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Dear Parents/Guardians,

Sixth grade is an exciting year for your child! Over the next few months, we will begin to work with you to ensure a successful transition from elementary to junior high.

The strong foundation your child has received in elementary school will continue to guide your child’s success in junior high school and beyond. With the help and guidance of our teachers, your child has continued to grow during these critical elementary years and is now ready for this next step.

Beginning this spring, your child will be meeting with junior high school counselors to begin the registration process. Our elementary and junior high school teams will work together to make sure that we are continuing to provide your child with a challenging academic program that meets their needs and interests. Your partnership is important to this process. It is vital that you are a part of the registration and class selection process by talking with your children and going over scheduling materials with them.

We also invite you to learn more about the programs and services available to UCS students by attending the Pathways to Success event on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at Henry Ford II High School (please see uticak12.org/pathways for more information). As Michigan’s second largest school district, Utica Community Schools provides families with quality options designed to support your child’s interests and learning styles. Pathways to Success will allow you to learn more about these programs and build upon the plan for your child that we began in elementary school.  

Our entire UCS team is committed to supporting your child’s journey from kindergarten through graduation. We look forward to partnering with you in the journey towards junior high school.

Sincerely,

Robert S. Monroe
Superintendent of Schools

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The countdown for the Class of 2030 is officially on! 

This spring, we will be asking your 8^th grader to develop a schedule that will begin their work to meet the requirements for graduation from Utica Community Schools and continue their planning for college and career!

We are excited to work with you as we prepare for the next chapter of your student’s educational experience. Below are a few important things to keep in mind as we move forward with this process.

Xello Holds the Key: When your student began their junior high school years, we asked them to begin thinking about their dreams and interests. These questions were starting points for identifying a plan for their life after graduation.

UCS students and parents have access to a unique planning tool called Xello. It is here that we have been able to take your child’s responses about their future and begin putting together a roadmap for them to reach their goals.

The Importance of Well-Rounded Experiences: Businesses and colleges want their prospective candidates to have a well-rounded background that allows them to bring unique perspectives to their organizations. As Michigan’s second largest school district, Utica Community Schools offers a large portfolio of options to create those experiences.

Specialty Programs and our Comprehensive High Schools: No matter where you turn, there is a winning combination for your child. Our high schools are nationally-ranked with student achievement levels that outpace state and national averages. In addition, UCS offers five specialty programs that further meet the unique needs and learning styles of our students.

Ask Questions/Attend UCS Pathways to Success: You are an important partner. We have included an overview of UCS graduation requirements with this letter. We will also send you updates as we move forward with this transition process. If at any time you have questions, please feel free to contact your counselor or our school offices.

In addition, we encourage you to attend the UCS Pathways to Success on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Henry Ford II High School. More information on this event can be found at www.uticak12.org/Pathways.

Your UCS family will be with you the entire way. Our schools work together to create a strong foundation that will ensure student success for their secondary years and beyond. There is a reason that our graduation rates are among the best in the state and nation. 

These next four years have a well-earned reputation as being the best in our young people’s lives. We promise the next four years will be impactful, memorable and prepare your student to reach the dreams and hopes you had for them when they began kindergarten.

Sincerely,

Robert S. Monroe                              
Superintendent of Schools                   

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Dear UCS student,

We are excited to take the next and final step in your journey through Utica Community Schools with you!

Our entire UCS family will be here to work with you as we prepare you for success in high school and beyond, just as we have since you first started with our district. Junior high school and high school counselors will work together to continue the educational plan specifically developed for you based on your interests, learning style and goals. We encourage you to view this plan by accessing your Xello account at Uticak12.org/ClassLink.

We will communicate with you and your parents/guardians regularly through our district messaging as you make this important transition. The next important step will take place this spring when high school counselors visit our junior high schools for course selection. Further communication on this will be shared with you as it becomes available.

As we navigate these high school years together, please use the academics page on our website, UticaK12.org, as a guide for more information on graduation requirements, college and career readiness, our counseling services, student curriculum guides and more.

We also encourage you to learn more about the programs and services available to UCS students by attending the Pathways to Success event on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 (please visit www.uticak12.org/pathways for more information). As Michigan’s second largest school district, Utica Community Schools provides students with quality options designed to support your interests and learning style. Staff members from each high school will be at the event to answer any questions you or your family may have about their school.

Our entire UCS team is proud to work with you as you have grown through the district. We look forward to supporting you in this upcoming high school journey as you prepare to positively transform your future and the world.

Sincerely, 

Robert S. Monroe                                                      
Superintendent of Schools