The Scott Spotlight

Start of the School Year Issue

August 11, 2022

Principal: Linda Reha

School Address: 804 Wilson St. DeWitt, MI 48820

Office Phone Number: 517-668-3400

Attendance Phone Number: 517-668-3458

Website: https://scott.dewittschools.net/

    • Start Time: 8:30 a.m. (First bell rings at 8:25 a.m.)

      • Students may be dropped of at 8:10 a.m. or later. Supervision is not available before 8:10 a.m.

    • Dismissal Time: 3:20 p.m.

School Events

2022-23 District Calendar - 06.29.22.pdf
District Diversity Logo Paw

Aug. 15: Class Placements Viewable in Infinite Campus

Aug. 22 (8 a.m. - 6 p.m.): Family Self-Guided Building Tour Opportunity

Aug. 25: In Person Open House 6-7 p.m.

Aug. 26( 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.): Family Self-Guided Building Tour Opportunity

Aug. 29: First Day of School

Sept. 2 & Sept. 5: No School—Labor Day Weekend

Reha's Report

Dear Scott School Families,

Welcome to Scott School! A new school year always brings positive energy and an exciting outlook. I hope you and your family have had plenty of fun in the sun, memory making, and are ready to get back into a school schedule and start a new journey of learning and enjoyment throughout the 2022-23 school year. I'm tickled pink to partner with you and looking forward to all that's ahead. Enjoy these final weeks of summer, and then let's get started!

Here are some important points to help you prepare for a successful year:

  • Class placements will be available to view beginning at 8 a.m. on Monday, August 16th. You can find out your child’s class placement through Infinite Campus by following these steps:

    • Log into Infinite Campus

      • If you do not have a login/password, you may contact our technology department at: helpdesk@dewittschools.net.or 517.668.3590

      • If you have not accessed Infinite Campus in the past, please check out this video that details how to utilize the features within IC.

      • Click on the “Schedule” tab OR you can also click on the “Reports” tab and download a PDF of your child’s schedule.

  • Many hours of special consideration went into balanced classroom placements. Our goal is that all students have a successful school year. Conversations that foster and model positive outlooks for a successful year help children transition back to school and have a valuable learning year despite disappointment when students aren't placed with a teacher they hoped for or peers they wished to be in class with. Requests for classroom moves will not be honored. If you have a concern that warrants a discussion about an extenuating circumstance, please contact me. Thank you for supporting and honoring that balanced classroom numbers and needs are essential to all students' success. Open and positive communication with your child's teacher will help foster a healthy and prosperous school year.

  • You can expect to hear from your child’s classroom teacher with additional classroom information after class placement are accessible to families in Infinite Camus. Please be patient! Teachers don't report back to work until Tuesday, August 23rd, even though most reach out to families before then. Please understand that when teachers report back to work on the 23rd, they are attending professional development training all day for three days to prepare for a successful school year.

  • Our Open House is in person this year and is scheduled for Thursday, August 25th from 6-7 p.m. We hope you and your child are able to attend.

  • Families are also welcome to come to Scott School for a self-guided tour on Monday, August 22rd between the hours of 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. or Friday, August 26th between the hours of 8 a.m. -12 p.m. This is a chance for you and your child to become more familiar with the layout of Scott School and see the common spaces throughout the building. Thank you for understanding and respecting that Scott School teachers and staff will not be available for face to face interactions and classrooms will not be accessible for touring.

  • Our office staff will be back in the building on Monday, August 15th and can be reached by phone before school starts M-F from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at 668-3400.

  • The first day of school is Monday, August 29th. Our start time is 8:30 a.m. and dismissal is at 3:20 p.m. If you drop your child off, please do so after 8:10 a.m.

  • Mask wearing is recommended for unvaccinated and/or immunocompromised students, staff, and guests in the building. Please read more details in the DPS Return to Learn and Continuity of Services Plan 2022-23 about our guidelines and commitment to a successful and healthy school year.

  • Hand washing will continue to be a focus of good hygiene at school for personal and community wellness. Please remember to keep your child home and consider testing if your child demonstrates COVID or flu symptoms or anytime your child has a fever. By working together, we can mitigate the spread of these viruses and other illnesses.

Thank you for choosing Scott for your child’s school and trusting us with your child's care and education. We are looking forward to building a strong team with you through positive communication and collaboration. I wholeheartedly believe that together we are better, and I look forward to our partnership this year!

Warm Regards,

Linda Reha

Scott School Principal

Learn More About Our District & Scott School

To learn more specific details about Scott School and DeWitt Public Schools, check out these informative links:

Open House

Our Scott School Open House is scheduled on Thursday, 8/25 from 6-7 p.m. and will be in person this year. There are also family self-guided tour opportunities on Monday, 8/22 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Friday, 8/26 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Teachers and staff won't be available during this time, but walking the building may be just what your child needs before school starts.

Scott School Suggested General Supplies List

Scott School General Classroom Supplies List (1).pdf

Here is a general Scott School supplies list. Please know that teachers may share a more specific list.

CLT and Professional Development Calendar

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 23, 24, 25 - Full Days of Collaborative Learning & Professional Development (Before School Starts)

  • September 16 - Full Day Professional Development (no school)

  • October 21 - Full Day Professional Development (no school)

  • November 9 - Early Release for CLT (dismissal at 11:57 a.m.)

  • January 18 - Early Release for CLT (dismissal at 11:57 a.m.)

  • February 15 - Early Release for CLT (dismissal at 11:57 a.m.)

  • April 19 - Early Release for CLT (dismissal at 11:57 a.m.)

  • May 17 - Early Release for CLT (dismissal at 11:57 a.m.)

Donations Appreciated

Thank you to the many families who have reached out and asked what donations they could make to Scott School. Here is a list of things that we're looking for.

  • Yard games (Cornhole, Ladder Balls, Yahtzee)

  • Balls (basketballs, kickballs, soccer balls, and footballs)

  • Disinfectant wipes

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Paper towels

Drop Off, Pick Up, and Parking Lot Procedures

Drop Off & Pick Up:

  • To help promote a safe and productive start to your child’s day, please be sure to drop your child off no earlier than 8:10 a.m. because students are not allowed to enter the building until that time, and there is no adult supervision outside prior to then.

  • Students dropped off will walk to the front of the building using the sidewalk, enter the vestibule through the main doors, and go to the cafeteria where there will be adult supervision until the first bell rings at 8:25 a.m. Students who arrive after the tardy bell (8:30 a.m.) must enter the building through the main entrance accompanied by a parent or guardian and be signed in at the office.

  • Please drive up as far as possible in the loop to drop off or pick up your child. Anywhere there is a painted blue line on the sidewalk area is where students should get in and out of vehicles.

  • Please do not drop your child off or pick your child up in the front of the building unless you are parking and entering the building with your child or to pick your child up.

  • Please do not drop your child off or pick your child up in the road. This is extremely dangerous and our local law enforcement patrols our street frequently to support school procedures and enforce the law for student safety.

  • Please do not park your car to drop your child off or pick your child up unless you are entering the building. Parking is limited at Scott School, and this creates challenges for staff to get to work on time and creates more sight line barriers for pedestrians and drivers after school.

  • Students who are picked up after school are to wait on the sidewalk area located on the south side of the building where the parent driving loop is. Adult supervision will be at the loop after school daily to supervise students and assist with safety.

  • Please post a sign in a visual area in your vehicle window with your child's first and last name printed in large legible font. This is extremely important and helps staff at the loop call students on a speaker system for efficient boarding.

  • Although our students quickly learn the procedures for being dropped off and picked up, your help in following our guidelines will help ensure and model safety for our students.

Parking Lot & Other Safety Requests:

  • Please avoid parking in the parking lot to drop off or pick up your child. Use the loop - that's what it's designed for. Parking should only occur when a parent/guardian must enter the building.

  • Please resist the urge to drop your child off or pick your child up on Logan Street (across the bridge on our playground). Drop off and pick up locations other than the area that is designated (driving loop) for this creates safety concerns. We care about your child!

  • Please drive the speed limit (25 mph) and come to a complete stop at the stop sign on Wilson St. Our 2nd and 3rd grade walkers and bikers often cross here and trust that you are watching for them.

  • Please follow the right turn only sign out of the pick up loop for student and driver safety and to increase the time efficiency of the loop.

It's normal for students to experience some anxiety at the start of the school year, and our school staff will be visible and eager to help all students find their classroom and get settled into a school routine. However, please communicate with us if your child experiences significant anxiety and stress about transitioning to school after the first week. To increase safety for our students and staff, as well as to help your child with a successful transition into the school year, please drop your child off outside of the building instead of walking him/her inside. Our staff will be visible, available, and happy to help!

Some Example of Car Signs for the Pick Up Loop:

IMPORTANT - Crosswalk Safety

Please help keep our students (and all pedestrians) who walk or bike to and from school safe by following driver safety laws. Although most students use the crosswalk at the stop sign on Wilson St. to cross the road, it is important to be alert for students crossing anywhere near school grounds. You have an important role in keeping our students safe by following these law tips.

  • Drivers must come to a complete stop at stop signs.

  • Pedestrians have the right-of-way in a crosswalk, so drivers must yield.

  • Drivers cannot park within 20 feet of a crosswalk. This means if you pick your child up and are in the car line near the crosswalk, you are obligated to leave this much space.

  • Drivers cannot park within an intersection. Again, if you pick up your child, wait patiently until cars move forward to avoid getting caught in the intersection.

Our local law enforcement partner with our school to assist with safety and will ticket if necessary to protect our students. Modeling expected driver safety is essential and contagious! Be a role model for our children and other drivers. Accidents at this crosswalk can be prevented by following crosswalk laws and being an attentive driver, especially when our students are walking or bike riding to and from school each day.

Neighborhood Niceties

Scott is a neighborhood school, and we have many wonderful neighbors who support our school. However, a community concern is vehicles blocking driveways at the beginning and end of the day when drop off and pick up occurs. Please be respectful of our neighbors by refraining from idling (or parking) your car in front of any driveway while waiting in the parent loop line. Allowing space for driveway access for all property owners is important and helps us maintain positive relations with our friendly neighbors and demonstrates respectful driver etiquette. Also, vehicles cannot stop in the intersection where the stop sign is located south of your building. We are fortunate to have support from our local law enforcement to keep our students, community, and school safe, so please know these traffic violations could result in police issuing tickets. In addition, please follow road rules by parking in legal spots when needing to enter the building. Using other areas besides the drop off and pick up loop is strongly discouraged. Please follow our driving guidelines so pick up and drop off times are safe for everyone by preventing an unfortunate accident from occurring and helping us keep good relations with our neighborhood community members. Be sure to follow turn sign when exiting the loop. Vehicles must make a righthand turn only to keep traffic flow steady and to avoid an accident. Lastly, please keep in mind that our staff need to be on time to work to teach and support your child, so please allow staff access to the staff parking lot when they arrive to work each day. Thank you for your attention to these concern areas.

We're excited that the Walking School Bus (see information below) is planning to start up at Scott School. Please consider this opportunity for your child to walk to school and get some fresh air, exercise, and make new friends by walking with a trusted adult. This will also benefit families by avoiding wait time in the parent loop line.

Catch a Ride on the Walking School Bus!

Scott School is excited for the return of the Walking School Bus (WSB) for students travelling to or from school! With the WSB, your child can enjoy many benefits of walking to school including increased physical activity, and reduced traffic at drop-off and pick-up. In order to continue to offer this program, the WSB needs volunteers to lead our routes.


Click here to sign your child up for the Walking School Bus.

Click here to sign up to be a Walking School Bus volunteer.


Important Note: All volunteers for DeWitt Public Schools must complete the ICHAT Volunteer Form and get cleared before volunteering.

WSB Flyer PDF.pdf

ID Requirement for Students to be Picked Up

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.)

Allergy Awareness

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 & Lunch

School breakfast and lunch is available to all students. Unfortunately though, neither is no longer free to all students like it was the past two years. However, to apply for free and/or reduced lunch, click here. For additional information about how to create an account for your student and access menus, click here. Also, read the attached flyer for more details about how to create an account and contact information for our district Food Service Director, Sandy Leach.

New Meals for 2022_2023.pdf

Medical Forms

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.

Looking for Additional Support?

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.

Employment Opportunities

DeWitt Public Schools is a wonderful place to work. Please consider applying to be a part of our district team or passing the word along to anyone you know who is looking for employment and would be a good fit. Scott School currently is looking to fill a 2-hour per day Non-Instructional Position in our lunchroom and a 6.33 Special Education Instructional Assistant. Click here for application details.

We have an amazing school and district filled with wonderful students and friendly staff. Come join us!

Attendance Line

Attendance Matters Picture

When your child is absent, please call the Scott School Attendance line: 517-668-3458. Substitute Teachers cannot access a teacher's email, so please call the office when your child is going to be absent, will be dropped off or picked up outside of regular school hours, or has a transportation switch. Please call before 3:00 pm, for all after school changes.