• Learning is Elementary

    Student achievement is the number one goal in Utica Community Schools, and the journey toward College and Career Readiness begins in the elementary school. The elementary-level curriculum is briefly outlined below. Through a rigorous and challenging curriculum, students are challenged to reach their highest potential and encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning.

    Language Arts

    The Language Arts curriculum for grades K-5 is Amplify CKLA and the curriculum for grade 6 is HMH Into Literature. 

    Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) is a comprehensive, research-based language arts program for students in grades K–5, grounded in the Science of Reading. CKLA combines systematic phonics instruction with rich, knowledge-building lessons in history, science, literature, and the arts, ensuring that students develop strong foundational skills while expanding their understanding of the world.

    In grades K–2, students receive daily instruction in both foundational reading skills and knowledge building, helping them build the skills to read with accuracy and the knowledge to read with understanding. As students' progress into grades 3–5, the curriculum deepens their comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking through engagement with complex texts across a variety of subjects.

    Writing is integrated throughout the K–5 curriculum, with explicit instruction in both transcription and composition skills that connect directly to reading and content learning. Oral language is emphasized through structured discussions and opportunities to process new knowledge, helping students express their understanding through both spoken and written language.

    Through its structured and coherent design, CKLA empowers students to become confident readers, writers, and thinkers who are curious about the world around them.
     
    HMH Into Literature for 6th Grade is a comprehensive English Language Arts program designed to engage students in reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking. Through a diverse selection of contemporary and classic texts, students explore themes that connect to their lives and the world around them. The curriculum emphasizes close reading, evidence-based writing, and collaborative discussions, helping students build strong literacy skills and a deeper appreciation for literature. With digital tools and resources that support personalized learning, HMH Into Literature empowers every student to grow as a confident, thoughtful communicator.

    Mathematics

    The elementary mathematics curriculum features hands-on learning strategies and techniques, such as sorting, collecting data, measuring, computing, graphing, and calculating. These strategies help students:

    • Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them
    • Reason abstractly and quantitatively
    • Model with mathematics and use appropriate tools strategically
    • Acquire a deep understanding of how math works by applying math to all subject areas and all areas of their lives
    • Connect math instruction at all grades to algebraic thinking through appropriate math experiences at each grade level
    • In addition, students have access to digital content that supports their understanding of mathematical concepts.

    Science

    The UCS science program conditions students to ask questions about and understand and appreciate  the world around them. It also teaches students to develop solutions to problems through hands-on activities and digital content based on the “5E” instructional model:

    • Engage
    • Explore
    • Explain
    • Elaborate
    • Evaluate

    To view our latest everything science newsletter, please see this link. 

    Social Studies

    The social studies curriculum encourages students to become self-directed, responsible and thoughtful citizens by establishing the connection between them and their families to local, state, national and international governments. The curriculum covers:

    • History
    • Geography
    • Civics
    • Economics
    • Culture

    Media Center

    At the heart of each UCS elementary school is a technology rich center in which students can seek, access, summarize, organize, analyze and evaluate information. Media center teachers provide instruction to students on how to use digital information and communication technology appropriately. Students learn digital citizenship principles and begin to apply that knowledge through the strategic use of digital media. Media center teachers guide students in independent and classroom-relating projects using:

    • A literature and information-rich library collection featuring a wide range of authors, writing styles, genres and formats
    • Media center technology, including computers networked with classroom computers
    • Carts of laptop computers that can be accessed by all classrooms
    • Video equipment

    Physical Fitness

    The primary goal of UCS’s elementary school physical education program is to help students develop and practice positive lifelong habits. Students are introduced to healthy lifestyle choices through games and activities that highlight:

    • Physical activity
    • Fitness and wellness knowledge
    • Motor skills
    • Teamwork
    • Positive personal/social attitudes and skills

    Art

    UCS' art curriculum celebrates each student's individuality by exploring the many creative approaches to a given situation. Beginning with basic color and shape recognition in kindergarten, the elementary art program connects with other areas of the curriculum through various media, and introduces students to:

    • Drawing
    • Painting
    • Print making
    • 3-D crafts
    • Art history
    • The influence of art on world culture

    Music

    Grade-appropriate song and rhythm instruction creates a framework for all students to learn different music styles, grow their talents, and develop a lifelong interest in and appreciation of a variety of musical activities. Sixth grades students are exposed to instrumental and vocal music instruction.

    EL Program

    The goal of the EL program is to provide non-native, English learning students with the resources and opportunities to develop their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. The primary goal of the EL teachers is to help develop each child to his/her potential, with both academic and social language. In addition, the programs work to develop the academic strategies necessary for successful study in a language and culture that may differ from their native language and/or culture. Members of the EL staff can serve as liaisons between child, school, home, and community.

    For more information, please download the EL handbook.

    Special Education

    Every UCS elementary school houses a team of experts - special education teachers, speech and language therapists, social workers, reading and bilingual specialists and psychologists - to identify students' difficulties, consult with parents and teachers about children's special needs and to help students succeed.

    If a concern arises regarding a student, a Student Needs Assessment Committee (SNAC) meeting may be conducted in order to gather information and discuss possible interventions. If the team concludes that further information is needed, a special education referral may be initiated. Parents are encouraged to discuss concerns regarding their child with the classroom teacher first, and together decide whether to pursue a SNAC meeting. The completion of the SNAC process is a valuable step in developing the most appropriate educational plan for a student. Parental involvement is an integral component of the pre-referral and referral process. In addition to informal contact which occurs throughout the process, written parental consent is obtained before an evaluation is conducted.

    Michigan law requires all individuals with disabilities to receive special education assistance through age 25. UCS provides special education for students in preschool through high school and additional services are available through the Macomb Intermediate School District (MISD).

    The MISD Parent Advisory Committee publishes a directory of special education programs and services, available through MISD or UCS' Special Services Department by calling 810-795-2300.

    Extracurricular Activities

    UCS elementary schools offer many before-after school and evening enrichment, programs, such as scouting, sports, recreation, special event, and other activities. Elementary students with special talents or interests can hone their creativity and problem-solving skills by taking part in a variety of programs such as:

    • Academically Talented
    • Geography Bee
    • Destination Imagination
    • Lego Robotics
    • Quiz Bowls
    • Science, Social Studies and Math Olympiads
    • Enrichment programs

    Please note: The safety patrol and crossing guards are not on duty after-school hours to guide students attending after school functions. Parents are responsible for their children’s transportation to and from before-and-after school activities.