August 2007

Dear Duffy Parents, Guardians and Friends,

Greetings and welcome to Duffy School! As we begin a new school year, the Duffy staff is ready and eager to do what they do best. The teachers are the backbone of the excellent instruction that your child is assured to experience. We have a few new teachers and some returning from maternity leave. Together, we are looking forward to working with you for the maximum growth of each student.

Once again, our focus will be on Student Achievement as we maintain our efforts to integrate technology into the curriculum. We have purchased five new interactive white boards for a total of 14 in the school. Staff will continue to receive professional development on Wednesdays to learn to use this technology in the most effective way and to sharpen their instructional strategies to improve achievement.

Last year we acquired lockers for all students and a snack machine in the cafeteria. This year all the seats in the lower level of the auditorium have been refurbished and the third portable has been repaired. This will give our part-time art and music teachers a more suitable place to work with the Duffy students. Additionally, we have acquired a third copy machine and the old ones have been replaced. This will make it easier for teachers to prepare for instruction as our student population continues to grow. We have 560 students including 85 new kindergarteners. You may have noticed we have spruced up the Duffy grounds by adding a new garden by the cafeteria. We appreciate the support from the Beautification Committee who keeps the grounds in front looking spectacular!

The 2007- 2008 school year promises to be an excellent year at Duffy, but if issues, questions or concerns do come up, I hope you will call my office to clarify, share or problem solve as needed. Dialogue is an excellent way to keep the communication lines open. The Duffy staff is here to serve you!

Sincerely,

Kathleen Tracy, Principal

and the Duffy Team