The Just Parties 2023 Season is HERE! Sign up now!

Starting with an amazing launch at the Harvest Carnival on Saturday, the official Just Parties season has arrived! Sign up now to secure your spot for our amazing FUNdraisers. Come play some board games, spend an evening dancing the night away, taste some amazing BBQ, Brazilian food, sourdough, dumplings or whiskey, or create something new with friends. There are parties for everyone!  

Signing up is simple:  

• Visit our sign up sheet here, select the party you’re interested in, and be sure to note the grade level or if the party is for adults, kids, or families.
• Choose **CLICK HERE TO PAY**.
• Enter your name, email, and the number of tickets you’re buying for your party (be sure to note if tickets are per person or per family). 
• Choose “Calculate” to get your total, then choose “Next”.
• Enter your payment method to purchase your ticket.
• Once your payment is confirmed, your name will appear on the Just Parties Spreadsheet for the party you purchased.

Thank you to all our amazing Just Parties hosts. Just Parties are not only meant to raise funds to support the amazing programs, events and classroom supplies at Duveneck, but to also bring the community together and have a blast while doing it!

Thank you for your support!

• The Just Parties Committee: Karla Padva, Oren Elkayam, Chris Colohan, Lindsay Green, Sidd Mundra, Hersha Lodhia-Miller, Joyce Fee, and Carol Wu

Scholarships Available: The Duveneck PTA is committed to making sure every family has the opportunity to attend Just Parties and contribute to our vibrant Duveneck community. If you’d like to receive a PTA scholarship, please contact Beth in the front office or email her at ehedge@pausd.org.

Annual Halloween Parade

The witching hour approaches, and the spirits at Duveneck Elementary School are stirring with excitement! We invite you to join us for a spine-chilling spectacle at the Annual Halloween Parade on October 31st at 1:00pm. Prepare yourselves for an enchanting experience as our little monsters, ghosts, and goblins showcase their creepiest and most creative costumes.

🚫 No Weapons, Please: In the spirit of safety and harmony, we kindly ask that you leave any ghost-hunting gadgets or otherworldly weapons at home. Our little goblins prefer a hauntingly delightful atmosphere.

😱 Scare the Right Way: While we adore a good fright, let’s keep the terrifying face masks tucked away. Instead, embrace the spirit of friendly spookiness with masks that make us smile, giggle, and perhaps even scream with laughter!

Picture Retake Day 

Did you miss picture day or want to take a new picture? Picture Retake Day is November 3. The school photographer will be taking pictures of students who missed picture day and those who would like a new picture. Orders may be placed online at mydorian.com. Online orders are available up to 4 days after retake day.

If you already ordered and want a new picture taken please be sure to return your original picture packet to the photographer on retake day.

Lost and Found Cleanout is THIS Friday!

Amazingly, our lost and found has just run out of hangers! This is not due to any shortage of them, but because there is so much stuff in our lost and found! We still have tons of water bottles, lunch boxes, books, jackets, water bottles and shirts. Is any of this yours? All items will be donated to charity on Friday, November 3rd, so please come by the main office to take a look. Questions? Email pta@duveneck.org.

Last Chance to Get Your Harvest Carnival Wristbands in Advance & Donate Prizes

Harvest Carnival is almost here! Join us THIS Saturday, October 28 from 12-3 pm. Don’t miss your last chance to purchase and receive your wristbands in advance in your Friday Folder this week. The last day for advanced purchases and delivery will be Wednesday, October 25 at noon. Still making a decision on lunch? Don’t wait– we’ll only have a limited amount for sale on the day of Harvest Carnival. Games wristbands can also be bought at Harvest Carnival but we recommend buying in advance so you can skip the line! Purchase your wristbands here. 

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, we need volunteers! Please see our general volunteer sheet here and/or volunteer for your Class Game here. VOLUNTEER BONUS! All signed-up volunteers for Harvest Carnival will get EARLY ACCESS to the Just Parties sign up sheet for the best chance to score your top choices. We absolutely cannot do this without volunteers and thank you in advance for helping us make Harvest Carnival a success! 

Lastly, the Prize Donation Drive ends Wednesday, October 25. Big items are welcome too (doll house, scooter, large stuffies). Last chance to clean out playrooms and pass on gently-used and clean toys that our kids have outgrown to others. Please leave donations in the bins outside the school office.

Questions? Please contact harvestcarnival@duveneck.org. 

Just Parties! Launches at Harvest Carnival

Try your luck at a Bingo party, bust a move at the Sweetheart Dance, send your kids to meet some new animal friends, create a culinary or painting masterpiece, or come hang out with delicious food and drinks at our unique adult party offerings, including Yoga and Bubbles and Brazilian Happy Hour. This Just Parties season truly has something for everyone!

The 2023-24 Duveneck Just Parties Catalogs were sent home in Friday Folders last week. Here is the online version:Just Parties Catalog. Take a look through the Catalog to select which parties you and your family would like to attend and get ready to sign up for them at the Harvest Carnival this Saturday, October 28. Look for the Just Parties booth once you enter. Questions? Please reach out to us at justparties@duveneck.org. Thank you for your support!

Scholarships Available: The Duveneck PTA is committed to making sure every family has the opportunity to attend Just Parties and contribute to our vibrant Duveneck community. If you’d like to receive a PTA scholarship, please contact Beth Hedge at the front office or email her at ehedge@pausd.org.

Principal’s Coffee – Growth Mindset Parenting – join a fireside chat on Thursday, October 26 

Growth Mindset is one of the biggest factors for kids’ success – and parents play an essential role in developing it. Parents can learn the tools and skills to nurture it within them and at home. Join me and Liz Cohen to discuss Growth Mindset Parenting — what it is (and what it’s not), how your mindset shapes your parenting experience, and how you can leverage parenting challenges for connection and growth. Staff will also meet with Liz Cohen at a staff meeting to strengthen a message of Growth Mindset between home and school.

Liz Cohen is a Growth Mindset learning specialist and mom of three based in Palo Alto. She founded the Becoming Lab to help parents become growth mindset role models and thrive during parenthood. Prior, Liz was one of the first employees at MindsetWorks, the leading organization for Growth Mindset programs, founded by Carol Dweck the world-renowned Stanford professor behind Growth Mindset.   

Please join us on Thursday, October 26 from 8:00-9:00am in the Flex Room (opposite the library). 

Spirit Day Oct 27th – PJs and Stuffies

Get ready for a cozy and fun day! PJ and Stuffie Day is coming up on Friday, October 27. It’s the perfect time to wear your comfiest pajamas and bring your favorite stuffed animal or plush friend to school. Let’s embrace the warmth and comfort of our PJs and stuffies. Don’t miss out on this delightful day of relaxation and togetherness. We can’t wait to see everyone in their coziest attire!

(Image link here)

COMING SOON

Annual Halloween Parade

The witching hour approaches, and the spirits at Duveneck Elementary School are stirring with excitement! We invite you to join us for a spine-chilling spectacle at the Annual Halloween Parade on October 31st at 1:00pm. Prepare yourselves for an enchanting experience as our little monsters, ghosts, and goblins showcase their creepiest and most creative costumes.

🚫 No Weapons, Please: In the spirit of safety and harmony, we kindly ask that you leave any ghost-hunting gadgets or otherworldly weapons at home. Our little goblins prefer a hauntingly delightful atmosphere.

😱 Scare the Right Way: While we adore a good fright, let’s keep the terrifying face masks tucked away. Instead, embrace the spirit of friendly spookiness with masks that make us smile, giggle, and perhaps even scream with laughter!

Lost and Found Cleanout Day is Coming Nov 3! Claim Your Items Soon

Are you or your child missing any items from home? They might be in our Lost and Found Cart! We have water bottles, lunch boxes, books, jackets, and shirts. Is any of this yours? All items will be donated to charity on Friday, November 3, so please come by the main office to take a look. Questions? Email pta@duveneck.org. 

Walk and Roll Week and Duveneck Bike Rodeo

This upcoming week is Walk and Roll week, a time to promote bike safety, safer streets and walking and rolling to Duveneck. As part of this special week we’ll have some fun activities:

• Monday Morning: Walk and roll pencils will be given out to students at each gate.
• Tuesday Morning: A demo of cargo bikes will be available at the front office after the first bell if you want to try one out.
• Tuesday Recess: A crossing guard thank you card table will be set up at recess and lunch with supplies at the garden next to the office to make thank you cards for Robert and Joyce.
• Wednesday Morning: Kids can try biking in a group to school. The meet up point is at Channing Ave at Edgewood Market Plaza. Meet up at 7:40 am and the ‘bike train’ will depart at 7:50 am on the recommended bike-to-school route.  Bagels will be provided. Sign up here if you’d like to be reminded.
• Thursday Morning: At each gate we’ll be gathering a ‘stamp tally’ of how everyone arrived at school.  Stickers will be given out.
• Thursday Morning: 3rd graders will attend the yearly ‘bike rodeo’ where they’ll learn all about bike safety through wheels-on demonstrations. 3rd graders should bring a bike or scooter to school if they have one. Backups will be available.
• Friday Morning: Kids can hold onto their thank you cards and deliver them themselves to Robert and Joyce directly or leave them with us Tuesday to deliver to them.

Regards from your Transportation Safety Representatives Tom Whitnah and Juan Caviglia and your Bike Rodeo coordinators Pavy Kadivar and Rodney Dial

Upcoming Unity Day Picnic for Parents and Students on Wednesday, October 18

Join us for a delightful family picnic right here on campus on Unity Day, Wednesday, October 18 from 11:35 am to 12:30 pm! All families are warmly invited. Let’s all dress in ORANGE to stand united for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Be sure to pack your preferred picnic treats and, if possible, comfy picnic blankets for a wonderful time on the grass. Let’s also remember to pick up after ourselves and leave no trash behind. Together, we’ll send a strong, visible message, highlighting our unity as a community and our commitment to supporting anti-bullying efforts. See you there for a day of togetherness and support! 

Join in the Fun at Harvest Carnival

There are lots of ways to be a part of the magic of Harvest Carnival, which this year takes place on October 28th from 12-3 pm, and create memories that will last for years. This event truly takes a village, so please see below for ways you can get involved, whether it’s setting up, taking a shift or two for your class game, donating prizes, or just coming to be part of the splendor, we need your support!

Wristbands 

Game and lunch wristbands can be purchased in advance until Wednesday, Oct 25th. Families will receive wristbands purchased in advance in their student’s Friday Folders (10/20 or 10/27, depending on when you purchase). Any wristbands purchased online after the 25th will need to be picked up at Will Call at Harvest Carnival on Oct. 28th. Wristbands can also be bought at Harvest Carnival, but we recommend buying in advance so you can skip the line!

Volunteers

Our amazing Duveneck community is truly what makes Harvest Carnival special, so come be part of the excitement and help us make sure it’s a success. Please see our general volunteer sheet here and sign up for a time that works best for your family. *Have an older student who wants to help? Please email Hersha at ursula7670@gmail.com before adding their name to the sheet! 

And don’t forget to make sure your classroom’s assigned game has volunteers ready to hand out those coveted prize tickets! View the games sign up sheet here.  

Where do the Prizes come from? YOU. ME. EVERYBODY.Prize Donation Drive starts on Monday, October 16th and runs through the 25th! Prize bins will be outside the Duveneck main office from 8am-2pm. Let’s clean out our toy boxes, playrooms, bins, drawers, and shelves to pass on items our children have outgrown to others. Please leave your gently-used, complete, and clean toy donations in the bins outside the school office. Questions? Email harvestcarnival@duveneck.org.

Just Pre-Parties Launch Tomorrow! (October 2nd)

What are they?

Just Pre-Parties are the perfect combination of fun and fundraising! They are a series of amazing social events that bring our community together to celebrate and support our school.

How can I join? 

The Just Pre-Parties season kicks off tomorrow with some great events like Epicurean Indian Cooking Experience, Mom’s Night Out, Family Movie Night and more. Be on the lookout for a ParentSquare message on Monday morning for event details and instructions on how to sign up.

A huge thank you to all the hosts who pulled these parties together so quickly. Interested in throwing a party for our Just Parties season that launches at the Harvest Carnival in October?  Please fill out our Google Form here to send us more info. Want to learn more about Just Parties? Visit the Duveneck website here. 

Vision Day

Vision Day is this week on Thursday, October 5 from 8.05am – 1.15pm. Students will have the opportunity to receive vision screenings to ensure their visual health is at its best for their learning journey. To make this event successful, we are in need of two more dedicated parent volunteers to assist with:

• Organizing students for their vision screenings or photos.
• Help guide students to the photo or screening area and ensure a smooth flow of the event.
• Provide a welcoming and reassuring presence for our young participants.

Please contact the Duveneck office if you have any questions and click the sign up sheet here to add your name to these events.

Food Drive This Week: October 2-6

Our Food Drive for the Palo Alto Food Closet is here!  Please bring your donations directly to your classrooms and help your students reach their classroom goals. The classroom with the most donations will win the coveted pizza lunch.

The Food Closet is greatly in need of the following food items:

* Canned beans, canned fruit, canned soup, ramen noodles, canned protein (e.g. tuna, chili, spam, beef stew, ravioli, tuna, salmon, sardines)

* Macaroni and cheese

* Dried pasta

* Granola Bars

* Canned vegetables, especially kernel corn

* Instant coffee

* Hot chocolate in packets

* All-purpose flour

* Peanut butter – NOT organic please (the oil on top kind)

* Sandwich-size zip-lock bags

* Paper towels

* Bottles of water

We also need several parent volunteers to help us transport and sort the donations on Friday, October 6th from 2:35-4:00pm at the All Saints Episcopal Church, located at 425 Hamilton Ave. If you would like to attend this event, please RSVP here by October 6th. Students are encouraged to attend, but they should be accompanied by their parents.

Meet The…New School Clerk

Emme Herring is the new Duveneck Clerk! She recently moved to the Bay Area from Portland, Oregon where she studied at Portland State University. Eventually she aspires to become a speech language pathologist and work with early intervention and elementary aged kids. She is excited to join the Duveneck team and work with everyone to keep everything running smoothly. Emme enjoys reading, riding her bike, and binging a funny television show (most recently Ted Lasso). She’s excited to have a great year!

COMING SOON

Upcoming Unity Day Picnic for Parents and Students on Wednesday, October 18

Get ready to wear ORANGE to school on Wednesday, October 18 for Unity Day. This important day is a chance for our community to come together to promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion and support National Bullying Prevention Month. More information on Unity Day is available here.

This year we will have a picnic on campus for students and parents, so please mark your calendars for lunchtime (11:45-12:45) on Wednesday, October 18. We hope that you can come to spend some time with your children and support this important cause. If you would like to volunteer to help during this event, please contact Allie Manov (allie.manov@gmail.com) and CC Huang (cchuang411@gmail.com). Thank you so much!

Principal’s Coffee – Growth Mindset Parenting – Join a fireside chat on October 26th 

Growth Mindset is one of the biggest factors for kids’ success and parents play an essential role in developing it. Parents can learn the tools and skills to nurture it within them at school and at home. Join me and Liz Cohen to discuss Growth Mindset Parenting — what it is (and what it’s not), how your mindsets shape your parenting experience, and how you can leverage parenting challenges for connection and growth. Staff will also meet with Liz Cohen at a staff meeting to strengthen a message of Growth Mindset between home and school.

Liz Cohen is a Growth Mindset learning specialist and mom of three based in Palo Alto. She founded the Becoming Lab to help parents become growth mindset role models and thrive during parenthood. Prior, Liz was one of the first employees at MindsetWorks, the leading organization for Growth Mindset programs, founded by Carol Dweck, the world-renowned Stanford professor behind Growth Mindset.   

Please join us on Thursday, October 26, from 8:00-9:00am in the MP Room. 

Harvest Carnival ReminderHere is our first weekly reminder to buy your wristbands in advance for the upcoming Harvest Carnival on October 28th. In your child’s Friday Folder on October 6th you will get a flyer with details of the event and you may order your wristbands in advance by clicking on a QR or clicking here. Also at this event will be a selection of Just Parties! tickets that you can purchase in advance.

No School This Monday, August 21

Don’t forget folks that PAUSD schools are closed this Monday, August 21 for a staff development day. Stay safe, and enjoy the 3-day weekend!

International Potluck – Sign-up now

International Potluck is Duveneck’s first big event of the year! It is an occasion when we all come together and celebrate the school’s vibrant and diverse community through showcasing traditional dancing and making and sharing food from different countries and US locations/regions. It’s also an opportunity to decorate your stall with artifacts from your country.

It will be held at Duveneck on Friday, September 8 from 6:00-8:00 pm. That’s three whole weeks for us to plan and cook delicious food that represents the diversity of our community.

Shout out to all those who have signed up, and a “What are you waiting for?” to those who haven’t as yet. Add your name here to sign up for this always hugely popular event!

While it’s too early to give you a sneak peek at what’s to come, here’s a look back at how International Potluck has been one of the most successful events in the past.