New initiatives greet Utica Community Schools students for 2016-2017 school year

Important changes for UCS families and students will be in place when the doors in Michigan’s second largest school district open for the 2016-2017 school year.

When school starts Tuesday, Utica Community Schools students will benefit from partnerships focused on increasing academic rigor, enhanced computer science instruction, a series of facility upgrades and a new district website that provides instant access to important information.

“The district continues its work to improve student achievement by providing a safe and positive learning environment, building a strong academic foundation and encouraging students to challenge themselves academically,” superintendent Dr. Christine Johns said. “We continue to enhance partnerships as a means to create new opportunities for our students.”

Below are some key changes in place for students as they return for the 2016-17 school year.

Coding

The district and Code.org have partnered to expand opportunities for UCS students in computer science through elementary media centers and district math and science courses.

The national non-profit Code.org will provide UCS computer science curriculum for all K-12 levels and professional development for teachers. This summer began a five-year implementation process across the district’s 36 schools.

Elementary Media Center Teachers will integrate coding lessons for all students, including units on algorithms, digital footprints, vocabulary strategies, problem solving and perseverance.

At the secondary level, all students taking Algebra I will have coding embedded into their course.

Nationally, there are more than 500,000 computer jobs available and less than 43,000 computer science graduates, according to Code.org. In Michigan alone, Code.org reports that there are 14,805 jobs available and only 1,612 graduates.

Promoting post-secondary success through increased academic rigor

UCS continues to promote the importance of secondary students increasing the rigor of their coursework to prepare them for post-secondary success.

All four UCS high schools will be piloting an instructional model with the College Board that focuses on developing skills necessary for advanced content.

The College Board, which administers Advanced Placement and SAT assessments, worked with teachers this summer to integrate the advanced skills into Algebra II and English 11 courses.

In addition to the instructional model, UCS is in the second year of the College Board’s “AP Capstone” program at Utica High School.

The program equips students with skills to conduct independent research, work collaboratively and enhance communication skills as the foundation of two courses: AP Seminar and AP Research.

The district is also increasing AP participation by being named among 100 districts selected for the Lead Higher Initiative. This initiative is a national effort aimed at closing achievement gaps among student groups by matching participation in rigorous college-level programs to a district’s student population.

As a member of Lead Higher, Utica Community Schools will receive technical assistance from Equal Opportunity Schools over the next two years. The UCS Board of Education recently adopted a policy to ensure equity and access among all students in district programs.

Bond Issue Projects

The district is continuing building improvements this summer that were originally set into motion when district voters approved a $112.5 million bond in 2009.

Since the school year ended in June, projects across the district have supported the bond issue’s initiatives to improve building safety and infrastructure needs identified in the district’s long-range plans, create parity between district schools and upgrade technology.

Projects being completed this summer include secure lobby entrance at Henry Ford II and Eisenhower High Schools (a secure lobby entrance was opened at Stevenson in 2010 and at Utica High School in 2013), additional swipe card entries at 36 sites, continuation of the district’s long-range infrastructure improvement plan relating to items such as parking lots and roofs, new auxiliary gymnasiums at Davis and Malow Junior High Schools, and scheduled replacement of approximately 2,000 laptops for secondary students.

Website

Utica Community Schools is opening the school year with a whole new digital look. The district, its schools and specialty programs are introducing redesigned websites for the new year and a new mobile App.

The consistent look and navigation between the sites provides clear paths to locate information. The websites are easily accessible to view on any computer or mobile device. In addition to the redesigned sites, a companion App is now available that will allow users to personalize their online experience.

Through the mobile App, users can customize their options to also receive news, notifications and calendar dates from their selected school.

“We look forward to another strong year of teaching and learning in our district,” Dr. Johns said. “Utica Community Schools has a stellar reputation and a tradition of academic excellence thanks to a caring community, a dedicated staff and supportive and involved parents.”