Our new school year’s resolution – growing student achievement

It is common for people to make resolutions when they are approaching a new year.

Utica Community is not any different with a new school year just around the corner.

This year, our UCS team is committing itself to making substantial changes in the way we do business to improve student achievement.

These improvements are driven by our UCS Empowered Strategic Plan. Since its inception more than two years ago, the plan has led to data-driven initiatives across the district that improve safety, teaching and learning, and student and staff mental health services.

This year we are taking those initiatives to the next level with a study designed around raising the academic bar for all students, particularly those with disabilities.

The purpose of this study is to provide district leaders with a more complete understanding of the many demands and needs of UCS staff and how the district might better support schools to effectively deliver services to students with varying needs.

After the conclusion of this effort in early winter, action items resulting from the study will be shared with the community.

Our collective goal is to improve outcomes for students who struggle, while making the work of teachers and paraprofessionals more sustainable.

This thoughtful evolution is how we honor the long legacy of learning in UCS by moving us even closer to the ambitious vision we set out for ourselves in 2023 – to ensure all of our students are empowered to change their future and the world.

UCS students put things in reverse with career fair

10th grade Utica Academy for Health and Human Services (HHS) students capped off their second year in the specialty program by hosting a career fair. But instead of inviting industry professionals to present to the students on their careers, HHS students researched their career interest to present to medical professionals during the 1st annual reverse career fair.   MORE. 

UCS foundation supports teacher innovation

The UCS Foundation has supported more than $10,000 in innovative classroom grants to teachers across the district.

Through its Chelsie Bemis Teacher grants program, the foundation this spring awarded grants to 11 classroom programs. 

Congratulations to Carson DeWitte for becoming the High Point 10&U State Champion at the Michigan Age Group Swimming (MAGS) Long Course Championships this past weekend! Carson, a sixth grader at DeKeyser Elementary, competed in six different events and earned first place finishes in all of them. These top spots in the 200 IM, 400 FR, 100 BK, 200 FR, 50 BK, and 100 BR events helped Carson achieve the High Point Swimmer of the meet! Carson has been swimming with Utica Shelby Swim Club (USSC) for the past five years along with many other UCS students. We are so proud of our DeKeyser Dolphin both in and out of the pool! 

From The Macomb Daily
By Gina Joseph

“It’s such a wonderful opportunity for those of us who love to teach theater but don’t get the opportunity to actually be on stage,” said Chris Kuhlman

High school theater teachers and local directors love what they do, but their role is off stage.

Thanks to the Oakland Project, these talented individuals will take center stage in this summer’s presentation of “Web of Murder,” appearing at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 12-14 at W.E. Groves High School Little Theatre in Beverly Hills. MORE. 

Just Ask UcS - Fall Sports Tryouts

9-12 High School sports begin the week of August 11. Junior high school sports generally begin around the time school begins for the years, but there are a few exceptions. For more information on try-out schedules, please see this link.