May
7, 2021
Dear
Parents/Guardians:
This
week I listened as our sixth and seventh graders talked about their dreams for
the future. The students participated in a virtual Career Focus event sponsored
by our UCS Foundation and the Sterling Heights Chamber of Commerce. This annual
event pairs teachers and local business leaders to inspire students and help them
understand how they can pursue their life’s goals. Watching these conversations
reinforced that we are returning to normal. This is also seen in the plans we
are making for the 2021-2022 school year and our plans for the end of this
year.
Summer Learning Options
While we have faced this pandemic
together, COVID-19 has impacted students and families differently. For those
that desire continued academic engagement this summer, there will be multiple
opportunities available. Summer learning offers students a bridge to a
successful next school year.
Registration for the summer offerings
will begin next week. As you consider these summer opportunities, here are
several important points to note.
- The summer
learning opportunities are voluntary. If you or your student have
questions or wonder if it would be helpful, please feel free to contact
your teacher or building administrator.
- Whenever
possible, multiple sessions are available at different times. Many classes
blend virtual and in-person learning to meet a range of student and family
needs.
- Courses that
reinforce student learning from the past school year are offered at no
cost. Summer offerings also include traditional credit recovery courses or
opportunities to opt out of future secondary courses. These courses may
include software licensing and material fees.
More information on the summer offerings
are available at this link.
Graduation
In
the coming weeks, we will celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2021
using a meaningful safe approach. Our continued priority is to maintain as many
graduation traditions as possible.
We
are excited to announce that in-person ceremonies will be held the weekend of
June 5-6 at the Michigan Lottery Amphitheater at Freedom Hill. Unless large
gatherings become prohibited, the ceremonies will be held for our four
comprehensive high schools, the Utica Alternative Learning Center/Adult
Education, and the Gene L. Klida Utica Academy for International Studies. In addition, we will host a virtual commencement ceremony for families that need or prefer this option.