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From the Principal  

Dear Messmore Families, 

Some parents have inquired about requesting a teacher for the next school year, therefore, I wanted to clarify the procedure for this process. While we believe your input is important, it is our policy not to allow parent requests for a specific teacher. Our goal at Messmore is to provide students with an educational environment that will enhance their probability of success.


Children are not placed in classrooms at random. Current teachers spend a great deal of time assuring that classrooms are “well-balanced” so the best possible learning environment is provided for your children. Some of the factors we consider are:


· Academic achievement and ability

· Male/female ratio

· Equal distribution of students per classroom

· Special needs

· Social skills and peer relations

· Behavior

· Learning styles


If there are individual educational needs or extenuating circumstances that must be considered for the next school year, please provide me with a letter explaining these educational needs and/or circumstances. An email or letter simply requesting a particular teacher will not be sufficient. Again, there must be extenuating circumstances for a request to be considered. A letter does not guarantee a teacher placement request. The letter should be addressed to Dr. Fiema and received no later than Monday, May 24, 2021.


Please do not send emails and letters to classroom teachers. All placement considerations that need special attention will be through the principal, working with teachers. We will give your input serious consideration during the placement process. However, due to multi-age placement and the factors listed above, the final decision rests with the building team of teachers and myself. Please be assured that your child will be placed in a classroom with a caring, dedicated teacher.


Sincerely,

Renee Fiema Ed.D.
Messmore Principal

The mission of Messmore Elementary School is to provide a Montessori environment that fosters self-motivated, responsible, life-long learners.
Messmore is hosting a Kindergarten Open House on March 15 at 7:00 p.m. for 4-year-old Montessori preschoolers. Utica Community Schools offers all-day Kindergarten at all elementary schools. Registration forms are available at www.uticak12.org. Please bring completed registration forms with you. The open house will give parents the opportunity to learn about our kindergarten, meet teachers and building staff and complete the registration process.

UCS Vision

All children have the right to a rigorous, high-quality education which meets their individual needs. UCS will respect, encourage and empower each and every student to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to be successful, contributing members of a diverse community and global society.

UCS Mission

We are committed to exemplary teaching and learning in order for our students to be prepared for success in the 21st Century.
We will achieve this commitment by engaging the entire community to focus on each child's achievement, with the expectation that every student will pursue some type of post-high school educational endeavor.

Core Values

  • Every child can learn and achieve.
  • Parents and guardians are partners in the learning process.
  • Being “smart” can be achieved through persistence, hard work and effective effort.
  • Excellence is expected and celebrated.
  • Data is used to guide our decision-making.
  • All employees will exemplify ethical behavior; exhibit a strong work ethic; and continue to develop their leadership, performance and service skills.
  • Technology supports and enhances instruction, business operations, research and communications.
  • The Board of Education, district educators/staff, parents, community members and business leaders must collaborate and work as a team to enhance educational opportunities for student success.