Duncan Dispatch

Our staff is working on developing common language for schoolwide expectations for all students at Duncan Elementary. We value your input and would greatly appreciate your participation in a brief survey to gather feedback on these schoolwide expectations at Duncan. Your responses will help us ensure that our goals and guidelines align with the needs and values of our students and their families.

Please take a few moments to share your thoughts and contribute to creating the best possible environment for your child’s success, by clicking on the form link below. Please choose 3-5 of the expectations you feel would best encompass a positive learning environment for all students, staff, and parents. Thank you for your support!

The annual Make a Difference Award honors individuals who have made a significant positive impact on the educational experience of students with special needs. This is a great opportunity to recognize those who have gone above and beyond to support students with disabilities. Please consider nominating one of our amazing Duncan staff members!

Examples of staff to nominate for Make a Difference Award may be teachers, related service providers, paraprofessionals, administrative assistants, bus drivers, cafeteria staff or administrators.

Important Details:

• Nomination Deadline: All forms must be submitted by February 14, 2025, to Laura Miskelly at the MISD via van mail, email at lmiskelly@misd.net or faxed to (586) 263-6240.
• Award Ceremony: The recognition will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 6:00 p.m. at the MISD.
• Forms are fillable and may be submitted electronically.

Please help us in recognizing the outstanding individuals who make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students with special needs.

Mrs. Stecker is looking for parent volunteers the week of February 3rd-7th for the Kids Heart Challenge. Sign up below

As we are experiencing colder temperatures, I would like to remind everyone to encourage our students to wear proper clothing for cold weather. This includes winter coats, hats, gloves, and boots. District protocol states that students are to enjoy outdoor recess if the temperature is above 10 degrees. It's important for their comfort and health while they are outside to be properly dressed.

January:

• 20th: NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• 24th: SPIRIT DAY- Detroit Lions Day
• 29th: ATG Meeting @ 3:50pm
• 31ST: SPIRIT DAY- Duncan Day. Wear your favorite Duncan Apparel.
• 31st: Rink Night @5pm

February:

• 5th: Kindergarten Open House @ 7:00pm
• 7th: SPIRIT DAY- Superbowl Sports Day. Wear your favorite sports apparel.
• 7th: DECO Mother-Son Event @6pm
• 10th: Student Council Meeting @ 8am
• 12th: Bagel Day
• 12th: ATG Meeting @ 3:50pm
• 12th: DECO Meeting in the Media Center @ 6:00pm
• 14th: SPIRIT DAY- Duncan Day. Wear your favorite Duncan Apparel.
• 17th-21st: NO SCHOOL - Mid-Winter Break
• 17th-18th: Kalahari Night
• 26th: Rink Night @5:30pm
• 28th: SPIRIT DAY- Duncan Day. Wear your favorite Duncan Apparel.

March:

• 5th: ATG Meeting @ 3:50pm
• 12th: DECO Meeting in the Media Center @ 6:00pm
• 17th: Student Council Meeting @ 8am
• 21st: Half Day of School - End of Marking Period
• 24th - 28th: NO SCHOOL - Spring Break

April:

• 4th: SPIRIT DAY- Rainbow Day. Wear your favorite rainbow color.
• 4th: DECO Sweetheart Dance @ 6:00pm
• 9th: DECO Meeting in the Media Center @ 6:00pm
• 11th: SPIRIT DAY- Duncan Day. Wear your favorite Duncan Apparel.
• 18th: NO SCHOOL - Good Friday
  
• 25th: SPIRIT DAY- Mismatch Day. Wear your clothes mismatched or backwards.
• 30th: Rink Night @5:30pm

May

• 2nd: SPIRIT DAY- Duncan Day. Wear your favorite Duncan Apparel.
• 8th: DECO Meeting in the Media Center @ 6:00pm
• 9th: SPIRIT DAY- Duncan Day. Wear your favorite Duncan Apparel.
• 15th: Author's and Artist @ 5:00pm
• 23rd: SPIRIT DAY- All American Day. Wear your red, white, and blue.
• 26th: NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
• 30th: SPIRIT DAY- Carnival Day. Wear your favorite Duncan Apparel.
• 30th: Duncan Fest @ 5:00pm

June:

• 4th: Bagel Day
• 10th: Half Day of School - Dismissal at 12:04pm
• 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)