UCS foundation supports teacher innovation

The UCS Foundation has supported more than $10,000 in innovative classroom grants to teachers across the district.

Through its Chelsie Bemis Teacher grants program, the foundation this spring awarded grants to 12 classroom programs.

The grants support forward-thinking educational initiatives across the district, including:

• Techology education and digital literacy programs
• Social-emotional learning and student well-being resources
• Critical STEM experiences through partnerships
• Literacy enhancements to build strong communication skills

“The sensory room is a safe place to come, take a break, rejuvenate and be ready to learn in the classroom,” said Crissman social worker Stephanie Roy. “The foundation grant allowed me to create this dream and bring it to life.”

The UCS Instructional Technology Coaches received a grant to showcase how children’s literature can teach students how to be responsible digital citizens.

“By weaving digital wellness and citizenship into the fabric of our classrooms through meaningful children's literature and intentional instruction, we empower students to navigate the digital world with empathy, integrity, and confidence—while continuing to build strong foundational academic skills,” said ITC teacher Courtney Conley.

The foundation is a non-profit group that bridges the gap between Utica Community Schools resources and enhanced educational experiences for all students with enhanced learning opportunities, scholarships and connections with community and industry.

Congratulations to our Chelsie Bemis Teacher Grant recipients!

• Emily Taubitz (Collins): "Rev up Coding With Sphero indi Cars"
• Stephanie Roy (Crissman): "Calm, Connect, Thrive: Expanding SEL & Sensory Supports"
• Julie Lambert (Duncan): “Kiva Blocks”
• Michelle Rizzo (Ebeling): "The Eagle's Nest"
• Carrie Slade (Flickinger): "Decodable Readers"
• Amy O'Brien (Messmore): "Enhancing Literacy and Language Skills Through Wonderbook Audio Books"
• Emma Licholat (Monfort): "Calm Containers"
• Lauren Luna (Wiley): "Boosting Focus and Calm!"
• Jennifer Talbot (Davis): "Color Printer/Ink for Photo & Film Class"
• Bryan Battaglia (GLK-UAIS): "Use of Force, Luke!"
• Courtney Conley (District): "Using Children's Literature to Teach Digital Citizenship"

For more information on how to support the foundation, please visit http://ucsfoundation.org.