Episodes

  • Remodeling DeKeyser Elementary with IDS

    Remodeling DeKeyser Elementary with IDS
    Sep 10 2026
    Utica Community Schools leaders and representatives from Integrated Design Solutions take an inside look at the transformation of DeKeyser Elementary School and what it represents for the future of learning across the district. As the first major school reconstruction connected to the 2023 bond issue, DeKeyser provided an opportunity to reimagine an existing elementary school around the needs of today’s students. The conversation explores how thoughtful design has brought together safety and security, flexible learning environments, natural light, technology, and spaces that encourage collaboration, creativity and student engagement. Superintendent Robert Monroe, DeKeyser Elementary Principal Shannon Hathcock, and members of the Integrated Design Solutions team also discuss the partnership and planning behind the project, responsible stewardship of community resources, and how lessons learned at DeKeyser are helping inform the district’s long-range approach to its facilities. Most importantly, hear how the newly transformed school is already changing the everyday experience of students and staff—and how flexible, adaptable learning environments can help prepare UCS students for the future.
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    28 mins
  • Seal of Global Language

    Seal of Global Language
    Feb 25 2025

    For more information on the UCS Seal of Global Language, visit www.uticak12.org/sealofgloballanguage or contact Monica Klesko directly via email: Monica.Klesko@uticak12.org.

    Watch the video version of this episode on the UCS YouTube page.
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    16 mins
  • Career and Technical Education

    Career and Technical Education
    Nov 9 2023

    To learn more about CTE, visit uticak12.org/CTE.

    Watch the video version of this episode on the UCS YouTube page.
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    12 mins
  • UCS Foundation for Educational Excellence

    UCS Foundation for Educational Excellence
    Sep 20 2023

    The UCS Foundation for Educational Excellence partners with Utica Community Schools to provide unique opportunities for students and staff to benefit from. Pillars to the Foundation and its contributions to UCS are teacher grants, student scholarships and the annual 6th grade career luncheon. To share more about the Foundation, Stevenson High School senior Serena Dabish speaks with UCS Foundation President, Sherman Abdo.

    To learn more about the UCS Foundation for Educational Excellence, visit ucsfoundation.org.

    Watch the video version of this episode on the UCS YouTube page.
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    11 mins
  • Utica High School Academy for Health and Human Services

    Utica High School Academy for Health and Human Services
    Jan 12 2023

    Get a preview of Utica Community Schools newest specialty program, the Utica High School Academy for Health and Human Services. Becoming available to 9th grade students in the 2023-2024 school year, Utica High School principal, Tim Youngblood, and associate principal, Jeremy Kranzo, speak with Eisenhower High School junior, Mekhi Kattula, on this exciting new opportunity for UCS students.

    For more information on the Utica High School Academy for Health and Human Services, click here.

    Watch the video version of this episode on the UCS YouTube page.

    Direct link to this episode: https://youtu.be/Hfnp5hP-wKY
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    18 mins
  • Athletics Across the District

    Athletics Across the District
    Nov 22 2022

    On this episode of UCS Podcademy we focus on athletics across Michigan’s second largest school district and what goes into running the athletics department at both the school and district level. To learn more on this topic, Stevenson Manufacturing, Automation and Design Engineering (MADE) sophomore, Allie Szalkiewicz, sits down with District Director of Athletics, Robin Dilday. 

    Watch the video version of this episode through our UCS YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/UticaSchools 

    Direct Episode Link: https://youtu.be/74Ux3SPGFDs
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    16 mins
  • Celebrate Hope

    Celebrate Hope
    Oct 14 2022

    For more info on the upcoming event and to register, visit: https://uticaoctoberparent.eventzilla.net/web/event?eventid=2138576613 

    For more links and information visit: https://uticak12.org/podcademy
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    18 mins
  • Get To Know Superintendent Robert Monroe

    Get To Know Superintendent Robert Monroe
    Sep 22 2022

    Superintendent Robert Monroe joins UCS Class of 2022 graduate, Sophia Meguid, to share about his journey to becoming Superintendent of Utica Community Schools. In this episode, Mr. Monroe also answers the question on all our minds - 'what goes into calling a snow day?'

    Watch the video version of this podcast at: https://youtu.be/osnOqCtVKVQ

    For more links and information visit: https://uticak12.org/podcademy
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    19 mins