CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST EDITION OF THE TITAN VOICE

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Kenneth L. Cucchi III

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST EDITION OF THE  TITAN VOICE

Good afternoon Titan community,

It has been an incredible start to the 2024-2025 school year! We had Open House, Homecoming, Stevenson Hall of Fame Induction and on October 10, Parent-Teacher Conferences with over 1500 conferences! We are grateful for such an intensely invested parent body, thank you! Keep checking Powerschool and communicating with your students’ teachers. We truly appreciate it.

Please note that there is no school on October 16.

The Stevenson Band Program has already had a series of great performances, starting with the Titan Marching Band at the 2024 UCS Band-O-Rama last Sunday, October 6th.   They performed their show "DUAL of the Fates" and featured music from a wide range of Disney movies to tell the classic tale of the dual nature of the human race. 

On Wednesday, the Titan Marching Band performed their show at the MSBOA District XVI Band Festival at Troy High School. There are five possible outcomes (Division I-V) for an adjudicated festival performance, judged by three different judges in the area of music, marching, and general effect (fanciness).  Division III is considered a "good" performance, Division II is labeled as "excellent" and a Division I rating is reserved for a "superior" performance.  In keeping with a long-standing tradition, the Titan Band earned straight Division I ratings from all three judges. Moreso, all four UCS marching bands earned straight D1 ratings and had stellar performances.  

In keeping with a long-standing tradition, the Titan Band earned straight Division I ratings from all three judges. Moreso, all four UCS marching bands earned straight D1 ratings and had stellar performances.

This is Stevenson’s 33rd consecutive year of D1's at the Marching Band festival.

On October 29th, the band will kick off their concert band season in the William R. Peper Performing Arts Center at their fall concert featuring guest artist and Detroit native Mike List, tabla drum and world percussion specialist on the piece "Three Songs for Bengal." They will also perform the world premiere of the commissioned piece "Voluntary on Hyfrydol" by composer Alan Jacobus.  The students will be able to work with both guests prior to the concert and learn about cultural percussion techniques as well as music composition.

As a reminder, The Writing Center is now open.  It is located in E-73 and walk-ins are welcome during all lunches, or students may email essays to stevensonwritingcenter@gmail.com. For email submissions, please allow 2 school days for tutors to read and respond.

Utica Community Schools will host its first Family Wellness Fair on Saturday, October 19 from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Hosted at Henry Ford II High School (11911 Clinton River Road in Sterling Heights), this event is free and open to the public.

Macomb Community College is excited to invite you and your high school students to an informative and engaging event focused on Manufacturing and Design. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to explore high-demand career paths and gain valuable insights into the industry.

Date: October 24, 2024, 5:30PM - 8:30PM

Location: Macomb Community College - south campus, building T 

14500 E. 12 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48088 Building T

Registration: use the QR code shown on the PDF located in the Titan Voice

October 14 – 18 is Digital Citizenship week.  This week is dedicated to helping students navigate the digital world safely, responsibly and respectfully. The ITC Geeks have created and curated a variety of activities designed to enhance students’ understanding of digital citizenship.

STUDENT PICTURES Picture retake day is the morning of October 17. Senior Quick Shoots are on November 21 & 22.

ATTENDANCE When a student has accumulated 11 absences* in any one class over the course of a semester, the student will be notified in a meeting with an assistant/associate principal that they have lost credit in that class and that they are placed on an attendance contract to earn the credit back. There are two parts to a contract. First, the student must pass the class with a D- or higher. Second, the student will show improvement in attendance in ALL classes. Improvement is determined on a sliding scale which allows for 1 absence for every three weeks (rounded up) left in the semester for each class.

COUNSELING UPDATES UCS has just released the attached credit recovery information. This would be needed for any students who are behind on credits needed for graduation due to failing a course(s). For questions, please contact your student's counselor.  See the Titan Voice for more information.

Meet our new staff!

Thomas Boik, French teacher - I’ve been teaching for 7 years. I like going to the gym and hanging out with my cat. I like learning new languages and about new cultures! 

Ashley Gettler, Art teacher - I was born and raised in Kansas, where I attended Kansas State University. While attending college, I met my husband who serves in the military. We are currently stationed in Michigan with our two sons. While we are new to the area, this is my ninth year teaching high school art. I'm excited to have the chance to share my love of art with more students! 

Marjana Markaj, Spanish teacher - *Bachelor's degree in Italian from the University of Foreign Languages in Tirana, Albania, 1996. *Masters in Secondary Education with a French and Spanish endorsement from Wayne State, 2007. *Teaching French & Spanish at UCS since August of 2013 *Taught French from 2010 to 2013 at FLICS (Foreign Language Immersion & Cultural Studies), Detroit MI *Taught French from 2007-2010 at Old Redford Academy, Detroit MI

*Mother of three wonderful boys 🙂 Troy Resident. Love interior decor and gardening.

David Pfromm, Gym and Health teacher - I grew up in Sterling Heights and graduated from Stevenson High School.  I went on to Central Michigan and then came back to Utica Schools to teach.  I was an elementary PE teacher 15 years before coming to Stevenson.  My wife, Megan, is also a Stevenson graduate and we have 2 kids, Reese (5th grade) and Jacob (3rd grade).

Steve Robinson, History Teacher, Athletic Director - I have been working in secondary education for 13 years. I have wanted to be involved in education ever since I was in high school. My high school experience was fantastic, and it would not have been the same without the amazing staff I encountered along the way. One of my goals as an educator has been to provide the same sort of guidance to my students that was provided to me. I have my master’s degree in Educational Leadership and am currently following one of my true passions, sports, as the Athletic Director at SHS. I hope to provide a positive, fulfilling educational experience to all students at Stevenson High School.

Lisa Tancredi, Medical Science Teacher - I am here at SHS for my 19th year of teaching.  I have been a Registered Nurse for 36 years.  I will be teaching Medical Science and Health and Wellness this year.

Please check out our website Counseling / Counseling Staff (uticak12.org) for more information! Also, it is imperative that students follow us on Schoology with code: KPWV-T8XV-QNWMV for senior updates as we receive them. 

Free & Reduced Meals Application Expiration - The previous Free & Reduced Applications are now called the Education Benefits Form. Last year’s Education Benefits Form expired Thursday, October 10, 2024. 

As required by federal guidelines, students without an approved 2024-2025 Education Benefits Form on file will not be eligible to receive additional benefits such as EBT assistance, reduced pay to participate and AP test fees, and other items beginning October 11, 2024. Families must fill out an Education Benefits Form located at https://utica.familyportal.cloud as soon as possible for benefits to continue.

If there are any questions, please call the Office of Food & Nutrition Services at 586-797-1180. 

A reminder to all students that you are required to wear your ID badge at all times. Not only for security reasons, but because you need to scan them at lunch! So, please make sure you are wearing your ID badge around your neck. 

STUDENT DRESS CODE Students must adhere to the guidelines outlined in the student handbook.

• Indecent, tattered, or unsafe dress or footwear, or attire that calls undue attention to the wearer or has lettering or symbols that are disrespectful or derogatory are not allowed. • Beach wear, low-cut tops, tank tops, sleeveless tops, muscle shirts, see-through clothing, short skirts or shorts, pajamas, tight clothing without proper coverage and clothing exposing the shoulders or mid-section are not allowed. • Students should not wear clothing with inappropriate advertising like Playboy shirts or similar items. • Hats are not allowed in school unless explicit permission for a medical or religious reason is reached. • Knee length shorts and skirts are acceptable. Shoes must be worn. • Outerwear, such as coats and hats, is not to be worn in school. • Clothing that promotes illegal substances or drugs, illegal activities, violence, tobacco, or alcohol is prohibited. • Clothing or head coverings worn as group identifiers that promote a disruptive school climate are prohibited. • Clothing consistent with religious or cultural beliefs is acceptable. • Jewelry and accessories that may be deemed dangerous are prohibited.

Every Friday is Titan Spirit Day! Please encourage your student to wear anything “Titan” or Red, White, and/or Blue!

The Titan Voice and the Stevenson website should be your first line of communication regarding information pertaining to Stevenson. When you go to our website, you will find the Titan Voice linked under News. Included in the Titan Voice is more information regarding:  AP Testing, the 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame, Homecoming information, SHS Clubs, UCS District Flyers, Senior and Senior All Night Party information, and much more! Be sure to click on the Titan Voice Link and see what’s happening at Stevenson!

With Titan Pride,

Kenneth L. Cucchi III