• September 10, 2025

     

    Dear UCS Families,

    Relationships have always been an important part of the UCS Legacy of Excellence. Belonging impacts every facet of our district. It ensures that students are connected, engaged and empowered as they pursue their passion in academics, athletics and the arts. A sense of belonging fosters a safe environment where students feel a sense of personal satisfaction and accomplishment as they share success with their peers and trusted teachers and staff members.

    During the 2025-26 school year, we will build on our Legacy of Excellence as we continue the work of our UCS Empowered Strategic Plan. Over the next few months, we will be sharing additional information with you on two key initiatives that reflect this commitment.

    First, we are reviewing our student achievement data. While our UCS students achieve at levels that on average outpace their state and national peers, we must continue to challenge ourselves to grow even further. For instance we need to consider:

    • How can we improve outcomes for all students? 
    • How can we help students with specialized needs grow and develop at higher levels?
    • How can we provide our teachers with the resources and needed structure to help support our students?  

    Discussions around student achievement will start this process in the weeks and months ahead. District leaders will be examining data and working with teachers and staff members to gain a deeper understanding of students with unique needs. When it comes to student achievement, innovation and growth must build on past success while exploring new pathways for the future.

    In a similar fashion, we are continuing to evaluate our enrollment patterns. The implementation of our 2023 Safety and Success Bond Issue allowed us to begin the transformation of school buildings.

    The Enrollment Distribution Advisory Committee (EDAC), which is comprised of representatives from each school, continues to review enrollment projections and facility utilization within UCS. As they review the data, they will provide the district with feedback regarding updates and improvements for existing facilities and educational programs and pathways.

    For example, this year we reopened a reconstructed DeKeyser Elementary and are moving forward with plans to improve Graebner Elementary and Havel Elementary. These improvements included changes to our attendance areas that connect neighborhoods and better follow major landmarks and boundary lines. The EDAC will continue their work and review other areas of the school district. Updates are posted at this link.

    These two strategic initiatives, “Student Achievement” and “Attendance and Enrollment” are the next steps within the long-range UCS Empowered Strategic Plan. As we follow the plan and continue the work, we will keep you informed and engaged. 

    Finally, as we work to foster a sense of belonging, I would like to invite you to the second annual UCS Family Wellness Fair. This event reflects the district’s Culture of Caring, a priority in our UCS Empowered Strategic Plan, by giving families an opportunity to explore resources that support student success in the classroom while also promoting growth and wellness.

    The fair will be this Saturday, September 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Eisenhower High School. More information is at this link.

    Be it attending wellness and back to school events, watching fall athletes compete, or listening to our bands, we create a strong community. By partnering with our families, building on the talent of our staff, and capitalizing on the strengths of our district, we continue to build upon our legacy of excellence. 

    Thank you for your continued support! We are off to a great start! 

    Sincerely,

    Robert S. Monroe
    Superintendent of Schools