Duffy eBlast 1.11.26
Sun, Jan 11 4:44pm

 


UPCOMING EVENTS 

Catch up on all the upcoming PTO events and activities happening in the Duffy community!

🏈⚾🏃‍♂️MLK Day Sports Camp – Monday, January 19, 2026 | 9:00–12:00

Looking for a fun and active way for students to spend their day off from school? Join us for MLK Day Sports Camp! Campers will enjoy a morning filled with games, sports, and activities that promote fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship. It’s a great opportunity to stay active, build skills, and have fun with friends while school is out.

Come ready to move, play, and have a great time!

Sign up through Leisure Services
Program code: 414344A


⛸️Duffy Skating Night at Veterans Memorial Rink

Join us on Friday, January 23rd from 7:00-8:30pm for a night a skating fun!


What Do I Say? – A Workshop on How to Have Difficult Conversations with Your Elementary Student (for Duffy parents/caregivers)

📅Thursday, February 5
⏰6:00 – 7:30 PM
📍Duffy

Join the Office of Equity Advancement and Duffy EDI for an interactive workshop designed to support parents in having meaningful and sometimes challenging conversations with their elementary-aged children about differences. This session will offer a safe and supportive space for families to explore strategies for engaging in these discussions, share experiences and perspectives with other parents, and reflect on their own comfort levels and approaches. Participants will leave with practical language, everyday tools, and actionable strategies to build confidence and continue these important conversations at home. Click Here to learn more and to RSVP!

Facilitated by Shaena Gray, Family & Community Engagement Coordinator, Office of Equity Advancement for WHPS, Hosted by the EDI Committee


🏒DUFFY NIGHT AT HARTFORD WOLF PACK

Join us on Friday, February 20th at 7:00pm at the XL Center. Spend the night supporting the Duffy Chorus and watch the Hartford Wolf Pack take on the Utica Comets!  


🏈🥫2026 Souper Bowl Food Drive!

The “SOUPER BOWL” is coming back to Duffy for 2026! February 2nd to 6th we will be collecting non-perishable food items, other basic necessities, and notes/drawings of cheer and kindness to support community organizations. “Vote” for your Super Bowl team by placing items on the their respective table near the front entrance of the school. During this time, Duffy Dragons will also be learning about food insecurity, ways to support, and resources with information available for families to engage at home. Volunteer opportunities will be available soon, or join the EDI Committee via Konstella!

Hear findings of the CWCSEO 2025 Report on the State of Food Insecurity in Connecticut and policy recommendations made to eliminate it during a webinar on Friday, 1/16 10-1130am.


📅SAVE THE DATE!💃🕺🪩

Dust off your dancing shoes and book those sitters—the Duffy Disco Parents’ Night Out is almost here! We’re turning back the clock to a 70s disco throwdown—think bell bottoms, sequins, and platform shoes. Costumes are totally optional, but the fun is not. Come as you are and bring your best moves!

We’ll have dinner, drinks, and a DJ spinning all night to keep the vibes high and the dance floor packed. Join us at The Pond House on Friday, February 27, from 7–11 PM.

Let’s boogie, Duffy—get ready to get GROOVY!


Movie Night

Join us for the world premiere of Lys in Cyberland, an original short film about the impact of cell phones on tweens. Geared toward tweens, teens, their caregivers, and their teachers, we'd love to have you join us for this FREE event! 
 
In Lys in Cyberland, 11-year-old Lys must navigate group chats, sleep deprivation, brain rot, viral trends, and tween beauty culture when she falls into the rabbit hole that is her first cell phone. 
 
The premiere will be held at Duffy Elementary School on Tuesday, January 27th from 6:30-7:30pm. Please register here, so we have an approximate headcount and can reach out if there is inclement weather, etc. The film will be followed by a short talkback with actors. Please note this is not a drop-off event. If you have questions, please contact rebeccalowrywarchut@gmail.com.  


Please check the Duffy calendar for a complete list of all school events & activities.


DUFFY CLUBS

🏈⚾🏃‍♂️A new round of Before/After School Sports with Mr. Deveau is here!  If interested please register through RecDesk.

Before School FRIDAY
414343A
Grades 1 - 5
Day: Fridays
Dates: Jan. 9, 16, 23, 20
Time: 7:45 - 8:30 am
Fee: $30

AFTER SCHOOL K-1 MONDAY 
414343B
Grades K-1
Day: Mondays
Dates: Jan. 12, 26, Feb. 2, 9
Time: 3:20 - 4:05 pm
Fee: $30
AFTER SCHOOL 2-5 TUESDAY
414343C
Grades 2 - 5
Day: Tuesdays
Dates: Jan. 13, 20, 27, Feb 3
Time: 3:20 - 4:05 pm
Fee: $30

GET INVOLVED AT DUFFY!

There are so many ways to support our Duffy community — from volunteering to joining a committee.  Your time, ideas, and energy help make Duffy a wonderful place to learn and grow!


 📝 PTO MEETINGS

Join us for the next Duffy PTO Meeting to learn more about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to get involved.

📅 Friday, February 6th
⏰ 2:00-3:15 PM
📍 Location: Duffy Elementary School with a Virtual Option


📣 JOIN THE DUFFY PTO 

Recording Secretary
Join as a Recording Secretary for the Duffy PTO.  Join us in the PTO meetings and record our minutes to help us stay organized!

Thank you to Steve Bidwell for joining us as Member at Large as well as PTC Delegate!


Get Involved:
 Duffy PTO Board & Committees


💚 DUFFY CARES: OUTREACH & SUPPORT COMMITTEE

This committee supports Duffy families and students who may need extra help throughout the year, from providing clothing and school supplies through the Duffy Closet to organizing assistance during holidays and back-to-school season. Volunteers help plan and coordinate these initiatives, ensuring every family feels cared for and connected.

Get Involved: Learn more about the Duffy Cares Committee Here


🌿 DUFFY GARDEN COMMITTEE

In 2026, we’re excited to renew our focus on enhancing our school grounds and play areas through meaningful parent and student involvement. Our mission is to bring the Duffy community together by caring for our gardens and supporting seasonal beautification projects that make our school greener, more welcoming, and inspiring for all students.

If you’d like to help shape our plans for Spring 2026, we invite you to join the committee as a planning member today!

Get Involved: Join the Garden Committee Here


IMPORTANT DATES

January 19th:  No School-MLK Jr. Day
February 16th and 17th:  No School-Presidents Day Weekend


STAY CONNECTED

Explore all our volunteer opportunities and committees


Please CLICK HERE to see all the amazing events that you can be a part of too!  We thank you for all of your time and support!

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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