Wiley Way
Week of March 1, 2021
SCHOOL INFORMATION
Attendance Line: (586) 797-6799 (May access 24/7)
If you need anything, PLEASE EMAIL the office staff at officewiley@uticak12.org ; someone will respond promptly.
Reach the Office @ (586) 797-6700 or officewiley@uticak12.org
Office Staff:
- Mrs. Candice Merivirta, Principal
- Mrs. Rita Savage, Administrative Assistant
- Mrs. Cathy Baumgartner, Office Clerk
LOOKING AHEAD
MAR 1 - March is Reading Month (MIRM) begins! Begin One School One Book project. See calendar below for daily activities.
MAR 3 - WEDNESDAY: Online learning only. No in-person instruction.
MAR 4- Pathways to Success (6:00-9:00 PM)
MAR 10 - WEDNESDAY: Online learning only. No in-person instruction
MAR 15 - Return to in-person instruction on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; Wednesdays will remain remote
MAR 15 - Picture Retake Day
MAR 17 - WEDNESDAY: Online learning only. No in-person instruction
MAR 18 - Virtual Kindergarten Open House @ 7:00 PM
March 24 - WEDNESDAY: Online learning only. No in-person instruction
Student Schedule
Our kindergarten – sixth grade students will continue to follow the ½ day AM and PM hybrid schedule . Through the week of March 1st, we will be embedding a remote instructional day every Wednesday for all kindergarten – sixth grade students. These days allow for more personalized instruction for our students. The schedule is critical to supporting our students and our school’s academic mission during this continued transition. We recognize that developmentally our students need consistency with learning routines, socialization, connecting with their teacher and classmates on a regular basis.
MESSAGE FROM MRS. MERIVIRTA
I hope this finds you well. It is hard to believe that March is already here and that spring is on the way! With weather changing on a daily basis, please be sure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather.
You should have received your family copy (as well as your copy of the activities) of The World According to Humphrey and planning to begin our ONE SCHOOL ONE BOOK reading project. We hope that you are able to share the book with your child(ren), fostering a love of reading for pleasure. In addition, you should have received the calendar listing possible daily activities for your child(ren) to engage in throughout the month. Modeling and promoting reading is important; fostering a love of reading will encourage your child to become a life -long learner!
We are anticipating the return to more in-person learning beginning Monday, March 15. At that time, all students involved in hybrid learning will attend full days on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; Wednesdays will remain remote days. Parents are required to self-screen children everyday before sending them to school, as well as reporting any incidents of COVID. Together, we will work to ensure the good health and safety of all.
As always, thank you for all you do to help support your child and the Wiley school community. We truly appreciate your support; we could not do it without you!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Merivirta
March is Reading Month (MIRM)
We are participating in a school wide read this month, One School One Book; each family will be receiving a copy of the book The World According to Humphrey. In addition, you will be receiving a family letter explaining the program, the chapters to read and some enriched vocabulary that you can share with your child.
We are also sending a MIRM calendar for the month, filled with activities to inspire and engage your child in reading for enjoyment.
And don't forget ~ students are encouraged to participate in the BOOKS FOR BUNDTS reading log to receive a free bundtlet cake. :)
Understanding the Reading Process
Enjoy your time together!
Welcome Class of 2034! Online Open House
2021-22 kindergarten registration now open in Utica Community Schools
Calling parents of the Class of 2034!
Registration materials are now available for families of students who will be entering the Utica Community Schools kindergarten program this fall.
In addition, families will be invited to multiple virtual or face-to-face activities to welcome them to the UCS family, including a March 18 virtual kindergarten open house.
“Kindergarten is an exciting time for children and parents, and we are pleased to begin welcoming our newest members of the Utica Community Schools family,” interim superintendent Robert Monroe said. “We are proud of our nationally-recognized, developmentally appropriate kindergarten program offered in a nurturing, supportive and safe learning environment.”
UCS provides students comprehensive instruction in core academic areas of reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies. Students also receive instruction from specialized teachers for media center/technology, art, music and physical education.
In addition, UCS offers a personalized blended learning program at the early elementary level that allows teachers to use technology – iPads, laptops and SMART boards – to support an environment based on each student’s learning style and pace. The program has been honored at national and state levels for its innovation and impact on learning. All kindergarten students receive a personal device that is preloaded with apps tailored to their instructional needs and used by UCS teachers.
Children are eligible for kindergarten if they turn five years old on or before September 1, 2021. However, children who turn five between September 1 and December 1, 2021 are eligible to enroll in kindergarten if their parents submit a waiver form.
Parents can begin the registration process by visiting http://www.uticak12.org/kindergarten.
The on-line process will allow families to sign up for kindergarten and upload necessary documents. Documents include:
- Child's birth certificate
- Michigan driver's license, Michigan ID or appropriate employment picture ID
- Lease agreement, closing papers or property tax bill
- Immunization records detailing the day, month and year your child was vaccinated against measles, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis B and other serious illnesses.
Once registered, parents will receive an outreach from their child’s schools with information and activities that will help their child transition during this exciting time.
One important activity for 2021-22 kindergarten families is a virtual kindergarten open house, scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 18.
At the virtual open house, parents will have the opportunity to learn about the district's curriculum and interact with school staff.
Thursday, Mar 18, 2021, 07:00 PM
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PARKING LOT SAFETY
Also, it is necessary for parents to get out of cars and pick up their child; students are not permitted to cross the parking lot without an adult.
Especially of importance, the expectation is that when school buses are pulling out ALL CARS MUST WAIT until all buses have departed; please do not cut into the bus line.
Thank you for following the expectations; this will ensure safety for all!
Looking for a Few Good Moms, Dads, Grandmas and Grandpas
We are looking for adults who would like to make a positive difference in the lives of our Wiley Coyotes ~ people who enjoy working with children, are energetic and have a positive attitude.
The daily commitment will be approximately 3 hours a day and we will accommodate the days that you can work!
If you are interested, please contact the Wiley Office and they will help you start the process and provide more details.
Pathways to Success (formerly Academic Blitz)
Pathways to Success, formerly known as the Academic Blitz, is an opportunity for all current and prospective Utica Community Schools students and families to find out more about the extensive portfolio of opportunities and programs available through its schools.
All UCS community members are invited to this free virtual event on March 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Pathways to Success is designed for families with elementary, junior high and high school students. It features a variety of interactive booths and live Question & Answer sessions with instructors and current students.
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged, and now open, for the March 4 event: https://www.accelevents.com/e/PathwaystoSuccess
All registered attendees have the option to customize their agenda as well as receive post-event access for 30-days to re-watch sessions and view other recorded options.
Below is a sample of sessions and booths to be offered during the event:
Help is Just a Click Away!
The Virtual Library Card gives students access to digital resources from the local library. The Virtual Library Card - Tutor.com provides online tutoring and homework help for students.
DRESSING FOR THE WEATHER
Don't forget that students will be walking around the school to line up at their outside classroom doors for class, and dismissal will be from classroom doors as well. On snowy or slushy days they may be standing on an un-shoveled area to remain social distanced from classmates, and wearing appropriate winter gear will help keep feet warm and dry. Even just getting through the parking lot can be wet and slushy during these winter months - remind your children to wear boots daily to avoid cold and wet feet! Please contact the office if you could use a helping hand in providing winter boots for your child/ren.
Safety Protocols
Staff, students and visitors are required to self screen daily. Please be sure to review the following screener every day before sending your child to school or visiting:
Please note, if your child is sent home due to exhibiting symptoms, they will be released from the ISM room (in the SAM Suite) as this is where our Health Room is located.
ENTERING THE BUILDING
Now that construction is complete, please note that all visitors to the building will enter through the secure entrance marked MAIN ENTRANCE. Parents will continue to be required to be buzzed in and show identification when entering the building. The sheet for signing in and out of the building will be in the vestibule area.
Once again, thank you for your support of the last bond vote; those funds have made these projects possible!
Kindergarten enters through the front double doors. All other grade levels enter and exit through their grade level doors around the back of the school. 1st and 2nd through Door 5, 3rd and 4th (and Mrs. Klida's 5th) through Door 6, 5th and 6th through Doors 7 and 8. If you have a Kindergarten student, please pick them up first and then walk to the back to get your other child(ren).
All students enter the building at 9:05 AM for the morning session and 1:20 PM for the afternoon session. There will be adult supervision at each of the doors until 9:15 AM and 1:25 PM to let students in. IF you arrive later than that, please have your child come to the main office to enter (as we do not want students behind the building without supervision).
DAILY ATTENDANCE
While attending school online, attendance is required. For Virtual Academy students, attendance will be taken at 8:20 AM and 12:10 PM. For students following the district plan (remote or face to face), attendance will be taken daily at 9:10 AM and at 1:30 PM.
Students that do not log on will be marked absent for the day; if they sign in within the first 20 minutes after attendance has been taken (9:30 AM for remote learners and 8:40 AM for VA students/1:40 PM for remote learners and 12:50 for VA learners) students will be marked tardy.
It is important for consistency and for fostering student responsibility that students remain online throughout the day. In addition, the morning meeting and end of day meeting (3:00 PM Virtual Academy and 3:50 PM remote learners) are very important as teachers will be focusing on meeting social and emotional needs of students.
If your child is going to be absent for the day, please call the 24 hour Attendance Line at (586) 797- 6799. In addition, you may choose to send an email to your child's teacher.
If your child does not attend regularly, the staff and I will be reaching out to find out how we can assist. If absences persist, it may constitute truancy and the matter will be addressed with the truancy officer.
Thank you for your help in this important matter! If we can be assistance, please let us know.
UTICA CARES: SUPPORT AND WELLNESS
The Utica Teaching and Learning Staff is happy to announce a POSITIVE weekly message to encourage all members of our school community to spread a little kindness and optimism!
Each week you will receive a MONDAY MOMENTS which includes a quote, a thought, and a challenge.
Please support the initiative and find ways to intentionally brighten someone else's life during these challenging times.
This month's theme is Get Optimistic; please read the note below and consider "training your brain" to see the positive and optimistic perspective of situations whenever possible.
District Employment Opportunities
In anticipation of the need for various positions upon return to in-person instruction, Utica Community Schools Human Resource Department is actively recruiting for various personnel positions. Please click on the letter below to learn about the various positions and how to apply if interested.
MEAL DISTRIBUTION SITES
STAY CONNECTED WITH WILEY
Email: candice.merivirta@uticak12.org
Website: wiley.uticak12.org
Location: 47240 Shelby Road, Shelby Charter Township, MI, USA
Phone: (586) 797-6700
Facebook: facebook.com/ucswiley