Click the button below for the Facebook post for our 50th Birthday/Anniversary Celebration. Mark your calendars for May 24th!

Our GPTO did an outstanding job with our Daddy Daughter Dance! The decorations were spectacular and thanks goes out to Mrs. Hoskins and her team from her company (thetoppiccollective.com) who donated their time and supplies to make our Daddy Daughter Dance very special. It was truly great seeing so many dads and their girls dressed in their finest to come out and enjoy the evening here at Graebner. The evening was a great community builder and event. Thank you to Mrs. Bendler (PTO President) and Mrs.Patel (PTO Vice President) and the committee who made it all possible. Please visit the PTO website to see some great pictures from the evening.

We had a wonderful time at the Johnathan Rand Assembly! Visit Graebner Media Center Facebook page to see some more great pictures!

(20+) Graebner Elementary School Media Center | Sterling Heights MI | Facebook

The district will host its 17th annual College and Career Pathways from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at Henry Ford II High School. This event is aimed at current eighth through eleventh graders. Up to fifty post-secondary institutions will be in attendance to offer information to assist students with their post-secondary plans.

We are coming up into our winter / spring testing season. With that, please note that on testing days (MSTEP / WIDA) students personal devices (phones, apple watches etc.) are to be kept home or will be kept in a secure area determined by the building administrator.

Additionally:

*Students are not allowed to access the device for any testing.

*A student may not access any additional websites or applications during testing.

*No pictures or videos may be taken during testing.

*Students may NOT have Bluetooth headphones during testing.

Students violating this protocol may have their test invalidated and be subject to discipline up to and including suspension or expulsion for violating the District Acceptable Use of Technology Policy and the Student Code of Conduct.

Cell Phones/Smart Watches

It's time to remind families that cell phones and ECD's (smart watches, etc) are not permitted at the elementary school level, per the UCS Board of Education Policy.

Recently we have had incidents involving students wearing or bringing these items to school and causing a problem with their use.

Students are to keep these items at home. If you would like approval for your child to carry a cell phone (for use after school while walking home, for example) please contact their teacher who can make an allowance for such items to be: 1.) stored out of sight in backpack, and 2.) turned OFF/powered down (not just switched to silent).

Special note regarding ‘Smart’ watches: many of the newer devices have features that provide access to the internet, phone calling or texting , and picture-taking capabilities. It is almost impossible to monitor each accessory on each student’s wrist therefore devices of this sort will not be permitted to be worn at school.

If cell phones or smart watches are seen or heard in the classroom, teachers will collect the item and send it to the office for retrieval by a parent. Upon a second offense, suspension time may be issued.

The below is a communication parents and principals can share in their next parent communications. Please note there are two versions – one for elementary and junior high and another for high school.

Elementary and Junior High Note

Safety remains a priority in Utica Community Schools.

On May 2, Utica Community Schools will be holding a special election that will allow voters to consider the district’s Safety and Success proposals. Our schools remain the centerpiece of the community, and we are proud that many of our school facilities are used to support the voting process. During these elections, school facilities need to be open and easily accessible to allow voters to cast their ballots.

As has been the practice of UCS for past elections, there will be no school on May 2. The cancellation of school maintains our commitment to safety and allows our facilities to be open for community members to cast their ballots in this important election. This will also provide an opportunity for professional development opportunities for staff.

High School Note

Safety remains a priority in Utica Community Schools.

On May 2, Utica Community Schools will be holding a special election that will allow voters to consider the district’s Safety and Success proposals. Our schools remain the centerpiece of the community, and we are proud that many of our school facilities are used to support the voting process. During these elections, school facilities need to be open and easily accessible to allow voters to cast their ballots.

As has been the practice of UCS for past elections, there will be no school on May 2. The cancellation of school maintains our commitment to safety and allows our facilities to be open for community members to cast their ballots in this important election. This will also provide an opportunity for professional development opportunities for staff. Please note – Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate testing on May 2 will be held as scheduled.

Please share the attached flyer (6A) and message below in your next parent communication to inform them of available vegetarian options.

Did you know that we offer vegetarian options every day? Please go to https://uticak12.nutrislice.com for menu offerings.

The UCS Wellness team is happy to announce the eleventh episode of our podcast series, featuring the students from Utica High School Student Mental Health Committee focusing on Teen Mental Health and Wellness.

Below is a list of the podcasts that are available on the UCS Wellness page. UCS Wellness - Utica Community Schools:

• Mental Health with guest Nancy Buyle
• Grief and the Grieving Process for Children
• Family Communication
• CARE of Southeastern Michigan
• Discussing Dating Violence with Turning Point
• Tackling Tough Topics with the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office
• Our Youth and Vaping
• Youth and Suicide Prevention
• The Detour Project
• Self-Regulation Strategies
• Teen Mental Health and Wellness

What? Once a month, classes will buddy up with another classroom. The teachers will co teach an age appropriate lesson concerning social skills and/or following school rules and procedures.

When? Feb. 8, March 1, April 12, May 1.

Why? This practice supports our Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS), our use of appropriate social skills and brings us closer as a school community. It introduces students to other peers and other adults/teachers in the building.

Our IMAGES student adopted Paws with a Cause and were able to present their donations to this worthy cause earlier this month!