utica community schools june 2017 f cus
TRANSCRIPT
A Publ icat ion for the Res idents o f U t ica Communi ty
Schools
F CUSfor the community
College Bound, Bound for Success Christine M. Johns, Ed.D.
Optimistic and Inspiring, The Class of 2017 reflects our Confidence in a Bright Future
Just ten short months ago, we welcomed the 2016-2017 school year with a renewed sense of energy, commitment and a dedication to make every day count.
As we close the year, that same optimism and focus remains as we celebrate student success. It was never more evident than when we celebrated the accomplishments of more than 2,250 graduates at UCS graduation ceremonies.
The achievements alone of this graduation class are impressive: nearly $28 million in scholarships to the best colleges and universities in our state and nation.
This newsletter features the accomplishments of 178 valedictorians, 11 salutatorians and students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and community service as recipients of a Superintendent’s Scholarship award, or have excelled in AVID and Early College of Macomb programs.
Beyond these numbers and accomplishments is a greater story. It is a story of tremendous growth and the type of individuals our graduates have become.
UCS graduates are committed to their community. As students, they have dedicated countless volunteer hours to supporting those in need. They think globally, act ethically and care deeply about the future they will soon lead.
This community should have a tremendous amount of pride in our young adults and great confidence that they will be the ones that affect change in the world.
We remain committed to our college culture and focused on increasing the academic rigor for all of our students. The district constantly looks at new ways that we can provide students the skills and experiences that give them a competitive advantage for their post-secondary experiences and professional lives.
The energy and excitement that characterized this entire year will only continue to grow when we begin again on September 5.
Until then, I wish you and your families a relaxing and safe summer.
District recognized for fiscal accountability For the fifth straight year, Utica Community Schools has earned national recognition for its commitment to meet high standards in reporting financial information to its community.
The district has earned a Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for its 2015 - 2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO).
“This recognition reflects the district’s continued commitment to fiscal accountability,” Board Treasurer Dr. Robert Ross said. “We are focused on meeting the highest standards in providing our taxpayers with comprehensive information on classroom investment.”
These Ford Falcon valedictorians and salutatorians from Henry Ford II High School are proudly representing Utica Community Schools Class of 2017 – all 2,250 graduating seniors. Pictured here left to right back row standing: Isabel Holtan, Vivian Nguyen, Elisabeth Pettibone, Morgan Domzal, Shelby Thomas, Vince Nguyen, Daniel Sumindan, Matthew Vedua, John Vulaj, Filip Matovski. Front row kneeling: Teodora Vlad - Cristian, Polina Stoppa, Maria Akery, Nikki Sorgi, Maureen Cronin, Alem Cizmic. Not pictured: Emily Karas and Daniel Salar. See pages 3 and 4 for more about this year’s class.
Sale of vacant building/ land provides UCS with one-time revenue Utica Community Schools has completed the sale of a vacant elementary school in Shelby Township to provide one-time revenue as it addresses ongoing state funding shortfalls.
The sale of Ewell Elementary to St. Mina and Pope Kyrillos VI Coptic Orthodox Church is one of three assets sold by Utica Community Schools over the past three years.
Previously, the district sold two pieces of vacant land in Washington and Shelby townships. The properties are being developed in part with single family homes to support future enrollment.
This school year the district realized $5.5 million in one- time revenue.
The property sales will address revenue shortfalls resulting from state revenue increases well below the rate of inflation over the past ten years, and the redirection of school aid by Michigan lawmakers to community colleges.
Mark Your Calendar First Day of School
Tuesday, September 5
2 FOCUS
Teachers of the Year Honored Three Utica Community Schools educators were honored for driving instruction every day at a special celebration held this spring. For one, that honor was literal, thanks to the generous donation of a leased car from Suburban Ford of Sterling Heights.
“In honoring our teachers of the year, we also honor what they represent in our district - a commitment to excellence that can literally span generations, the caring and dedication that provide a solid foundation for success, and a focus on a high level of student achievement and exemplary schools,” Superintendent Dr. Christine Johns said. The UCS 2017 Teachers of the Year are:
Zita Burton from Havel Elementary Overall Utica Community Schools Teacher of the Year and Elementary Teacher of the Year
Nicole West from Jeannette Junior High School Junior High School Teacher of the Year
Scott Spry from Utica Center for Science and Industry High School Teacher of the Year
Burton, recognized as the overall Teacher of the Year, has taught upper elementary grades at Havel Elementary since 1977. She was recently named the 2016 Elementary Economics Educator of the year by the Michigan Council on Economic Education. In addition to a 40-year teaching career, Burton attended Utica Community Schools as a student, graduating from Stevenson High School.
“Mrs. Burton has literally impacted generations of students through her commitment to excellence, enthusiasm, deep roots in our community, and continued dedication to children and their success,” Dr. Johns said.
She was surprised with a new car lease courtesy of Suburban Ford. “Our program of rewarding outstanding teachers is our way of showing our gratitude to the dedicated individuals who contribute so much to the development of our children,” said David Fischer, Jr., General Manager of The Suburban Collection.
Pictured left to right: Nicole West, Scott Spry, Zita Burton and Dr. Christine Johns
Points of Pride Olympiad teams excel in Science, Social Studies and Math Students took top spots in three recent competitions that require collaboration on a series of academic challenges that test their science, math and social studies skills. During the Macomb Science Olympiad, UCS teams took first and second places at all three levels – elementary, junior high school and high school. Elementary teams earned the top five finishes and eight of the top ten spots with Messmore Elementary coming in first place. UCS secondary teams earned the top two spots at the junior high and high school regional competition in March. Davis Junior High placed first and Heritage Junior High followed in second. Stevenson High finished in first and Eisenhower placed second.
In the statewide Social Studies Olympiad, UCS teams earned 130 top honors: 33 Gold Medals, 41 Silver Medals, 28 Bronze Medals and 28 Honorable Mentions at the May 13 annual competition. Participating teams were from Beacon Tree, Beck, Browning, Burr, Crissman, Ebeling, Graebner, Morgan, Oakbrook, Plumbrook, Schwarzkoff, Switzer and Wiley elementary schools, Davis and Eppler junior high schools and Stevenson High School. Nearly 80 schools from across Michigan participated in the competition.
Fourth through sixth graders gathered May 4 for the annual UCS Math Competition. More than 50 teams took part in three different competitions, including a jeopardy-like tournament that rounded out the night. Shayan Matin, a sixth grader at Schuchard Elementary earned a first place individual event finish. Beck, Messmore and Schuchard elementary teams placed first in the group events.
Teacher honored with Macomb County Make A Difference Award Chelsea Laurencelle, elementary teacher for the Roberts Elementary Autism Spectrum Classroom CORE, has been named a recipient of this year’s Macomb County “Make a Difference” Award from the Macomb County Parent Advisory Committee. She was honored at a special countywide ceremony held May 23. The Macomb County Parent Advisory Committee annually offers parents the oppor- tunity to nominate an educator who has made a significant impact on their child’s school experience. This is the eighth straight year UCS educators have earned this award. Laura and Joe Viviano, parents of a student in Roberts Elementary CORE program, nominated Laurencelle.
Principal Selected as Michigan Interscholastic Press Association’s Administrator of the Year During the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association’s (MIPA) Spring Awards luncheon Thomas Lietz, principal at Utica High School, was honored as its 2017 Administrator of the Year. Lietz was selected based on materials submitted to MIPA by students and staff in Utica High’s journalism program including a letter of recommendation written by senior Ethan Cartwright to the MIPA committee. He accepted the honor along with UHS student journalists and Stacy Smale, UHS yearbook and newspaper adviser, during the awards luncheon in downtown Lansing.
District named Midwest’s only virtual reality Center of Excellence zSpace, Inc., a Silicon Valley education company, has named Utica Community Schools a Center of Excellence for its innovation and leadership in providing students with lifelike learning experiences through the use of augmented reality and virtual reality in classrooms. Crissman, Ebeling, Monfort and Schwarzkoff students, collaborate on activities ranging from exploring the inner workings of the human heart to designing and building circuit boards or examining the physics of the world’s tallest buildings – all in a 3D virtual environment. “We are proud to recognize Utica Community Schools as a visionary member of the zSpace Center of Excellence Program,” said Paul Kellenberger, zSpace CEO. “Education leaders, such as Superintendent Dr. Johns and the district’s principals, teachers and other educators, are embracing the power of today’s powerful technologies to prepare their students for the future.”
The Utica Academy for International Studies (UAIS), Henry Ford II, Eisenhower, Utica and Stevenson high schools have been named among the Most Academically Challenging High Schools by The Washington Post.
“This recognition reflects the district’s focus to increase rigorous opportunities for all students to support their post-secondary success,” Superintendent Dr. Christine Johns said.
For the fifth straight year, UAIS was ranked the state’s most challenging high school. The International Baccalaureate program was also ranked 38th nationally.
All UCS High Schools, UAIS Recognized Among the Nation’s Most Academically Challenging Henry Ford II High School was ranked 28th in Michigan and 1,865 nationally;
Eisenhower High School was ranked 30th in Michigan 2,034 nationally, Utica High School was ranked 32nd in Michigan and 2,077 nationally; and Stevenson High School was ranked 35th in Michigan and 2,355 nationally.
Only 12 percent of the high schools that applied for consideration – or approximately 2,400 schools nationwide – were ranked among the most academically challenging through the Washington Post Challenge Index.
The Washington Post Challenge Index identifies schools based on student participation in rigorous academic programs, such as Advanced Placement programs through the College Board and courses authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization.
Chelsea Laurencelle
FOCUS 3
Eisenhower High School VALEDICTORIANS Abigail Allmacher Nicholas Allston Alexis Angst Hannah Ayar Marisa Balsamo Claire Barnett Pietro Biondo Juliet Cai Liliana Camaj Josephine Cipriano Brooke Coleman Natalie Coltman Bronson Copacia Matthew DeLanoy Madeleine Denton Giuseppe Di Maio Matthew Donahue Daniel Fletemier Maya Gualtieri Ronald Haddad Jordan Jaklic Daniel Jarzyna Selena Kassab Payton Kennelly Kevin Kraydich Grace Kulin Sydney Labon Isabella LiCavoli Kayla Mandziara Bianka Matoski Kayla McKay Jenna Miller Brandon Munn Madison Nacker Angelina Noll John Oben Suzanne Osinski Kenadi Parise Zachary Pickell Morgan Plummer Tayah Polite Lily Quinlan Jenna Rausch Emily Ribbing Natalie Rizza Mackenzie Robb Adam Scott Angela Shehu Julia Siegle Alec Socha Trenton Toyryla
Ethan Tremmel Lindsey Van Heusden Courtney VanOphem Kevin Wright Mali Xiong Madylen Zweng
SALUTATORIAN Antonio Segura
Henry Ford II High School VALEDICTORIANS Maria Akery Alem Cizmic Maureen Cronin Isabel Holtan Emily Karas Filip Matovski Vince Nguyen Vivian Nguyen Elisabeth Pettibone Daniel Salar Nikki Sorgi Daniel Sumindan Shelby Thomas Matthew Vedua John Vulaj
SALUTATORIANS Morgan Domzal Polina Stoppa Teodora Vlad-Cristian
Stevenson High School VALEDICTORIANS Ava Bayagich Julia Beleshi Gabrielle Brakoniecki Nicole Brown Shannon Carr Luke Chrisman Nina Darwich Sarah Dickey Michael Dolan Paul Hampel Jack Imesch Thomas Jacob Jonethan James Andrew Joseph Daniella Keith Robert Leone Sean Lusky Amanda McKeon Michael Micakovic
Umme Mirza Vanessa Najjar Nishy Ninan Nikita Patel Shubh Patel Michael Rakowiecki Atishay Singh Aditya Vageesh Giulio Vario
SALUTATORIANS Rachel Kubiak Manraj Singh
Utica High School VALEDICTORIANS Kaley Brenizer Alexis Burrows Julia Candela Tyler Carrier Isabella Catalano Gurjiwan Chahal Brooke Chmiel Nicholas Day Charlene Dukes Garrett Guglielmetti Taran Heersma Emily Hermann Alena Jalics Melinda Kamil Danielle Kaschalk Alexa Kessen Lyndsey Lavelle Joseph Lico Andreea Micu Madeleine Motloch Tyler Newton Rana Noori Mallory Rusk Hanna Sala Kathryn Seib Vita Simmons Olivia Stefanovich Haley Weber Connor Willcock Tyler Wundrach Dylan Yono
SALUTATORIANS Makenna Galui Sydney Kleiner Cody Mancini Kimberly Slifco
Utica Academy of International Studies VALEDICTORIANS Ashley Beatty Joshua Bentley Carmella Boykin Victoria Branch Mackenzie Connell Jonathan Dang Damaris Derecichei Candy Dialogo Shirley ElFishawy Aber Espinoza Kaelyn Fife Ziyaneh Ghaderpour Taleghani Ina Gjoka Jessica Gougeon Allison Griffiths Bradley Hall Corinne Herrmann Jessica Hone Jeffrey Horbatiuk Benjamin Hume Sahil Jha Kelsie Johnston Nikhita Khosa Katie Kirkum Thea Kirsch-Mangu Katerina Kitsios Megan Kujawa Lisette LeMerise Joana Lepuri Zuzanna Lutrzykowska Julia Malewicz Rithin Manimaleth Anthony Neubacher Hannah Paul Pietro Pellerito Sydney Quagliato Mikayla Rzeppa Patrycja Sobierajska Felicia Soderberg Leah Stampfer Roksolana Sudyk Collin Syler Pragya Thakur Ava Thielman Febin Thomas Heather Wagner Jennifer Yoo
SALUTATORIAN Annette Varga
Stevenson High School Damon Alexander Yousif AlKhreef Hira Ansari Elena Azis Jenica Barger Jacobi Brown Henry Campoverde Crystal Chacko Hassan Chowdhury Abigail Cousineau Doviron Dado Brenden Datema Deanna Dickow Malik Faronbi Julianna George Sabrina Glavan Daren Gross Kristina Habbo Joanne Hakim Flowrita Halaq Sarina Harrison Tyler Hills Migena Hysa Matt Issa Katelyn Jaboro Courtney Jackson Silvia Karana Derius Kelley Jacob Lage Dezmond Lance Mary Mekha Wisam Mikho Nicole Nguyen Michael Northup Ashley Pater Abigail Praet Madison Reyntens Elias Romaya Joseph Ross Luisa Sterbyci Joanne Tamou Taylor Weidner Aaron Williams III Adela Zeka Utica High School Nathan Achatz Colin Baker Roza Deda Steven Djelaj Emily Earls Emily Edwards Carl Elder Andreana Ljucovic Peter Marki Natalie Maroof Santiago Martinez Chase Miller Omaure Miller Cameron Mitchell Dylan Scott Salvador Serrano Stephanie Shaddock Cassandra Zamora Kaylee Zotos
Utica Community Schools Class of 2017 Graduates of the class of 2017 have been outstanding throughout their educational career in Utica Community Schools.
During early June, UCS graduated a total of 2,250 students. This includes 621 from Eisenhower, 610 from Stevenson, 446 students from Henry Ford II, 377 from Utica High, 109 from Adult Education and Utica Alternative Learning Center and 87 students from Utica Academy for International Studies.
The Board of Education recognized 595 of the graduates as UCS Academic Scholars for having maintained a high school career GPA of 3.67 or above while taking part in extracurricular or community service activities.
A Seal of Global Language was awarded to 174 graduates who have a demonstrated level of proficiency in both English Language Arts and a World Language.
For complete profiles on all the graduates listed in this edition, please visit the online version of FOCUS for the Community at UticaK12.org/Newsletter
Also available in the UCS App News Section
AVID Scholars AVID develops the necessary skills for taking rigorous courses, such as AP and Honors, to promote success in college.
(586) 797-1000
BOARD OF EDUCATION Gene L. Klida, President Michele Templeton, Vice President Jennifer L. Prybys, Secretary Robert A. Ross, Ph.D., Treasurer Ken Krolczyk, Trustee Mary K. Thomas, Ph.D.,Trustee Denyeal Nesovski, Trustee
Christine M. Johns, Ed.D. Superintendent
FOCUS for the Community Editors: Tim McAvoy Nancy Kort
www.uticak12.org
Find updates from Utica Community Schools on: In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act and the Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act, it is the policy of Utica Community Schools that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, disability, height, weight, or marital status be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination during any instructional opportunities, programs, services, job placement assistance, employment or in policies governing student conduct and attendance. Any person suspecting a discriminatory practice should contact the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources at Utica Community Schools, 11303 Greendale, Sterling Heights, MI 48312 or call (586) 797-1000.
Notice of Nondiscrimination
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UCS District Calendar 2017-2018 September 5 First Day of School Elementary Half Day Secondary Full Day
October 12 Parent Conferences Secondary Half Day
October 31 Elementary Half Day Secondary Full Day
November 7 No School
November 27 School Resumes
January 3 School Resumes
January 24 Secondary Exams Elementary Full Day Secondary Half Day
January 25 Secondary Exams All Students Half Day
January 26 Secondary Exams All Students Half Day
February 19 Mid-Winter Break Begins No School
February 26 School Resumes
April 2 Spring Break Begins No School
April 9 School Resumes
May 28 Memorial Day No School
June 13 Secondary Exams Elementary Full Day Secondary Half Day
June 14 Secondary Exams All Students Half Day
June 15 Last Day of School Secondary Exams All Students Half Day
UCS Foundation for Educational Excellence 2017 Superintendent’s Scholarship Recipients
Utica Alternative Learning Center MaKyla DeRue Superintendent’s Dalton Vargason Superintendent’s Mark Zora Superintendent’s Eisenhower High School Gabe Bosco Superintendent’s Jordan Jaklic Superintendent’s Sydney Labon Superintendent’s Madison Nacker Superintendent’s Zachary Pickell Altair STEM Anthony Russo Superintendent’s Antonio Segura Superintendent’s Aleaha Smith Superintendent’s Emerson Wigand Superintendent’s Henry Ford II High School Kerestin Aziz Superintendent’s Ryan Barkley Superintendent’s Kaitlin Bedenko Superintendent’s
Sanya Bency Superintendent’s Justin Bennie Superintendent’s Aaron Ferdinande Superintendent’s Isabel Holtan Superintendent’s Elisabeth Pettibone Altair STEM Alexander Rowe Brett Klenow Polina Stoppa Superintendent’s John Vulaj Superintendent’s Cameron Walker Superintendent’s Stevenson High School Alyssa Baginski Superintendent’s Deanna Dickow Superintendent’s Fatima Elzhenni Superintendent’s Nicholas Holly Superintendent’s Michael Hromada Superintendent’s Nora Micakaj Superintendent’s Christiana Strong Superintendent’s
Thanks to the UCS Foundation for Educational Excellence and other community organizations, the Superintendent’s Scholarship program, now in its 8th year, provided $53,500 in awards to 44 graduates. Since the inception of the scholarship program with the class of 2010, the foundation has provided more than $220,000 in scholarships to UCS graduates.
Utica Academy for International Studies Kaelyn Fife Superintendent’s Allyson John Superintendent’s Joana Lepuri Superintendent’s Felicia Soderberg Superintendent’s Utica High School Anthony Asgarally Stefan’s Hope Joshua Cutway Stefan’s Hope Roza Deda Superintendent’s Charlene Dukes Superintendent’s Charles Fromm Superintendent’s Alena Jalics Superintendent’s Danielle Kaschalk Superintendent’s Lyndsey Lavelle Superintendent’s Tyler Newton Steve Messina CTE
Early College of Macomb UCS Graduates
Eisenhower High Gabe Bosco John Buczak Davion Clark Dominic Fornari Jordan Jaklic Brennan Krolczyk Brenda Mansour Jesse O’Rourke EmmaLee Peretto Tayah Polite
Henry Ford II High Kristen Beaupre Aliyah Bradley Kiera Briney Tyler Kasmikha Ava Mankiewicz Matthew Martus Shyane Onciu Daniel Salar Christopher Seman Tanaz Sidhu
Stevenson High Steven Clark-Terlescki Joseph DiFranco Garrett Douglas Austin Garcia Ethan Hahn Allison Petersen Alicia Puentes Atheer Shaya Valerie Villavicencio Amanda Yaxley
Utica High Katie Anderson Isabella Catalano Avy Cordero Colton Gamrat Angelica Harris
Ivan Kesto Cody Mancini Noah Minard Rana Noori Michael Osborn
Left to right: Front row: Roza Deda, Christiana Strong, Sanya Bency, Kaitlin Bedenko, Allyson John, Sydney Labon, Lyndsey Lavelle. Second row: Linda Colton, Sue Chown, Steve Truman, Michele Templeton, Gene Klida, Dr. Christine Johns, Robert VanCamp, Dan Wesner, Bob Wilcox, Lester Gilbert. Third row: Isabel Holtan, Felicia Soder- berg, Anthony Asgarally, Justin Bennie, Alexander Rowe, Gabe Bosco, Antonio Segura. Fourth row: Zachary Pickell, Aaron Ferdinande, Dalton Vargason, Cameron Walker, Joshua Cutway, Charles Fromm, Michael Hromada, Emerson Wigand, Anthony Russo. Fifth row: Ryan Barkley, Elisabeth Pettibone, Nora Micakaj, Jordan Jaklic, Madison Nacker, Deanna Dickow, Charlene Dukes, MaKyla DeRue, Alena Jalics
F CUSfor the community
College Bound, Bound for Success Christine M. Johns, Ed.D.
Optimistic and Inspiring, The Class of 2017 reflects our Confidence in a Bright Future
Just ten short months ago, we welcomed the 2016-2017 school year with a renewed sense of energy, commitment and a dedication to make every day count.
As we close the year, that same optimism and focus remains as we celebrate student success. It was never more evident than when we celebrated the accomplishments of more than 2,250 graduates at UCS graduation ceremonies.
The achievements alone of this graduation class are impressive: nearly $28 million in scholarships to the best colleges and universities in our state and nation.
This newsletter features the accomplishments of 178 valedictorians, 11 salutatorians and students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and community service as recipients of a Superintendent’s Scholarship award, or have excelled in AVID and Early College of Macomb programs.
Beyond these numbers and accomplishments is a greater story. It is a story of tremendous growth and the type of individuals our graduates have become.
UCS graduates are committed to their community. As students, they have dedicated countless volunteer hours to supporting those in need. They think globally, act ethically and care deeply about the future they will soon lead.
This community should have a tremendous amount of pride in our young adults and great confidence that they will be the ones that affect change in the world.
We remain committed to our college culture and focused on increasing the academic rigor for all of our students. The district constantly looks at new ways that we can provide students the skills and experiences that give them a competitive advantage for their post-secondary experiences and professional lives.
The energy and excitement that characterized this entire year will only continue to grow when we begin again on September 5.
Until then, I wish you and your families a relaxing and safe summer.
District recognized for fiscal accountability For the fifth straight year, Utica Community Schools has earned national recognition for its commitment to meet high standards in reporting financial information to its community.
The district has earned a Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for its 2015 - 2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO).
“This recognition reflects the district’s continued commitment to fiscal accountability,” Board Treasurer Dr. Robert Ross said. “We are focused on meeting the highest standards in providing our taxpayers with comprehensive information on classroom investment.”
These Ford Falcon valedictorians and salutatorians from Henry Ford II High School are proudly representing Utica Community Schools Class of 2017 – all 2,250 graduating seniors. Pictured here left to right back row standing: Isabel Holtan, Vivian Nguyen, Elisabeth Pettibone, Morgan Domzal, Shelby Thomas, Vince Nguyen, Daniel Sumindan, Matthew Vedua, John Vulaj, Filip Matovski. Front row kneeling: Teodora Vlad - Cristian, Polina Stoppa, Maria Akery, Nikki Sorgi, Maureen Cronin, Alem Cizmic. Not pictured: Emily Karas and Daniel Salar. See pages 3 and 4 for more about this year’s class.
Sale of vacant building/ land provides UCS with one-time revenue Utica Community Schools has completed the sale of a vacant elementary school in Shelby Township to provide one-time revenue as it addresses ongoing state funding shortfalls.
The sale of Ewell Elementary to St. Mina and Pope Kyrillos VI Coptic Orthodox Church is one of three assets sold by Utica Community Schools over the past three years.
Previously, the district sold two pieces of vacant land in Washington and Shelby townships. The properties are being developed in part with single family homes to support future enrollment.
This school year the district realized $5.5 million in one- time revenue.
The property sales will address revenue shortfalls resulting from state revenue increases well below the rate of inflation over the past ten years, and the redirection of school aid by Michigan lawmakers to community colleges.
Mark Your Calendar First Day of School
Tuesday, September 5
2 FOCUS
Teachers of the Year Honored Three Utica Community Schools educators were honored for driving instruction every day at a special celebration held this spring. For one, that honor was literal, thanks to the generous donation of a leased car from Suburban Ford of Sterling Heights.
“In honoring our teachers of the year, we also honor what they represent in our district - a commitment to excellence that can literally span generations, the caring and dedication that provide a solid foundation for success, and a focus on a high level of student achievement and exemplary schools,” Superintendent Dr. Christine Johns said. The UCS 2017 Teachers of the Year are:
Zita Burton from Havel Elementary Overall Utica Community Schools Teacher of the Year and Elementary Teacher of the Year
Nicole West from Jeannette Junior High School Junior High School Teacher of the Year
Scott Spry from Utica Center for Science and Industry High School Teacher of the Year
Burton, recognized as the overall Teacher of the Year, has taught upper elementary grades at Havel Elementary since 1977. She was recently named the 2016 Elementary Economics Educator of the year by the Michigan Council on Economic Education. In addition to a 40-year teaching career, Burton attended Utica Community Schools as a student, graduating from Stevenson High School.
“Mrs. Burton has literally impacted generations of students through her commitment to excellence, enthusiasm, deep roots in our community, and continued dedication to children and their success,” Dr. Johns said.
She was surprised with a new car lease courtesy of Suburban Ford. “Our program of rewarding outstanding teachers is our way of showing our gratitude to the dedicated individuals who contribute so much to the development of our children,” said David Fischer, Jr., General Manager of The Suburban Collection.
Pictured left to right: Nicole West, Scott Spry, Zita Burton and Dr. Christine Johns
Points of Pride Olympiad teams excel in Science, Social Studies and Math Students took top spots in three recent competitions that require collaboration on a series of academic challenges that test their science, math and social studies skills. During the Macomb Science Olympiad, UCS teams took first and second places at all three levels – elementary, junior high school and high school. Elementary teams earned the top five finishes and eight of the top ten spots with Messmore Elementary coming in first place. UCS secondary teams earned the top two spots at the junior high and high school regional competition in March. Davis Junior High placed first and Heritage Junior High followed in second. Stevenson High finished in first and Eisenhower placed second.
In the statewide Social Studies Olympiad, UCS teams earned 130 top honors: 33 Gold Medals, 41 Silver Medals, 28 Bronze Medals and 28 Honorable Mentions at the May 13 annual competition. Participating teams were from Beacon Tree, Beck, Browning, Burr, Crissman, Ebeling, Graebner, Morgan, Oakbrook, Plumbrook, Schwarzkoff, Switzer and Wiley elementary schools, Davis and Eppler junior high schools and Stevenson High School. Nearly 80 schools from across Michigan participated in the competition.
Fourth through sixth graders gathered May 4 for the annual UCS Math Competition. More than 50 teams took part in three different competitions, including a jeopardy-like tournament that rounded out the night. Shayan Matin, a sixth grader at Schuchard Elementary earned a first place individual event finish. Beck, Messmore and Schuchard elementary teams placed first in the group events.
Teacher honored with Macomb County Make A Difference Award Chelsea Laurencelle, elementary teacher for the Roberts Elementary Autism Spectrum Classroom CORE, has been named a recipient of this year’s Macomb County “Make a Difference” Award from the Macomb County Parent Advisory Committee. She was honored at a special countywide ceremony held May 23. The Macomb County Parent Advisory Committee annually offers parents the oppor- tunity to nominate an educator who has made a significant impact on their child’s school experience. This is the eighth straight year UCS educators have earned this award. Laura and Joe Viviano, parents of a student in Roberts Elementary CORE program, nominated Laurencelle.
Principal Selected as Michigan Interscholastic Press Association’s Administrator of the Year During the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association’s (MIPA) Spring Awards luncheon Thomas Lietz, principal at Utica High School, was honored as its 2017 Administrator of the Year. Lietz was selected based on materials submitted to MIPA by students and staff in Utica High’s journalism program including a letter of recommendation written by senior Ethan Cartwright to the MIPA committee. He accepted the honor along with UHS student journalists and Stacy Smale, UHS yearbook and newspaper adviser, during the awards luncheon in downtown Lansing.
District named Midwest’s only virtual reality Center of Excellence zSpace, Inc., a Silicon Valley education company, has named Utica Community Schools a Center of Excellence for its innovation and leadership in providing students with lifelike learning experiences through the use of augmented reality and virtual reality in classrooms. Crissman, Ebeling, Monfort and Schwarzkoff students, collaborate on activities ranging from exploring the inner workings of the human heart to designing and building circuit boards or examining the physics of the world’s tallest buildings – all in a 3D virtual environment. “We are proud to recognize Utica Community Schools as a visionary member of the zSpace Center of Excellence Program,” said Paul Kellenberger, zSpace CEO. “Education leaders, such as Superintendent Dr. Johns and the district’s principals, teachers and other educators, are embracing the power of today’s powerful technologies to prepare their students for the future.”
The Utica Academy for International Studies (UAIS), Henry Ford II, Eisenhower, Utica and Stevenson high schools have been named among the Most Academically Challenging High Schools by The Washington Post.
“This recognition reflects the district’s focus to increase rigorous opportunities for all students to support their post-secondary success,” Superintendent Dr. Christine Johns said.
For the fifth straight year, UAIS was ranked the state’s most challenging high school. The International Baccalaureate program was also ranked 38th nationally.
All UCS High Schools, UAIS Recognized Among the Nation’s Most Academically Challenging Henry Ford II High School was ranked 28th in Michigan and 1,865 nationally;
Eisenhower High School was ranked 30th in Michigan 2,034 nationally, Utica High School was ranked 32nd in Michigan and 2,077 nationally; and Stevenson High School was ranked 35th in Michigan and 2,355 nationally.
Only 12 percent of the high schools that applied for consideration – or approximately 2,400 schools nationwide – were ranked among the most academically challenging through the Washington Post Challenge Index.
The Washington Post Challenge Index identifies schools based on student participation in rigorous academic programs, such as Advanced Placement programs through the College Board and courses authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization.
Chelsea Laurencelle
FOCUS 3
Eisenhower High School VALEDICTORIANS Abigail Allmacher Nicholas Allston Alexis Angst Hannah Ayar Marisa Balsamo Claire Barnett Pietro Biondo Juliet Cai Liliana Camaj Josephine Cipriano Brooke Coleman Natalie Coltman Bronson Copacia Matthew DeLanoy Madeleine Denton Giuseppe Di Maio Matthew Donahue Daniel Fletemier Maya Gualtieri Ronald Haddad Jordan Jaklic Daniel Jarzyna Selena Kassab Payton Kennelly Kevin Kraydich Grace Kulin Sydney Labon Isabella LiCavoli Kayla Mandziara Bianka Matoski Kayla McKay Jenna Miller Brandon Munn Madison Nacker Angelina Noll John Oben Suzanne Osinski Kenadi Parise Zachary Pickell Morgan Plummer Tayah Polite Lily Quinlan Jenna Rausch Emily Ribbing Natalie Rizza Mackenzie Robb Adam Scott Angela Shehu Julia Siegle Alec Socha Trenton Toyryla
Ethan Tremmel Lindsey Van Heusden Courtney VanOphem Kevin Wright Mali Xiong Madylen Zweng
SALUTATORIAN Antonio Segura
Henry Ford II High School VALEDICTORIANS Maria Akery Alem Cizmic Maureen Cronin Isabel Holtan Emily Karas Filip Matovski Vince Nguyen Vivian Nguyen Elisabeth Pettibone Daniel Salar Nikki Sorgi Daniel Sumindan Shelby Thomas Matthew Vedua John Vulaj
SALUTATORIANS Morgan Domzal Polina Stoppa Teodora Vlad-Cristian
Stevenson High School VALEDICTORIANS Ava Bayagich Julia Beleshi Gabrielle Brakoniecki Nicole Brown Shannon Carr Luke Chrisman Nina Darwich Sarah Dickey Michael Dolan Paul Hampel Jack Imesch Thomas Jacob Jonethan James Andrew Joseph Daniella Keith Robert Leone Sean Lusky Amanda McKeon Michael Micakovic
Umme Mirza Vanessa Najjar Nishy Ninan Nikita Patel Shubh Patel Michael Rakowiecki Atishay Singh Aditya Vageesh Giulio Vario
SALUTATORIANS Rachel Kubiak Manraj Singh
Utica High School VALEDICTORIANS Kaley Brenizer Alexis Burrows Julia Candela Tyler Carrier Isabella Catalano Gurjiwan Chahal Brooke Chmiel Nicholas Day Charlene Dukes Garrett Guglielmetti Taran Heersma Emily Hermann Alena Jalics Melinda Kamil Danielle Kaschalk Alexa Kessen Lyndsey Lavelle Joseph Lico Andreea Micu Madeleine Motloch Tyler Newton Rana Noori Mallory Rusk Hanna Sala Kathryn Seib Vita Simmons Olivia Stefanovich Haley Weber Connor Willcock Tyler Wundrach Dylan Yono
SALUTATORIANS Makenna Galui Sydney Kleiner Cody Mancini Kimberly Slifco
Utica Academy of International Studies VALEDICTORIANS Ashley Beatty Joshua Bentley Carmella Boykin Victoria Branch Mackenzie Connell Jonathan Dang Damaris Derecichei Candy Dialogo Shirley ElFishawy Aber Espinoza Kaelyn Fife Ziyaneh Ghaderpour Taleghani Ina Gjoka Jessica Gougeon Allison Griffiths Bradley Hall Corinne Herrmann Jessica Hone Jeffrey Horbatiuk Benjamin Hume Sahil Jha Kelsie Johnston Nikhita Khosa Katie Kirkum Thea Kirsch-Mangu Katerina Kitsios Megan Kujawa Lisette LeMerise Joana Lepuri Zuzanna Lutrzykowska Julia Malewicz Rithin Manimaleth Anthony Neubacher Hannah Paul Pietro Pellerito Sydney Quagliato Mikayla Rzeppa Patrycja Sobierajska Felicia Soderberg Leah Stampfer Roksolana Sudyk Collin Syler Pragya Thakur Ava Thielman Febin Thomas Heather Wagner Jennifer Yoo
SALUTATORIAN Annette Varga
Stevenson High School Damon Alexander Yousif AlKhreef Hira Ansari Elena Azis Jenica Barger Jacobi Brown Henry Campoverde Crystal Chacko Hassan Chowdhury Abigail Cousineau Doviron Dado Brenden Datema Deanna Dickow Malik Faronbi Julianna George Sabrina Glavan Daren Gross Kristina Habbo Joanne Hakim Flowrita Halaq Sarina Harrison Tyler Hills Migena Hysa Matt Issa Katelyn Jaboro Courtney Jackson Silvia Karana Derius Kelley Jacob Lage Dezmond Lance Mary Mekha Wisam Mikho Nicole Nguyen Michael Northup Ashley Pater Abigail Praet Madison Reyntens Elias Romaya Joseph Ross Luisa Sterbyci Joanne Tamou Taylor Weidner Aaron Williams III Adela Zeka Utica High School Nathan Achatz Colin Baker Roza Deda Steven Djelaj Emily Earls Emily Edwards Carl Elder Andreana Ljucovic Peter Marki Natalie Maroof Santiago Martinez Chase Miller Omaure Miller Cameron Mitchell Dylan Scott Salvador Serrano Stephanie Shaddock Cassandra Zamora Kaylee Zotos
Utica Community Schools Class of 2017 Graduates of the class of 2017 have been outstanding throughout their educational career in Utica Community Schools.
During early June, UCS graduated a total of 2,250 students. This includes 621 from Eisenhower, 610 from Stevenson, 446 students from Henry Ford II, 377 from Utica High, 109 from Adult Education and Utica Alternative Learning Center and 87 students from Utica Academy for International Studies.
The Board of Education recognized 595 of the graduates as UCS Academic Scholars for having maintained a high school career GPA of 3.67 or above while taking part in extracurricular or community service activities.
A Seal of Global Language was awarded to 174 graduates who have a demonstrated level of proficiency in both English Language Arts and a World Language.
For complete profiles on all the graduates listed in this edition, please visit the online version of FOCUS for the Community at UticaK12.org/Newsletter
Also available in the UCS App News Section
AVID Scholars AVID develops the necessary skills for taking rigorous courses, such as AP and Honors, to promote success in college.
(586) 797-1000
BOARD OF EDUCATION Gene L. Klida, President Michele Templeton, Vice President Jennifer L. Prybys, Secretary Robert A. Ross, Ph.D., Treasurer Ken Krolczyk, Trustee Mary K. Thomas, Ph.D.,Trustee Denyeal Nesovski, Trustee
Christine M. Johns, Ed.D. Superintendent
FOCUS for the Community Editors: Tim McAvoy Nancy Kort
www.uticak12.org
Find updates from Utica Community Schools on: In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act and the Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act, it is the policy of Utica Community Schools that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, disability, height, weight, or marital status be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination during any instructional opportunities, programs, services, job placement assistance, employment or in policies governing student conduct and attendance. Any person suspecting a discriminatory practice should contact the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources at Utica Community Schools, 11303 Greendale, Sterling Heights, MI 48312 or call (586) 797-1000.
Notice of Nondiscrimination
4 FOCUS
UCS District Calendar 2017-2018 September 5 First Day of School Elementary Half Day Secondary Full Day
October 12 Parent Conferences Secondary Half Day
October 31 Elementary Half Day Secondary Full Day
November 7 No School
November 27 School Resumes
January 3 School Resumes
January 24 Secondary Exams Elementary Full Day Secondary Half Day
January 25 Secondary Exams All Students Half Day
January 26 Secondary Exams All Students Half Day
February 19 Mid-Winter Break Begins No School
February 26 School Resumes
April 2 Spring Break Begins No School
April 9 School Resumes
May 28 Memorial Day No School
June 13 Secondary Exams Elementary Full Day Secondary Half Day
June 14 Secondary Exams All Students Half Day
June 15 Last Day of School Secondary Exams All Students Half Day
UCS Foundation for Educational Excellence 2017 Superintendent’s Scholarship Recipients
Utica Alternative Learning Center MaKyla DeRue Superintendent’s Dalton Vargason Superintendent’s Mark Zora Superintendent’s Eisenhower High School Gabe Bosco Superintendent’s Jordan Jaklic Superintendent’s Sydney Labon Superintendent’s Madison Nacker Superintendent’s Zachary Pickell Altair STEM Anthony Russo Superintendent’s Antonio Segura Superintendent’s Aleaha Smith Superintendent’s Emerson Wigand Superintendent’s Henry Ford II High School Kerestin Aziz Superintendent’s Ryan Barkley Superintendent’s Kaitlin Bedenko Superintendent’s
Sanya Bency Superintendent’s Justin Bennie Superintendent’s Aaron Ferdinande Superintendent’s Isabel Holtan Superintendent’s Elisabeth Pettibone Altair STEM Alexander Rowe Brett Klenow Polina Stoppa Superintendent’s John Vulaj Superintendent’s Cameron Walker Superintendent’s Stevenson High School Alyssa Baginski Superintendent’s Deanna Dickow Superintendent’s Fatima Elzhenni Superintendent’s Nicholas Holly Superintendent’s Michael Hromada Superintendent’s Nora Micakaj Superintendent’s Christiana Strong Superintendent’s
Thanks to the UCS Foundation for Educational Excellence and other community organizations, the Superintendent’s Scholarship program, now in its 8th year, provided $53,500 in awards to 44 graduates. Since the inception of the scholarship program with the class of 2010, the foundation has provided more than $220,000 in scholarships to UCS graduates.
Utica Academy for International Studies Kaelyn Fife Superintendent’s Allyson John Superintendent’s Joana Lepuri Superintendent’s Felicia Soderberg Superintendent’s Utica High School Anthony Asgarally Stefan’s Hope Joshua Cutway Stefan’s Hope Roza Deda Superintendent’s Charlene Dukes Superintendent’s Charles Fromm Superintendent’s Alena Jalics Superintendent’s Danielle Kaschalk Superintendent’s Lyndsey Lavelle Superintendent’s Tyler Newton Steve Messina CTE
Early College of Macomb UCS Graduates
Eisenhower High Gabe Bosco John Buczak Davion Clark Dominic Fornari Jordan Jaklic Brennan Krolczyk Brenda Mansour Jesse O’Rourke EmmaLee Peretto Tayah Polite
Henry Ford II High Kristen Beaupre Aliyah Bradley Kiera Briney Tyler Kasmikha Ava Mankiewicz Matthew Martus Shyane Onciu Daniel Salar Christopher Seman Tanaz Sidhu
Stevenson High Steven Clark-Terlescki Joseph DiFranco Garrett Douglas Austin Garcia Ethan Hahn Allison Petersen Alicia Puentes Atheer Shaya Valerie Villavicencio Amanda Yaxley
Utica High Katie Anderson Isabella Catalano Avy Cordero Colton Gamrat Angelica Harris
Ivan Kesto Cody Mancini Noah Minard Rana Noori Michael Osborn
Left to right: Front row: Roza Deda, Christiana Strong, Sanya Bency, Kaitlin Bedenko, Allyson John, Sydney Labon, Lyndsey Lavelle. Second row: Linda Colton, Sue Chown, Steve Truman, Michele Templeton, Gene Klida, Dr. Christine Johns, Robert VanCamp, Dan Wesner, Bob Wilcox, Lester Gilbert. Third row: Isabel Holtan, Felicia Soder- berg, Anthony Asgarally, Justin Bennie, Alexander Rowe, Gabe Bosco, Antonio Segura. Fourth row: Zachary Pickell, Aaron Ferdinande, Dalton Vargason, Cameron Walker, Joshua Cutway, Charles Fromm, Michael Hromada, Emerson Wigand, Anthony Russo. Fifth row: Ryan Barkley, Elisabeth Pettibone, Nora Micakaj, Jordan Jaklic, Madison Nacker, Deanna Dickow, Charlene Dukes, MaKyla DeRue, Alena Jalics