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. 

Scott School students enjoying fun in the sun at recess and sporting chic sunglasses while they socialize with friends and enjoy the beautiful spring weather.

Although retention for third grade students who don't score proficient on the M-STEP reading assessment no longer must be considered, families can still expect a letter to come from the Michigan Department of Education if their child scores 1271 or lower.  Once the data is available, families of students who fall into this category can expect to be contacted by a district administrator which will likely be the building principal, Linda Reha.  Other things in place per the Read by Grade Three Law for individual students are:

• An Individualized Reading Improvement Plan (IRIP) for students who score below benchmark on their benchmark Acadience Composite Score.  IRIPs will be provided to families of identified students at spring conferences.

• Evidence-based reading interventions

• Ongoing monitoring and response to literacy instruction

Scott School Families,

As we navigate through the school year, transitions play a significant role in your child's

educational journey. Whether it's moving from one grade to another, transitioning between

activities, or even adjusting to changes at home, helping your child manage these transitions is

essential for their well-being and success.

Research shows that effective preparation for transitions can have a profound impact on

children's development and academic performance. Here are some evidence-based strategies

to support your child through transitions:

1. Establish Routines:  Consistent routines provide predictability and stability, helping children feel secure during transitions. Routines help reduce stress and anxiety while promoting a sense of control and autonomy in children.

2. Communication is Key:  Keep the lines of communication open with your child. Encourage them to express their feelings and concerns about upcoming transitions. Studies indicate that children who feel listened to and supported during transitions are better able to cope with change.

3. Practice Positive Self-Talk:  Teach your child positive self-talk techniques to manage anxiety and build resilience during transitions. Research suggests that fostering a positive mindset can help children approach challenges with confidence and adaptability.

4. Foster Independence:  Empower your child by involving them in decision-making and problem-solving during transitions. Findings show that children who are encouraged to take initiative and solve problems independently develop stronger self-regulation skills and adapt more readily to change.

Proactive planning and collaboration between home and school can help smooth

transitions and support children's adjustment to new environments. We are committed to

supporting your child through every transition they encounter. Together, we can ensure that

every transition is a positive and empowering experience for your child.  Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Anna Rosalin

Dean of Students

Below are parent resources for families.  Also, the Tri-County Community Health Guide has been updated, and it can be found here.  There are multiple categories of resources for assistance or information. 

School breakfast and lunch is available to all students and this year, both are free to all students due to a State initiative. 

• Lunch Menus:   https://dewittschools.nutrislice.com

• Sign Up for Free Breakfast:  The link shared with our families to sign up their students for breakfast has not been working properly.  Please email Marcy Updike at updikemar@dewittschools.net to ensure your student is signed up for the breakfast program at Scott and Schavey because these two buildings will serve breakfast in the classroom as a more efficient way to feed students and reduce time out of class.  Once you sign up your student, it is a standing order unless you cancel.  When you email to sign up, please include:

  • Student's first and last name

  • Teacher's name

  • Building student attends

• Guidelines for Free Meals:  The guidelines to receive free breakfast and/or lunch require a students to take items that meet the guidelines for a complete meal.  

• Option to Purchase Ala Carte Items:  In addition to free complete meals, extra entrees and ala carte items like milk at .55 will be available for purchase if your student brings a meal from home. Students will need money in their accounts to do this.  There is a charge of $1.95 fee per $100, and .50 fee for multiple students with no transaction amt. cap to families who choose to use the online payment system.  Also, you can pay by E-Check for $1 fee per transaction with a $750 transaction cap. Also, there are deposit boxes located in all school buildings. 

• Federal & State Funding Help:  DeWitt Public School District is excited to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students starting this new school year thanks to the Michigan Healthy School Meals Program! Even though meals will be provided for free, it's important for families to continue sharing household income information in order for our schools to receive full access to federal and state funding for educational programs that our students are entitled to.  Paper applications are available upon request.  Please contact Sandy Leach at leachsand@dewittschools.net or Marcy Updike at updikemar@dewittschools.net.  Online applications can be completed at:  https://dewitt.familyportal.cloud.

All volunteers and chaperones must be cleared before an event through our District's I-CHAT background check process every year.  This process takes a few days, so please don't delay in completing it, so your report is processed and returned to the school in a timely fashion.

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.

• September 15 - Full Day Professional Development (no school)

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

• November 1 - Full Day Professional Development (no school)

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

• February 21 - Early Release for CLT (dismissal at 11:57 a.m.)

• May 15 - Early Release for CLT (dismissal at 11:57 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.

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.