Unity Day Family Picnic is NEXT WEEK! | October 21

Wednesday, October 21 | 11:35 AM–12:30 PM | Duveneck Campus

All families are warmly invited to join their students for our Unity Day Family Picnic!

Let’s celebrate kindness, acceptance, inclusion, and what makes our Duveneck community so special. Wear ORANGE as we stand united in support of one another.

Please bring your favorite picnic treats and, if possible, a comfy picnic blanket for relaxing on the grass together.

As we enjoy our time together, please remember to clean up after your family and leave no trash behind. Every little effort helps keep our campus beautiful!

We can’t wait to celebrate unity and togetherness with our Duveneck families. See you there!

Harvest Carnival PRIZE DRIVE starts THIS WEEK (10/15-22)

Harvest Carnival is TWO WEEKS AWAY on October 24th from 2:30-5:00 pm, and we NEED YOUR GENTLY-USED TOYS for our Prize Drive!

Where do the Game Prizes come from? YOU. ME. EVERYBODY. 

Prize Donation Drive starts on Thursday, Oct. 15th and runs through Thursday, Oct 22nd! 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. Prize Fliers and Gallon-Sized bags were sent home in Friday Folders last week for a collection of smaller items.

 GET YOUR WRISTBANDS 

Purchase your $20 child wristband (ages 4+) in advance here.

Volunteers!!! WE NEED YOU!

• Class Games: Sign up here for your class’s carnival game so we’re sure we have coverage!
• General Help: Games not your thing? Help set up, clean up, or work the ticket, prize table. Sign up here. We especially need extra hands for setup on the day of the event!
• Duvy Alums & High Schoolers: Know a student who wants to join in the fun or earn volunteer hours? Send them the sign-up link — we’d love their help!

This isn’t just any school event—it’s a magical transformation of our campus into a world of fun and excitement! There’s something for everyone, so don’t miss out! Questions? Email harvestcarnival@duveneck.org.

  Spirit Day: Black & White Day!

Show your school spirit on Friday, October 16, by wearing black, white, or a combination of both! Participation is always optional, but we encourage everyone to join in the fun!

Bagels Are Back on October 22!

We’re excited to resume our bagel tradition on Thursday, October 22! Please help sign up using the link below and volunteer so our kids can enjoy the bagel. Thank you for supporting our school community and helping make these treats possible for our staff!

Sign up:  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1046rQhAEA8HBLOle58n5QWuAo_INhG-HFSS08hqHb2s/edit?usp=drivesdk

APPRECIATION

  Thank You for Rolling with Us!  

Our Walk & Roll Week Ride Trains were a big hit! Thanks to everyone who joined us at Edgewood Plaza for bagels & a fun ride to school, and special thanks to Juan Caviglia & family for leading the way. 

For more info on how PAUSD supports walking, biking and safe, active, school commutes, check out Safe Routes to School.

Friday Treats: Thank You, Room 20 Families!

A big thank-you to our Room 20 parents for helping make our Duveneck teachers and staff feel extra special! Friday Treats is our way of showing appreciation for the wonderful people who care for, teach, and support our students every day. Thank you for spreading kindness and making our staff feel valued!

PTAC COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

Election News To view PTAC’s position on any upcoming local election issues, visit https://ptac.paloaltopta.org To view California’s State PTA’s positions on upcoming state measures visit https://capta.org/advocacy/state-ballot-measures/“

Walk & Roll Week Is THIS Week! | October 5–9

Get ready to Walk & Roll to Duveneck starting tomorrow, Monday, October 5!

Walk & Roll Week is all about celebrating bike safety, encouraging safer streets, and enjoying the fun of walking and rolling to school together.

Here’s what to look forward to:

• A group bike ride to school
• Safe-route tips and resources for families
• Fun surprises throughout the week

Parent Ed Talk: Raising Connected, Confident Boys

Tuesday, October 6 | 6:30 PM | MP Room

Please join us for a special parent education evening with Jason Baeten, an educator who has spent more than 15 years working with boys and families around connection, identity, and emotional development.

Boys today navigate many different pressures around friendship, self-expression, and identity. The patterns that shape how they respond to these challenges begin early.

Jason will share practical, thoughtful insights into what boys need to build resilience, stay connected to family and friends, and develop a strong sense of self—and how parents of younger boys can help lay that foundation now.

We hope you’ll join us for an evening of learning, conversation, and connection with other parents in our Duveneck community!

Picture Day is THIS Thursday, October 8!

Mark your calendars! Picture Day is almost here, and we’re looking forward to capturing some wonderful smiles and memories of our students!

Picture Ordering Information:

Families can place online orders at mydorian.com beginning 3 weeks before Picture Day and continuing through 2 days after Picture Day.

Prefer to order by paper? Order envelopes were sent home on Friday, September 25. On Picture Day, please give your completed paper order form directly to the photographer before they leave. Unfortunately, paper orders cannot be accepted after the photographer has departed.

Picture Day Volunteers Needed!

We’d love your help making Picture Day run smoothly for our students and photographers!

Parent volunteers will help with things like organizing students and assisting our photographers throughout the day. As a small thank-you, all Picture Day volunteers will receive a coupon for a complimentary picture package!

Please note: The complimentary package offer is valid for envelope orders only.

Interested in volunteering? We’d love to have you! Please sign up here.

The LOST & FOUND is overflowing!

The Duveneck Lost & Found cart is packed with sweaters, jackets, water bottles & hats! Please come by to claim your child’s lost items before they are packed up and delivered to Goodwill on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9TH at noon.

SAVE THE DATE: Unity Day Family Picnic on October 21

Wednesday, October 21 | 11:35 AM–12:30 PM | Duveneck Campus

All families are warmly invited to join their students for our Unity Day Family Picnic!

Let’s celebrate kindness, acceptance, inclusion, and what makes our Duveneck community so special. Wear ORANGE as we stand united in support of one another.

Please bring your favorite picnic treats and, if possible, a comfy picnic blanket for relaxing on the grass together.

As we enjoy our time together, please remember to clean up after your family and leave no trash behind. Every little effort helps keep our campus beautiful!

We can’t wait to celebrate unity and togetherness with our Duveneck families. See you there!

Get Ready for the Harvest Carnival on October 24!

Saturday, October 24 | NEW TIME! – 2:30 – 5:00 PM | Duveneck Elementary

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon at Duveneck’s biggest celebration of the year — the Harvest Carnival! Enjoy carnival games, a petting zoo, popcorn, face painting, crafts, a Run for Fun, a spooky haunted house, and amazing prizes. It’s a day packed with fun for the whole family!

 GET YOUR WRISTBANDS 

Purchase your $20 child wristband (ages 4+) in advance here.

Volunteers!!! WE NEED YOU!

• Class Games: Sign up here for your class’s carnival game so we’re sure we have coverage!
• General Help: Games not your thing? Help set up, clean up, or work the ticket, prize table. Sign up here. We especially need extra hands for setup on the day of the event!
• Duvy Alums & High Schoolers: Know a student who wants to join in the fun or earn volunteer hours? Send them the sign-up link — we’d love their help!

PRIZE DRIVE: Gently Used Toys Needed!

It’s time for our Harvest Carnival Prize Donation Drive!

Thursday, October 15–Thursday, October 22 | Donation bins: Outside the Duveneck main office
Drop-off time: 8:00 AM–2:00 PM

Take a look through those toy boxes, playrooms, bins, drawers, and shelves and see what your family has outgrown. We’re looking for gently used, complete, and clean toys that are ready for a new home.

Please place donations in the bins outside the school office. Prize flyers and gallon-sized bags will also be sent home in Friday Folders for collecting smaller items.

Questions? Email us anytime at harvestcarnival@duveneck.org.

We can’t wait to see you there! 

APPRECIATION

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR ICE SKATING TEAM!

A huge thank you to our amazing Duveneck Ice Skating Committee members Fei Luo, Lidi Mirayubov, Lindsay Green, and Ayan Ghosh for helping keep this beloved Palo Alto tradition going strong!

Winter Lodge requires in-person reservations for school ice skating parties, and these dedicated parents took turns waiting in line from midnight until 10:30 AM(!) last Wednesday to secure prime Friday evening slots for Duveneck.

That’s some serious dedication—and we’re so grateful!

Save the Dates!

Friday, March 5: TK–2nd Grade
Friday, March 19: 3rd–5th Grade
Time: 5:30–7:30 PM
Tickets: Available at a later date

Thank you again to our wonderful Ice Skating Team for braving those very early hours to make this special Duveneck tradition possible. We can’t wait to hit the ice together!

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

PTAC Community Happenings Click here to read the latest PTAC News! And stay connected beyond our school. The PTAC Community Happenings page highlights local events, resources, and ways to get involved across the district.

No School Oct 2nd

A friendly reminder to our families that school will be closed on Thursday, October 2nd, for a Staff Development Day.

Duveneck FUNdraising Parties: Act Fast Before Early-Bird Pricing Ends 9/30!

Our brand-new Duveneck FUNdraising Parties are off to an amazing start, and several popular events are already fully sold out!

Whether you’re looking for wine tastings, kids’ craft nights, or outdoor family adventures, now is the time to browse the lineup and grab your spots.

• The 20% Early-Bird Discount ENDS this Wednesday, 9/30!
• Pricing Options: Choose individual tickets for $45, or save more with packages (3 tickets for $115 or 5 tickets for $180), plus your extra early-bird savings on top!
• 100% of proceeds go right back to Duveneck to support classroom supplies and enrichment programs!

How It Works:

1. Head straight to duveneck.org/party to view the remaining catalog and buy your ticket package.
2. Once you buy your ticket package, you’ll get an email with an access code, subject “Your Duveneck PTA party tickets.” 
3. Hang on to that access code as you select your parties from duveneck.org/party and secure your spots before your favorites are gone.

Want to add all the parties to your Calendar so you know what’s coming up? Link to it here: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0?cid=ZHV2ZW5lY2twdGFAZ21haWwuY29t. 

Questions? Check out duveneck.org/funparties or email funparties@duveneck.org.

 Walk & Roll Week is NEXT Week! Oct 5–9 

Get ready to Walk & Roll to Duveneck starting Monday, October 5!

Walk & Roll Week is all about promoting bike safety, safer streets, and the joy of walking and rolling to school together.

What to look forward to:

• A group bike ride to school 
  
• Safe route tips for families
  
• Fun surprises throughout the week
  

Stay tuned in next week’s eNews for the full schedule of daily activities. Let’s make our routes safer—and our mornings more fun!Get ready to Walk & Roll to Duveneck starting Monday, October 5!

Walk & Roll Week is all about promoting bike safety, safer streets, and the joy of walking and rolling to school together.

What to look forward to:

• A group bike ride to school 
  
• Safe route tips for families
  
• Fun surprises throughout the week
  

Stay tuned in next week’s eNews for the full schedule of daily activities. Let’s make our routes safer—and our mornings more fun!

Parent Ed Talk: Raising Connected, Confident Boys

Tuesday, October 6th, 6:30 PM — MP Room

Please join us for a special parent education evening with Jason Baeten, an educator who has spent over 15 years working with boys and families on connection, identity, and emotional development.

Boys today navigate real pressures around friendships, self-expression, and identity, and the patterns that shape how they handle those challenges start early. Jason will offer practical, grounded insight into what boys need to build resilience and stay connected to family and peers, and how parents of younger boys can lay that foundation now.

This is a great opportunity to hear from an experienced local voice and connect with other parents in our community. We hope you’ll join us.Tuesday, October 6th, 6:30 PM — MP Room

Please join us for a special parent education evening with Jason Baeten, an educator who has spent over 15 years working with boys and families on connection, identity, and emotional development.

Boys today navigate real pressures around friendships, self-expression, and identity, and the patterns that shape how they handle those challenges start early. Jason will offer practical, grounded insight into what boys need to build resilience and stay connected to family and peers, and how parents of younger boys can lay that foundation now.

This is a great opportunity to hear from an experienced local voice and connect with other parents in our community. We hope you’ll join us.

Picture Day Is Coming!

Mark your calendars! Picture Day will be Thursday, October 8th. We’re looking forward to capturing some wonderful smiles and memories of our students!

Picture Ordering Information:

Families can place online orders at mydorian.com beginning 3 weeks before Picture Day and continuing through 2 days after Picture Day.

Prefer to order by paper? Order envelopes will be sent home on Friday, September 25th. On Picture Day, please make sure your completed paper order form is given directly to the photographer before they leave. Unfortunately, paper orders cannot be accepted after the photographer has left.

Picture Day Volunteers Needed!

Picture Day is coming up on Thursday, October 8th, and we’d love your help! We are looking for parent volunteers to assist our photographers and help make Picture Day run smoothly for our students.

As a small thank-you for your time, all Picture Day volunteers will receive a coupon for a complimentary picture package!

Please note: The complimentary package offer is valid for envelope orders only.

Interested in volunteering? We’d love to have you join us! Please sign up here.

Our brand-new Duveneck FUNdraising Parties (formerly Just Parties) are officially open for community sign-ups at duveneck.org/party!

Whether you joined us on the playground this morning for coffee or are jumping in online now, it’s time to secure your spots for this year’s incredible lineup of community events.

How It Works:

1. Buy your tickets first on our new, streamlined site: duveneck.org/party
2. Choose your parties right after!

• 1 ticket: $45
• 3 tickets: $115 (save 15%)
• 5 tickets: $180 (save 20%)

EARLY-BIRD SPECIAL: Get an additional 20% off ticket packages purchased by September 30, 2026!

Help Us Reach Our $18,000 Goal!

These events are one of our biggest PTA fundraisers of the year. 100% of ticket sales go directly back to Duveneck to fund classroom supplies, enrichment programs, and special school events. From wine tastings and kids’ craft nights to outdoor family adventures, every ticket makes a huge difference for our school community!

Check the printed catalog that came home in your child’s Friday Folder or head straight to duveneck.org/party to explore all the parties and grab your tickets. Watch our video here!

Questions? Visit duveneck.org/funparties/ or email funparties@duveneck.org

Duveneck FUNdraising Parties Launch THIS TUESDAY!

Our beloved Just Parties have a brand-new name: Duveneck FUNdraising Parties! Get ready to have fun, connect with fellow Duveneck families, and support our school.

Join Us THIS TUESDAY for the Launch Party! Come kick off the FUN with us on the Duveneck Playground this Tuesday, September 22, during drop-off (7:50–8:30 AM). Enjoy coffee, treats, and a first look at this year’s FUNdraising Parties! Launch Party Bonus: Families who attend the morning launch party will get early access to party sign-ups. Open community sign-ups begin at noon on September 22.

Why the Revamp? These special events are about so much more than “just” parties! They’re a wonderful way to bring Duveneck families together, make new friends, and create lasting memories—all while supporting our students. They’re also one of the PTA’s biggest fundraisers, with 100% of ticket sales going directly back to Duveneck to help fund classroom supplies, enrichment programs, and special school events. From wine tastings and kids’ craft parties to outdoor family adventures, there’s something for everyone—and every party helps make a difference for our school community.

A New, Easier Way to Join the Fun!

This year, we’ve made the process simpler than ever:

• New website: Along with the new name, our team built an incredible new and streamlined site, duveneck.org/party
• New ticket system: Buy your tickets first, then choose your parties
• Simple pricing + savings:
  • 1 ticket: $45
  • 3 tickets: $115 — save 15%
  • 5 tickets: $180 — save 20%
• Watch our video here!
  

EARLY-BIRD SPECIAL: Get an additional 20% off ticket packages purchased by September 30, 2026. Buy your tickets now and choose your parties later!

Help Us Reach Our $18,000 Goal!

Look for the printed catalog in your child’s Friday Folder or visit duveneck.org/party to explore all the parties, purchase tickets, and get the full details. Questions? Visit https://duveneck.org/funparties/ or email funparties@duveneck.org. 

 International Potluck THIS FRIDAY – Volunteers Needed!

Friday, September 25 from 5:30–7:30 PM — Duveneck Elementary Blacktop

We need a few more helping hands! At Duveneck, we love celebrating the incredible diversity of our families, cultures, and cuisines, and this beloved tradition is the perfect way to bring our community together. As we get ready for our first big community event of the year—and one of our most popular!—we’d love your help making it happen. Whether you can lend a hand before, during, or after the event, every bit makes a difference.

Sign up to volunteer here! 

Bring a homemade or store-bought dish to share, and let us know what country or culture it represents when you sign up.

Come hungry, stay awhile, and:

• Share a favorite dish or discover something new
• Reconnect with friends and meet new Duveneck families
• Celebrate the many cultures that make our community special
• Pitch in as a volunteer and help make the evening a success

Questions? Email potluck@duveneck.org

We can’t wait to see—and taste—what you bring!

 Get Ready for Walk & Roll Week (Oct 5–9)!

We’re looking for a volunteer to help organize this fun, energetic week! It’s a great way to get our Duveneck community moving while making a positive impact. When families walk or roll to school, we help ease traffic, keep neighborhood streets safer, and encourage healthier, more active habits for our kids.

Throughout the week, we’ll share simple tips for safer streets and encourage families to get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and walk or roll to school whenever possible!

Learn more about Palo Alto PTA’s Safe Routes to School programs here.

 Interested in helping lead or organize Walk & Roll Week? Reach out to pta@duveneck.org! 

Parent Ed Talk: Raising Connected, Confident Boys

Tuesday, October 6th, 6:30 PM — MP Room

Please join us for a special parent education evening with Jason Baeten, an educator who has spent over 15 years working with boys and families on connection, identity, and emotional development.

Boys today navigate real pressures around friendships, self-expression, and identity, and the patterns that shape how they handle those challenges start early. Jason will offer practical, grounded insight into what boys need to build resilience and stay connected to family and peers, and how parents of younger boys can lay that foundation now.

This is a great opportunity to hear from an experienced local voice and connect with other parents in our community. We hope you’ll join us.

Picture Day Is Coming!

Mark your calendars! Picture Day will be Thursday, October 8th. We’re looking forward to capturing some wonderful smiles and memories of our students!

Picture Ordering Information:

Families can place online orders at mydorian.com beginning 3 weeks before Picture Day and continuing through 2 days after Picture Day.

Prefer to order by paper? Order envelopes will be sent home on Friday, September 25th. On Picture Day, please make sure your completed paper order form is given directly to the photographer before they leave. Unfortunately, paper orders cannot be accepted after the photographer has left.

Picture Day Volunteers Needed!

Picture Day is coming up on Thursday, October 8th, and we’d love your help! We are looking for parent volunteers to assist our photographers and help make Picture Day run smoothly for our students.

As a small thank-you for your time, all Picture Day volunteers will receive a coupon for a complimentary picture package!

Please note: The complimentary package offer is valid for envelope orders only.

Interested in volunteering? We’d love to have you join us! Please sign up here.

APPRECIATION

Friday Treats

At Duveneck, Friday Treats is a beloved tradition where parents provide delicious goodies to show appreciation for our amazing staff. A big thank you to the parents of Mr. Keith’s class for spoiling our teachers with this week’s treats!

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

PAUSD School Board Candidate Forums

The Palo Alto Council of PTAs invites you to our upcoming PAUSD School Board Candidate Forums. This is an opportunity to learn more about the candidates and hear directly from them as they answer questions submitted by the community. 

September 24 (co-hosted with the League of Women Voters) 7-8:30 pm via zoom – register here and submit your questions here.

September 28 – Secondary Education, 7-8:30 pm via zoom 

October 5 – Elementary Education, 7-8:30 pm via zoom 

October 22 – Equity and Access, 7-8:30 pm via zoom 

Submit your questions here for three forums

PTAC Community Happenings Stay connected beyond our school! The PTAC Community Happenings page highlights local events, resources, and ways to get involved across the district.

 Visit the School Garden! 

A big thank you to the Curious Dragons Nature Club volunteers who set up our garden on September 13! Seeds are now planted, including wildflowers, lettuce, beets, turnips, parsley, cilantro, and more. Families are invited to explore the garden during drop-off or pick-up, enjoy the space, and help care for it by looking closely, handling plants gently, and keeping the garden tidy. Students and families can also help with watering, weeding, and thinning—tools are available from the PTA closet. To get involved, email sustainability@duveneck.org or join the WhatsApp group for details. 

Coming up: October’s fun nature competition for students and a December 5 beach cleanup at Half Moon Bay!