to serve on the Duffy PTO Board this year. We appreciate their willingness to take on these roles and help support our students, teachers, staff, programs, and events throughout the year.

President:
Jeffrey Mihalakis

Vice President: Kathleen Shea-Porter
Treasurers: Heather Sumler & Eamon Almeida
Volunteer Coordinator: Kaitlyn Ware
Recording Secretary: Charlotte Mann
Fundraising Committee Chairs: Kelly Flynn & Paige Joseph
Event Chairs: Kristin Churila & Jessica Parillo
Merchandise & Brand Chair: Caitlyn Ward
Communications Chair: Calla Leonardo

And there are plenty of ways for you to get involved too! Whether you have a little time or a lot, we’d love to have you join us.


GET INVOLVED & VOLUNTEER AT DUFFY!


Our events and programs happen because of our amazing parent and guardian volunteers. Join a committee, help with an event, volunteer in a classroom, or simply come learn more. There’s a way for everyone to be part of the Duffy PTO.

EXPLORE ALL PTO COMMITTEES HERE

We are still looking for volunteers to help fill several PTO positions and committee roles for the 2026–2027 school year.

Whether you are interested in helping with events, supporting behind the scenes, or joining the PTO team, we would love to have you involved.

Fall Events Committee Chairs/Co-Chairs
Help organize early fall events like the Welcome Coffee, Welcome Wagon/Ice Cream Social, and Curriculum Night.

Duffy Fall Dance Committee Chairs/Co-Chairs
Help plan one of Duffy’s favorite fall traditions and coordinate volunteers for the event.

Teacher & Staff Appreciation Chairs/Co-Chairs
Help celebrate Duffy teachers and staff through appreciation events and recognition throughout the year.

Co-Volunteer Coordinator

Help connect Duffy families with volunteer opportunities, support committee sign-ups, and coordinate set-up room leads throughout the year. This role helps organize volunteer support and makes it easier for families to get involved in ways that fit their schedules.

Co-Treasurer
Support the Treasurers with PTO finances, reimbursements, deposits, and payments.

Parent Teacher Council Delegate
Represent Duffy at district-level PTC meetings and share updates with the PTO Board.

Fundraising Co-Chairs
Help support PTO fundraising efforts that benefit students, teachers, enrichment, and community events. 

We can’t wait to see everyone and kick off a great year!


GET CONNECTED!


DUFFY PTO: duffypto@gmail.com

Duffy Elementary School Calendar

West Hartford Public School Calendar


WEST HARTFORD COMMUNITY EVENTS


CENTER STREETS 2026 🚲
Sunday, August 30 | 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Kick off the first weekend after school starts with some family fun!

FREE & OPEN TO EVERYONE!

Center Streets is a celebration of community, local businesses, and active transportation. It's a chance to experience West Hartford Center in a completely different way.

This year's FREE event is organized by Bike West Hartford and promises a full day of live music, family activities, and car-free streets where everyone is encouraged to stroll, roll, or scoot through West Hartford Center. Streets will be closed to vehicle traffic in a loop along LaSalle Road, Farmington Avenue, South Main Street, and Memorial Road Extension. Kids especially love the freedom of safely riding lap after lap in a car-free community environment.

Invite your friends, tell your neighbors, and mark your calendars! Whether you come by bike, on foot, on a scooter, bring the whole family. We hope you'll spend the morning exploring, connecting, and enjoying our vibrant town center.

MORE DETAILS HERE



Send announcements for the weekly eBlast by Friday, 3:00 PM to Calla Leonardo, PTO Communications Chair, or contact the PTO Co-Presidents.

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