DeKeyser News

December 5th - 9th

DeKeyer Elementary Information

DeKeyer Elementary Information


Welcome to DeKeyser ~ Home of the DeKeyser Dolphins


Principal: Mrs. Shannon Hathcock

Administrative Assistant: Mrs. Lisa Russo

Clerk:


Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.


School Hours: 9:20 AM - 4:10 PM (full days) and 9:20 AM -12:24 PM (half days)


Address:

39600 Atkinson

Sterling Heights, MI 48313


Office Phone Number: (586)797-4400


24 Hr Attendance Line (586)797-4499


Fax (586)797-4401


Email: officedekeyser@uticak12.org

DeKeyer Elementary Information

Dear DeKeyser Families,


Last week, on Thursday, December 1st, just prior to dismissal, DeKeyser Elementary was evacuated after a staff member detected smoke in her classroom. The Sterling Heights Fire and Police Departments were immediately dispatched to DeKeyser. After investigation, it was determined that the issue was related to a HVAC unit that serviced the classroom. Utica Community School's maintenance staff was able to address the problem, and school was able to resume on Friday, December 2nd. All students were able to retrieve their items that were left behind in school, when they returned on Friday.


I am so proud of the way that all students, staff, family members, and the community came together at the end of the day to do what was best for all students at DeKeyser. I am beyond grateful for the professionalism, leadership, trust, and devotion that the staff, students, family members, and the community showed during this event to make sure that everyone was safe and out of the building. Everyone was calm and able to follow the procedures that have been practiced in the event of a real emergency.


We do practice drills of all types, throughout the year, to make sure that staff and students are prepared in the event of a real emergency. We hope that we will never need to use our training in a real situation but know that if we do, we will be prepared! On Thursday, we were able to put our training into real action. I would like to thank everyone for following our emergency plan and working together to keep everyone calm and safe during our incident.


Communication from the district or DeKeyser Elementary is sent out once we have accurate information to share. Please know that I will always get the information to you as quickly as possible. My number one priority is the safety and security of all students at DeKeyser Elementary.


Thank you for your patience, understanding, and support with everything that happens at DeKeyser. I am so proud of our students, staff, families, and the community for ALWAYS coming together to do what is best for our DeKeyser community. We are a true family!


If you should have any questions, concerns, or needs, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time throughout the day!


Have a wonderful day,

Mrs. Hathcock


586-797-4400

shannon.hathcock@uticak12.org

Monthly VIP Parking Winner

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Upcoming Important Dates

Upcoming Important Dates


December 2022


DECEMBER - VIP PARKING - JAMES DEWITTE



Monday, Dec. 5

  • Spirit Day - Holiday Ho-Ho Hoedown - Wear your favorite western gear
  • Monday Moments
  • Food Fight Challenge - Non-Perishable Food Collection
  • Toys for Tot Collection
  • Candy Cane Holiday Grams – PTCG
  • Positive Office Referrals - Students Celebrated in Classrooms


Tuesday, Dec. 6

  • Spirit Day - $1 Pajama Day - All money will be donated to Toys for Tots
  • Book Club (5th Grade) 8:20 - 9:20
  • Food Fight Challenge - Non-Perishable Food Collection
  • Toys for Tot Collection
  • Candy Cane Holiday Grams – PTCG
  • TGA Golf 4:15 – 5:15
  • PTCG Meeting 6:00 pm - DeKeyser Stage
  • Youth Basketball - 6:30 - 8:30


Wednesday, Dec, 7

  • Spirit Day - Plaid Tidings Day - Wear Plaid
  • Food Fight Challenge - Non-Perishable Food Collection
  • Toys for Tot Collection
  • Candy Cane Holiday Grams – PTCG
  • Poinsettia & Wreath Delivery 4:15 - 5:15


Thursday, Dec. 8

  • Spirit Day - The Stockings Were Hung - Wear your favorite holiday socks
  • Food Fight Challenge - Non-Perishable Food Collection
  • Toys for Tot Collection
  • Candy Cane Holiday Grams – PTCG
  • 6th Grade Choir @ Stevenson - Cluster Concert 5:30 - 8:45
  • PTCG - Skate Night - The New Rink - 6:00-8:00 PM
  • Youth Basketball - 6:30 - 8:30


Friday, Dec. 9

  • Spirit Day - Elf Yourself - Dress like an elf
  • Food Fight Challenge - Non-Perishable Food Collection
  • Toys for Tot Collection
  • Candy Cane Holiday Grams – PTCG
  • Preschool / Nursery Bowling Brunch with Santa
Upcoming Important Dates
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Upcoming December Events

Upcoming December Events

Events are added regularly!



December 2022

DECEMBER - VIP PARKING – JAMES DEWITTE

Santa Shop - Info coming SOON!

December Spirit Day info coming SOON!


Monday, Dec. 12

  • Spirit Day - Winter Wonderland Cozy Sweater - Wear a cozy sweater
  • Monday Moments
  • Food Fight Challenge - Non-Perishable Food Collection
  • Toys for Tot Collection
  • Candy Cane Holiday Grams – PTCG
  • Positive Office Referrals - Students Celebrated in Classrooms
  • ATG 4:15-6:15 (Media Center) - Holiday Party


Tuesday, Dec.13

  • Spirit Day - $1 Pajama Day - All money will be donated to Toys for Tots
  • Book Club (5th Grade) 8:20 - 9:20
  • Food Fight Challenge - Non-Perishable Food Collection
  • Toys for Tot Collection
  • Candy Cane Holiday Grams – PTCG
  • TGA Golf 4:15 – 5:15
  • Youth Basketball - 6:30 - 8:30


Wednesday, Dec. 14

  • Spirit Day - Holiday Shirt Day
  • Food Fight Challenge - Non-Perishable Food Collection
  • Toys for Tot Collection - Pick Up 12:50
  • 5th/6th Grade Choir Concert - 10:30 - DeKeyser Assembly
  • 5th/6th Grade Choir Concert - 6:15 - DeKeyser Evening Performance


Thursday, Dec. 15

  • Spirit Day - Frosty or Ruldoph Day - Wear white or red
  • Kindness Council Meeting 8:15 am
  • Food Fight Challenge - Non-Perishable Food Collection
  • Preschool / Nursery - Holiday Pajama Day
  • Santa Shop Set Up - 4:15 -


Friday, Dec. 16

  • Spirit Day - Deck the Halls - Wear holiday accessories
  • Food Fight Challenge - Non-Perishable Food Collection
  • Preschool / Nursery - Holiday Pajama Day
  • Santa Shop - Classroom Times TBD
  • Preschool / Nursery Santa Shop - 4:00 - 5:30


Sunday, Dec. 18

  • Hanukkah begins at sundown


Monday, Dec. 19

  • Spirit Day - Scarf Day
  • Monday Moments
  • Positive Office Referrals - Students Celebrated in Classrooms


Tuesday, Dec. 20

  • Spirit Day - Griswold Christmas - Ugly Sweater Day
  • Book Club (5th Grade) 8:20 - 9:20
  • Holiday Sing-a-long - 10:30
  • Youth Basketball - 6:30 - 8:30


Wednesday, Dec. 21

  • Spirit Day - Grinch Day
  • 1/2 Day - 12:24 Dismissal
  • PM Specials in the AM
  • Holiday Grams Delivered
  • End of 2nd Card Marking


Thursday, Dec. 22

  • No School - Dec. 22-Jan. 2


Friday, Dec. 23

  • No School


Saturday, Dec. 24

  • Christmas Eve


Sunday, Dec. 25

  • Merry Christmas!


Monday, Dec. 26

  • Kwanza Begins


Saturday, Dec. 31

  • New Year’s Eve
Upcoming December Events
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Parents' Night Out

Parents' Night Out

Thank you to everyone who helped make our Parents' Night Out a HUGE SUCCESS! Everyone had a great time. Please make sure to click on our Facebook link on the top of this newsletter to see all of the pictures from the evening.


If you were unable to attend the event this year, please consider trying to come next year. It is an amazing night!

Parents' Night Out
Poinsettia and Wreath Delivery

Poinsettia and Wreath Delivery

Delivery of the poinsettias and wreaths will be on

December 7th from 4:15 - 5:15 pm.


Please make sure that you are able to make arrangements to pick up your order after school on this day. We will not be sending your order home with your child on the bus. Please contact the office if you have any questions. 586-797-4400.

Poinsettia and Wreath Delivery
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DeKeyser Dolphins Care!

DeKeyser Dolphins Care!

Please help us donate food to our local pantries for the upcoming holidays. All classrooms are participating in a "Food Fight Challenge." Students from all classrooms are collecting non-perishable food items to be donated to Kiwanis who will then deliver food to our local pantries. Ms. Kraatz's students will be collecting, counting, and reporting totals daily for our challenge. The class with the most food donated will earn a pizza party.


Thank you for helping us spread kindness throughout our community!

DeKeyser Dolphins Care!
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Kindness Council Announces Toys for Tots Collection

Kindness Council Announces Toys for Tots Collection

Our Kindness Council will be collecting and organizing the Toys for Tots Collection this year at DeKeyser Elementary. DeKeyser is proud to participate is this program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve which distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas. This program was founded in 1947 by reservist Major Bill Hendricks. The 2022 holiday season marks the 75th anniversary of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program!
Kindness Council Announces Toys for Tots Collection
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Kindness Council

Meet the Kindness Ambassadors for Student Kindness Council

Meet the Kindness Ambassadors for Student Kindness Council






Meet the Kindness Ambassadors for Student Kindness Council


Over the next few weeks, we will be introducing you to our Kindness Ambassadors who represent our Student Kindness Council at DeKeyser. We hope you enjoy learning a little about each of them.


Zaid Al-Hasan is a 4th grader in Mr. Murray's class. One of his favorite hobbies is to play all kinds of games. He is also interested in basketball. Zaid joined the Student Kindness Council because he said it feels good to help others feel good. Zaid was recommended for the Student Kindness Council by his 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Sprow. Mrs. Sprow described Zaid as very witty with a great sense of humor. She said he is confident and always willing to share his ideas and has a creative way of thinking.


Skylar Steusloff is also a 4th grader in Mr. Murray's class. Her main hobby is dance. She is also interested in singing and rollerblading. Skylar joined the Student Kindness Council because she wants to spread kindness at DeKeyser and all over the world. Skylar was recommended for Student Kindness Council by her 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. DeVoogd. She described Skylar as very kind and always willing to help others.

Meet the Kindness Ambassadors for Student Kindness Council
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DECEMBER KINDNESS... LET'S HELP SPREAD A LITTLE HOLIDAY CHEER!

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PHYSICAL EDUCATION

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Happy Holidays Everyone,


Recently in our 4th, 5th, and 6th Grade Gym Classes we just finished participating in our bowling unit before the Thanksgiving break! Students learned the proper form of bowling. They were also able to use their math skills while learning how to keep score! To end the unit off, I promised the students we would do Cosmic bowling, so we hung up some LED lights around the gym and got to have some fun in the dark to end the Bowling unit! We are moving on to Badminton this week to work on our hand eye coordination and teamwork skills!


Mr. Baur

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ART

What a WONderful Time of the Year! We are having So much fun in our Art room!! Learners have explored color theory with their choice of color combinations for their Seasonal Inspired Paper Weaving!! Students engaged their previous knowledge of horizontal and vertical while reinforcing eye - hand coordination and fine motor muscle skill development by nimbly moving the paper strips through the paper loom!

Enjoy!

Mr. T.

Monday Moments

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UCS Wellness

UCS Wellness

CARE of Southeastern Michigan provides free resources, programs and more for Macomb County residents. In this episode, Gloria Licata, UCS school social worker, sits down with two representatives from CARE, Susan Styf, President and CEO, and Teresa Sandner, Program Coordinator for Parent Education, to learn more about the offerings CARE has available.

EPISODE NOTES

The UCS Wellness podcast is a resource created by Utica Community Schools, a K-12 school district located within Macomb County, Michigan. The UCS Wellness Podcast is released on the third Wednesday of each month throughout the school year. For more on UCS Wellness, visit https://mi50010997.schoolwires.net/Page/148

CARE of Southeastern Michigan:

586-541-2273

https://www.careofsem.com/about-us/

UCS Wellness
Podcademy: Celebrate Hope

Family Literacy Connection

UCS Family Literacy Connection is a communication compiled by the elementary literacy coaches/consultants of the UCS Literacy Department. Each edition will highlight activities to support literacy development at home. Please use this link UCS Family Literacy Connection - Fall 2022 to access the newsletter and share with your community.

Family Reading Fun

Holidays | Holidays Around The World | Made by Red Cat Reading

Community Enrichment Opportunities

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See below for news from previous DeKeyser News updates

WINTER WEATHER IS HERE!

WINTER WEATHER IS HERE!

We believe outdoor recess is an important and valuable part of our students’ day. Fresh air, exercise and time spent outside afford students a break from the structure of the classroom With the ever changing Michigan weather, it is imperative that your child is dressed appropriately and is prepared to play outside. During the winter season, every child should have a jacket, gloves or mittens, and a hat. If there is snow on the ground, snow boots and pants are necessary. If students do not have snow boots they will be limited to the blacktop area on the playground. Don't forget to label all your child's items! Thank you!

WINTER WEATHER IS HERE!

NEW WEBSITE FEEDBACK WELCOME

Utica Community Schools will be introducing a new website at the end of the month. The goal is to provide our community with a site where they can easily retrieve information. The navigation was designed using logs from the current site and best practices from award-winning sites.


We would like to ask staff and the community to review the site before the November 29, 2022 release. You can view the development site at http://www.uticak12.org/new and provide feedback with this survey: http://www.uticak12.org/feedback. All input is appreciated.

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Employment opportunities, posted both internally and externally, are accessible through the district’s online job application site https://uticak12.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx. Individuals seeking promotional opportunities are advised to regularly visit the site. Application to vacant opportunities should be made through the system and in accordance with the process as identified on the specific posting. Instructional positions posted only for internal staff with specific application instructions will still be communicated via memo and not through the online applicant system.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

MISD FOURTH AND FIFTH GRADE DAUGHTERS/MOTHERS MATURATION PROGRAM

The Macomb Intermediate School District (MISD) will be presenting maturation programs for fourth grade and fifth grade girls and their mothers/guardians, at which time they will answer growth and development questions. The virtual events will take place on Thursday, October 13, 2022, Thursday, January 19, 2023, and Thursday, March 16, 2023, from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. The attached has registration details.
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VIRTUAL LIBRARY CARD AND VIRTUAL LIBRARY CARD - TUTOR.COM

Below are login directions for students for their virtual library card and virtual library card - Tutor.com, located in the ClassLink dashboard. The virtual library card gives students access to digital resources from the local library and the virtual library card - Tutor.com provides online tutoring and homework help for students.

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Rite Aid Fundraining

Rite Aid Fundraining

We have signed up for a new fundraising opportunity with Rite Aid Pharmacy. If you already have prescriptions filled at Rite Aid, you will only need to sign up for the program and DeKeyser will start to benefit.


Below are the benefits we will receive and the information to sign up.

  • Earn $0.50 per Qualified Prescription and 1.5% of Qualified In-Store Purchases
  • Receive quarterly contributions via check or ACH
  • Contribution streams continue for 36 months per enrolled supporter before they have to renew


support.rxfundraising.com/DekeyserElementarySchool

Rite Aid Fundraining
Interested in being a volunteer?

Interested in being a volunteer?

If you are interested in volunteering for the 2022-2023 school year (field trips, classroom helpers, copy moms, book fair events, holiday shop, field day, and more!) each adult must fill out a volunteer background check. I have attached the form below and it will be included in your child's 1st day of school paperwork. The form takes approximately 2-3 weeks to process, if you would like to check one thing off your "to do" list a little early, please feel free to email it to officedekeyser@uticak12.org.


Forms must be filled out each year.

Interested in being a volunteer?
Breakfast/Lunch

Breakfast/Lunch

STUDENT BREAKFAST

Breakfast will be available to all students starting at 9:00 AM until 9:20 AM. The cost is $1.75.


STUDENT LUNCHES

Students may either bring their own lunch to school or purchase a lunch. Elementary lunches with milk will be $2.75.


Student Lunch Hours

Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd: 12:10-12:30

3rd & 4th: 12:35-12:55

5th & 6th: 1:00 -1:20

Breakfast/Lunch

DeKeyser Grade Level Colors

DeKeyser grade level shirts will be on sale all year. If you would like to order a shirt for your child, please contact Lisa Russo at lisa.russo@uticak12.org.


Students who do not have a grade level shirt can always wear a shirt of the same color on our spirit days.

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DeKeyser School Spirit Wear Store

DeKeyser School Spirit Wear Store

Introducing our School Spirit Wear store. This store will be open all year. You may order at any time. I will move the store to the bottom of our newsletters starting next week. Please email the office if you should have any questions. If you would like to see something in our store, let me know and I can see if we can add the item.
DeKeyser School Spirit Wear Store

School Year Calendar School Year Calendar At A Glance

Events are regularly added to the calendar!


January 2023

JANUARY - VIP PARKING – KATIE GIBSON


1/1 Happy New Year!

1/3 Welcome back!

1/5 Kindness Council Meeting 8:15 am

1/10 PTCG Meeting – 6PM

1/16 No School – Martin Luther King Jr. Day

1/19 Kindness Council Meeting 8:15 am

1/22 Chinese New Year

1/23 STEAM - 4:15-5:15 (Stage)

1/25 Young Rembrandts - 4:15-5:15 (Art Room)

1/30 STEAM - 4:15-5:15 (Stage)


February 2023

FEBRUARY – VIP PARKING – AMY NOWACZOK

2/1 Young Rembrandts - 4:15-5:15 (Art Room)

2/2 Kindness Council Meeting 8:15 am

Groundhog Day

2/8 Count Day

Young Rembrandts - 4:15-5:15 (Art Room)

2/14 Valentine’s Day

PTCG Meeting – 6PM

2/15 Young Rembrandts - 4:15-5:15 (Art Room)

2/16 Kindness Council Meeting 8:15 am

1st Grade Music Concert 6:30 (6:15 line up in classrooms)

2nd Grade Music Concert 7:30 (7:15 line up in classrooms)

2/20 President’s Day

STEAM - 4:15-5:15 (Stage)

2/20-2/24 No School - Mid Winter Break

2/27 STEAM - 4:15-5:15 (Stage)


March 2023

MARCH - VIP PARKING – ERICA KOZICKI

3/1 March Is Reading Month Kick Off

Spring Pictures

3/2 Read Across America Day – Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss –

Red/White/Black/ Dr. Seuss Spirit Day

Kindness Council Meeting 8:15 am

3/6 STEAM - 4:15-5:15 (Stage)

3/8 Young Rembrandts - 4:15-5:15 (Art Room)

3/12 Daylight Saving Time Begins

3/13 STEAM - 4:15-5:15 (Stage)

3/14 PTCG Meeting – 6PM

3/16 Kindness Council Meeting 8:15 am

3/17 Happy St. Patrick’s Day

3/24 1/2 Day - 12:24 Dismissal


April 2023

APRIL - VIP PARKING – AMY NOWACZOK

4/3 – 4/7 No School – Spring Break

4/9 Easter

4/11 PTCG Meeting – 6PM

4/13 Kindness Council Meeting 8:15 am

4/20 Kindness Council Meeting 8:15 am

4/21 Earth Day celebrated – playground clean-up


May 2023

MAY - VIP PARKING – JAMES DEWITTE

5/1 Happy Staff Appreciation Week!

5/4 Kindness Council Meeting 8:15 am

5/9 PTCG Meeting – 6PM

5/11 VIP Breakfast

5/12 VIP Breakfast / Flower Sale - PTCG

5/17 Happy Mother’s Day

5/18 Kindness Council Meeting 8:15 am

5/19 Spring Fling - PTCG

5/29 No school – Memorial Day


June 2023

JUNE - VIP PARKING – JESSICA GILBERT

6/1 Kindness Council Meeting 8:15 am

6/2 Field Day

6/8 1/2 Day - 12:24 Dismissal

Kindness Council Meeting 8:15 am

6/9 1/2 Day - 12:24 Dismissal

STUDENT CALENDARS FOR 22/23 & 23/24 SCHOOL YEARS

We are pleased to share with you the calendars for the next two school years. To view the calendars, please see this link: http://uticak12.org/ucscalendaroverview.