Dear Scott School Families,

I want to wish you all happiness and great health over the upcoming Winter Break which begins on Monday, December 23rd.  I have encouraged our staff to unplug from work to rejuvenate and enjoy people and activities that recharge them by waiting to respond to work email and phone calls untill we return to school on January 6th.  Thank you for supporting this valuable opportunity for a break.  This will help them renew their energy and focus for continued fun and learning the remainder of the school year.  As we close out 2024, it is my hope that 2025 brings joy and goodness to our student, staff, families, and community. 

Immediately when we return from Winter Break, NWEA testing will begin on January 7th.   All second graders will need headphones/earbuds for this assessments, and eligible students with audio accommodations per an IEP or 504 Plan will also need them.  We have a limited supply of these that can be loaned to students, so we appreciate if you're able to send a pair in with your child.  It is also helpful if a set can stay at school because we test three times a year and may use them at other times as well.  DIBELS testing will also occur shortly after we return from break on January 16th and 17th.

Wishing you happiness & wellness,

Linda Reha

Scott School Principal

Tis the season to bust out all that winter weather wear so your child is equipped for cold elements while coming and going to school and also for recess outside on the playground.  Please help your child select proper winter indoor clothing on a daily basis to wear to school too.  Although shorts are comfortable and stylish, they are best suited for warm weather months, not for the blistery cold ones.  Outdoor apparel such as a winter coat, warm hat, and gloves or mittens are essential items.  When the snowy Michigan weather hits, snow pants and boots are also necessary.  A scarf is certainly another great accessory to keep warm, but isn't a must.  Thank you for helping your child be ready for Jack Frost weather temps and equipped for some fun in the snow.

Below is a message from our DeWitt PTA.

Culver's Community Share Night
Join us at Culver's of DeWitt on Monday, December 16th, from 5-9 PM! A percentage of all sales will be donated to the DeWitt Elementary PTA. No flyer or code is needed—simply drive through, dine in, carry out, or order online at culvers.com (note: delivery services are not included).

Staff Favorites
Looking for a thoughtful way to show appreciation this season? Check out the Staff Favorites List we’ve been compiling throughout the year! Visit ptadewitt.org/staff-favorites to see your favorite staff members’ preferences and ideas. We’re still collecting info, so if you don’t see your favorite staff member listed, check back soon!  

January PTA Meeting
Start the new year with us! Our first PTA meeting of 2025 will be on Wednesday, January 8th, at 7 PM in the Herbison Woods Media Center. We'll discuss plans for upcoming events like STEM Night and Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, as well as brainstorm for the future. You don’t have to be a member to attend—why not make a resolution to stop by and see what we’re all about?

Third grade classrooms have been taking a field trip to our State Capitol and the Michigan History Museum to learn about our wonderful state and see where our state government officials work and make laws.  This experience is made possible by the money generously donated from our Fun Run fundraiser.

Have you considered working in a school before?  Do you enjoy working on a team?  Does working with children interest you?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, please consider applying for our open non-instructional assistant postion, or pass this information along to others who may be interested.  We are looking to fill a 1.5 hour/day lunch assistant position and would love to have you join our amazing Scott School team!  Please contact our main office at 517-668-3400 during school hours to learn more about this position and how to apply.

Below are the dates for Collaborative Learning Time (CLT) and professional development this year.  Thank you in advance for supporting these days which allow our teachers to participate in training and be continuous lifelong learners to support student success.

• August 20 & 21 - Full Days for Professional Development (before school starts)

• August 26 - Early Release for CLT (dismissal at 11:42 a.m.)

• September 27 - Full Day Professional Development (no school)

• October 16 - Early Release for CLT (dismissal at 11:42 a.m.)

• November 5 - Full Day Professional Development (no school)

• February 14 - Early Release for CLT (dismissal at 11:42 a.m.)

• March 19 - Early Release for CLT (dismissal at 11:42 a.m.)

• May 14 - Early Release for CLT (dismissal at 11:42 a.m.)

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.

School breakfast and lunch are available and free to all students.  Additional information will be provided to families soon about how to sign up for this opportunity with additional information about our food service program.  Menus can be found here and will be updated soon.

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.