School NewsDistrict News

Summer Food Program Returns to UCS
06/28/2022
Free Meals Available
Meet Up Logo
Read More
Tutors help peers succeed in summer school
07/28/2022
Students help their peers by tutoring during summer school.
Class of 2022 graduate performs with national honor band
07/28/2022
Utica High grad plays trumpet with musicians from across the country.
“This has to be the coolest shop class in the world!”
07/27/2022
Emmy award winner gets Henry Ford II High School-made paddle board hand delivered
Picture of Gyftakis and Ostrom
Lasceski with honor band conductor
Chris Davis with Ty Pennington
Read MoreRead MoreRead More

    Welcome to summer vacation! We hope you have a relaxing and enjoyable summer. We look forward to the 2022-2023 school year. In the meantime, here are a few suggestions to slide into summer learning and helpful information for the next school year.

    Slide Into Summer Learning

    Summer break is typically a time for kids to kick back, indulge in a little extra screen time, play outside, and embrace the kind of freedom that only comes with being young. However, all this free time can lead to the summer slide, a regression in academic proficiency due to summer break, and experts warn it is hindering kids’ progress when they head back to school. Let’s beat the summer slide and instead slide into summer learning. You can help your child do this by visiting the UCS Family Literacy Connection link below and spending 10-15 minutes each day completing their Duncan Summer Math Packet.

    UCS Family Literacy Connection | Smore Newsletters for Education

    Upcoming School Year 2022-2023 Information

    First day of school will be Tuesday, August 30. This will be a 1/2 Day of school with a dismissal time of 12:20 PM. Students will attend a full day of school on Wednesday, August 31, and Thursday, September 1. There will be NO SCHOOL Friday, September 2 through Monday, September 5 for Labor Day Weekend. School will resume with full days on Tuesday, September 6. 

    The USDA sponsored pandemic related free meal program will end on Thursday, June 30, 2022. Beginning in the fall of 2022, families will pay full price unless they are approved for free or reduced-price meals. To apply for these accommodations, please use the link below. Applications will be accepted after July 1, 2022.

    https://utica.familyportal.cloud/  


    Supply List 2022-2023

    Every year the teachers provide our students with a recommended supply list for each grade level.  Although we do supply all necessary supplies your child may need to be successful at school, if you would like your child to have their own personal supplies, please feel free to purchase from the list below. Some grade levels have also asked for resources such as Kleenex that could be used to supply the whole class.  Please do not feel obligated to purchase any of the items listed for your child’s grade.

    Supply list available here.



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.