Wiley Way
March 6, 2023
SCHOOL INFORMATION
Welcome to Wiley ~ Home of the Wiley Coyotes
Office Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
School Hours: 9:20 AM -4:10 PM; early dismissal @ 12:24 PM
If you need anything, PLEASE EMAIL or phone the office staff at officewiley@uticak12.org/
586-797-6700 ; someone will respond promptly.
24 hr. Attendance Line: (586) 797-6799
Office Staff:
- Mrs. Candice Merivirta, Principal
- Mrs. Cathy Baumgartner, Administrative Assistant
- Mrs. Felicia Rescorla
UPCOMING EVENTS
March is National Women's Month
March 1-20: Yearbooks on Sale!!! See flyer below
March 7-9: District Art Show (K-12) @ Sterling Heights Community Center, 10am-8pm
March 7: Parent Volunteer Meeting @ 7:00 PM (in person, Media Center); Fundraiser Kickoff: Dinner Night Out at Panera (Fundraiser ~ see flyer below)
March 10: Spring Pictures; 5th Grade Maturation Program; Bingo Night at Wiley (see flyer below)
March 15: Bagel Day
March 17-24: Scholastic Book Fair
March 20: Cranbrook Family Science Night (6:30 - 8:30 PM)
March 24: End of 3rd Quarter; Early Dismissal
April 3-7: NO SCHOOL ~ Spring Break
Message from Mrs. Merivirta
It was so wonderful to see so many new families at our Young 5's/Kindergarten Open House last week. It is always exciting to be a part of new families joining our Wiley School Community! Thank you to everyone, including our UHS NHS students, for making it a great evening.
All families have received a copy of our family read aloud, A Boy Called Bat. Hopefully, you have had an opportunity to look at the monthly calendar of events (see below) so that you and your child can participate in the many special days and opportunities. The focus of the book is ACCEPTANCE and throughout the month there will be many other stories and activities shared that focus on inclusion and supporting one another ~ again, tied to our building wide theme this year of Kindness.
Our fundraiser will kick off tomorrow, March 7 and it will take less than 10 minutes to complete the form! You/your child do not have to sell anything! By sending out the information to friends and family (where ever they may be) they can support our school community. We appreciate all that you do to support Wiley. Funds raised will help benefit all students in the way of STEM materials for all students to use, assemblies, as well as growing our funds for an outdoor education learning center/sensory garden. The fundraiser will run for two weeks.
The Volunteer group is sponsoring many events this month! They will be sponsoring a Family Skate Night on March 6 from 6:00-8:00 PM. They are sponsoring a FAMILY DINE OUT evening on Tuesday, March 7th (see below). They will hold their monthly meeting on March 7 @ 7:00 PM in the Media Center; we hope that you can join us. There will be a family Bingo night on March 10th beginning at 5:30 PM.
We are excited that there will be a Family Science Night at Wiley presented by Cranbrook Science Outreach Program on March 20th; more details to follow!
The corrected link for accessing your child's NWEA results has been sent in a separate email. If you have difficulty accessing, please contact your child's teacher.
The Annual District Art Show returns this year ~ Art work will be on display March 7-9 at the Sterling Heights Community Center Each day from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily. We hope that you can stop by and appreciate the talent of our students. (see flyer below)
As you may know, the District is putting forth a bond and millage vote ~ the Safety and Success 2023 Election~ that will be held on May 2. Below you will see a sheet listing specific projects that will benefit Wiley if the vote passes. You can learn more about the bond and millage proposals here:
Take time to read the MONDAY MOMENTS ~ the focus this month is on being JOYOUS and the weekly focus is on the impact of A SMILE.
Please check out the UCS Wellness Podcasts; they are available as you scroll down.
Be sure to check out the many extra curricular opportunities listed below ~ there is something for everyone!
Lastly, please be aware that our food service provides vegetarian options. Please see the flyer below to learn more about accessing the menus/options.
As always, thank you for the opportunity to partner with you and your child, and for all that you do to ensure their success. We appreciate your support.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Merivirta
NWEA MAP GROWTH STUDENT PROGRESS REPORTS AVAILABLE NOW!
Dear Parents,
Winter NWEA MAP Growth student progress reports are now available on your parent PowerSchool Account at this link: https://ps.ucs.misd.net/public/home.html.
Attached are directions on how to access and download the file. The file can only be accessed through a web browser, such as Edge, Chrome or Safari. Please note that the link is not available through the App.
If you have any questions about this report, please contact your student’s teacher.
DISTRICT BOND AND MILLAGE PROPOSAL INFORMATION
STUDENTS THAT INSPIRE US
ACCENTUATING THE POSITIVE
WILEY HAPPENINGS
SHARE A STORY
PLEASE JOIN US!
LUNCH OPTIONS
Did you know that we offer vegetarian options every day? Please go to https://uticak12.nutrislice.com for menu offerings.
PARKING LOT REMINDERS - SCHOOL THEME - BE KIND
The parking lot provides us with an opportunity to model to our children/students courtesy, patience and respect. Please be sure that as you interact with other parents/drivers/busses that you are demonstrating our building wide theme of KINDNESS to one another.
Below are reminders about parking lot expectations.
Handicapped Parking
Although our signs are down and in the process of being replaced, please DO NOT PARK IN THE HANDICAP SPACES unless you have a license plate or tag for your car. Tickets may be issued.
Safety Patrol
Several of our 6th grade students volunteer to serve as members of our Safety Patrol. Please refrain from being discourteous or yelling at them. If you have a concern or question, please address one of the teachers that are on duty or come to the office to voice your concern with another adult.
Morning Drop-off
- Drop and go lane is for parents who are not parking and walking their children up to the school. Please drop off BEFORE near the receiving door/preschool/latchkey door so that you do not interfere with the buses.
- Parents do not exit their vehicle in this lane. If staff is available, they will open the passenger side door and help your child out. If they are not available, please have your child exit quickly; they may only exit from the passenger side for their safety.
- Do not try to drop students off near the buses; they may not see your child trying to cross.
Afternoon Pick-up
- All parents park their car and walk up to guide their children safely back to their car.
- If there are no parking spots left in the lot when you arrive, please continue to drive out of the lot and back in to park in an available spot. Two minutes after the bell rings, spots begin to open.
Early pick-up and Late drop-off
- Late drop offs need to park in a parking spot and sign their children in at the office.
Early pick ups need to park in a parking spot and sign their children out in the office
Please do not stop/ park in the fire lane in front of the school.
Shelby police will be patrolling our lot and reminding parents to park in designated spots only; for safety reasons it is important not to stand/block aisles.
WINTER WEATHER AND LOST AND FOUND
Winter Weather
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!
Lost and Found
Encourage your child to check Lost and Found for their missing items. Our lost and found is overflowing with clothes, and jackets! Items not claimed will be donated.
The COYOTE COMMUNITY CLOSET is now open!
WAYS TO SUPPORT WILEY
UCS FAMILY LITERACY CONNECTION
FOCUS ON WELLNESS
Monday Moments
We are excited to share MONDAY MOMENTS with staff, students, and community members.
MONDAY MOMENTS are an opportunity for teachers to share the message with students to prompt discussion, journal writing, think-pair-share or personal reflection time.
MONDAY MOMENTS assists stakeholders to build the tools in their toolbox of resiliency strategies.
Let’s continue to make a change one week at a time.
MONDAY MOMENTS include a quote, a thought, and a challenge.
The theme for March is to Get Joyous!. The focus this week is to Smile Like You Mean It!
UCS WELLNESS PODCAST
The UCS Wellness team is happy to announce the eleventh episode of our podcast series, featuring the students from Utica High School Student Mental Health Committee focusing on Teen Mental Health and Wellness.
Below is a list of the podcasts that are available on the UCS Wellness page. UCS Wellness - Utica Community Schools:
- Mental Health with guest Nancy Buyle
- Grief and the Grieving Process for Children
- Family Communication
- CARE of Southeastern Michigan
- Discussing Dating Violence with Turning Point
- Tackling Tough Topics with the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office
- Our Youth and Vaping
- Youth and Suicide Prevention
- The Detour Project
- Self-Regulation Strategies
- Teen Mental Health and Wellness
OPPORTUNITES BEYOND THE SCHOOL DAY
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, March 16, 2023, from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. The attached has registration details.
GET YOUR WILEY SPIRIT WEAR HERE:
FROM PREVIOUS ISSUES OF THE WILEY WAY
School Times
School starts at 9:20 AM daily. Students can be dropped off no sooner than 9:10 am. Parents with students arriving earlier should plan to use the services of SACC or be arriving for breakfast. Students arriving after 9:20 am will be marked “tardy.” On half days, students are dismissed at 12:24 PM. Regular school days are dismissed at 4:10 PM.
If you need to change your regular arrangements for your child (i.e. being picked up vs. going home on the bus), please be sure to notify your child's teacher and the office. If need be, you can call the office and we will get a message to your child. Please be sure you contact the office before 3:30 PM.
ATTENDANCE MATTERS
Please make attendance a priority for your child; establish bedtime routines to ensure that your child is rested and ready for the new day. Try to schedule vacations when we have breaks. Also, if possible schedule dentist and doctor appointments after school. If not possible, please try to schedule first thing or near end of day so that there are minimal interruptions.
Students arriving tardy and leaving early create gaps in learning as well as having negative social and emotional consequences; they often miss out on social interactions that occur as students start and end the day.
If your child is chronically tardy, leaving early or absent, we will be reaching out to inform you. If the situation persists, you will receive truancy letters and further action may result.
Working together, we can ensure that your child can be successful in school and succeed academically as well as socially and emotionally!
The Attendance line is open 24 hours a day; please call (586) 797-6799. Please include your child's name, teacher's name and the reason for the absence.
Late Arrival
If your child comes in after the 9:20 AM bell, YOU MUST ACCOMPANY THEM to the office to sign them in. Please note, they will be marked absent without a parent signature.
Early Dismissal
If it becomes necessary for you to have your child leave the building during the school day, please conform to the following:
• Notify the office by phone or note beforehand of the reason for and time of dismissal.
• At the designated time, the parent/guardian or other person designated on the child’s emergency contact designee must come into the office to sign the child out of school.
• All adults must be prepared to show photo ID.
Birthday Celebrations
The teachers and staff at Wiley strongly support and encourage the recognition of a child’s birthday during the school day. It is an annual milestone in every child’s life that should be celebrated not just at home, but in school as well, where children spend one-third of their day with teachers, classmates, and peers. While there are many wonderful and creative ways to celebrate a child’s birthday in school, birthday celebrations at Wiley will not include food treats. Instead, the focus at Wiley will be recognizing the day in a variety of special ways that do not include food treats. Some possibilities include:
· Class sings “Happy Birthday”
· Happy Birthday Recess/Gift
· Morning “Happy Birthday” PA announcement
· Parent makes a donation of book to class library/read to class
· Student reads favorite book to class
· Parent/special someone reads story to class
Your child’s teacher will have more information on how birthdays will be celebrated in the classroom. As educators, caregivers and loved ones we all want the best for our students. Thank you for joining us in giving students healthy opportunities to celebrate important events and achievements.
Too Sick to Come to School? Please Follow These Health Department Guidelines
When is your child too sick to attend school? The following guidelines, along with the advice of your family doctor, will help you decide when your child should stay home:
• Cold and/or cough – a child with deep mucus that causes a cough and heavy nose drainage cannot function at school.
• Fever – fever is a warning that something is wrong. A child should remain at home for 24 hours after the fever is gone without the use of medication.
• Rash – a rash, spots or blotches on the skin can be the first sign of many illnesses. Rashes require a physician’s release stating they are not contagious.
• Stomachache/Upset – a child who is vomiting or has diarrhea should be kept at home and may return 24 hours after the symptoms are gone.
• Head Lice – a child with head lice must remain at home until treatment is complete and school officials confirm he or she is free of lice. Check your child’s head before school begins in the fall and routinely during the school year or if he or she complains of an itchy scalp. Look around your child’s ears and back of the neck for nits, which are tiny, 8 white, oval-shaped lice eggs that are attached to the hair near the scalp. Nits may look like dandruff or scalp flakes, but nits do not move and are difficult to dislodge. Notify the school office immediately if your child has head lice. Begin treatment immediately by contacting your doctor or purchasing over the counter medication from the drug store. To prevent spreading head lice, wash all infested garments, hair accessories, bedding and other surfaces with hot water and disinfectant. You must sign your child in at the office when he or she is returning to school after treatment for head lice.
Policy on Personal Items
Any cell phones must be turned off and out of view during school hours or while on the bus OR IT WILL BE CONFISCATED and an adult must come up to school to pick it up.
Students should NOT bring toys, game boys, Nintendo DS or any hand-held electronic games, CD players, MP3 or IPods, PDA’s, memorabilia, special cards or other collectible or expensive items to school.
Wiley Elementary School is not responsible for personal items that are lost or damaged.
Such items will be collected and kept in the office. A parent must come and retrieve any items they wish to have returned.
Recess
Students will have the opportunity to go outside with their classmates during designated times throughout the day. Recess helps to promote social and emotional learning and development for all children. Allowing time for our students to engage in peer interactions allows them to role play essential social skills. Recess also benefits our students by increasing their level of physical activity improving their memory, attention, and concentration. Each class will have a recess immediately following their lunch. We go outside whenever possible and stay inside if it is raining or the temperatures are below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Students will have an optional second recess each day with their classroom teacher. Please have children dress for the weather.
VOLUNTEERS
We welcome volunteers. 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 officewiley@uticak12.org.
WE NEED LUNCH SUPERVISORS
A warm and friendly school environment
Paid $9.65 per hour
Work 1-5 days a week
1-1.5 hours a day
WHAT WE NEED:
Moms, Dads, Guardians and/or Grandparents to support lunch supervision!
POWERSCHOOL PASSWORD RESET
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING UPDATING POWERSCHOOL ACCOUNTS
There are several items that all parents will need to indicate they have reviewed on their PowerSchool accounts in the Forms section:
1) Student Address, Student Contacts and Health Information
2) Parent Student Handbook
3) Technology Device Use Agreement
4) Technology Device Insurance Opportunity (due September 8, 2022)
SECURITY PROCEDURES
Wiley Families:
We are asking for your assistance to ensure that our security procedures during the school day are effective. As many of you know, our school has a security camera, intercom, and buzzer at the front entrance for use during the school day. To help us assist you when you would like to enter the school:
1. Please press the buzzer to speak with someone in the office
2. You will be asked to state your name and reason for visiting
3. You will be asked to show your photo ID into the security camera above the outside door
4. Office staff will assist you.
In addition, we are asking you to not let any visitors in the door as you enter (and they come up behind you) or as you exit the building.
The teachers and staff are committed to student safety and security and we would like to thank you for your assistance in helping keep the students of Wiley safe.
Breakfast and Lunch Information
Breakfast and Lunch Information
Breakfast Cost- $1.75
Lunch Cost- $2.75
Breakfast will be served daily (in the gym) from 9:00 -9:15 AM
Since 2020 we were able to offer free meals to all students, however, this pandemic assistance is no longer available. In order to pay for your child's meals, you will need to set up an account and to set up an account you will need your child's ID number. This number is located on their report card or please email the office and they can get you that information.
- Go to https://utica.familyportal.cloud
- If you had an old Sendmoneytoschool.com account it will help you migrate over to the new site.
- Please review this video for instructions how to set up your account. Https://utica.familyportal.cloud/tutorials
- You will need your child’s 9-digit ID number to set it up (you can get this from the office)
- You can access student meal accounts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to view account balances, deposit histories, or your child’s meal or snack selections free of charge
- You can also make deposits to your child’s cafeteria account using Visa, MasterCard or Discover-a bank service fee of $1.50 will be charged to your credit card
- Breakfasts & Lunches may still be purchased with cash or check; however amounts of $20 or more are recommended
- Checks should be made to Utica Community Schools Food Service Department
- Checks returned for Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) will be assessed a $25 fee
Stay Connected with our Wiley Volunteer Group
Free Meals Have Ended
- If you would still like to get free and reduced meals, you must fill out an application after July 1
- If you are not approved for free or reduced meals, you will be required to pay for all meals for the 2022-2023 school year
- Apply online at Utica Family Portal or https://utica.familyportal.cloud
Enter “Utica Community Schools” and follow the prompts. - Most applications are processed within two (2) working days compared to 10 using paper!
- Quicker than paper!
SCHOOL AGE CHILD CARE (S.A.C.C.)
SCHOOL AGE CHILD CARE
Utica Community Schools is pleased to provide an opportunity for School Age Child Care, beginning August 30, 2022 Monday - Friday, 6:45am-9:20 AM and 4:10 – 6:00 PM at Wiley Elementary. Please be sure to read the following pricing and scheduling updates before pre-registering for the 2022-2023 school year.
Families must pre-register online.
Registrations will not be done on site or over the phone.
- Registrations will be processed on a first come first served basis, availability is limited.
- If the program is full at your location, you will receive an email indicating you have been placed on the waitlist. Families on the waitlist will be contacted as space become available.
For more information and to register, please visit https://ucscommunityeducation.org/school_age_child_care
MEDICAL/HEALTH PLANS
Utica Community Schools are committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for each of our students. A health plan is required to be completed at the beginning of every school year. For your child's safety we ask that all health forms are turned in prior to the first day of school, August 31st, 2021.
Health plans should be completed for any condition that may involve special dietary considerations, activity levels, medications, or treatment of urgent problems. Completion of health plans allows our staff to take the best possible care of your child.
A physician signature is required on all health plans. Any medications that are to be distributed by school staff or used by student at school must have an Authorization for Medication completed and signed by a physician, including any over-the-counter medications.
Health Care Plans and Authorization for Medication forms are available at https://www.uticak12.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=578321&pageId=5042259. Two transportation forms are required for every student that rides the bus with a COLOR picture attached to each form. Depending on your child’s diagnosis, the following forms are required by the school:
· Food Allergies/Insect Allergies/Latex Allergies: FARE Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan, Michigan Department of Education Medical Statement to Request Special Meals and/or Accommodations, 2 Authorization for Medications (one for an anti-histamine and one for Epinephrine), 2 Transportation Forms (if your child is a bus rider)
· MDE Dietary Accommodations: Required for Food Services for students with Food Allergies.
· Asthma: Asthma Health Care Plan, Authorization for Medication for a rescue inhaler, 2 Transportation Forms (if your child is a bus rider)
· Seizure: Seizure Health Care Plan, Authorization for Medication for rescue medications and/or other medications, 2 Transportation Forms (if your child is a bus rider)
· Diabetes: Diabetes Health Care Plan, 2 Transportation Forms (if your child is a bus rider) and you must submit your Diabetes Medical Management Plan from your Endocrinologist
· Heart Condition: Heart Condition Health Care Plan and 2 Transportation Forms (if your child is a bus rider).
· Any other diagnosis: General Health Care Plan, Authorization for Medication (if needed), 2 Transportation Forms (if your child is a bus rider)
Please return all the necessary, completed and signed forms (dated after June 11th) prior to August 31st, 2021 to: officewiley@uticak12.org.
Your cooperation will help ensure a safe and healthy school year. Any questions can be directed to: Megan Holmes Utica Community School’s District Nurse megan.holmes@uticak12.org
ALLERGENS FORM
We take food allergies and student safety very seriously. If your student has any food allergies please have your physician fill out the MDE Dietary Needs Form and return it to the food service office. MDE dietary Needs form.pdf
1- You must fill out a physician signed MDE Special Needs Accommodation form and send it to the Food Service office. Without this we cannot make any accommodations. Please make sure to be specific with regards to the allergy (Example: all dairy or just fluid milk intolerance, etc.)
2-Because allergies change you MUST fill out a new form EVERY YEAR.
3- You must indicate to your child's school which days and which menu item you would like at least 48 hours in advance. We will not automatically have these available if we do not hear from parents in advance.
4-A vegetarian and nut free options are available every day so please see regular menu.
5-Juice or water are not acceptable substitutes per USDA guidelines. At this time we have Kikkoman Soy milk as a substitute. You're welcome to send in your own milk with your child if they don't like it.
6-We will do the best we can to accommodate other requests but there may be some limitations. For questions please call our food service off at 586-797-1180
Elementary menus are available online under the Allergy Menu tab. For Secondary Allergy menu items please submit the same form and then contact Food Service at 586-797-1180 to meals
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER, AT WILEY...
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