School NewsDistrict News

High school authors go right to the source for literary feedback – UCS elementary students
04/21/2021
DeKeyser students offer feedback to CSI book project
Registration is now open for 2021-22 kindergarten
01/28/2021
Enrollment is now open for fall kindergarten
DeKeyser students are making Smart Moves
02/19/2020
Students with Smart Moves shirts
Student raising hand with book in the background
Profile pic
DeKeyser students with their Smart Moves shirts
Read MoreRead MoreRead More
The tale of two sisters, retired UCS administrators and children’s book creators
12/07/2021
Retired UCS administrator sisters create children’s book together, donate books to UCS elementary libraries.
UCS to be represented by Utica High School dancer at Philadelphia’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
11/23/2021
Varsity dancer named All-American by Varsity Spirit will be performing on behalf of the organization on Thanksgiving.
Virtual academy students get closer look at what it means to be Michigan made
11/22/2021
Book creators with their published work
Madelyn Karrandja, Utica High dancer
Virtual Farm Field Trip
Read MoreRead MoreRead More

A note from the Principal...

Dear DeKeyser Families,

Shannon HathcockMy name is Shannon Hathcock and it is with great excitement that I introduce myself as the new principal at DeKeyser Elementary.  DeKeyser has a rich history of academic excellence that is a direct result of the partnership between the students, parents, staff, and community.  I am extremely fortunate to be joining such a remarkable team and look forward to working with all of you in providing the best educational program for our students.

I attended Wayne State University to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education.  I continued my learning at Saginaw Valley State University and earned a Master of Arts Degree in Teaching majoring in Early Childhood Education.  Currently I attend Oakland University and will soon receive my Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership.  During these last 23 years in Utica Community Schools, I have taught kindergarten through third grade, worked as an Early Literacy Coach, served as the Interim Principal at Burr and Graebner Elementary, and most recently, as the Administrative Intern at West Utica Elementary’s summer school program, while being a wife and mother to my three wonderful children.

-MORE-

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.