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School NewsDistrict News

DeKeyser students are making Smart Moves
02/19/2020
Students with Smart Moves shirts
Hour of Code
12/18/2019
Students in Media Center class coding for the "Hour of Code"
Help Wanted
11/20/2019
Join our team as a lunch room supervisor
DeKeyser students with their Smart Moves shirts
Students in front of a white board
Sign for Help Wanted
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Media balance becomes important focus of digital citizenship lessons
10/29/2020
Maintaining a balance between real and virtual worlds
CTE students “get right to work”
10/27/2020
CTE programs return to in-person instruction
More than $40 million in bond improvements welcome UCS students returning to in-person learning
10/23/2020
Project funded through 2018 Bond Issue
Kid at computer
Student working on computer
Compilation of photos
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A note from the Principal...

Good afternoon DeKeyser families, 

We look forward to working with you as we begin the new year with remote instruction.  Our teachers are committed to delivering quality education to our students and making the connections that make the difference in your child’s learning.  If you choose to remain at DeKeyser Elementary with remote learning, you do not need to do anything. Your child’s schedule is already being built and teachers will remain the same through the year, even if we transition back to in-person learning. If you choose to go into the Utica Community Schools Virtual Academy for the 1st semester, that choice must be made by Friday, August 14 by following the instructions here.  

You can expect frequent communications from us as we look forward to the start of the 2020-21 school year.  I want to share a few things as we prepare for this new year: 

  • While we are in the office, we are limiting visitors to those who have a specific reason to visit the school.  We ask that you please call our office at (586)797 - 4400 to schedule an appointment. Prior to entering the building, you will be asked to do a pre-screening, wear a facemask, use a hand sanitizer that is located inside our door and observe social distancing. 
  • Although building access is being limited, please know that we are always happy to talk and work with you to answer your questions over the phone.  Our office number is 586-797-4400. 
  • We anticipate teacher assignments being emailed to you on August 28.   
  • The structure of a typical in-person school day is being used as a guide for the remote learning.  For instance, your child’s schedule will begin at 9:10 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m.   Both synchronous (real time learning with the teacher) and asynchronous (learning experience created by the teacher which are accessible at any time) will be used with whole class, small group and/or individualized instruction.  We will provide you with more specific information in the upcoming days. 
  • We have had a few questions about a recommended school supply list.  We are preparing lists and will share those with you shortly. 
  • Every student this year will receive a district issued device.  These devices will have single sign-on for your child and will be loaded with the applications (apps) and resources that our teachers will use to support learning.  We will sharing a schedule with you soon on how the devices will be shared with your family. 

We are excited to be partnering with you again as we look forward to the start of school on September 1st.  Both the district and our school will be communicating with you further to provide you with a better understanding of the supports your child will have and what their days will look like.  There is a great deal of information on the UCS Website at this link to answer many of your questions. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to respond to this email or call the office at (586) 797-4400. 

Warmly, 

Mary Beth Merlo 

 

 

Our Mission:
The DeKeyser community provides a safe, learning environment while encouraging academic and personal success through high expectations.

Our Theme:
DeKeyser Elementary School's theme is "Adventures never end!"

  • Blue Ribbon School
  • All day kindergarten
  • Dedicated classrooms for art and music
  • District standardized test scores above county and state averages
  • More than 92 percent of our parents would recommend the district to others
  • School wide off site science experience at camps (K-6)
  • High level of student involvement in school including student led assemblies, student run school store
  • DeKeyser teacher named America's Top Ten Preschool Teacher by Nick Jr. Magazine
  • Collaborative team teaching at all grade levels
  • Active community involvement in extra curricular and academic areas
  • Discovery Science Tech Book Grant
  • Lowe's Toolbox for Education Grant

    • UCS Vision

    All children have the right to a rigorous, high-quality education which meets their individual needs. UCS will respect, encourage and empower each and every student to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to be successful, contributing members of a diverse community and global society.

    UCS Mission

    We are committed to exemplary teaching and learning in order for our students to be prepared for success in the 21st Century.
    We will achieve this commitment by engaging the entire community to focus on each child's achievement, with the expectation that every student will pursue some type of post-high school educational endeavor.

    Core Values

    • Every child can learn and achieve.
    • Parents and guardians are partners in the learning process.
    • Being “smart” can be achieved through persistence, hard work and effective effort.
    • Excellence is expected and celebrated.
    • Data is used to guide our decision-making.
    • All employees will exemplify ethical behavior; exhibit a strong work ethic; and continue to develop their leadership, performance and service skills.
    • Technology supports and enhances instruction, business operations, research and communications.
    • The Board of Education, district educators/staff, parents, community members and business leaders must collaborate and work as a team to enhance educational opportunities for student success.