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Becky Manika - Principal
Becky Manika - Principal
Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year at DeWitt Middle School! We are excited to welcome all of our students and staff back for a fantastic year of learning, growth, and success. Our full school day runs from 7:40 AM to 2:30 PM, and on half days, students will be dismissed at 10:52 AM. Please be sure to follow our drop-off and pick-up procedures to ensure the safety and smooth flow of traffic for everyone. We look forward to partnering with you and working with your child to make this school year a positive and enriching experience for all!
This is my first year as the principal of DeWitt Middle School, and I could not be more excited to be back working in our incredible community and support our students during this crucial stage of their lives. I’ve been in education for 18 years, 14 as a classroom teacher and the past 4 as an elementary principal. I’m a two-time graduate of Central Michigan University, where I earned both my undergraduate and graduate degrees. I’m married with two children who attend school in the district, and we have two dogs as well. In my free time, you’ll usually find me running carpool, cheering on my kids at their sporting events, and when I get the chance, I enjoy reading, watching sports, and spending time with friends and family. I’m truly honored to be part of the DeWitt Team and look forward to a fantastic school year together!
Becky Manika
517-668-3250beckymanika@dewittschools.netMichael Garrod - Assistant Principal
Michael Garrod - Assistant Principal
I would first of all like to express my sincere excitement with regards to having the opportunity of working with the students, parents, and staff at DeWitt Middle School. As a former at-risk student myself, I fully understand the importance of helping adolescents take responsibility for their actions through cooperative discipline in order to ensure that each individual maximizes their true potential. I inherently believe that all children are good and are capable of accomplishing anything when they receive appropriate support both from home and at school through effective communication.
Prior to becoming an administrator, I was a social studies teacher for 10 years at the high school (9 in DeWitt) after earning my bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University in 2005. I experienced first-hand the benefits of student-centered lessons through the use of differentiated instruction. Furthermore, I learned more than anything the importance of teaching the whole child holistically speaking, in order to meet the rigorous expectations set forth by the state. In 2012, I went on to earn my master’s degree from Spring Arbor in Curriculum and Instruction and have used this experience to serve on several committees within the district.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending my time with my loving wife Cheylo and daughter Aubrey. Additionally, I enjoy working out, snowboarding, golfing, spending time with friends, and watching sports. I am a huge Lions fan!
Parents, I know it can be challenging at times keeping up with everything with regards to your child’s progress. I also know from experience that asking the right questions about school is an art form in order to avoid the simplest responses from your child. Please remember, however, that you can monitor your child’s progress by seeing a teacher’s gradebook on-line through Infinite Campus. There is even an app for smart phones! You can also get an up to date day by day blow of what students are working on by selecting the Classwork Tab in your child's individual classes in Google Classroom. Furthermore, be proactive and contact the teacher immediately if any concerns arise.
In conclusion, I look forward to working with you and wish you and your family all of the best for this upcoming school year. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Mike Garrod517-668-3246garrodm@dewittschools.netReport abuse