DeKeyser News! Welcome Edition

Email: officedekeyser@uticak12.org
Website: DeKeyser Elementary / Homepage (uticak12.org)

Location: 39600 Atkinson, Sterling Hgts., MI 48313

Phone: (586) 797-4400

School Hours: 9:05 AM - 3:55 PM (full days) and 9:05 AM -12:09 PM (half days)

Breakfast Hours: 8:45 - 9:05
Facebook: DeKeyser Elementary School

Principal: Mrs. Shannon Hathcock

Administrative Assistant: Mrs. Lisa Russo

Clerk: Mrs. Heather Mansour

Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Office Phone Number: (586)797-4400

24 Hr Attendance Line (586)797-4499

Fax (586)797-4401

Email officedekeyser@uticak12.org

Dear DeKeyser Families,

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! I am thrilled to extend a heartfelt welcome back to each of you as we embark on an exciting new chapter in our school's journey. This year holds special significance as we return to our brand-new home. DeKeyser Elementary is a state-of-the-art facility designed to inspire learning, foster creativity, and strengthen our vibrant community.

Our new building stands as a testament to the collective dedication and support of our students, families, staff, community members, and Utica Community Schools. It is more than just a structure; it is a space where dreams will take flight, friendships will flourish, and the foundation for lifelong learning will be solidified.

As we settle into our new surroundings, our commitment to academic excellence, social-emotional growth, and community engagement remains unwavering. Our dedicated staff is eager to provide enriching educational experiences that cater to the diverse needs of our students, ensuring that every child feels seen, heard, and valued.

We recognize that transitions can bring about a mix of emotions, and we are here to support our students and families every step of the way. Open communication and collaboration between home and school are vital, and we encourage you to stay connected through our newsletters, website, and upcoming events.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone at our Ribbon Cutting/Open House on August 24th. The ribbon cutting/open house event will run from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and will feature a ceremony followed by self-guided tours that will show off the unique features of our school. The playground will be open and free food trucks will be available through the generous sponsorship of our construction team, Barton Malow Co., Anderson Eckstein & Westrick, and Integrated Design Solutions. Our food service department will also be serving some of the new menu items being offered to our students this year.

Parking for this event will be limited and the entrances into the subdivision will be closed to local traffic only to reduce congestion. If you live in the subdivision, we encourage you to walk to our event. If you live outside of the subdivision, shuttles will be leaving every ten minutes from both Rose Kidd Elementary and Stevenson High School between 1:30 and 4:30 p.m.

More information on the open house is available at www.uticak12.org/dekeyseropenhouse.

This is going to be a great celebration and is your chance to see the “new” Dekeyser and check out your child’s classroom before school begins on August 26th.

Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. Together, we will make this school year a memorable and successful one!

With Dolphin pride,

Mrs. Shannon Hathcock
Principal
DeKeyser Elementary School

AUGUST 2025

• 11 - Technology Insurance Available (Aug 11 - Sept. 5)
• 18 - Bus Stops Emailed
• 21 - Teacher Notification after 3pm
• UCS @ Jimmy John's Baseball Field - Gates open at 6pm
• 24 - 2:00 - 4:00 - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - All Welcome
• 26 - First Day of School for Students (1/2 day Elementary; Full day Secondary)
  
• 29 - No School

September 2025

VIP Parking: Amy Nowaczok

• 1 - NO SCHOOL - Labor Day
• 6 - FINAL DAY to purchase device insurance
• 9 - PTCG Meeting 6pm
• 13 - Family Wellness Fair @ Henry Ford High School 10:00 - 1:00
• 17 - NO SCHOOL – Professional Development
• 26 - Fun Run
• 29 - Picture Day

UCS @ Jimmy John's Field

Enjoy a night of baseball and fun at Jimmy John’s Field as we celebrate UCS Back to School Night! All UCS families are offered a discount of $4 off for any grandstand ticket by using PROMO CODE: UCS25 at www.uspbl.com.

Thursday, August 21 - Gates open at 6:00pm, first pitch is at 7:05 pm!

Hello DeKeyser dolphins and welcome back! It's hard to believe that we are only two weeks away from kicking off a NEW school year together back at our NEW DeKeyser! PTCG is absolutely thrilled to support our community of students, teachers and families to help make our adventure back home a smooth transition and fun experience for all! We can't wait to share all our exciting plans, events, and ideas for the year ahead. We will have a PTCG tent at the Open House/Ribbon Cutting event on August 24th from 2:00-4:00pm. We'd love to have you stop by for some important handouts and a free PTCG fridge magnet!

Please take a peek at our current Calendar of Events for the school year so you can save the date now! This calendar will be updated constantly throughout the year so don't forget to check the date at the bottom to ensure you have the most recent edition. Be sure to also follow our DeKeyserPTCG Facebook page and stay tuned for lots of updates, reminders, and our favorite Teacher Spotlights coming soon!

As we get ready for a great year, please take a moment to review our Elementary Handbook, available on the district website. It includes key information about attendance, behavior, and school expectations.

📱 PowerSchool App – Stay connected! Use the PowerSchool app to view your child’s grades, absences, and other important updates.

✈️ Planning a Vacation? Families may request up to 10 days of pre-approved vacation time using the proper absence request form. Anything beyond 10 days will be marked as unexcused, and students may be dropped from enrollment if more than 10 unexcused days occur.

💳 Fines & Fees – Any school-related fees (such as lost books or materials) can be viewed and paid online through the web version of PowerSchool.

This year, we will communicate grade level classroom assignments for your child in a convenient and secure manner. We will be emailing the classroom assignments to you directly using the e-mail addresses on file in PowerSchool after 3:00 pm on August 21st.

Transportation information will be emailed to all families on Monday, August 18th.

We are asking for your assistance to ensure that our security procedures during the school day are effective and efficient. When you wish to visit DeKeyser Elementary, please come to the front entrance door. At this door we have a security camera, intercom, and buzzer. To help us assist you when you would like to enter our school:

1. Please press the buzzer to speak with someone in the office
2. You will be asked to state your name and reason for visiting
3. You will be asked to show your photo id into the security camera
4. Office staff will buzz the door for you to enter the building
5. Please pass through the lobby and enter the office
6. Office staff will help you with your request

In addition, we are asking you do not let any visitors in the door as you enter (as they come up behind you) or as you exit the building.

The teachers and staff are committed to student safety and security, and we would like to thank you for your assistance in helping keep the students of DeKeyser safe.

The first day of school is on Tuesday, August 26th. This will be a half day of school for all elementary students. Dekeyser Elementary half day hours are 9:05 am - 12:09 pm. Breakfast will be served on the first day of school. All students wishing to receive breakfast will enter through the MAIN DOOR at the front of the building. This door will open at 8:45 for breakfast only. Please note that parents are not permitted to enter the building for breakfast.

Breakfast will be served daily from 8:45 - 9:05 am in our new cafeteria. If your child would like to eat breakfast, they will enter the main door at the front of the building. Students will give their name to the cashier, select their breakfast, and then sit at a cafeteria table. Students will remain in the cafeteria until they are released to their classroom between 8:55 - 9:05.

While we understand the appeal of having fast food delivered to school, we prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of our entire student body. Allowing outside food deliveries creates logistical challenges, disrupts the school environment, and can lead to unfair advantages for some students. For these reasons, fast food deliveries during school hours will not be permitted. We encourage all students to either bring a packed lunch or enjoy the meals provided in our cafeteria.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Students will have the opportunity to go outside with their classmates during designated times throughout the day. Recess helps to promote social and emotional learning and development for all children. Allowing time for our students to engage in peer interactions allows them to role play essential social skills. Recess also benefits our students by increasing their level of physical activity improving their memory, attention, and concentration. Each class will have a recess attached to the lunch program. We go outside whenever possible and stay inside if it is raining or the temperatures are below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Students will have an optional second recess each day with their classroom teacher. Please have children dress for the weather.

Students with food allergies that wish to use school meals must have a Special Dietary Needs form filled out and signed by a physician. Forms must be submitted to the office of Food and Nutrition Service. Accommodations can only be made through this form. This form must be updated every year to ensure accuracy. Since all schools have vegetarian options available, parents do not need to fill out a form for this option.

Utica Community Schools are committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for each of our students. A health plan is required to be completed at the beginning of every school year. For your child's safety we ask that all health forms are turned in prior to the first day of school, August 26th, 2025.

Health plans should be completed for any condition that may involve special dietary considerations, activity levels, medications, or treatment of urgent problems. Completion of health plans allows our staff to take the best possible care of your child.

A physician's signature is required on all health plans. Any medications that are to be distributed by school staff or used by student at school must have an Authorization for Medication Form completed and signed by a physician, including any over-the-counter medications.

Utica Community Schools is pleased to provide an opportunity for School Age Child Care (SACC)!

DeKeyser Options are as follows:

Morning SACC: Monday - Friday 6: 45 am - 9:05 am (Currently registering on a waitlist)

Afternoon SACC: Monday - Friday 3:55 pm – 6:00 pm at Messmore Elementary

Students will be bussed to this location after school.

Please click on the link below for more information and the opportunity to register your child for SACC.

The cost of device insurance is $20.00 per student.The initial fee to purchase device insurance can be paid online using your checking account, debit card or credit card through PaySchools. The link to PaySchools is the same for ALL schools: https://www.payschoolscentral.com/.

• (Important - it is not recommended to NOT use the app as it does not properly support UCS content).
• Search for Technology Device Insurance

Note to new kindergarten families and families new to the district - You will need to first create the PaySchools account for your family.

• Complete the account registration by selecting register, enter your profile details, setting up your password via the email link that will be sent to you, then logging in.
• Add your children to your account using their student ID numbers. ID numbers are found in PowerSchool, and on their report card available through PowerSchool.
• If you like, enter credit card and/or banking information as forms of payments to use with your PaySchools account.

Please note that the final date to enroll in the optional device insurance plan is Friday, September 5th.

Student Device Responsibility & Optional Insurance - For all Assigned 1:1 UCS Students

Utica Community Schools is proud to deliver 1:1 technology to our students. Depending upon the grade level, your child has been issued either an iPad or a Dell laptop including charging cords and any applicable accessories. Your child is responsible for the device at all times.

Additionally, a separate Technology Device Use Agreement that includes an electronic sign-off must be provided to the district prior to device distribution. This agreement includes the procedures for Board Policy 6600 - Acceptable Use of the District Technology Resources, acknowledgement that the Student Device Agreement has been discussed with your child, and you have read Board Policy 5160 – Information & Communication Technology. The Technology Device Use Agreement can be found by logging in to your PowerSchool parent account using a web-browser (found at this link), selecting “Forms” from the Navigation menu, and then selecting “Required to Complete Each Year” from the list. Please note that the PowerSchool app does not contain a link to district forms. Forms are only accessible through a web-browser.

Damage Fees

In the event of damage to an iPad or laptop, district policies and practices require a charge be assessed to cover the repair or replacement cost of the device. The fees described below are based on use of a UCS-provided device and any damage to it, whether accidental or intentional, after it has been issued to the student.

Device Insurance Plan for Accidental Damage – Annual OPTIONAL COVERAGE

An annual insurance plan has been designed to help families if there is an accident that causes damage to the school issued device. When participating in the district’s insurance plan, any accidental damage reported will be covered as described below.

Insurance coverage will repair/replace the device for accidental damage with no cost incurred by the student for the first incident (claim). Subsequent damage repairs during the covered year will have a deductible assessed per instance. Insurance will cover a maximum of 3 damage occurrences during the covered year. The deductible fee schedule for each damage occurrence is outlined below. Please note, if insurance is not purchased, actual repair costs (not to exceed the cost of the device) will apply.

2025-2026 INSURANCE

Insurance Plan Purchase

• The cost of the insurance is $20. Enrollment will begin on August 11, 2025 through 4 p.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025.

ITEMS NOT COVERED BY THIS OPTIONAL PLAN:

ACCESSORIES ARE NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE

• Accessories include, but are not limited to, a USB power adapter, charging cable and/or protective iPad case.
• Replacement of lost or damaged accessories is the responsibility of the student. Utica Community Schools recommends Original Equipment Manufacturer replacements.

INTENTIONAL DAMAGE IS NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE

• Any damage reported due to misuse, neglect or any other form of intentional damage will result in fees up to the full cost of replacing the device, regardless of your participation in the annual insurance plan.

DAMAGE DUE TO REMOVAL OF THE PROTECTIVE CASE IS NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE

• Utica Community Schools has selected a protective iPad case for all district issued iPads. Students must NEVER remove the case.
• If the assigned laptop is provided with a protective case, students must NEVER remove the case.
• Any damage that occurs due to the removal of an iPad case or a laptop protective case is considered INTENTIONAL DAMAGE and is not covered by insurance.

LOST OR STOLEN DEVICE

• Lost devices are NOT COVERED under this optional insurance policy.
• In the case of theft of an iPad or laptop, a copy of a completed police report MUST BE RETURNED to Utica Community Schools. A stolen device IS COVERED by the purchased insurance ONLY IF a police report is filed and a copy provided to the district.

• How to Purchase Device Insurance -- ONLINE:

  The initial fee to purchase device insurance can be paid online using your checking account, debit card or credit card through PaySchools. The link to PaySchools is the same for ALL schools: https://www.payschoolscentral.com/

  Just follow these easy steps:

  • Log in to your account from your computer or tablet at: www.payschoolscentral.com (Important - it is not recommended to use the app as it does not properly support UCS content).
  • Search for Technology Device Insurance

  Note to new kindergarten families and families new to the district - You will need to first create the PaySchools account for your family.

  • Complete the account registration by selecting register, enter your profile details, setting up your password via the email link that will be sent to you, then logging in.
  • Add your children to your account using their student ID numbers. ID numbers are found in PowerSchool, and on their report card available through PowerSchool.
  • If you like, enter credit card and/or banking information as forms of payments to use with your PaySchools account.

  Need help with your PaySchools Central account?
  8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. ET (M-F)
  psc_help@payschools.com
  877-393-6628

  PaySchools is PCI-compliant and maintains industry-standard SSL certificates, ensuring all your family’s data is safe and secure.

  IF THE DEVICE IS DAMAGED:

  In the event of damage, bring the device to your building principal. Office staff will advise the next steps.

  HOW TO PAY FOR DEVICE DAMAGE FEES (with or without insurance) -- ONLINE:

  All damage fees associated with the school issued device can also be paid online using PaySchools. The insurance fee structure will be shared with UCS families in early August.

As we prepare for the 2025 - 2026 school year, keep your eyes open for sales on these suggested supplies for your child's upcoming grade level. Individual classroom teachers may request a few more things once the year starts.

Consider signing up for Utica Community Schools texting service. This is a service for parents who would like information texted directly to them. The texting service provides school news and announcements, district information such as emergency school closing situations, or updates issued from UCS departments, such as transportation. To join this system, please text “Y” to 67587

Utica Community Schools has a new mobile app! Search for 'Utica Schools' in your phone's app store and download the free app to stay up-to-date on district and school news. The old mobile app 'Utica Community Schools' is no longer supported and should be deleted from your devices. Download at the App store here and Google Play here.