Duncan Dispatch
UCS Family Wellness Fair
Parent Teacher Conferences
Save the date: Our fall conferences will take place on Wednesday, November 6th (evening only) and Thursday, November 7th (afternoon and evening). We will again be utilizing the Schoolsoft platform. Please click on the button below to access information on setting up your Schoolsoft account.
The parent sign-up window opens up on Monday, October 28th at 6:00 p.m.
The parent sign-up window closes on Sunday, November 3rd at 9:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 6th (Virtual) 4:30 - 7:30
- Thursday, November 7 (In Person) 1:00 - 4:00 & 4:45 - 7:45
Halloween Information
Halloween is a time of year where some of our students get super excited about picking out their Halloween costumes, and as parents/guardians we know that sometimes those "popular" costumes are hard to find the longer we waited to go shopping. With that being said I thought it may be helpful for you to have an idea of what "school appropriate" costumes are. Keep in mind, or as I like to put things in perspective with my older students.... we have students as young as 3-4 years old and while some costumes are "age appropriate for them", they may not be appropriate for the all school parade. After reading the guidelines below if you have any questions regarding suitability, please contact the office or your child's teacher.
Students should refrain from violent characterization and may not use any fake weapons, fake blood, or any references to victims or perpetrators of violence for their costume choice at school. Violent characterization is unacceptable for school parades where younger students might be frightened. If deemed inappropriate by school personnel, students will be asked to remove the costume and/or wash makeup.
Book, cartoon, folk heroes, historical figures, and period costumes are all good ideas to consider when thinking of the perfect costume.
Since Halloween is a half day of school (12:04 dismissal), students will be allowed to wear partial costumes to school. Check to be sure that your child can walk freely, and that the costume will be comfortable enough for the classroom setting. In addition, mask may not be worn. Plan to have your child bring any costume props (wigs and other add-ons) to school in a bag or backpack.
The Halloween Parade will travel through the inside of building starting at 11:00am. Families are welcome to view the parade from inside the gym/multi-purpose room. Parents are asked to begin entering the building and checking in at our tables (located in the front) no earlier than 10:30. You must check in and the table and have your ID with you. An announcement will be made at 10:50 for any volunteers to make their way to the gym.
- Parents will be allowed to sit at the tables in the gym / cafeteria. We will parade around the gym and through the tables (please remain in the gym until an announcement is made).
- Announcements will then be made signaling parents to either leave the building or if they would like to take their children out early, they may go to the classrooms. We encourage one parent to go to each classroom when signing out your children early. If you have more than one guardian present and have multiple children, you can split up and go sign out your children.
- Teachers will have sign-out sheets in their classrooms and parents will check out with the teacher.
Finally, we are aware that many of our families will want to view our parade. Please do not park on our grass.
Teachers will send classroom specific information home regarding classroom celebrations. Only pre-approved classroom party volunteers will be allowed to attend individual classroom celebrations. Volunteers will need to show ID's and sign in at the office.
Student Code of Conduct Reminder
D.E.C.O Parent Group
Save the Date: Blood Drive: November 7th
Calendar of Events
October:
- 23rd: Bagel Day
- 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
- 6th: Parent Teacher Evening Virtual Conferences
- 7th: Half Day of School: Dismissal at 12:04pm - Parent Teacher Afternoon Conferences
- 7th: DECO Rink Night
- 8th: Picture Retake Day!
- 14th: DECO Meeting 6pm.
- 16th: DECO Gymnastics Event
- 20th: Bagel Day
- 27th-29th: NO SCHOOL- Thanksgiving Break
December:
- 6th: DECO Holiday Bingo
- 11th: DECO Meeting
- 18th: Bagel Day
- 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
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