What's Happening at the "D"
V5 #4 2018/2019
Report Cards will be emailed on Friday, November 16th
A note from the Principal...
This year, part of our School Improvement Plan is focused on strategies to build relationships in learning. This is quite a broad topic that covers many areas. I thought I'd take this time to share information about the Circles that teachers do in their classrooms.
Circles are a researched based strategy that provides an opportunity for learning for all students. By their very structure, they convey certain ideas and values by design. Since learning is a social endeavor, use of circles not only promotes student understanding, they also build relationships with others.
Equality - Literally everyone in the circle has equal seating. One student is not at the forefront more than any other student, which provides fairness for all.
Safety and Trust - When in a circle, you can see everyone, so nothing is hidden. Classroom discussion seating arrangements other than circles do not allow for this. The circle has a natural freedom and security vibe.
Responsibility - Everyone has an opportunity to play a role in the outcome of the circle. Thinking is valued and promoted, so all students can be accountable for the direction of learning and content discussion.
Facilitation - When in a circle, it reminds the teacher to facilitate rather than be the center of the discussion, or lecture. Here at DeKeyser, we try to be more student focused rather than teacher focused, and circles assist in this reminder.
Ownership - Collectively, the participants feel the circle is theirs. Overall, students are very motivated and are engaged in circles, which assists in the ownership of the circle and the learning.
Connections - These are built as everyone listens to everyone else's responses. Furthermore, in Cultures of Thinking, Making Connections is a thinking move which is part of the Understanding Map.
And....in addition to teachers doing them with their classes, we do circles at staff meetings for our learning!
I encourage you to ask your student about the circles they do in their classroom!
With gratitude,
Mary Beth Merlo
Fall Conferences
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0b4aa9a823a6f94-dekeyser2
Kinder PE
Limo Lunch
Digital Information and Communication Technology - Smart Phones and Smart Watches
Parking Lot Safety
I have heard some concerns from parents lately about parents not following the flow of traffic. If you would like to park on the left side of the parking lot, please follow proper traffic flow and drive through the parking lot. A diagram of traffic flow is attached.
As a reminder:
~The flow of traffic is one way.
~Driving to the parking lot behind the building is NOT allowed, no student drop off in the back of the building.
~Please be courteous to other drivers, kids are most likely within earshot and modeling patience will benefit their learning.
Thank you! :)
5th Grade Science
6th Grade Measure items in Science
School Breakfast and Lunch menus
The Food and Nutrition Services Department is excited to announce that all menus are now digitally accessible on all devices to allow for personalized viewing options. Users can select to view nutritional and allergen information, as well as customize print and language settings. Menus can also be viewed at https://uticak12.nutrislice.com, or on the UCS Mobile App.
Please see flyer below for more info.
School meal prices for students will remain unchanged for the 2018-2019 school year.
2018-2019 Meal Prices
Elementary, Lunch $ 2.75
Junior High, Lunch $ 2.90
High School, Lunch $ 2.95
All Grades, Breakfast $ 1.75
3rd Grade Halloween Party
5th Grade
6th Graders
!!!Congratulations to our VIP Parking Spot Winners!!!
Here is a list of winners by month:
November: Kayla Cardillo
December: Jen Gonzalez
January: Kellie Clark
February: Tara Schmid
March: Kayla Cardillo
April: Jen Gonzalez
May: Amanda Peebles
June: Kellie Clark
This parking spot will be monitored, please do not park in the spot unless you are the month's winner. Thank you!
2018/2019 School Calendar
Upcoming Events...
11/12-11/16 - Book Fair
11/14- Conferences 4-7
11/15 - Half Day - 12:04 dismissal
11/15 - Conferences 107
11/16 - Picture Retakes
11/21 - Skating Party at the Rink
11/21-11/23 - No School - Thanksgiving Break
11/30 - School Store
DeKeyser Attendance Line - (586)797-4499
If your child will be absent from school, please call our attendance line and leave a message.
About Us
Our DeKeyser Community creates a safe and engaging culture of learning where thinking is visible, valued, and actively promoted.
Email: marybeth.merlo@uticak12.org
Website: http://dekeyser.uticak12.org
Location: 39600 Atkinson Drive, Sterling Heights, MI, United States
Phone: 586-797-4400
Twitter: @principalmb