Registration open for UCS 2023-24 kindergarten and young fives

Calling parents of the Class of 2036!

Registration will begin January 4 for students who will be attending the Utica Community Schools kindergarten and young fives programs this fall.

In addition, families should plan to attend a March 1, 2023 open house that will be held at all 25 elementary schools in Michigan’s second largest school district.

“Kindergarten is an exciting time for children and parents, and we are pleased to begin welcoming our newest members of the Utica Community Schools family,” superintendent Robert Monroe said. “We are proud of our nationally-recognized, developmentally appropriate kindergarten program offered in a nurturing, supportive and safe learning environment.”

Children are eligible for kindergarten and Young Fives if they turn five years old on or before September 1, 2023. However, children who turn five between September 1 and December 1, 2023 are eligible to enroll in kindergarten if their parents submit a waiver form.

UCS provides students comprehensive instruction in core academic areas of reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies. Students also receive instruction from specialized teachers for media center/technology, art, music and physical education.

In addition, UCS offers a personalized blended learning program at the early elementary level that allows teachers to use technology – iPads, laptops and SMART boards – to support an environment based on each student’s learning style and pace. The program has been honored at national and state levels for its innovation and impact on learning. All kindergarten students receive a personal device that is preloaded with apps tailored to their instructional needs and used by UCS teachers.

The Young Fives program provides young children additional time to prepare for a successful kindergarten and school experience. The program fosters social, emotional, physical and academic development through a year of growth and discovery for children who need additional time for development and maturity before entering kindergarten.

Students who take part in the Young Fives program will transition to traditional kindergarten the following school year. The program is recommended for students who turn five between September 1 and December 1, 2023.

Parents can begin the registration process on January 4 by visiting http://www.uticak12.org/kindergarten.

The on-line process will allow families to register for kindergarten, indicate if they have an interest in the young fives program and upload necessary documents. Documents include:

• Child's birth certificate
• Michigan driver's license, Michigan ID or appropriate employment picture ID
• Property tax bill, current lease agreement, or home closing papers
• Immunization records detailing the day, month and year your child was vaccinated against measles, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis B and other serious illnesses.

Once registered, parents will receive an outreach from their child’s schools with information and activities that will help their child transition during this exciting time.

One important activity for 2023-24 kindergarten and young fives families is a kindergarten open house, scheduled for Wednesday, March 1 from 7-8:30 p.m.

At the open house, parents will have the opportunity to learn about the district's curriculum and meet with school staff.

Http://www.uticak12.org

Superintendent Robert Monroe

Source - Utica Community Schools