In a year like no other, Utica Schools celebrates champions

Utica Community Schools is celebrating the stories of individuals and groups who demonstrated resiliency, leadership and service during the global pandemic. And to tell the stories, the district is seeking the help of the community.

#UCSChampions is a monthlong series of stories about those who made a difference for students while addressing the impact of COVID-19.

“This has been a tough year, and each of us has been asked to step outside our comfort zone,” said Superintendent Robert Monroe. “But as we reflect on the road UCS staff, students, parents and community have traveled together, we recognize that tackling tough challenges is what we do in UCS.”

These remarkable stories of UCS champions include:

• Teachers and administrators who used innovation to make connections to students and provide stability;
• A self-described “Gang of Geeks” of teachers who volunteered to support their colleagues with on-line learning strategies;
• A 70-year-old grandmother who is earning her UCS diploma to send a message to her grand children about reaching their goals;
• Food Service team that has provided more than 2.2 million meals at remote and in-person locations since last March;
• A technology team that proactively worked to secure and prepare more than 27,000 teacher and student devices at the start of the school year;
• A graduating senior committed to high standards who was among less than one percent of test takers in the nation to earn a perfect SAT
• A group of students who created mental health resources to support their peers during the pandemic.

“Much will be written about the impact of the pandemic on education,” Monroe said. “For us – the members of UCS who met the challenge and worked every day to create success for students – our year will be defined through the work of individuals who demonstrated resilience, innovation and our commitment to excellence.”

To help tell the stories, the district is seeking suggestions from its community on groups or individuals to profile as champions. To suggest a champion, please visit http://www.uticak12.org/ucschampions.

Source: Utica Community Schools

Robert S. Monroe, Superintendent of Schools

Http://www.uticak12.org