Mon, Mar 2 6:45am
📚 DUFFY READ-A-THON 📖
Monday, March 2nd-Friday, March 6th
Next week will start our 4th annual Duffy Read-a-Thon Fundraiser! Ahead of this event, please use the QR code on the attached flyer to register your student on the online platform.
To kick off the read-a-thon on Monday, our Duffy Dragons will “drop everything and read” for 20 minutes during the school day. After that, all students are invited to read for 20 minutes (or more!) a day and track their minutes from Monday March 2 - Friday, March 6.
Don’t forget to share your link and get sponsors to help us raise money! Did you know…
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Each classroom per grade with the most minutes read will select a set of books for their class. (What are your child's favorite books?)
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All children will participate in a reading celebration that includes a bounce house (How fun!)
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All children will receive an awesome pack of reading themed stickers (Who doesn’t love stickers?)
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We have created a fund to help cover expenses for end of the year events for each of our graduating classes. This includes the class of 2026, and also the future graduating classes in K-4. (Priceless memories…think class t-shirts, yearbooks, class day!)
For more information, please refer to the attached flyer. Questions? We’re happy to help. Please email Lindsey Mulready at lemulready@gmail.com or Kelly Brouse at Kelly.R.Brouse@gmail.com .
🧩 Duffy Game Night ♟️
Friday, March 6th | 6:30-8:00 PM | Duffy Cafeteria
The EDI Committee invites you to Game Night! Wear your PJs and bring your family's favorite game! This is a great opportunity to share some of your family's traditions with others in the Duffy community. Light snacks will be served and everyone is welcome! Please RSVP by signing up on Konstella!
📸 PAUL CRYAN PHOTOS 📷
Paul Cryan Photos at Duffy: Sign‑Ups Now Open!
Paul Cryan Photography is returning to Duffy—now with the same beloved style and quality, but a new face behind the lens. Paul’s longtime assistant, Diana, will be photographing students this year and continues the signature Cryan look families love.
Photo sessions begin after school at 3:30 pm (with 2:30 pm start times on Wednesdays). Each child’s sitting is 10 minutes and free of charge. Afterward, families will receive an emailed gallery with options to view and purchase.
Dates: March 9, 11, 12, 13, 17, and 18
Sign‑Up: https://shorturl.at/7eaTG
Choose your preferred time slot—no account or password required.
For questions or scheduling help, please contact:
• Alison Bush: 860‑559‑1723 / alisonzinn5@gmail.com
Please check the Duffy calendar for a complete list of all school events & activities.
PARENT LEARNING & SUPPORT
Providing tools, everyday language, and confidence to help parents support their kids.LEARN HOW TO BE AN "EMOTION COACH"
Free Parent Group: UCONN Parent Support & Education Clinic
Thursdays | January 22nd – March 12th | 5:30PM–6:30 PM
For caregivers of children ages 4–8
In-person and virtual options available
FARR@uchc.edu or 860.351.7048
THANK YOU!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make our refreshed Parents’ Night Out at The Pond House such a success. Your support helped create a memorable evening — the virtual auction brought in more than $4,000.
These funds will help support PTO initiatives such as fulfilling teacher wish lists, helping cover field trip costs for every grade, and PNO event costs. A special thank you to our fundraising chairs, Paige Joseph and Kelly Flynn, our dedicated parent volunteers, and the generous attendees and virtual auction donors. Your time, energy, and generosity truly make a difference for our school and our kids, and we are incredibly grateful.
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!
Please CLICK HERE to see all the amazing events and committees that you can be a part of too! We thank you for all of your time and support!
🍎 PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE WEEK
Monday, March 9th – Friday, March 13
Our teachers and staff are truly vital to our children’s growth, learning, and daily success. Conference Week is a special opportunity for our school community to recognize their dedication and show our appreciation in a simple, thoughtful way.
We invite families to help us keep the teacher lounge stocked and welcoming throughout the week as a small thank-you for all they do.
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HERE'S HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED:
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Donate snacks, treats, or beverages for the teacher lounge
SIGN UP HERE -
Volunteer to assist with set-up, restocking, or clean-up during the week
SIGN UP HERE -
Get involved to learn more and join our committee
CLICK HERE
🎡 THE DUFFY FAIR 2026
Save the Date: Friday May 29th
We’re excited to begin planning for Duffy Fair 2026 and would love for you to be part of the fun! This is one of our great community events of the year, and it truly comes together thanks to the time, creativity, and energy of our volunteers.
Please consider joining the Duffy Fair 2026 Planning Committee on Konstella to stay informed, share ideas, and help bring this beloved event to life.
If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please feel free to reach out to:
Michelle Ahmed michelle.ahmed01@gmail.com
Liz Normand e.julia.ernst@gmail.com
📝 PTO MEETINGS
Join us for the next Duffy PTO Meeting to learn more about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to get involved.
NEXT MEETING MARCH 2nd at 7:30PM | Virtual
JOIN THE DUFFY PTO
Member at Large
A great way to get involved and stay connected to the PTO without committing to a specific role. Members at Large are included in PTO board communications on Konstella, help out with events and projects as needed, and get a chance to see how different roles and committees work, making it a natural stepping stone into a future PTO position.
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!
Get Involved: Duffy PTO Board Committee
💚 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
Spring is coming! 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
Week of March 9th-13th: Parent Conferences Early Dismissal 1:30 (M/T/TH/F) and 2:00pm (W)
April 3rd: No School - Good Friday
April 13th - April 17th: No School - Spring Recess
GET CONNECTED
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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