Duncan Dispatch

Get ready for one of the most fun days of the year—Field Day is on Thursday, June 5! To help your child have a safe and enjoyable time, please make sure they come prepared:

• Wear comfortable clothes and athletic shoes for running and playing

• Wear your Duncan Shirt to show team spirit!

• Apply sunscreen at home

• Bring a full water bottle labeled with your child’s name

• Optional change of clothes from water activities

Let’s make this Field Day one to remember!

There is limited quantity of yearbooks available for purchase. They will be available on a first come first serve basis. They are $15 each. Send exact change or a check made out to Duncan Elementary School. Any questions, please contact the office at officeduncan@uticak12.org or 586-797-4600.

Many families and staff members have been inquiring about the first day of the 2025-26 school year. By law, key dates included in school district calendars are subject to collective bargaining.

We recognize the importance of planning family schedules as they relate to the start of school. While productive and collaborative negotiations are continuing, we are making the following dates available at this time:

August 25, 2025 NO SCHOOL – Professional Development

August 26, 2025 First Day of School for Students (1/2 day Elementary; Full day Secondary)

August 29, 2025 NO SCHOOL

September 1, 2025 NO SCHOOL – Labor Day

September 17, 2025 NO SCHOOL – Professional Development

In addition, select vacation dates – such as Thanksgiving, Winter Break, and Spring Break - are aligned with the Macomb County Common Calendar. Please note – the final negotiated agreements may result in additional days connected to these breaks.

The above information has been added to our district website.

We will have a slight change in our school hours next year.

The change will ensure that we are able to create greater stability and reliability for our transportation service at all grades throughout the school district. The new hours will also ensure that all UCS junior high schools are able to follow the same schedule.

Our new hours next year will be from 9:05-3:55.

UCS continues to actively seek new drivers. Walk in applicants are welcomed every Wednesday from 11 to 1 p.m. at our auxiliary services department, 6600 18 Mile Rd in Sterling Heights. For more information, please visit: https://www.uticak12.org/driverseat.

June:

• 4th: Bagel Day
• 5th: Field Day
• 6th: Variety Show
• 10th: Half Day of School - Dismissal at 12:04pm
• 10th: Sixth Grade Graduation @ 9:15am
• 11th: Half Day of School - Dismissal at 12:04pm - LAST DAY!

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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. Jodi Pfeifer - Principal

Mrs. Amy Mujkic - Assistant Principal

Mrs. Kelly Salter - Administrative Assistant

Mrs. Joanne Giannone - Clerk

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

Website: Duncan Elementary / Homepage (schoolwires.net)