It's important to remember that tests scores do not define a student. They are a snapshot picture of performance at a moment in time. The data does provide us with additional information though to help determine instructional plans and supports for students. Also, please know that both reading and math tests for second grade have an audio component so the assessments are read to all students and third grade does not have audio unless a student has an audio accommodation per their 504 plan or IEP.

DeWitt Public Schools has been supporting students in literacy for years by providing reading interventions and using IRIPs (Individual Reading Improvement Plans) for students who perform below benchmark per their Acadience reading composite score. IRIPs will be provided to families at conferences for students who performed below benchmark on their fall Acadience Composite Score.

A few years ago, Michigan instated a Read by Grade Three Law to ensure students were equipped with the necessary reading skills to be a successful student as they transitioned from early elementary (third grade) to upper elementary (4th grade +) and beyond. Student performance on the ELA M-STEP is what our Michigan Department of Education (MDE) will use to determine student retention per this law. I will continue to keep third grade families informed on what to expect as we navigate the Read by Grade Three Law together in the spring. Here are some 'Facts for Families' documents from the MDE to learn more about the Read by Grade Three Law and how it may impact your child.

Our third graders last year did an amazing job on the MSTEP assessment. Check out our results! Ranked 2nd for ELA compared to local peer districts and ranked 1st for math compared to local peer districts. This is something to celebrate!

Scott School has implemented a new social/emotional learning framework and pathway to regulation curricular program this year called Zones of Regulation. Check out this Parent Communication document and also these free resources from the Zones website to learn more, and try using the Zones language at home to help your child identify their feelings and choose strategies to help them manage big and small emotions.

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:

  • Scott families may attend an outdoor Halloween parade of students around the building. More information about the parade time and location will be shared with families.

  • 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.

Weather permitting, Scott School students will be participating in an outdoor Halloween parade at 10/31 at 9:25 a.m., and families are welcome to come and watch the parade.

Have no worries if your child missed Picture Day or their picture isn't one you'd love to frame and hang on the wall. Picture Retake Day is scheduled for Thursday, November 3rd.

You can still order on mylifetouch.com

With your Picture Day ID:

EVTDZHD62

Parent Teacher Conferences are scheduled for November 9th and 10th. To accommodate our busy families, Scott School will provide both in person and virtual conference opportunities. If time slots get filled for your preferred conference format, please reach out to your child's teacher. We are happy to work with you to meet your format needs. A SignUp Genius was sent to families on Monday, October 24th. Please check your email if you missed it.

• Wednesday, November 9th from 4 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.: In Person Conferences

• Thursday, November 10th from 4 p.m.-7:30 p.m.: Virtual Conferences

Our Fall Book Fair is this same week for students and will also be open to families on Wed., Nov. 9th.

Each week every classroom at Scott School has a Panther Pride drawing from all Panther Pride slips earned by students for demonstrating respectful, responsible, safe, and bucketfilling behavior. Lucky drawing winners are invited to a Panther Pride recess at the end of each month with Mrs. Reha and Mrs. Schwarz.

The Weekend Survival Kit Backpack Program continues to be provided at Scott School this year. Weekend Survival Kits contain a little over two days’ worth of food. Typical food items include mac & cheese, granola bars, canned vegetables, peanut butter, crackers, oatmeal, soup, and SpaghettiOs / Ravioli. Children are eligible for the Weekend Survival Kit program based on need. Please know that there is no cost to you to participate in this program. Please contact DeAnn Schwarz, Scott School Social Worker, if you are interested in participating in this program. 517-668-3446 or schwarzdea@dewittschools.net

The Old Newsboys Association helps our community by providing children with either shoes or boots. If your child needs new shoes or boots and the purchase of them would be a financial burden, please contact DeAnn Schwarz, Scott School Social Worker at 517-668-3446 or schwarzdea@dewittschools.net so that she may get you the forms to complete. It is not necessary to include your income information if your child qualifies for free or reduced lunch. We will forward your form to the Old Newsboys Association, and they will send you a voucher for either shoes or boots. You may include all school age children on one family request form, even if they attend different buildings. Please do not send in duplicate requests if you included your child on another form.

We are excited to offer Spirit Wear for Scott School! This is a great way for students to show their school pride and is a perfect gift idea. Our ordering window has been extended to October 31st, and youth and adult sizes are available.

To view apparel selections and to order, please visit The Scott School Online Store.

Please help keep our school community healthy by keeping your child home if he/she is ill. Read these CDC and health department resources and infographics below for steps to take if your child contracts COVID, is exposed to the virus, or contracts a different communicable disease.

We are always seeking teacher and support staff subs. If you're interested in substitute teaching, please contact Jennifer Lee at 517-668-3009 to find out more information. If you're interested in subbing in our lunchroom, playground, library, or as a paraprofessional, please call our office at 517-668-3400.

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 to your child when we return to in person instruction, you 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.