The Falcon Focus
GETTING READY FOR A FANTASTIC NEW YEAR!
Dear Falcon Families,
We are busy at Flickinger preparing for the school year and have plans for amazing events and activities for students throughout the year. Please check the Falcon Focus each week (sent on Sundays) to stay updated on all that is happening at school. We can't wait to see all of our Falcons next week!
Respect
Respect people and property.
Relationship
Build positive relationships with those around you.
Responsibility
Take responsibility for your choices and actions.
Upcoming Dates to Remember
Upcoming Dates to Remember
August
23-Parent Group Back to School Night at Grant Park
26-Falcon Night
27- First Day of School half day Dismissal 11:29 AM
30-No School
September
2-No School Labor Day
6- Final day to Purchase Device Insurance
9- Picture Day
10- Open House 7:00 PM
18- No School Professional Development
October
16-No School
31-Half Day
Calendar Overview 2024-2025 School Year
Falcon Night 8/26
I am sure that parents and students are just as excited about the new year as we are! For that reason, we invite you to swing by and visit us on Monday August 26th to find your classroom, meet some teachers and check out the new playground!! We have scheduled a separate time for our newest Falcons so that they can have the school to themselves to explore with their families. We look forward to seeing you then.
4:00PM -4:45PM Kindergarten
4:45PM -5:30 PM grades 1-6
Update Powerschool
At the beginning of each year, we ask our families to complete the necessary paperwork for the school year. This year, most of those forms need to be completed online in PowerSchool.
All Parents MUST COMPLETE the Mandatory Forms NO LATER THAN Friday, September 6th for their student(s).
The instructions on how to access Power School Forms through a browser are below (the screenshot is below as well):
1. Log into Unified Classroom Parent Account (BROWSER ONLY – the mobile app will not work)
2. Click on Forms
3. Under General Forms click on "Annual Update"
4. Complete ONLY if there are changes to: Student Address, Student Contacts, Health Information
5. REQUIRED TO COMPLETE EACH YEAR – MUST be completed.
6. Complete any additional forms below (e.g. Technology Agreements)
If you have another student, please repeat the process for them.
Device Insurance
2024-2025 DEVICE RESPONSIBILITY, DAMAGE FEES AND OPTIONAL INSURANCE
Student Device Responsibility & Optional Insurance - For all Assigned 1:1 UCS Students
Utica Community Schools is proud to deliver 1:1 technology to our students. Depending upon the grade level, your child has been issued either an iPad or a Dell laptop including charging cords and any applicable accessories. Your child is responsible for the device at all times.
Additionally, a separate Technology Device Use Agreement that includes an electronic sign-off must be provided to the district prior to device distribution. This agreement includes the procedures for Board Policy 6600 - Acceptable Use of the District Technology Resources, acknowledgement that the Student Device Agreement has been discussed with your child, and you have read Board Policy 5160 – Information & Communication Technology. The Technology Device Use Agreement can be found by logging in to your PowerSchool parent account using a web-browser (found at this link), selecting “Forms” from the Navigation menu, and then selecting “Required to Complete Each Year” from the list. Please note that the PowerSchool app does not contain a link to district forms. Forms are only accessible through a web-browser.
Damage Fees
In the event of damage to an iPad or laptop, district policies and practices require a charge be assessed to cover the repair or replacement cost of the device. The fees described below are based on use of a UCS-provided device and any damage to it, whether accidental or intentional, after it has been issued to the student.
Device Insurance Plan for Accidental Damage – Annual OPTIONAL COVERAGE
An annual insurance plan has been designed to help families if there is an accident that causes damage to the school issued device. When participating in the district’s insurance plan for $20.00 per year, any accidental damage reported will be covered as described below. Insurance coverage will repair/replace the device for accidental damage with no cost incurred by the student for the first incident (claim). Subsequent damage repairs during the covered year will have a deductible assessed per instance. Insurance will cover a maximum of 3 damage occurrences during the covered year. The deductible fee schedule for each damage occurrence is outlined below. Please note, if insurance is not purchased, actual repair costs (not to exceed the cost of the device) will apply.
2024-2025 INSURANCE FEES
Insurance plan purchase
• $20.00 per device, per year
Device Damage/Occurrence Fees (WITH INSURANCE)
• First Occurrence - NO CHARGE
• Second Occurrence – not to exceed $75 (iPad) / $150 (laptop)
• Third Occurrence – not to exceed $150 (iPad) / $300 (laptop)
• Thereafter – full repair/replacement cost
ITEMS NOT COVERED BY THIS OPTIONAL PLAN:
ACCESSORIES – INCLUDING POWER/CHARGING CORDS - ARE NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE
• Accessories include, but are not limited to, a USB power adapter, charging cable and/or protective iPad case.
• Replacement of lost or damaged accessories is the responsibility of the student. Utica Community Schools requires Original Equipment Manufacturer replacements.
INTENTIONAL DAMAGE IS NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE
• Any damage reported due to misuse, neglect or any other form of intentional damage will result in fees up to the full cost of replacing the device, regardless of your participation in the annual insurance plan.
STICKER REMOVAL IS NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE
• Stickers, decals or other items affixed to the device will be assessed a fee for removal and is not covered by insurance.
DAMAGE DUE TO REMOVAL OF THE PROTECTIVE CASE IS NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE
• Utica Community Schools has selected a protective iPad case for all district issued iPads. Students must NEVER remove the case.
• If the assigned laptop is provided with a protective case, students must NEVER remove the case.
• Any damage that occurs due to the removal of an iPad case or a laptop protective case is considered INTENTIONAL DAMAGE and is not covered by insurance.
LOST OR STOLEN DEVICE
• Lost devices are NOT COVERED under this optional insurance policy.
• In the case of theft of an iPad or laptop, a copy of a completed police report MUST BE RETURNED to Utica Community Schools. A stolen device IS COVERED by the purchased insurance ONLY IF a police report is filed and a copy provided to the district.
How to Purchase Device Insurance -- ONLINE: The initial fee to purchase device insurance ($20.00 per device) can be paid online using your checking account, debit card or credit card through PaySchools. A link to Payschools can be found on the UCS homepage, under “For Families” - “Device Insurance Plan”.
FINAL DATE TO ENROLL FOR TECHNOLOGY INSURANCE (2024-2025)
To be considered enrolled in the optional Technology Insurance Program, payments for 2024-2025 school year must be received no later than Friday, September 6, 2024.
Classroom Assignments and Supply Lists
This year, we will communicate grade level classroom assignments for your child in a convenient and secure manner. We will be emailing the classroom assignments to you directly using the e-mail addresses on file in PowerSchool after 3:00 pm on August 22nd.
Supply Lists are listed here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yMRbGT6UTq8rXFrO4kOamfeKBDftHTDodKU8UFxFX60/edit?usp=sharing
Parent Group News
The amazing Flickinger Parent Group has organized a back-to-school meet and greet event at Grant Park on Friday August 23rd from 6PM-8PM. All students and families are welcome!
The Flickinger Parent Group plays a critical role in building community and funding fun events for our students and families. In order to learn how they can serve you better this year, please take a few moments to complete the following survey. https://forms.office.com/r/ffi8Hk0sjb?origin=lprLink
Food Service News
- Free meals are in effect again this year due to Michigan School Meals being passed in the budget
- Families need to fill out Educational Benefit Forms (EBF) Paper forms will be coming home to each family. Families can skip the paper/pencil routine and go to https://utica.familyportal.cloud to apply online. This process is quicker than paper.
- Families with allergies need to have the MDE Special Dietary Needs Form filled out and signed by a physician every year. Please submit those forms to Ebeling office.
- Menus are available on Nutrislice at https://uticak12.nutrislice.com
Ten Things For Back To School
Lunch /Recess Supervision
Sign Up Genius for Lunch /Recess Supervision
Are you interested in seeing whether or not your child is eating their lunch? Are you curious as to who your child's friends are? Do you like to help? Then this may be the job for you!
We are looking for lunchroom and lunch recess supervisors. If you are interested in volunteering, all we would need is a Criminal History Check Form filled out and submitted. These take approximately two weeks to be processed and then you can sign up here
Spirit Wear
Flickinger spirit wear is now available to purchase online. Please click here to get to our online store. Flickinger spiritwear. You will find a fun selection of sweatshirts, T shirts, flannel pants and zip up hoodies. Grade Level T Shirts are also available. Order soon so you are ready for our upcoming spirit week events.
Attendance
Too Sick to Attend School?
When is your child too sick to attend school? The following guidelines, along with the advice of your family doctor, will help you decide when your child should stay home:
• Cold and/or cough – a child with deep mucus that causes a cough and heavy nose drainage cannot function at school.
• Fever – fever is a warning that something is wrong. A child should remain at home for 24 hours after the fever is gone without the use of medication.
• Rash – a rash, spots or blotches on the skin can be the first sign of many illnesses. Rashes require a physician’s release stating they are not contagious.
• Stomachache/Upset – a child who is vomiting or has diarrhea should be kept at home and may return 24 hours after the symptoms are gone.
• Head Lice – a child with head lice must remain at home until treatment is complete and school officials confirm he or she is free of lice. Check your child’s head before school begins in the fall and routinely during the school year or if he or she complains of an itchy scalp. Look around your child’s ears and back of the neck for nits, which are tiny, 8 white, oval-shaped lice eggs that are attached to the hair near the scalp. Nits may look like dandruff or scalp flakes, but nits do not move and are difficult to dislodge. Notify the school office immediately if your child has head lice. Begin treatment immediately by contacting your doctor or purchasing over the counter medication from the drug store. To prevent spreading head lice, wash all infested garments, hair accessories, bedding and other surfaces with hot water and disinfectant. You must sign your child in at the office when he or she is returning to school after treatment for head lice.
Please call the 24 hour attendance line to report an absence at 586 797 4999 .
Entering Flickinger
We are asking for your assistance to ensure that our security procedures during the school day are effective. As many of you know, our school has a security camera, intercom, and buzzer at the front main entrance for use during the school day. To help us assist you when you would like to enter the school:
1. Please press the buzzer to speak with someone in the office
2. You will be asked to state your name and reason for visiting
3. You will be asked to show your photo ID into the security camera above the outside door
4. Office staff will then be able to buzz you inside
5. All visitors must immediately register in the office
In addition, we are asking you to not let any visitors in the door as you enter (and they come up behind you) or as you exit the building.
The teachers and staff are committed to student safety and security and we would like to thank you for your assistance in helping keep the students of Flickinger safe!
Attendance Letters and Truancy Referral
- Please note that all students with 10 or more absences or tardies will receive a letter from my office.
- The letters are mailed, one time per card marking.
- 10 or more unexcused absences per semester result in a truancy referral.
Follow us on Facebook to keep up with fun daily happenings and events at school.
Forms and Files
Health Care Plan
If you have a student with medical concerns, a physician must complete and sign the health care forms every year.
Volunteer Background Checks
Anyone working with students on the district's behalf requires a cleared background check every year prior to working with students.
Accessing an Interpreter
Please refer to this file if you need translation services.
Parent and Student Handbook
Parent and Student Handbook
Please find the handbook for your reference
Helpful Links
PowerSchool: https://ps.ucs.misd.net/public
Family Portal (Lunches): https://utica.familyportal.cloud
PaySchools: https://parent.payschools.com/categories.asp?id=31141EF5772F4EBFAD7ADFAE5A1727B7&
UCS Vision and Mission
UCS Vision
Utica Community School, in partnership with our community, will empower students to positively transform their future and the world.
UCS Mission
Utica Community Schools ignites a passion for learning in all students. We strengthen our community by welcoming all learners, honoring culture, and inspiring remarkable growth and achievement.