• April 4, 2025

     

    Dear UCS Community,

     

    Welcome to the fourth quarter in Utica Community Schools. As we move through these next few weeks, the pace will only continue to grow as we celebrate the many spring activities in Utica Community Schools, such as the new athletics season, vocal concerts, high school musicals, the fine arts shows and the many other events that occur to recognize students for their progress since late August.  

     

    As the weather improves and we get closer to the finish line, it is important to recognize the tremendous amount of work in front of us. As we often remind our academic scholars at the school board meetings, there are four quarters to each year and critical endeavors are still ahead us.  

     

    One activity is a series of state and national standardized tests, such as the SAT, M-STEP, AP, and the IB Diploma Exam. These exams are important measures of our programs and services, and success can open doors and financial opportunities for our students.  

    Schools will share assessment schedules with families over the next few weeks. We are asking our parents to partner with us by:

     

    • Understanding the assessment and how it directly impacts your child’s success. 
    • Promoting a positive attitude with your child. 
    • Ensuring healthy habits, such as plenty of rest and a good breakfast. 

     

    Your support remains critical in helping all our students meet our shared high expectations. As we take the time to celebrate the success of our students so far this year, it is hard not to reflect on the Utica Community Schools formula that supported their success through their K-12 journey. Our students follow an educational path where they are supported, challenged and motivated through a series of partnerships and relationships that empower them to succeed. 

     

    The importance of these partnerships and relationships developed in our schools – and how they support our teachers and student achievement – are evident as we begin to share the stories of the accomplishments of the Class of 2025. 

      

    At Stevenson High School, our long-standing partnership with AVID was referenced by seven students – nearly a third of the class – who are receiving full ride college scholarships to support their career dreams.  

     

    We have a great partnership with the UCS Foundation, which is offering our graduating seniors $30,000 in scholarships and once again supporting an important educational tradition for our sixth graders – the 31st annual Career Focus Luncheon.

       

    Families remain our most important partners. High profile district initiatives such as attendance area updates and our long-range strategic plan include parent voice. Parents give our students those extra opportunities by serving as coaches for robotics, tennis, and Science Olympiad, just to name a few. 

     

    At a classroom level, our programs are stronger through parent volunteers and the support families provide teachers at home.  

     

    The partnerships we create not only provide resources and opportunities for our students, but they reinforce the relationships that make UCS such a unique and effective district. 

    For our community, achievement is linked to the strong school relationships that encourage high expectations, high performance levels, a sense of empowerment, and successful engagement with students.   

     

    We are having a great school year – let’s finish strong.  

     

    Sincerely, 

     

    Robert S. Monroe 
    Superintendent of Schools