From the A Community Comes Together Superintendent... Parents, teachers and students share their Everyone here is so friendly Robert S. Monroe stories on how they are moving forward Junior high school student Kendyll Paul has Welcoming students during a global pandemic while working learned that self-reliance and time manage- together, developing different daily routines ment will be keys for her success. back for in-person and focusing on continued communication. “Being at home all day, every day is a big instruction Patience and grace are so important change,” she said. “I had to balance my time Over the past few weeks, we have been celebrating the return As a teacher and parent, Sara Jozefiak has between getting my schoolwork done and of students to our classrooms for in-person instruction. seen the remote learning environment from spending time with my family. I also learned Through a deliberate process, we have been welcoming back “both sides of the computer screen.” better self-reliance. I would say having the students in small groups using specific grades or programs. “Education looks extremely different and time by myself was a positive thing in the We began the year in a remote environment for all things are changing by the minute. Your long run.” students due to late summer surges in COVID-19 in our communities. As we were putting the remote plan teacher is working numerous hours to help The Eppler Junior High School student in place, we were already looking at how we could safely your child succeed. This is out of everyone’s believes the difference in succeeding this year bring students back to in-person instruction – our control. Patience and grace are so import- is to be more active in class participation and ultimate goal. ant.” asking for help if you need it. The following are the three guiding principles we are The Jozefiak’s three children are third gen- “Everyone is new to being completely online,” using to inform this return: eration UCS students who are excited about she said. “Talk to new people because every- Health and Safety the possibility of returning soon to in-person one here is very friendly.” We recognize that this global pandemic is a very real instruction. presence in our community and a potential spread has Keep the lines of communication open a broad impact. We rely on health data from the county Until that day, she said the family is estab- What advice does teacher Karen Forsyth have and our communities as we make the transitions. lishing routines as the key to meeting the for families who may be struggling with challenges of remote learning. Academic Excellence and Access the remote learning part of their child’s education? We are a school district with a strong educational mission. “We have found that as a family we do Continued on page 4 Academic success for all students remains a focus of our better with things being predictable and our planning. children appreciate a routine,” she said. Photos top to bottom: The Jozefiak’s, Kendyll Paul, The Ability to Effectively Implement our Plans Karen Forsyth and Trinity Lupu. With the transition to in-person learning, we are also re-engaging the related operations that support students in Michigan’s second largest school district. These Wellness Resources Provide Support to Families include transportation, food services, and extensive In UCS, the socio-emotional, or mental health, of services that are available to all area residents cleaning and disinfecting of our buildings. our students is always a priority, however finding during these difficult times. Remember we are in Our careful return to the classrooms ensures our ability ourselves in the midst of a global pandemic has this together. to meet all three essential goals. Across the country and only reinforced this focus. If you need assistance, please know that someone throughouot our state, we have seen examples of districts Nearly every daily activity has disrupted routines is always someone there for you. Visit the UCS starting in-person instruction only to be forced back to and forced some of us to make difficult choices Wellness page weekly for updated resources: remote due to outbreaks. while adapting to our new reality. www.uticak12.org/UCS_Wellness It is critical that we work to avoid disruption for our students, We know that students learn better, when they feel safe, and have a sense of belonging in their school staff and families. Through a deliberate return focused on community. Strong, positive relationships are smaller groups of students, we remain committed to the inherent to student success. health and safety of our students and the adults who are there to care for and support them in the classrooms. Putting a focus on staying healthy and prioritiz- ing well-being benefits us all. The good news is At each stage of our reopening, there are eager teachers, there are resources and services available, many at administrators and support staff waiting at the school no cost, which provide supports for children and door and bus stops to greet our children. This is what we adults. want for all of our students and, working together, we will We are pleased to have a webpage dedicated to succeed. this endeavor. Created by district counselors, the

UCS Wellness page offers links to professional

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Points of Pride Nine UCS students are among Nearly 500 UCS students honored by College Board 16,000 seniors nationwide to Nearly 500 Utica Community Schools students have earned top honors through the rigorous college-level be named 2021 National Advanced Placement (AP) program. The College Board, which administers the AP tests, Merit Semifinalists has announced that 497 UCS students have received UCS National Merit Semifinalists are: Jamie national scholar designations. Greenwood and Allison Klimek, of Eisenhower Honors earned by UCS students this past school year include: High School; Aedan Sherwood, of Henry Ford II High School; Rohit Ray, Elena Serra and • National Scholar status to 14 students who received an average score of at least 4 Rohit Tattitali, of Stevenson High School; Ryan on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. Boring, Ethan Gertsch and Alexander Hughes of • AP Scholar with Distinction status to 129 students who received an average score the Gene L. Klida Utica Academy for Interna- of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. tional Studies. • AP Scholar with Honor status to 97 students who received an average score of at least Ray, Serra, Sherwood and Tattitali also attend 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. the Utica Center for Mathematics, Science and • AP Scholar status to 257 students who received scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams. Technology. National Merit Semifinalists are In addition, two UCS students were recognized for submitting research as part of an AP Seminar course. among the top one percent of the nation’s high In the 2019-2020 school year, 2,457 UCS students took a total of 4,071 AP exams. school seniors. More than 1.5 million stu- Two UCS coaches have been inducted into the Michigan Hall of Fame dents of the Class of 2021 entered the National Merit Utica High School Varsity Tennis Coach AnnMarie Michol and Ste- Program by taking the venson High School Varsity and JV Bowling coach Tom Stockton 2019 Preliminary SAT/ have been selected for induction into the Michigan High School National Merit Scholar- Coaches’ Association Hall of Fame. ship Qualifying Test. The nationwide pool Coaches are selected for making a difference in the lives of student of semifinalists includes the highest scoring athletes and for their overall service to the community. entrants in each state. AnnMarie Michol Tom Stockton To move from semifinalist to finalist status, students must submit a detailed scholarship Teacher named national Microsoft expert application. The applica- A Utica Community Schools teacher has been recognized by Microsoft Corporation as a leader in the tion includes information effective and innovative use of technology in education. about their academic Trapper Hallam, a districtwide Instructional Technology Coordinator, is among 20,000 educators across record, participation in the country to be named a Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE). school and community activities, demonstrat- As a MIE expert, he has access to a national network of educators who are ed leadership, an essay, sharing best practices on the integration of technology in the classroom. record of consistently high Hallam, who has been with UCS for more than 20 years, was selected for academic performance, demonstrating innovation in his leadership role to promote the effective use of a recommendation by an official of their high technology in the district. school, and SAT scores that confirm their Hallam supported a group of 35 teachers known as “The Gang of Geeks” PSAT/NMSQT performance. formed shortly after COVID-19 caused schools to move to a remote learning envi- Finalists have an opportunity to continue in the ronment. The group effectively supported UCS teachers in re-aligning their curriculum to online instruction. competition for one of 7,600 National Merit Microsoft notes that MIE experts constantly seek new and innovative ways to incorporate 21st-century Scholarships next spring. learning into their classrooms and professional development. They go beyond their own schools and orga- Photos top to bottom: Jamie Greenwood, Allison nizations by working with other educators in professional learning networks that impact students across Klimek, Aedan Sherwood, Rohit Ray, Elena Serra, their region and the world. Rohit Tattitali, Ryan Boring, Ethan Gertsch and Alexander Hughes FOCUS 3 UCS expands college-readiness program that students call “My Safe Place” Mary Qajar has a simple message for AVID was introduced in 2012 in Utica AVID stresses the development in key The program now includes more than students who may be considering Community Schools as a means to areas of organization, study skills and 500 students at six additional schools: taking Advancement Via Individual support students through the re- critical thinking. Students also par- Bemis, Davis, Eppler and Shelby junior Determination (AVID), as part of their search-based college readiness system. ticipate in motivational activities that high schools and Henry Ford II and day, “Just Do It. I promise it will help.” UCS is one of only seven school dis- promote the importance of continu- Utica high schools. Qajar and her peers at Stevenson High tricts in Michigan with AVID. ing education after their high school School are unanimous in their feelings “I plan on attending a four-year univer- diploma. about how AVID has challenged them sity and making it into medical school,” “AVID has truly chal- “AVID has helped me become a and put them on a path for success at senior Mohamed-Ollie Chouman said. lenged me to become much more responsible and college and beyond. “These goals are going to be challenging a better person and a organized person.” This year, even more UCS students to achieve, but I feel I’m truly prepared harder worker,” said will have a greater opportunity to take and my mindset is prepared to take on Chouman. “AVID has helped me be- Students said that the smaller group of advantage of the program as it has ex- whatever challenges I may face.” come a much more responsible and or- students in the AVID program creates panded and added two additional sites By being placed into rigorous courses ganized person in school and at home.” a comfortable environment where they for students. Eight UCS schools now with support from the AVID elective AVID was first introduced to 60 are not afraid to take risks. have the program. classes, students make significant gains students at Jeannette Junior High “It is like my safe place,” said senior in their academic achievement. School and Stevenson High School. Mecheal Dahma.

UCS continues commitment to taxpayers with nearly $40 million in bond projects

As students continue to return for in-person instruction, their schools may look a little different – thanks to nearly $40 million in bond-funded renovations. The projects were set into motion by a $155 million bond issue approved by voters in November 2018. The $38.3 million in bond-funded projects completed over this past summer include: • Secure entryways at 11 district schools. Currently, all UCS school entrances are locked. Visitors must present ID to office staff before being admitted into a secure entryway that leads directly into the school’s office area. • Infrastructure improvements as identified in the district’s long-range improvement program, including parking lots, roofs, and heating and cooling system upgrades at sites across the district. • Security cameras at all elementary schools. Cameras were previously installed at five elementary schools and junior high schools in 2019. • Replacement of school buses. • Improvements to the district’s wireless system for instruc- tional, student and staff use. • Purchase of more than 14,000 laptops for students. For bond issue updates, please see this link. http://uticak12.org/2018bond/updates Board of Education candidates on November 3 ballot Eight candidates seek to fill two positions on the Utica Steven Meyer, PhD, of Shelby Township is a graduate Popovski is a Winning Futures high school student mentor, Community Schools Board of Education in the Novem- of Eisenhower High School, and has a PhD in Educa- is on the coaching staff for Eisenhower High School Varsity ber 3 general election. The terms of office are six years tional Leadership from Oakland University, a master’s Football and is an Executive Board Member, Michigan each beginning January 2021. degree in Education from Purdue University and a State University Detroit Executive Forum (Sponsorship Residents should direct all voting or election questions bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Oakland Committee Chair). He is a member of Procurement Lead- to the Macomb County Clerk’s office or to their local University. He is an Assistant Director, Enrollment ers, International Association for Contract and Commercial municipal office. The following information was pro- and Information Analysis, Graduate School at Oakland Management (IACCM) and Staffing Industry Analysts. vided by the candidates: University. Dr. Mary Thomas of Sterling Heights has a Bachelor Thom Dionne did not respond. Meyer and his wife Michelle, have three children, the of Behavior Science from the University of Michigan oldest two attend Switzer Elementary School. Dearborn, a Master of Arts in Counseling and a Doctor- Andrea Geralds did not respond. Meyer is currently Chair, Board of Directors, for the ate of Philosophy in Counseling Education both from Jeremy Harkins did not respond. New Day Foundation for Families. He was a member Oakland University. She is a counselor. and former President of the Oakland University Admin- Thomas has two children, the oldest attends Bemis Ju- Matthew Karrandja did not respond. istrative Professional Association. nior High School and the younger attends Walsh Com- Mark Magni of Sterling Heights, a graduate of Steven- Tony Popovski of Shelby Township, a graduate of munity Education Center. Thomas is currently on the son High School, has a bachelor of Fine Arts degree as Eisenhower High School, has a Bachelor of Science in UCS Board of Education and serving as Vice President. well as a master’s degree in Secondary Education both Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State Univer- She was first elected in November 2014 and has served from Wayne State University. He is a teacher at Clark- sity and a MBA from the University of Michigan. He for six years. Thomas has held the position of Trustee ston Community Schools and a Social Studies Depart- is a Global Purchasing Manager, Corporate Services at and has served as a member on the Curriculum, Human ment Chair at Clarkston Junior High School. General Motors. Resources, Finance and Capital Projects committees. Magni and his wife Allison have two children currently Popovski and his wife Jennifer have two children who Thomas is currently affiliated with the Michigan Mental attending Heritage Junior High and Oakbrook Elemen- both attend Switzer Elementary School. Health Counselors Association, Michigan Counseling tary schools. Association and American Counseling Association.

A Community Comes Together Continued from front page “It’s important to keep the lines of communication control, one day we will return to class. Believe me, Lupu, who edits her school’s award-winning newspa- open now more than ever,” she said. “Parents, if we every teacher I know is waiting for that day.” per, said her success this year will be based in a positive can’t answer your emailed questions, then we will put We have a huge support web approach. you in touch with someone who can help. Students, Students who need assistance navigating the remote “I think that a successful school year starts with having your teachers will certainly give you helpful tips in order learning environment should know they are not alone. the right outlook,” she said. “I think it’s important to have a successful learning experience online. Please “We have a huge support web through our teachers, ad- to have perseverance though times like this, where we follow their good advice!” ministrators, and other students that we can go to when don’t know what is going to happen next. What comes Throughout the summer, Forsyth and her colleagues we feel lost about this school year,” according to Utica along with a positive outlook is putting in the maximum took part in online groups where teachers discussed best High School senior Trinity Lupu. “We will get through amount of effort you can give.” practices to prepare for the new year. Teachers also par- all these bumps in the road by staying connected within ticipated in virtual conferences and online courses. our community, as well as reaching outside of it in order “For now, the safety of each and every student and staff to ground ourselves in our new “normal.” member comes first. As our nation gets this virus under

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BOARD OF EDUCATION Robert A. Ross, Ph.D., President Mary K. Thomas, Ph.D., Vice President Notice of Nondiscrimination www.uticak12.org Michele Templeton, Treasurer In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Find updates from Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Denyeal Nesovski, Secretary Discrimination Act of 1975, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Utica Community Schools on: the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act and the Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act, Jennifer L. Prybys, Trustee it is the policy of Utica Community Schools that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, disability, height, weight, Kimberly Becker, Trustee or marital status be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or Kelli Rankin, Trustee (586) 797-1000 be subjected to discrimination during any instructional opportunities, programs, services, job placement assistance, employment or in policies governing student FOCUS for the Community conduct and attendance. Any person suspecting a discriminatory practice should Robert S. Monroe, Editors: Tim McAvoy contact the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources at Utica Community Interim Superintendent Nancy Kort Schools, 11303 Greendale, Sterling Heights, MI 48312 or call (586) 797-1000.