Dolphin Dispatch - Extra Edition
May 20, 2020
Happy Mid-May Graebner Families,
As we wrap up Teacher Appreciation Week, we must give a very loud and loving round of applause to YOU! You have been your child's at-home teacher from the very start, and now in these changing times, you have stepped up in that role to help them through these months of on-line learning as well. The work you are doing at home is appreciated, and we are here to support you in any way we can.
Picking up of Student Personal Items
Construction Resumed
The school office will be temporarily located in the SAM Suite Science Room, and can be accessed by walking along the front of the building to the right of the main doors (where the construction is) to the science room door in the SAM Suite addition.
2019-2020 Student Last Day is Thursday, June 11, 2020
SCHOOL OFFICE OPEN ON WEDNESDAYS FOR NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION
Children are eligible for kindergarten if they turn five years old on or before September 1, 2020. However, children who turn five between September 1 and December 1, 2020 are eligible to enroll in kindergarten if their parents submit a waiver form.
To register, parents must supply:
- An original birth certificate or certified copy, with raised seal, issued by the clerk of the county where your child was born or the health department of the state of birth;
- Your child's health immunization record; including vision and hearing screenings. Be sure to schedule immunization updates early as these appointments are often limited;
- Photo I.D. (Driver's license or work photo I.D.)
- Proof of residency, such as property tax bill, closing papers or lease agreement. Please know that we are not able to accept utility bills.
We are working from home during the Governor's stay-at-home order. You may submit completed kindergarten registration forms and documents electronically to: hillary.booton@uticak12.org. Once we are back in the office, we will contact you to finalize your child's registration.
If you are not returning in the fall to Graebner or Bemis please email hillary.booton@uticak12.org
20-21 Medical Plans
Food Distribution Volunteers
Thank you to those who have and continue to volunteer to assist with our food distribution program. We are still in need of volunteers as we extend this service through the end of the school year. Persons who would like to volunteer to assist with food distribution may do so by signing up at www.signupgenius.com. If email is not accessible, prospective volunteers can call Nicole Tengler at 586-797-1132.
As a reminder, we are asking all volunteers to bring a face covering and wear it during food preparations and distributions. Volunteers must also continue to exercise safe practices such as social distancing while working with their team. In addition, volunteers must self-screen themselves prior to coming in
Food Distribution Schedule change for Memorial Day Weekend
Our food distribution schedule will be readjusted for the Memorial Day holiday. Food distribution will occur as scheduled on Friday, May 22, with five meals being distributed. The normal schedule will resume on Wednesday May 27, 2020. Thanks to the hard work of our food service staff and volunteers, Utica Community Schools has provided more than 420,000 meals to students. For more information, please visit www.uticak12.org.
P-EBT Food Assistance Benefits for Families
Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer Program (P-EBT) food assistance benefits will go to Michigan families with students ages 0-26 that are eligible for Free or Reduced-Price School Meals. This includes families currently receiving Food Assistance Program benefits.
The attached flyers have been created to raise awareness that families can still apply for Free and Reduced meals. Please include the flyers in your next parent update. The flyers are available in English (8A & 8B), Spanish (8C & 8D) and Arabic (8E & 8F) as a .pdf and image.
Many families may be experiencing a reduction or loss of income due to the closures affecting all of us. Please know that we can continue to accept applications for free and reduced-price meals during the school closure. You can apply online at: www.lunchapp.com.
This is a state run program, parents with questions may call 833-905-0028 or go to https://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,4615,7-140-66254_99536-526602--,00.html
2020-2021 Teacher/Student Calendar
The Utica Community Schools 2020-2021 teacher/student calendar has been agreed to as part of the successor collective bargaining agreement between the district and the Utica Education Association. Determinations have been based on traditional school year elements and persons are reminded that modification may become necessary, particularly as COVID-19 and related impacts are further evaluated moving forward. In the interest of tentative planning, these calendars are being shared with students, staff, parents and the community at this time.
The first day of school and other important dates are highlighted below. Please note that school is scheduled to begin prior to Labor Day this coming year. For a complete list of additional dates including half-days, marking periods and exam days, refer to the full calendar.
First Student Day: Tuesday, September 1, 2020 (full day secondary, half day elementary)
Labor Day Weekend: Friday, September 4, 2020 through Monday, September 7, 2020
Thanksgiving Break: Wednesday, November 25, 2020 through Friday, November 27, 2020
Winter Break: Wednesday, December 23, 2020 through Friday, January 1, 2021
Mid-Winter Break: Monday, February 15, 2021 through Friday, February 19, 2021
Spring Break: Monday, April 5, 2021 through Friday, April 9, 2021
Memorial Weekend: Friday, May 28, 2021 through Monday, May 31, 2021
Non-Student Days: Tuesday, November 3, 2020, Monday, January 18, 2021, Friday, April 2, 2021
Last Student Day: Friday, June 11, 2021 (half-day)
Teacher PD: Monday, August 31, 2020, Friday, September 4, 2020, Tuesday, November 3, 2020, Monday, January 18, 2021