• How Relationships Foster Belonging in UCS

    Monroe MemoIt took only a few hours for our schools to make the quick transition between summer and back to school. 

    By the end of the first day, you could already see the relationships taking shape that are the hallmark of Utica Community Schools. 

    These relationships are critical to the sense of belonging that occurs in our classrooms. We recognize that when students, staff and families know they are in a place where they belong, success is inevitable.

    This is a critical point of pride for Utica Community Schools. We are a large school district, yet we are able to create a family-like environment rooted in our legacy and grounded in shared expectations and care for our students. 
    These relationships have long been a part of our community, but they are equally critical to our future.  

    Over the next few months, we will be pursuing two important initiatives that will help guide our future. These initiatives represent the next important steps of our UCS Empowered Strategic Plan. 
    The first initiative is to continue the review of attendance areas and the future use of existing schools. 

    Secondly, we have begun a study that raises the academic bar for all students. 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. 

    The projects are rooted in this positive learning environment we have created together – one that gives students a sense of connection and belonging in their community and prioritizes the relationships that empower them for success.