Utica Community Schools

September 3, 2024

Dear UCS Community, 

Welcome to the 2024-25 school year! I know mother nature disrupted some of our openings last week, but we are excited to partner with you this year as we focus on remarkable student achievement, building new relationships, and creating life-long memories.

Staff started the school year by continuing their legacy of learning. Their professional development last Monday centered on providing high quality instruction for all students while promoting wellness for everyone in our learning community. By offering multiple student pathways, academic relevance, and placing an emphasis on student success at an individual level, students are equipped with a competitive advantage thanks to their UCS diploma.

Behind each graduate is a team of educational champions who empowered them to pursue their passions and a supportive school community.

We honor the legacy of excellence that lives in our community through a focus on our future, guided by the roadmap outlined in our UCS Empowered Strategic Plan. This year, we are introducing a new K-4 social studies curriculum and a new biology course for all 9th grade students. We are also piloting K-5 literacy materials and a new elementary student report card, while developing new high school chemistry and physics courses.   

With the support of our 2023 Safety and Success bond issue, this summer we initiated the largest and most transformational building improvement endeavor in our history with safety at the heart of the improvements. Some of the work continues through these first weeks of school, but families will begin to see these improvements at school open houses. 

This year, we will begin to transition into the second of five bond issue improvement phases for our buildings. We continue to evaluate our facilities and the need to replace or reconstruct elementary schools based on safety, the age of the facility, and enrollment patterns in the school community. As we did last year with regard to our junior high schools, we are reviewing attendance areas with our Enrollment Distribution Advisory Committee (EDAC) to fully realize schools that serve the neighborhood surrounding them. We expect to share more information later this fall.  

As we look to the future and the work in front of us, we remember that we are an organization powered by people. The UCS team we have in place is second to none. Every day, our UCS staff members build connections with families and students to create a positive learning environment that inspires remarkable achievement. This entire team creates the legacy that students, families, and community members seek out and support with pride.

Have a great school year!  

Sincerely, 

Robert S. Monroe 
Superintendent of Schools