Dear Scott School Families,

MSTEP testing for our third graders started this week, and I'm always amazed by their perseverance and effort.  Students will finish up the ELA test today, and next week they'll complete the math assessment.  Make ups will occur as needed throughout our testing window.  After next week, both second and third graders will then start NWEA and DIBELS testing.  Although being "test heavy" doesn't thrill me, it is rewarding to review the information that assessments provide so we can celebrate students' learning and continue to target areas of instructional need.

Shifting gears to a not-so-fun topic.....  Drop off and pick up continues to be challenging when drivers don't follow our established procedures.  Here's a shout-out to drivers who do follow our expections; I am indebted.  To those who don't, please remember, our guidelines and expectations are in place to help everyone have a safe and efficient drop off and pick up experience.  To those who circumvent our systems by parking to drop off or pick up your student instead of using the loop, you create a lot of frustration for others and teach our students that following rules is optional.  From start to finish, the last vehicle typically leaves our loop within 10 minutes of dismissal.  Please follow our drop off and pick up procedures and share them with other drivers who may not receive school communication.  Together we are better.  I'm counting on you and so are our students.

Sincerely,

Linda Reha

Scott School Principal

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 special Panther Pride event at the end of the month with Mrs. Reha and Mrs. Schwarz, which was Panther Pride Recess this month. 

Wowzers!  Let's cheer for these students who had perfect attendance second trimester.  Way to go!!

Second grade students took a step back in time at Meridian Historical Village. They were able to explore a one room school house, barter at the general store, visit a log cabin, and experience corn grinding in the barn. What a fun history lesson!  This type of experiential learning is made possible by the funds donated through our Fun Run fundraiser in the fall.

We are making plans for our Field Day and as it gets closer, details will be shared with you.  Any help with our Scott School 2025 Field Day Wish List is appreciated.  Thank you for your help with donating items from our list, volunteering, and/or cheering from the sidelines.  We love having families support our students!

Spring testing at Scott School has started, and lthough some classes may have to adjust their schedule due to a few conflicts, below is a general guideline of what to expect.  Please remember that these assessments are not ones that students can study for, but you can help your child be test ready by encouraging your him/her make sure he/she does the following:

• Gets a good night of sleep before each testing day.

• Eats a healthy breakfast.

• Attends school on testing days and be on time (students arriving late on testing days cannot test once a test session has started).

• Perseveres and gives his/her very best effort.

• Brings headphones or earbuds for testing (3rd grade needs a pair for the M-STEP ELA assessment, and 2nd grade needs a pair for the NWEA Reading and Math assessments.)

• 3rd Grade Only:

  • • Complete M-STEP practice tests at home (must use Google Chrome) to become familiar with the platform and styles of questions:

      • • Click on the Sample Items Sets

        • Select Grade 3

        • Complete both the English Language Arts and Math (no calculators allowed) mini-assessments

        • Be sure to try out the testing tools located at the top of each question screen.  These are useful tools to assist with taking the test.

Below is the schedule for remaining spring testing:

*MSTEP make up testing will be sprinkled throughout the spring testing window.

• M-STEP Math (3rd grade only):  4/22 & 4/24 (All third graders must have headphones or earbuds for this test required for the directions only.)

• NWEA Reading:  4/28-  5/1 (Classroom teachers will communicate the two dates their students will test in this window.  All second graders must have headphones or earbuds for this test.)

• NWEA Math:  5/6 - 5/8 (Classroom teachers will communicate the two dates their students will test in this window.  All second graders must have headphones or earbuds for this test.)

• DIBELS 8:  5/7 & 5/8

Thank you to our PTA and to families who were able to donate for sponsoring yet another two-day Conference Cuisine for our teachers before Spring Break.  Having a meal provided for our team on busy conference nights is dreamy and such a gift.  We are grateful whenever we are showered with kindness, and this gesture is met with deep appreciation.

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.  

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Please see the information below regarding information on programs available to you and your student(s).

The Weekend Kit Program will, again, be provided at Scott School this year. This program is supplemental to the free breakfast and lunch programs offered at school every day and is intended to meet the nutritional needs of children during non-school hours, specifically over weekends or longer breaks.  Weekend Kits are designed to slip discreetly into your child’s backpack and are available at no cost to your family. There are no eligibility requirements to participate in this program.  Each Weekend Kit includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack items and contains enough food to last each child two weekends. Foods included are kid-friendly items that are easy for your child to prepare or help prepare.  Food kits will be sent home from school with your student, typically on Fridays. Upon enrollment in this program you will begin receiving a food pack every 1-2 weeks. 

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 me so that I may get you the necessary forms. 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.  

To enroll in either of these programs, please call or email me at 517-668-3446 or schwarzdea@dewittschools.net, and be sure to please reach out if you have any questions.  

Sincerely,

DeAnn Schwarz

Scott School Social Worker