• Week one in review

    Monroe MemoUtica Community Schools has had a great start to the 2025-26 school year.

    Our week began on Sunday with well over 1,000 families and community members touring the reopened DeKeyser Elementary. Guests were able to see how the school is establishing a design concept for UCS elementary schools that enhances safety with a focus on learning communities.

    The energy from the event carried into Monday, when we held a professional development day to discuss strategies with our teachers focused on meeting the needs of all learners in our schools – a major focus for this school year.  Staff also met for half of the day for collaborative discussions at the building level. That evening, elementary families were able to get a sneak peek at their child’s classroom at meet the teacher events.

    On Tuesday, we welcomed over 25,000 students back as we officially reopened our doors for the new school year.  It was a time of hugs, smiles, some tears and our teachers beginning to build the effective relationships that remain a hallmark of a UCS education.

    By the end of the first day, I already saw classrooms where teachers were engaging students in their learning. The transition was so seamless it seemed like no time had passed since we brought the last school year to a close.

    I know the energy and momentum of these first few days will only continue to grow as we move through the more than 40 weeks that follow Labor Day weekend.

    The start of the year is always exciting for the endless possibilities that are in front of us. In UCS, achievement and belonging occurs in vibrant learning environments where students are empowered to pursue their passion.

    Have a great Holiday weekend and we will see everyone back in UCS on Tuesday.

    UCS Champions

    Transition Team 

    Utica Community Schools is in the first stage of a long-term vision for equipping our facilities to support remarkable student achievement. Throughout our district, construction crews are improving our buildings – inside and out – thanks to the $550 million bond issue approved by voters in 2023.

     

    Behind each of these projects is a team that is working tirelessly to bring our vision to life. This team is on the ground transforming our district under some very challenging timelines, and for that, they are UCS Champions. 

     

    UCS High Schools named among nation's best

    High School logos

    UCS high schools have once again been named among the best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.

    Eisenhower, Henry Ford II, Stevenson and Utica High Schools have placed among the top 15 percent of 32,000 public high schools, according to the annual ranking.

    Schools were ranked on six factors based on their performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college.

    For more information, please see this link.

     

     

     

    UHS jazz band earns invite to Detroit Jazz Festival

    UHS Band

    Utica High School has received a special invitation to perform at the 2025 Detroit Jazz Festival. 

    Based on the top honors the band received at the state jazz festival, the 20-member unit will perform Saturday, August 30th from 1:30 - 2:00 p.m at the.Gretchen Valade Jazz Center, 4743 Cass Ave. in Detroit at the corner of Cass Ave. and Hancock St.  The band is under the direction of teacher Brett Bays. more.