Duffy eBlast 12.21.25
Sat, Dec 20 5:10pm

 


THANK YOU & HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

As we close out the first half of the school year, we want to take a moment and say thank you to our incredible Duffy community.

Because of your generosity, time, and enthusiasm, this fall was filled with meaningful moments and memorable experiences. Through our fundraising efforts, including cheering on our Dragons at the Duffy Dragon Dash, along with Spirit Wear sales, Pie Sales, and the Book Fair, we were able to raise funds that directly support our students, teachers, and school. These funds help enhance classroom learning, support our teachers, and make possible important school-wide initiatives such as class field trips and enriched educational experiences for every grade, while ensuring PTO support reaches all students and families.

We also had an amazing time building connection and school spirit together through community events like the Harvest Hunt and the Fall Duffy Dance. These moments brought families together, strengthened relationships, and helped create the sense of belonging that makes Duffy such a special place.

Equally important were the ways our community showed up to give back. Holiday Helpers, the Teachers’ Holiday Cart, Parent/Teacher Conferences, and Give a Book, Get a Book reflected the care and generosity that define our school community and our shared commitment to supporting one another.

All of this, and so much more, was made possible by families who volunteered their time, shared their talents, donations, and showed up again and again for our school. Your involvement is what allows the PTO to continue supporting our teachers, students, and families in meaningful ways.

We are deeply grateful for each and every one of you.

Wishing our Duffy families, teachers, and staff a wonderful holiday season, however you celebrate this time of year, and a joyful, restful break.

We look forward to all that’s ahead in the new year!


UPCOMING EVENTS 

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


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


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.

📅 Wednesday, January 7th
⏰ 7:00-8:00 PM
📍 Location: Virtual-Click HERE for the LINK!

📅 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!

Member at Large

Interested in getting involved but not sure where to start?
Join as a Member-at-Large to be part of the PTO Board’s planning and help shape the programs and events that make Duffy so special!

Get Involved: Duffy PTO Board & Committees


📢 THANK YOU!

Thank you to Eamon Almeida for volunteering to be Co-Treasurer!  We appreciate you and your support of our Duffy Community!


💚 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

Tuesday, December 23rd:  dismissal is at 2:00pm
Wednesday, December 24-January 2:  Winter Break — No School


WAIT UNTIL 8th!

Want to wait to give your child a smartphone? You’re not alone!

Over the past several years, parents have said “yes” to smartphones for children as early as elementary school age due to societal pressures. Many parents today feel powerless, but together, we can change this! 

Parents now have access to research on the impacts of smartphone use on our children that was not available just a few years ago. The research shows that smartphone use in children before the age of 14 has lead to an alarming increase in such things as anxiety, depression, screen addiction, exposure to sexual content, cyber bullying, and suicide, to name a few…

Let’s listen to the data and say “not yet” together! 

Wait Until 8th is an organization that connects parents interested in waiting to give their children smartphones by distributing a pledge to each grade within a school. Signing the pledge empowers parents to rally together to delay smartphones until at least the end of 8th grade. Together, we can decrease the peer pressure felt by kids and parents, alike.

Here’s how it works: A pledge becomes "active" once 10 or more families within a grade sign it. The pledge is designed this way so you don't have to fear "what if I am the only parent that signs in my kid's grade" and so that you can connect with other families. We currently have many active grades at Duffy - sign the pledge to connect with others!

To learn more and sign the Wait Until 8th pledge, click here

*Please note - this pledge is for delaying smartphones only. If you would like your child to have a basic phone that just calls and texts, you still can sign the pledge! Basic phones avoid the distractions and dangers that come with smartphones.

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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