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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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Media balance becomes important focus of digital citizenship lessons
10/29/2020
Maintaining a balance between real and virtual worlds
CTE students “get right to work”
10/27/2020
CTE programs return to in-person instruction
More than $40 million in bond improvements welcome UCS students returning to in-person learning
10/23/2020
Project funded through 2018 Bond Issue
Kid at computer
Student working on computer
Compilation of photos
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Principal's Message

We look forward to working with you as we begin the new year with remote instruction.  Our teachers are committed to delivering quality education to our students and making the connections that make the difference in your child’s learning.  If you choose to remain at Duncan Elementary in the remote learning, you do not need to do anything. Your child’s schedule is already being built and teachers will remain the same through the year, even if we transition back to in-person learning. If you choose to go into the Utica Community Schools Virtual Academy for the 1st semester, that choice must be made by Friday, August 14 by following the instructions here.

You can expect frequent communications from us as we look forward to the start of the 2020-21 school year.  I want to share a few things as we prepare for this new year:

  • While we are in the office, we are limiting visitors to those who have a specific reason to visit the school.We ask that you please call our office to schedule an appointment. Prior to entering the building, you will be asked to do a pre-screening, wear a facemask, use a hand sanitizer that is located inside our door and observe social distancing.
  • Although building access is being limited, please know that we are always happy to talk and work with you to answer your questions over the phone.Our office number is (586)797-4600.
  • We anticipate teacher assignments being emailed to you on August 28.
  • The structure of a typical in-person school day is being used as a guide for the remote learning.For instance, your child’s schedule will begin at (9:10 a.m.) and end at (4:00 p.m.).Both synchronous (real time learning with the teacher) and asynchronous (learning experience created by the teacher which are accessible at any time) will be used with whole class, small group and/or individualized instruction.We will provide you with more specific information in the upcoming days.
  • We have had a few questions about a recommended school supply list.We are preparing lists and will share those with you shortly.
  • Every student this year will receive a district issued device.These devices will have single sign-on for your child and will be loaded with the applications (apps) and resources that our teachers will use to support learning.We will sharing a schedule with you soon on how the devices will be shared with your family.

We are excited to be partnering with you again as we look forward to the start of school on September 1st.  Both the district and our school will be communicating with you further to provide you with a better understanding of the supports your child will have and what their days will look like.  There is a great deal of information on the UCS Website at this link to answer many of your questions.

If you have any questions, please feel free to respond to this email or call the office at (586)797-4600. 

 

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.

January 9th
Bagel Day
4:00—D.E.C.O. meeting

January 14th
6:00 to 8:00—Rink Night

January 21st -
No School—Martin Luther King day

January 24th & 25th
10:00—Variety Show
12:04 dismissal
Records Day

January 29th
8:00 pm.m. Band-O-Rama

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.