School NewsDistrict News

Thunder Monkeys - State Honors
01/02/2020
Duncan team honored for innovation
Career Day at Duncan Elementary
05/12/2019
Special day support Career Focus program
Kaleidoscope Winner
01/03/2019
Karthryn Irwin has the right stuff!
Team Photo
Business person talking to students
Photo of Kathryn Irwin
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UCS to be represented by Utica High School dancer at Philadelphia’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
11/23/2021
Varsity dancer named All-American by Varsity Spirit will be performing on behalf of the organization on Thanksgiving.
Virtual academy students get closer look at what it means to be Michigan made
11/22/2021
UCS student musicians selected for District XVI honors band
11/19/2021
Students will perform in concert at Dakota High School
Madelyn Karrandja, Utica High dancer
Virtual Farm Field Trip
District 16 Logo
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    Dear Duncan Families,

    As the fall season begins to take shape in our world, this school year does as well. Our students have successfully transitioned into their new grade levels and are now routinely experiencing 21st century classroom learning opportunities that will enable them to develop essential skills for college and career readiness. In order for our students to be academically competitive in their futures, they must be engaged with new technologies, acquire knowledge from rigorous coursework and routinely participate in activities that foster innovation and creativity.

    Our students today are not just consumers of academic content, but rather creators and users of what they are learning. Our classrooms prepare students for their future by applying content to real-world applications that call for students to solve problems, think creatively and work with others to develop solutions. Our students are engaged in collaborative groups to conduct investigations, discuss and share learnings, and create products that demonstrate what was learned. Using appropriate technology tools to complete their task, our students are discovering the most effective and efficient ways to access and manage the world of digital information that is available to them. While working through tasks,
    students build important life and career skills that teach them to manage their time, to become self-directed workers and to collaborate effectively with others. 

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Our Mission

The Community at Richard J. Duncan Elementary School is devoted to academic excellence. Sound instructional strategies will provide our students with a foundation of skills that will prepare them for lifelong achievement in a global society.

We Believe...
* All students can learn and achieve.
* All students can teach and learn from each other.
* All parents are partners in their children’s education.
* We will value individuality and diversity.
* We will maintain high expectations for all children to be responsible and caring students.
* All children need a safe and secure learning environment- both physical and emotional.
* We will help students become lifelong learners so they can adapt to a changing world.

UCS Vision

All children have the right to a rigorous, high-quality education which meets their individual needs. UCS will respect, encourage and empower each and every student to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to be successful, contributing members of a diverse community and global society.

UCS Mission

We are committed to exemplary teaching and learning in order for our students to be prepared for success in the 21st Century.
We will achieve this commitment by engaging the entire community to focus on each child's achievement, with the expectation that every student will pursue some type of post-high school educational endeavor.

Core Values

  • Every child can learn and achieve.
  • Parents and guardians are partners in the learning process.
  • Being “smart” can be achieved through persistence, hard work and effective effort.
  • Excellence is expected and celebrated.
  • Data is used to guide our decision-making.
  • All employees will exemplify ethical behavior; exhibit a strong work ethic; and continue to develop their leadership, performance and service skills.
  • Technology supports and enhances instruction, business operations, research and communications.
  • The Board of Education, district educators/staff, parents, community members and business leaders must collaborate and work as a team to enhance educational opportunities for student success.