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UCS Online Learning
The Michigan Department of Education released information on Friday, March 20 regarding online instruction and instructional time during the COVID-10 school closure. While discussions will continue to evolve regarding the impact of the closure on schools, we are moving forward with our work to provide our students and families with continuity of learning.
UCS Online Learning aims to give each student a sense of structure, a personal connection to their teachers and school, and learning consistency. The provided activities are intended to support our parents and students with content that provides student enrichment and reinforcement.
Since UCS is a district of 27,000 students, we are taking a measured, multi-phase approach to the rollout. Following the schedule below, parents will receive a Utica Community Schools email for each student with specific login details as rollout phases proceed. (Please note that the rollout communication will be similar to how you receive your child’s report card.)
The online learning rollout schedule will be as follows:
Phase 1: Monday, March 23, 2020 - High school students
Phase 2: Tuesday, March 24, 2020 – Junior high students
Phase 3: Wednesday, March 25, 2020 – Elementary students: 3rd – 6th grades
Phase 4: Thursday, March 26, 2020 – Elementary students: Kindergarten – 2nd grades
Elementary Instructional Packets
For students who do not have internet access, enrichment and review packets will available at your child’s elementary school to take home. During the first week, packets will be available as follows:
Wednesday, March 25: 3rd – 6th grades
Thursday, March 26: Kindergarten – 2nd grades
Beginning on April 1 and during the school closure, packets will be updated and available for all elementary grades, every Wednesday.
For information on UCS food distribution sites, please click on the flyer below:
Individual Translated Food Distribution Flyers:
Albanian Language Flyer
Arabic Language Flyer
Spanish Language Flyer
Our Latest Communication with UCS Families:
March 23, 2020
Dear UCS Families and Staff,
I hope this letter finds you well and safe. It seems these days, that once we settle into a new routine, another change occurs. At Utica Community Schools, we are continuing to implement the plans we have been sharing with you to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Today Governor Whitmer signed the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order in an effort to protect families and communities. With the information that we hear and the circumstances that we are in, it is understandable to feel unsettled or even frightened. However, you should be reassured that Utica Community Schools has active plans in place that fall in line with the Governor’s order and our work will continue to serve our community, especially at this time of need.
Here is where we are today:
UCS Online Learning
Today, we began the implementation of our online learning plan with the first phase of its rollout to high school students. Tomorrow, our junior high students will receive their access information. We certainly appreciate everyone’s patience as we move through this process.
UCS Food Services
Our food services staff members fall under essential services. Because of that designation, UCS will continue to offer meals to all children 18 years and under on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays per the UCS Food Distribution Plan. Feeding our children is a critical job and we are committed to it.
We will continue to welcome adult volunteers to assist with this service. For the health of all those involved in this service, only assigned volunteers and food service staff can be on site during the food distribution. Interested community members must sign up at this link.
Remote Work Schedules
For the health and safety of our school community, applicable personnel will continue to work remotely to provide services to our students and families. While all district buildings and offices have been closed to the public, we will continue to respond to emails. Staff emails are available at this link.
Child Care for Essential Workers
The Macomb Intermediate School District (Macomb ISD) is working in cooperation with all 21 local school districts to coordinate emergency child care for children ages birth - 12 years old for those employees on the front lines supporting our community. Workers who meet the essential worker definition and need child care services may contact Macomb ISD Emergency Child Care Coordinators Kelly Adamek at kadamek@misd.net or Sherine Katba at skatba@misd.net.
We know that there are many questions you have on how this school closure will continue to impact our district. To help address these concerns, the district is preparing a frequently asked questions and answers document to be released shortly.
As we move through these temporary changes to our daily lives, UCS will continue to share updates with our community. Please visit uticak12.org and UCS social media sites for information from the district. Keep safe, stay home and remember, as a community we will get through these challenges together.
Sincerely,
Christine M. Johns, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Questions?
Questions or concerns can be sent Utica Community Schools at questions@uticak12.org