Duncan Dispatch
A Message From the Principal
We are excited to share our weekly newsletter, packed with important updates and information about school events, classroom activities, and ways you can get involved. We kindly ask that you take a few moments to read through it each week, as it contains valuable insights that will help you stay informed and engaged with your child's education.
Thank you for your continued support!
Mrs. Pfeifer
Proud Principal
Meet our Amazing Staff
Kitchen Crew
Ms.
Custodial
Mr. Zef
Ms. Vera
Office Staff
Ms. Joanne
Mrs. Pfeifer
Mrs. Mujkic
Ms. Kelly
6th Grade
Mr. Rudzinski
Mrs. Dombrowksi
Mrs. Montgomery
2nd Grade
Mrs. Kady
Mrs. Troyanovich
Mrs. Aguilar
1st Grade
Mrs. Atreo
Mrs. Sabin
Mrs. Maranzano
Mrs. Janceski
3rd Grade
Mrs. D'Amico
Mrs. Allen
Mrs. Paladino
Special Education/Support Staff
Mrs. Z
Mrs. Winningham
Mrs. Williams
Mrs. Klayo
Mrs. Bross
Ms. Shallal
5th Grade
Mrs. Krause
Mrs. Kosky
Ms. Oppermann
4th Grade
Mrs. Tucker
Mrs. Lee
Mrs. Siracoff
Kindergarten
Mrs. Cerrone
Mrs. Palmer
Mrs. Donoher
Ms. Galati
Mrs. Prainito
Mrs. Stecker
Mrs. Lambert
Mrs. Webster-Fischer
Arrival & Dismissal Reminders
- Please note AM Supervision DOES NOT begin until 8:50 am. Do not drop your child off unattended prior to this time.
- If using the student drop off lane, cars must remain in the drop off lane while dropping off, please NO passing other cars and do not park and leave car unattended.
- Please remain behind the cones at the front entrance to allow for students to enter and exit the building safely. This includes the end of the sidewalk near the bus drop off lane.
- DO NOT park on the grass. This option is only needed during large school events.
Bus Reminders
Before the Bus Arrives
- Your child should arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus arrives. Ahead of the new school year, visit the bus stop and show your child where to wait for the bus, at least ten feet — five giant steps — away from the curb. Remind your child that the bus stop is not a place to run or play.
- Please wait with your child at the bus stop during the am. In the pm parents of younger students especially K-3) should also be waiting for the child at the bus stop.
Getting On and Off Safely
- When the school bus arrives, your child should wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, the door opens, and the driver says it’s okay to get on or off. Your child should use the handrails to avoid falling.
Always Use Caution Around the Bus
Your child should never walk behind a school bus. If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, tell them to walk on a sidewalk or along the side of the street to a place at least ten feet — five giant steps — in front of the bus before crossing. Your child should also make eye contact with the bus driver before crossing to make sure the driver can see that they’re crossing to avoid the danger zone.
NO PHONES, COMPUTERS, or IPADS should be used on the bus.
NO Food or Candy on the busses.
September 6th Is the Last Day to Purchase Insurance
Attendance
On the day of absence, parent/guardian are asked to report an absence before the school day begins. Calls may be made 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will be received by an answering machine during non-school hours at 586-797-4699. Absences may also be reported by email at officeduncan@uticak12.org. Please do not call the main line, use the absence line or report by email. Documentation or other verification may be required to establish an excused absence. Please review the Board Policy 5115 below for more information regarding student attendance.
D.E.C.O Parent Group
We wanted to remind everyone about the DECO website: www.DuncanDECO.com. Throughout the year, this website will be filled with up-to-date information & details regarding upcoming events, fundraisers and volunteer opportunities that are hosted by DECO. We have partnered with Membership Toolkit to make the process of signing up for events, making payments or volunteering a whole lot easier and all done in one place! As different events are offered throughout the year, you will be able to log back in to find the registration forms right in your account.
Bagel Day Information
Calendar of Events
Open House is a great time to:
- Meet your child's teacher and see the classroom.
- Learn about classroom policies and procedures.
- Familiarize yourself with the curriculum that will be covered throughout the school year.
- Ask any questions you may have about the school year.
We look forward to seeing you there!
September:
- 10th: Open House 6:30pm - 7:30pm (Two Classroom Sessions)
- 13th: Eisenhower Spirit Day - Wear Blue or White or Ike Shirts for Homecoming
- 18th: NO SCHOOL- Teacher Professional Development
- 26th: Fall Picture Day
October:
- 16th: NO SCHOOL- Teacher Professional Development
- 31st: Half Day of School: Dismissal at 12:04pm
November:
- 1st: Half Day of School: Dismissal at 12:04pm - End of Marking Period
- 5th: NO SCHOOL - Election Day
- 7th: Half Day of School: Dismissal at 12:04pm - Parent Teacher Afternoon Conferences
- 8th: Picture Retake Day!
- 27th-29th: NO SCHOOL- Thanksgiving Break
December:
- 20th: Half Day of School: Dismissal at 12:04pm - End of Marking Period
- 23rd- January 3, 2024: NO SCHOOL - Winter Break
January:
- 15th: Yearbook Group Picture Day
- 20th: NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February:
- 17th-21st: NO SCHOOL - Mid-Winter Break
March:
- 21st: Half Day of School - End of Marking Period
- 24th - 28th: NO SCHOOL - Spring Break
April:
- 18th: NO SCHOOL - Good Friday
May
- 26th: NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
June:
- 10th: Half Day of School - Dismissal at 12:04pm
- 11th: Half Day of School - Dismissal at 12:04pm - LAST DAY!
Enrichment Activities
Ike is hosting a Junior Eagle Homecoming Fair immediately following their Homecoming Parade on Sunday, September 15. The parade will start at 4 PM and run on 25 Mile Road between Shelby and Eisenhower High School. The JUNIOR EAGLE Homecoming Fair will be immediately following at the IKE Practice field at the high school.
Previous Duncan Dispatch
Job Opportunities for the 2024-2025 School Year
A number of Utica Community Schools employment opportunities are anticipated to be available for the 2024-2025 school year. This includes but is not limited to professional positions, paraprofessional, bus driver, food services, school age childcare, trades, mechanics, and other important support work. District personnel serve as excellent ambassadors for the organization and are encouraged to promote the UCS employment website to persons interested in being part of the UCS team. Related resources include:
- The district general employment website can be found at https://uticak12.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx. Interested persons must follow the described process for each position.
- In addition to the general employment website, some position postings are additionally and/or separately distributed internally within the organization to promote or foster interest from existing staff who may not be regularly reviewing the website.
- EDUStaff opportunities please visit https://www.edustaff.org/.
The Community at Richard J. Duncan Elementary School is devoted to academic excellence. Sound instructional strategies will provide our students with a foundation of skills that will prepare them for lifelong achievement in a global society.
Mrs. Amy Mujkic - Assistant Principal
Mrs. Kelly Salter - Administrative Assistant
School Hours: 9:00am - 3:50pm (Doors Open at 8:50am)
Half Day Hours: 9:00 am - 12:04pm
Office Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Office Phone: 586-797-4600
Absence Line: 586-797-4699 (For KDG - 6th Grade Only)
Early Childhood Phone: 586-797-4660
Website: Duncan Elementary / Homepage (schoolwires.net)
Location: 14500 26 Mile Road, Shelby Township, MI, USA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UCSDuncan