Dear Scott School Families,

Our annual Fun Run fundraising event was held today, and not only was it successful, it was a fun time had by all.  Thank you to all of the families and individuals who donated funds which will allow our students to go on various field trips throughout the school year, and also thank you to those who were able to come today to cheer on our students.  This fundraiser not only covers the cost of off site experiences, but it also pays for transportation to and from each venue, and allows us to purchase other items that reinforce and acknowledge positive and expected student behavior and citizenship.  We are so grateful for the outpouring of support we receive from this one and only school-wide fundraising event each year and our students benefit tremendously by experiencing learning beyond the classroom because of it.  Although the Fun Run event occurred today, donations will be accepted through Friday, October 24th.  Thank you - thank you - thank you!

Warm regards,

Linda Reha

Scott School Principal

Our annual Fun Run fundraising event was a hit yet again this year.  Here are some action shots of our students enjoying the day moving and grooving to music and having a blast with friends.  Thank you to families who were able to attend and cheer our students on, and thank you to all donors for helping us with fundraising efforts that will cover costs for field trips, including transportation to and from each off site venue, and other student rewards and incentives throughout the year at Scott School.

Scott School uses positive behavior intervention systems to support students in learning and demonstrating expected behavior.   This all starts with our three school rules  below that are discussed and taught daily.

1. Be respectful.

2. Be responsible.

3. Be safe.

Along with our school rules, students earn Panther Pride tickets when a school staff member notices anyone demonstrating behavior that is respectful, responsible, or safe.  Students who earn Panther Prides are also announced on our Morning News, a panther head with their name is posted on a bulletin board in our school,  and they are invited to a special reward experience with Mrs. Reha and Mrs. Schwarz.  This year, we will be hosting an array of options and using a special spinner wheel so the special event is a surprise most months.  Some of these special events will include things such as special recesses during the warm months and bingo during the cold months to name a couple.

We recognize that our students are lifelong learners and continue to need support as they grow and learn throughout their educational career, this includes behavior as well as academics.  To help students process a difficult social or behavior situation and develop a success plan for the next time they face a similar situation, we use a teaching tool with students called a Think Sheet.  These forms are designed to help student reflect, forward think, and sometimes even include a type of restitution they can offer to do repair work for a situation.  To include parent/guardians in our school-home team connection for a student, these forms are sometimes sent home for parents to review, discuss with their child, and then sign and return to school when there is a pattern and a need for skill development.  This helps our our triangle team (student, parent(s), staff) work closely together on problem solving and social/behavior skill development.

Students at Scott School also learn about Zones of Regulation.  The Zones help students identify their feelings in meaningful ways and then choose and use tools to help self-regulate their emotions in a productive way.  In addition, students are taught ways to resolve conflict by using tools such as DeBug and also a Problem Solving Wheel.  Tools such as these can assist students with developing independence and self-advocacy skills while also learning peaceful ways to resolve difficult situations.  Try using these tools at home.

Second grade students had a visit from our local fire department to learn about fire safety and the importance of these community heroes. 

To promote a safe and secure indoor school environment, create an inclusive atmosphere for all students, and to reduce distractions for the duration of the school day, the following school celebration guidelines will be followed:

• Classroom celebrations will be kept to one hour.

• Healthy snacks and alternatives to food to support allergies and our wellness policy are encouraged.  Some classrooms may have a “no food” policy due to allergies.

• Only volunteers and party classroom coordinators may be allowed in the classroom to help support classroom celebration activities per individual teacher request/classroom needs.

• Volunteers and party classroom coordinators may not bring any additional guests including siblings (of any age), relatives, etc.  

• Volunteers and classroom coordinators must complete the I-Chat Form and be cleared if they at any time are going to work with students independent of where the classroom teacher is.

• Halloween/Fall Celebration Specific: 

  • All Scott families may attend an outdoor Halloween parade of students around the building - weather permitting. More information about the parade time and location will be shared with families when the date gets closer.

  • Costume Guidelines: 

    • Simple costumes will be allowed at school.  

    • Scott School students are allowed to wear simple costumes to school.  Be mindful of student’s ability to participate in classroom learning and also PE and recess activities.

    • Costumes should be tasteful, modest and appropriate for a school environment.  

    • Costumes shall have no representation of violence, horror characters or be scary; no blood or weapons.  

    • Wearing costumes is an opportunity but not an obligation.  Families may choose whether or not their child participates.

    • If your child or you are questioning if a costume is school appropriate, it is recommended to lean on the side of caution and choose something else.

DeWitt Public Schools will continue to offer free breakfast and lunch to students this year.  Although this is a cut that legislators are considering within the education budget that has not yet been approved, DPS is committed to offering this important food program to students with hopes this continues to be funded by our state.  Menus can be found here and will be updated soon.

We are grateful to families and our community members who donate healthy, no nut snacks to classrooms and our snack pantry which also provides our students brain and body fuel throughout the day.  Your partnership in removing hunger as a barrier to learning and child development makes a lifelong impact.  Thank you!

Soon we will be hosting Parent-Teacher Conferences.  An email with a SignUp Genius link will be shared with families on Friday, October 24 to choose a date/format and time that works best with your schedule.

• In Person Conferences:  Nov. 5 from 4-7:30 p.m.

• Virtual Conferences:  Nov. 6 from 4-7:30 p.m.

Below is a message from our DeWitt PTA.

Pasta for the Panthers - Saturday, Nov. 8th • 5-8pm at DeWitt Charter Township Community Center (DARA)

This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and allows us to host free, family-friendly events like Monster Mash and our STEAM event, as well as fund grants for our amazing staff and schools. You won’t want to miss this one!

The new event features a spaghetti dinner from Peppinos, bingo with prizes for kids, a showcase of auction items before they go live online, and more.

Register here to purchase your plates early so you don’t miss out on the fun!

Teacher, Staff & Coach Experience Raffle
Don’t miss your chance to win a one-of-a-kind experience your child won’t soon forget!  

Ticket Sale Dates (in person only):
• Nov 5 – Scott & Herbison Woods Conferences | 4–7:30 PM
• Nov 8 – Pasta for the Panthers
• Nov 11 – Schavey Road Conferences | 4–7:30 PM

Tickets are $10 each and there’s no limit—stack those odds if you want to!
Preview experiences here!

Grade Level Basket Donations  

We are collecting monetary donations to create exciting themed baskets for our Annual Online Auction, launching November 8!

Each grade level is working to raise as much as possible to build incredible baskets that will be auctioned off to benefit all students. Proceeds help fund free family events, teacher and building grants, and more throughout the year.
Donate Here

Student safety is a priority.  Please bring proper identification each time your child is picked up from school.  Here are some ways adults picking up students can be identified:

• Physical ID (ie. driver's license)

• Personal ID by office staff

• Other identification proof such as utility bills or other statements, credit card, etc., AND answer personal information that we have in Infinite Campus (ie. phone number, child's birthdate, etc.)

There are some Scott students who have health-threatening nut allergies in our building.  Scott School is a 'No Nut' building.  Pack items that do not contain nuts for your child's lunch and snack.  It is critically important that we provide a safe learning environment for all students, and your help with this is needed and appreciated.  Please always contact your child's teacher if you have a concern about an allergy or other health condition related to your child that they should be aware of.  Also, if your child has a medical need, including food or other allergies, don't forget to update your child's Medical Management Plan by completing and submitting the district forms to the office before school starts so we can follow protocols to keep your child safe.

In order for Scott School personnel to administer medication (including cough drops) to your child, a parent guardian must:

• Submit a completed district medication form to our office. 

• Be sure all medications are brought to and stored in our office. 

• Be sure prescription medication is in its original container accompanied with a physician’s signature. 

• Be sure non-prescription medication is in its original container accompanied by a parent’s signature. 

• Please communicate with your child's teacher if he/she takes medication daily at school. 

• If your child has a medical condition, please be sure to complete a Medical Management Plan for your child and turn it in at the office.

Medication and other medical forms can be found on our DeWitt Public Schools website.

Our school social worker, Mrs. Schwarz, is always willing to assist students and families in any way possible.  In addition to working closely with your child's teacher, consider reaching out to her if you have questions or need support.  She is truly amazing at what she does!  She can be reached at 517-668-3446 or schwarzdea@dewittschools.net.