Dear Parents,

I want to take a moment to remind you of our school’s attendance policy. After a student’s tenth absence, whether excused or unexcused, you will receive a letter from my office as part of our commitment to supporting consistent attendance and each student’s academic progress. If you receive this letter, please understand it reflects only the cumulative number of absences. If further action were necessary, I would already be in contact with you.

Policy 5115- Attendance states that vacation or travel during school days is discouraged. Families should seek permission from a building administrator for an excused vacation absence prior to making any travel arrangements. The request should be made in writing at least one week prior to the vacation. Vacation absences of more than ten days in a semester will not be approved. Vacations taken without approval will be marked as unexcused absences. Arrangements should be made with the student’s teacher in advance as to timelines for completing class work. Homework may be requested and requires 24 hours to process.

Please note, only 10 days per semester are to be approved. Any days over 10 will be marked unexcused.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued partnership.

Warm regards,

Renee Fiema, Ed.D.

Although school meals are free to students this year through the State of Michigan, families are highly encouraged to complete the Education Benefits Form through the UCS Family Portal. Completion of the Education Benefits Form helps the district receive educational funding such as Title I funds and technology funding for computers and internet access, while also providing qualifying families with discounts for athletic fees, college applications and SAT, ACT and AP testing.

This week, we have two scheduled half-days on Thursday, October 31, Friday, November 1, and November 7 with dismissal at 11:29 a.m.

Please note that our Early Childhood Special Education program will dismiss earlier, at 11:14 a.m. This program includes busing, so we will designate the front of the pick-up lane (just after the crosswalk in front of the flagpole) for the two buses. To ensure a smooth and safe dismissal process, please refrain from parking in this area until the buses have departed.

As we enter the second marking period, we are excited to share that we will focus on practicing and talking about gratitude as a core Montessori value. The practice of gratitude is more than just saying “thank you.” It involves cultivating an awareness of the beauty and abundance around us, fostering a sense of contentment, and developing empathy and appreciation for the people, places, and cultures that enrich our lives.

Why Practice Gratitude?

In a Montessori environment, nurturing gratitude helps children develop respect, empathy, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Intentional gratitude fosters positive emotions, enhances social connections, and teaches children the importance of recognizing and valuing the support and contributions of others. By encouraging students to practice gratitude, we aim to help them become thoughtful, mindful, and compassionate individuals.

How Children Can Practice Gratitude with Awareness

1. Self-Awareness

Gratitude begins with self-awareness, helping children recognize their unique strengths and abilities. For example, we will encourage students to take time each day to appreciate something about themselves—whether it's a skill, a moment of kindness they showed, or an accomplishment. Practicing gratitude for oneself builds confidence and a positive self-image.

2. Environmental Awareness

Montessori teaches respect for the environment as a fundamental value. We will encourage children to express gratitude for the natural world around them, noticing and appreciating simple wonders like a sunrise, a tree’s shade, or the feel of the earth. Activities like caring for classroom plants, participating in recycling, and spending time outdoors will help them connect deeply with their environment.

3. Community Awareness

Gratitude for community allows children to recognize the importance of the people who help make our world a better place. In the classroom, we will practice saying “thank you” to peers, discussing the roles of community helpers, and acknowledging the contributions of family members. This practice encourages a sense of belonging and respect for the diverse individuals who form our community.

4.Cultural Awareness

Montessori celebrates cultural diversity and encourages children to appreciate traditions different from their own. Through lessons and activities focused on understanding various cultural practices, children can express gratitude for the rich tapestry of global traditions. We will explore different cultural customs which allows children to develop a respect and appreciation for cultural differences.

Gratitude is a lifelong skill!

As we continue to work together to provide a safe and nurturing environment for all our students, I want to take a moment to address an important aspect of our daily routine: parking lot etiquette.

Here are a few key reminders to keep in mind:

1. Slow Down: Please drive slowly and cautiously in the parking lot, stopping at crosswalks before proceeding. Children can be unpredictable, so it’s crucial to always be vigilant.

2. Entering from Arcola: If you are using the drop-off lane after entering the drive from Arcola, please wait until you pass the stop sign to drop off your child. Dropping off before this point causes traffic backups, affecting both the neighborhood and other vehicles exiting the lot.

3. Take Turns at Stop Signs: Whether you’re entering from Arcola or Dill, please take turns at the stop signs. Following this routine helps to keep traffic organized and safe for everyone.

4. Parking Spots Near the Entrance: If you park near the entrance, we ask that you walk along the grass to reach a designated crosswalk. Crossing at various points creates unsafe conditions, so please help us maintain a safe path for all.

5. Use Designated Drop-Off and Pick-Up Lane: If you’re dropping off your child, please use the curbside (to the right) as the drop-off zone and avoid parking in undesignated areas. This practice keeps traffic flowing smoothly and reduces the risk of accidents.

6. Thru Lane: The designated thru lane is for vehicles entering the parking lot to park and those exiting. Do not park in the thru lanes along the curb; if it is not a marked parking space, please refrain from parking there.

7. Use the Crosswalks: Always use the main crosswalks for crossing, as these are the safest areas for pedestrians.

8. Thank our Volunteer: A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Orlowski for his dedication each morning in guiding our students safely across the main crosswalk- his help makes a world of difference!

Thank you for your cooperation in making our school a safe and welcoming place. We appreciate your attention to these guidelines as we work to streamline our parking lot procedures and ensure Peace in the parking lot.

Read the attached letter below for Art News.

October

31- Half Day of School 11:29 Dismissal, AM Preschool Only

November

1- Half Day of School 11:29 Dismissal, PM Preschool Only in the Morning, End of Card Marking

5- No School Election Day

8- Report Cards will be posted in PowerSchool

7- Half day of School, Afternoon and Evening Parent Teacher Conferences, Chuck E. Cheese Night

13- Picture Retake Day, MMA Meeting at 6:00 p.m.

14- Evening Parent Teacher Conferences

16- Lego Robotics Competition at Henry Ford II

27 - 29 Thanksgiving Break

December

6- First Grade Australia Production 9:30 am

10- Sixth Grade Choir Concert

11- MMA Meeting

20- Half day of School, End of Marking Period

December 23 - January 3 Holiday Break

January

8- MMA Meeting

20- No School

21- 22 Preschool No School for 4 Year Old Conferences

February

3 - 13 Parent Teacher Conference Window

12- MMA Meeting

17 - 21 Mid-Winter Break

18- Chuck E Cheese Fundraiser

March

12- MMA Meeting

21- Half Day, End of Marking Period

24 - 28 Spring Break

April

9- MMA Meeting

18- No School

25- Chuck E Cheese Fundraiser

May

20- Messmore Arts, Beats, and Eats

26- No School Memorial Day

June

9- Preschool Last day of School

10- Half day of School, Kindergarten Celebration

11- Half day of School, Last Day, Sixth Grade Celebration

Elisabetta Stupera, President

Paulette Qussar, Vice President of Committees

Amanada Hijazi, New Vice President of Fund Raising

Stacee Jones, New Treasurer

Paul Jones, New "Techetary" aka Secretary

11/13

12/11

1/8

2/12

3/12

4/9

5/14

PowerSchool: https://ps.ucs.misd.net/public

Family Portal (Lunches): https://utica.familyportal.cloud

PaySchools: https://www.payschoolscentral.com/

Utica Community School, in partnership with our community, will empower students to positively transform their future and the world.

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.