Learning is Elementary

Utica Community Schools' elementary curriculum encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning and challenges them to achieve their highest potential. The district's Learning Links brochures, distributed at the beginning of each school year, detail the elementary school learning standards and expectations for each grade.

The core curriculum subjects of reading, writing, arithmetic, science and social studies are stressed. Responsibility for one's self is also part of the district's curriculum. Time is also devoted to science, geography, foreign language, art, vocal and instrumental music and physical education. Kinderplus, Kinderday and Montessori programs offer options for families. "Latchkey" childcare services are available in each building, before and after school.

Parents who are involved in the educational process send a powerful message--education is important--to their children. Utica Community Schools encourages elementary parents to take interest in their child's studies and keep lines of communication open by attending open house, parent-teacher conferences, curriculum nights and career exploration, and other school events.

Language Arts

The language arts curriculum helps students develop the independent and strategic skills necessary for good oral and written communication. Daily classroom instruction includes:

  • Reading - Literature-based reading and writing exercises are emphasized along with lessons in vocabulary, comprehension, phonics, reference and study skills.
  • Writing - Composition assignments in all subjects enhance students' reading, thinking, learning and problem-solving skills. Using crayons to computers, students learn to pre-write, write, revise, edit, proofread and publish their work.
  • Spelling - Strategies to recognize, spell, use and understand words are taught in all subject areas.
  • Handwriting - The D'Nealian-style of handwriting is emphasized beginning with printing and expanding to cursive when developmentally appropriate - generally in the second and third grades.

Mathematics

The elementary mathematics curriculum features hands-on learning techniques - such as sorting, collecting data, measuring, computing, graphing and calculating - to help students:

  • Reason and calculate mathematically
  • Relate math to other subject areas
  • Apply math concepts to daily life

Science

UCS' science program conditions students to ask questions about - and understand and appreciate - the world around them, as well as develop solutions to problems through hands-on instruction that highlights:

  • Investigation
  • Experimentation
  • Data collection and analysis
  • Drawing conclusions

Social Studies

The social studies curriculum encourages students to become self-directed, responsible and thoughtful citizens by establishing the connection between them and their families to local, state, national and international governments. The curriculum covers:

  • History
  • Geography
  • Civics
  • Economics
  • Culture

Media Center

At the heart of each UCS elementary school is a technology-rich center in which students can seek, access, summarize, organize, analyze and evaluate information. Media center teachers guide students in independent and classroom-related projects using:

  • A literature-rich library collection featuring a wide range of authors, writing styles and formats
  • Media center technology, including computers networked with classroom computers
  • Video equipment

Physical Fitness

Helping students develop positive lifelong habits is the primary goal of UCS' elementary school physical fitness program. Students are introduced to healthy lifestyle choices through games and activities that highlight:

  • Physical activity
  • Fitness and wellness knowledge
  • Motor skills
  • Positive personal/social attitudes

Art

UCS' art curriculum celebrates each student's individuality by exploring the many creative approaches to a given situation. Beginning with basic color and shape recognition in kindergarten, the elementary program introduces students to:

  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Print making
  • 3-D crafts
  • Art history
  • The influence of art on world culture

Music

Budding young artists can realize their music potential through:

  • Vocal Music - Grade-appropriate song and rhythm instruction creates a framework for all students to learn different styles of music, "grow" their talents and develop a lifelong interest in musical activities.
  • Instrumental Music - Upper elementary students can climb the music scale by opting for string instrument instruction in fourth grade and/or string or band instrument instruction in fifth and sixth grades. Students are responsible for renting or purchasing their own instruments.

Special Education

Every UCS elementary school houses a team of experts - special education teachers, speech and language therapists, social workers, reading and bilingual specialists and psychologists - to identify students' difficulties, consult with parents and teachers about children's special needs and to help students succeed.

If a concern arises regarding a student, a Student Needs Assessment Committee (SNAC) meeting may be conducted in order to gather information and discuss possible interventions. If the team concludes that further information is needed, a special education referral may be initiated. Parents are encouraged to discuss concerns regarding their child with the classroom teacher first, and together decide whether to pursue a SNAC meeting. The completion of the SNAC process is a valuable step in developing the most appropriate educational plan for a student. Parental involvement is an integral component of the pre-referral and referral process. In addition to informal contact which occurs throughout the process, written parental consent is obtained before an evaluation is conducted.

Michigan law requires all individuals with disabilities to receive special education assistance through age 25. UCS provides special education for students in preschool through high school and additional services are available through the Macomb Intermediate School District (MISD).

The MISD Parent Advisory Committee publishes a directory of special education programs and services, available through MISD or UCS' Special Services Department by calling 810-795-2300.

Extracurricular Activities

UCS elementary schools are the site of many before- after-school and evening enrichment, scouting, sports, recreation, special event and other programs. Elementary students with special talents or interests can challenge their creativity and problem-solving skills by taking part in a variety of programs such as:

  • Academically Talented
  • Geography Bee
  • Odyssey of the Mind
  • Quiz Bowl
  • Saturday Scholars
  • Science and Social Study Olympiads

Regularly produced school and district flyers and newsletters provide registration details.

The safety patrol and crossing guards are not on duty after-hours to guide students attending after-school functions. Parents are responsible for their children's transportation to and from before- and after-school activities, apart from the regular school program.