Your student is going to have a rigorous, challenging, and we hope an
enjoyable year. The learning expectations of Utica Community Schools are
rigorous, and every effort needs to be made for your student to be in class to
maximize instructional time.
We realize and understand that doctor appointments may need to be scheduled
during the school day from time to time. Hey, a few of us are parents, too!
However, when students miss school due to sporting events, vacations, early
dismissals, tardies, or appointments, they lose instructional time.
You need to know that we begin instruction immediately upon returning from students' special at 9:25,
and continue instruction up to 5 minutes before dismissal. If your student is not
here, s/he may miss vital instruction on the concepts being taught in 4th grade.
This puts a larger burden on both the student and the parent to 'catch up'.
There is very little we can do in the way of re-teaching...there is only so
much time in the day, and the rigorous schedule of Utica Community Schools'
learning expecations means that we must move the ship forward each day.
The best time to miss class is during the specials. They are Monday-Friday, from 8:35-9:25.
Should your child be absent for a large part or all of a day, s/he will receive a copy of the daily agenda
that is posted on-line whenever a student is absent. On that printout will be what instruction and
assignments were covered that day in class, and what the absent student is responsible for. Parents,
please follow-up with your student by asking them for the sheet and going over it with them. In this
way, we can work together to ensure your youngster doesn't fall behind.
Thanks for making sure that your student attends the full school day as much as
possible.
