Schools
New online resource involves UCS parents in promoting post-secondary success
UCS among one of the first in Michigan to offer web-based college and career tool
Utica Community Schools parents have a unique new tool to help their high school students pursue their college and career dreams.
Parents of UCS students in grades 9 through 12 are now able to access a web-based program that creates a personal action plan for their child.
“Family Connection is a single location where parents are able to support their students on the road to post-secondary success,” said Superintendent Dr. Christine Johns. “This online resource allows our schools and parents to partner in support of our students’ dreams for their future.”
Utica Community Schools was one of the first school districts in Michigan to offer their students a web-based program called Naviance - a nationally-recognized web-based career and college program.
As part of Naviance’s implementation, the district is providing parents with a family component that allows them to support students as they create their personalized plan.
“We want every student to be successful in pursuing their post-secondary goals, whether that road takes them to a university, community college, trade school or the military,” Johns said. “Our College Culture recognizes that successful experiences after graduation are critical to opening doors for our students throughout their lives.”
Using the tool, parents can access their child’s profile that outlines the student’s interests, goal setting, course recommendations, college and career options and scholarship opportunities.
Parents also have information on preparing their students for the SAT college admissions assessment and a related test prep course.
Family Connection also eases the process of application for financial aid by providing a step-by-step guide on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Another unique feature of the program is called “Road Trip Nation,” which provides videos and articles that serve as resources as they begin to make decisions about their future.
Parents of all 10th through 12th grade students received access to the Family Connection system as part of this year’s school registration process. Ninth-grade parents will receive access in March.
