Stay Safe This Summer: Water Safety Information

With summer weather upon us, we know many of our students will be spending time near the water. Your child's safety is our top priority, even outside of the classroom. We have attached an informational flyer with key water safety guidelines to help your family enjoy a fun and safe summer. Please click here to view the flyer

Friday, Jun 26 2026

Celebrate the Class of 2026! Watch the Proctor Gradu...

Dear Families, The Thomas R. Proctor Class of 2026 graduation ceremony begins tomorrow at 4:00 PM at the Adirondack Bank Center. You can watch the event live using this link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfBmY6U7eJ0 Congratulations to all of our graduates! We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you!

Thursday, Jun 25 2026

End of Year Message from Dr. Davis

June 18, 2026 Dear UCSD Staff and Parents, As we head into the long weekend, I wanted to share a quick note with all of you. As a reminder, tomorrow, our schools and offices will be closed in observance of Juneteenth. This important day gives us an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s history and the ongoing pursuit of freedom, equality, and opportunity for all. As we prepare to enter the final week of the school year, I want to thank you for everything you have done for our students this year. Over the past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to spend time in our schools, attend student events, and reconnect with many of the people who help make this district run each day. I appreciate everything you do to help our students succeed. Next week will be filled with important celebrations and milestones across our district as we recognize our students’ accomplishments and prepare for the final day of school on June 26.  We also look forward to celebrating the Proctor High School Class of 2026 at graduation on June 26, a proud moment for our students, families, and the many staff members who have supported them throughout their educational journey. While the school year is coming to a close, our district's work continues. Summer programs, preparations for September, and planning for the 2026-27 school year are already underway. The work taking place over the coming months will help ensure a strong start for our students and staff in the fall. I hope you enjoy a restful Juneteenth holiday on the 19th, The last day of school is Friday, June 26th. The middle schools and elementary schools will be on a half day schedule.  Students will be fed lunch prior to leaving. Thank you again for everything you do for the Utica City School District. I wish you all a wonderful final week of school. Sincerely, Dr. Kathleen Davis Acting Superintendent Utica City School District

Thursday, Jun 18 2026

RAIDERS NATION June 12, 2026

Raiders Nation Sports Utica City School District June 12, 2026 Message From Richard Ambruso, Interim Athletic Director Dear Coaches, Parents and Guardians, The future looks bright for Utica City School District athletics! As we close out a successful 2025-26 campaign, we’ve made many strides toward broadening student awareness of the sports offered and increasing preparedness to participate in our variety of athletic programs. I personally enjoyed visiting physical education programs from the elementary to high school levels. It was encouraging to see the energy of younger students participating in activities designed to support the development of hand-eye coordination, locomotor skills and the importance of following instructions and being part of a team. You may ask: What are locomotor skills? They are the physical actions that allow individuals to move their bodies from one place to another. These fundamental movements such as walking, running, jumping, skipping, galloping and sliding are essential gross motor skills that build coordination, balance and the foundation for lifelong physical activity and sports. Elementary programs lay the foundation for students to learn and develop these fundamentals, which transfer to sport-specific skill sets. Moving forward, we are looking at ways to maintain this energy and enthusiasm for physical education through high school graduation. The end goal is to introduce and emphasize the importance of healthy living habits and being active for life. Some students tend to be apprehensive about trying a new sport or extracurricular club. For this reason, we will again offer summer sports camps and clinics beginning July 6 and running through the first week of August. FamilyID, ParentSquare and the UCSD athletics webpage will share information about the camps offered, along with the scheduled days and times. In this environment, the beginner will be introduced to the basics of the sport while the expertise of our instructors can guide the more experienced athlete with drills to further hone their skills. On the horizon for next year is the implementation of an intramural program at each elementary school. This initiative is supported through the Wadas Grant. This offering is designed to keep the momentum from the summer program to the continuation of building each student’s sport related understanding and skills. In the process, we look to inspire students to find their passion and develop into one of our future successful teams and local all-stars. Why is it important to get students involved in sports? An easy answer is that it helps them to learn responsibility, organization and the importance of “doing their best to be their best!” There are high standards that any student that is on a sports team or member of an extracurricular school club, must consistently be in good standing with. When a student represents one of our schools or clubs, the focus is on their being a “student” first. It is an honor and privilege to represent your school and it is understood that these students are provided the support to maintain positive attendance, academics and compliance with the Code of Conduct. Many Proctor alumni will tell you that they learned as much on how to be successful in life, not only in the classroom but also from their coaches and teacher advisors. Having said that, the school is only one dimension of a student’s life. To nurture success, let’s continue to build a strong partnership with parents and guardians to assure student’s stay on the right path to do what it takes to build their bright future one day at a time! As the school year comes to a close we are saying good bye to one of our own in the Athletic Department, Dave Minicozzi’s retirement marks the conclusion of an incredible 35-year era providing instructional leadership, mentoring and behind-the-scenes dedication to the Utica City School District. It takes an extraordinary amount of energy and care to manage the logistics, coaching duties, and physical education needs across both Donovan and JFK Middle Schools, and his impact on generations of students and families is immeasurable. It’s been our pleasure to work with you! Wishing you a long, healthy and fulfilling retirement! I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the teachers, coaches, ancillary staff, administration, Board of Education and the families for another productive year. We know there is always room for improvement, but our best chances for success is working united. Utica United! A big thank you to our OHM BOCES School Communication department. Their excellent coverage of our school events provides the professional grade pictures and highlights that we celebrate through the Raider Nation Newsletter. Enjoy viewing and for those not pictured in this edition, hopefully you will be inspired to sign up and participate next year. Yours in Education, Richard Ambruso, Proctor Class of 1974 Celebrating the Career of Dave Minicozzi After 35 years of dedicated service, we are bidding a bittersweet farewell to a true cornerstone of the U.C.S.D. Dave Minicozzi As the Athletic Manager for both JFK Middle School and Donovan Middle School, Dave has been instrumental in shaping the athletic programs that our students rely on. Managing the sports schedules, logistics, and student-athletes across two busy middle schools is no small feat, but Dave handled it with unmatched organization, professionalism and a deep commitment to our students. Beyond his vital role as Athletic Manager, Dave’s impact was felt directly on the field as a boys' baseball coach. He didn't just teach the game; he mentored young athletes, instilling values of teamwork and sportsmanship that his players will carry with them for life. Dave, your leadership, hard work, and passion for Utica athletics have left a lasting legacy. Thank you for being such a valuable asset to our district. We wish you nothing but the best as you step off the field and into a well-deserved retirement! Visit UCSD Athletics   Boys Baseball Varsity Team Take me out to the ball game! What a night at Murnane Field for the Proctor varsity baseball team! The Raiders rolled to a 9-0 win over Holland Patent on Thursday, May 14, with senior Joshua Martinez putting together another unforgettable performance. As Martinez prepares to continue his baseball career next year at Stetson University, he is striving to make the most of his final season at Proctor. He kept Holland Patent from recording a hit all game long while finishing with an impressive 15 strikeouts, just one away from his personal best. The Raiders came out focused from the start and never let up, combining strong offense with a lights-out performance from Martinez to secure another big league victory. Proctor continues to build confidence and momentum in boys baseball and we are proud of each and every player this season.   Junior Varisity Baseball Swinging for the Fences The JV baseball team wrapped up its regular season on Wednesday, May 20, closing out a spring filled with growth, grind and team dedication. Throughout the season, the young Raiders continued to develop their skills and represent Proctor with pride on and off the field. From early practices to the final game of the season, the team showed dedication and determination every step of the way. Congratulations to the players and coaches on a great season and all the progress made this year!   Donovan Modified Baseball Learning on the Line and Gaining Experience The Donovan modified baseball team spent the season grinding through a valuable learning experience, showing flashes of improvement after every game. These young athletes have been picking up skills like field awareness, timing and situational play as they go. With every pitch and at-bat, the group is gaining experience and starting to understand what it means to grow within the game of baseball. We can't wait to watch some of these players move up to the junior varsity level next year.   JFK Modified Baseball Building the Basics and Showing Steady Growth The JFK modified baseball team continued to show steady growth this season, focusing on learning the fundamentals and building confidence one inning at a time. Each game has been an opportunity for these young players to take what they’ve practiced and apply it on the field in real situations. The team is developing a strong foundation as they learn how to compete, communicate and support one another through every play. Girls Softball Varsity Team Varsity Softball Finds Joy in Growth The varsity softball team battled through a challenging season, facing tough opponents and plenty of growing pains along the way. Even when the scoreboard didn’t go their way, the girls continued to show up and compete on every pitch. The team also took time to celebrate their seniors during Senior Recognition Day on Friday, May 8, honoring the leadership and dedication they brought to the program. They will be deeply missed next season, as they were great role models and set a strong example for younger players to follow. From working through pitching matchups to grinding out at-bats and turning the occasional sharp defensive play, the team found moments to build on throughout the year. More than anything, they stayed together in the dugout and kept things light, finding ways to enjoy the game even during a tough stretch of innings.   Junior Varsity Softball Rising Raiders: JV Softball The JV softball team spent the season turning every game into a learning experience... and honestly, having a pretty good time doing it! Whether it was figuring out timing at the plate or just learning the rhythm of the game, the girls kept improving while keeping things upbeat. There were plenty of “firsts” and a lot of moments where things finally started to click. Through it all, the dugout stayed loud, supportive and full of energy, making sure every inning felt like a team effort no matter the score.   Donovan Modified Softball Play ball Donovan’s modified softball team is showing a lot of hustle and heart in their most recent games, staying engaged and competitive from start to finish. The girls keep putting the ball in play and working together on defense. It’s been great to see their effort and energy each time they step on the field, and they continue to make progress as a team. At the modified level the goals are about development, teamwork and the love of the game. Every smile on the players faces at Donovan tell us that no matter if the scoreboard says win or lose, they are having fun out on the field making life long memories as the team spirit grows stronger with every inning out on the diamond. JFK Modified Softball Gloves, Grit and Great Energy on the Diamond! JFK's modified softball team brought the energy against Camden on May 8 with big swings at the plate and solid glove work in the field. Between sharp line drives to clutch plays, the girls kept the game competitive from the first pitch to the final out. Great effort all around by our Raiders as they continue to grow and battle every inning! Boys Lacrosse Varsity Team Raiders Push Through Challenging Season Despite facing a challenging season, the Proctor varsity boys lacrosse team continued to compete with heart and resilience from the opening faceoff to the final whistle. Throughout the year, the Raiders showed steady growth with improved ball movement, stronger communication and moments where the team truly found its rhythm on the field. The season also brought well-earned individual recognition, as midfielder Vitaly Savich earned All-TVL Second Team honors while defender Freddie Avilies-Padilla received honorable mention recognition. Congratulations to these athletes and the entire lacrosse team for their perseverance and hard work throughout the season!   Donovan and JFK Modified Lacrosse Groundballs Win Games The combined JFK and Donovan modified lacrosse team showed steady growth this season and continued to improve each time they stepped on the field. Not only did they always play with energy, but they supported each other and kept working through every matchup and practice. It’s been great seeing their effort and teamwork develop, and we’re proud of the way they represented both schools this season. Their games continue through June and we can't wait to continue to cheer them on through the last month of the school year. Boys Tennis Varsity Team Ending the Season on a High Note The boys varsity tennis team ended their season on a high note in a big win against New Hartford. They also celebrated their seniors during a special Senior Recognition ceremony on May 8. Congratulations on your outstanding matches and effort this season! Boys Track Varsity Team Invitational Excellence The Boys Track & Field team turned in a strong showing at the Oneida Invitational on Friday, May 8, stacking up standout performances, personal bests and multiple top-three finishes across the board. Senior Sawyer Sweet led the way with a huge run in the 3000m steeplechase, placing third in 10:11.59. This is good for a mark ranked in the TOP 50 among high school steeplechase athletes in the nation. Sweet also ran as part of the 4x800m relay squad, helping the team to a 3rd-place finish in 9:07.87 alongside Ian Grove, Dante Calabrese and Maddox Jasper. Micah Jasper had a big day of his own, finishing third in the 800m with a personal best of 2:03.59 and later anchoring the 4x400m relay team that placed third in 3:41.98. That relay group also featured Ervin Race, AJ Whiteley and Keygan Newman, with Jasper turning in a team-leading 52.1 split. In the sprints, Dariel DeLaRosa was all over the leaderboard, taking fourth place in the 200m (23.88) and seventh in the 100m with a personal best of 11.65. He also joined Wunna Tun, Denis Berrata and Derrick Walton on the 4x100m relay team that finished 4th in 45.38. In the jumps, Jason Tran had a strong outing with a personal best of 18’4” in the long jump to place third, and added a fifth-place finish in the triple jump (38’7”). Derrick Walton also hit a personal best in the triple jump, taking fourth with a mark of 39’5”. The team took time on Wednesday, May 13, to honor its seniors during Senior Night, recognizing their leadership, dedication, and impact on the program. The Raiders successfully wrapped up their dual meet action at home against Whitesboro in the final meet of the season. Section III Class A Track and Field Championships The boys track and field team delivered a strong performance at the Section III Class A Track and Field Championships at CNS High School. Leading the way for the seventh-place Raiders were two sectional championship crowns. Sawyer Sweet captured a sectional title in the 3000m steeplechase, crossing the finish line with a personal-best time of 10:03.30. Joining him at the top of the podium was the boys 4x400m relay team of Ervin Racic, Dariel DeLaRosa, Keygan Newman and Micah Jasper, who secured first place with a time of 3:31.97. Micah anchored the relay with a team-leading split of 50.7 seconds, while Keygan contributed a swift leg of 51.5 seconds. Several other Raiders put up great fights to score crucial team points at the meet. Denis Berrata sprinted to fifth place in the 100m dash, clocking both a season and personal best of 11.37 seconds. Keygan Newman followed up his relay success with a fourth-place finish in the 400m dash, hitting a season-best time of 52.85 seconds, while Micah Jasper took third place in the 800m run with a time of 2:05.70. On the field, Jason Tran earned sixth place in the triple jump with a lifetime-best leap of 41' 5.75", a mark that successfully punched his ticket to next week's state qualifier. Frankie Drayton also scored for the team, locking down sixth place in the grueling pentathlon. The relay squads rounded out the scoring in historic fashion, marking the first time in many years that all three relay teams placed at the sectional championships. The 4x100m relay team comprising Derrick Walton, Wunna Tun, Dariel DeLaRosa and Denis Berrata speeded to a 4th-place finish in 44.50 seconds. Meanwhile, the 4x800m relay team of Maddox Jasper, Dante Calabrese, Ian Grove and Sawyer Sweet secured sixth place with a time of 9:30.52. The championship atmosphere brought out other outstanding personal records as well; Derrick Walton shattered his previous marks by hitting a personal best in the long jump by 9 inches (20' 2.25") and in the triple jump by 7 inches (40' 1"), while Maddox Jasper added his own personal best in the 3000m steeplechase with a time of 11:59.51. Looking ahead, a strong contingent of Raiders will return to CNS High School next Wednesday, June 3, to compete for a chance to qualify for the NYSPHSAA Track and Field Championships. Representing the team at the state qualifier will be the 4x400m and 4x100m relay teams, Sawyer Sweet in the steeplechase and Jason Tran in the triple jump.   Donovan Boys Modified Track Sprinting to the End A huge shoutout to the Donovan boys track and field team for an awesome season! Our student-athletes showed incredible dedication and sportsmanship every time they stepped onto the track and into the field events. We are so proud of the effort and growth this team showed all season long!   JFK Boys Modified Track No Hurdle too High What an incredible run for our JFK boys track team this season! The Raiders absolutely dominated the track and field, finishing the regular season with a stellar 8-1 record, with their only loss coming down to a razor-thin 6-point margin. They carried that momentum straight into the league meet, capturing an impressive 2nd place finish out of 10 teams. Standout athletes Quamere Carr, Lorenzo Jackson, Taj Smith, Terrick Spratt, Christopher Stanford and Monquest Stokely delivered massive performances all year long to help spearhead the team's success. Coach Daniel Clark shared how incredibly proud he is of the entire roster, noting how inspiring it was to watch everyone consistently smash their personal best times, throws and jumps as the season progressed. We couldn't agree more, congratulations to all of our athletes on a phenomenal season.   Girls Track Varsity Team First Place Team Finish The Proctor Lady Raiders capped off an incredible dual meet season with a commanding 81-66 victory over Whitesboro, officially finishing undefeated in Colonial Division competition! Fueled by determination, teamwork and standout performances across the board, the Raiders continue to raise the standard for excellence. Leading the way was Kamari Davis, who earned four first-place finishes in the 400m hurdles, 100m hurdles, long jump and triple jump. Keelyn Simpson anchored the winning 4x800 relay team while also placing second in the 800m and third in the 1500m. Ny’Ashia Linen delivered an impressive performance with victories in the wheelchair 100m, shot put and discus, while Gabrielle Vanduren and Arianna Nash dominated the throwing events with multiple top finishes. The Raiders also saw strong performances from Bella Vines, Madyson Dunkentell, Leilani Thomas, Aisling Warren, Juliet Calabrese, Adrienne Butler, Nikyjsia Malagese, Giyonna Lacy and Omarianna Thompson, showcasing the depth and talent of this outstanding team. The Raiders also held a special ceremony before their meet on Wednesday, May 13 to recognize the seniors on the team. Congratulations to the Raiders on an unforgettable regular season and an undefeated Colonial Division title! 4th-place finish at the Class A Section III Track Championships Huge congratulations to the Proctor Girls Track team on an outstanding 4th-place finish at the Class A Section III Track Championships held yesterday at CNS High School! The Raiders were led by a spectacular, three-event championship performance from Ny'Ashia Linen, who captured 1st place in the 100m, shot put, and discus. Amie Valentine also had a dominant day on the track, claiming a sectional title with a 1st-place finish in the 400m, taking 3rd place in the 200m, and anchoring the 4x400m relay team to a 2nd-place finish alongside teammates Kamari Davis, Aisling Warren, and Adrienne Butler. Davis added to the team's high-flying success by securing 2nd place in the high jump with a new personal record (PR), while also placing 5th in the 100m hurdles. Later in the field events, Warren and Butler leaped to 8th and 10th place finishes, respectively, in the high jump. The Raiders showed incredible depth across the board, racking up crucial points in both individual events and relays. In the distance events, Keelyn Simpson secured 4th place in the 1500m and teamed up with Anishia Aponte, Juliet Calagese, and Vivianna McCurdy for a 4th-place finish in the 4x800m relay. McCurdy also locked down 6th place in the grueling 3000m, while Calagese sped to a 5th-place finish and a new PR in the 800m. In the sprints and hurdles, Lydianna Rodriguez earned 7th place in the 400m hurdles, and Ava Luton dashed to 10th place in the 100m with a brand new PR. Luton then joined forces with Madyson Dunkentell, Sophia Brown, and Giyonna Lacy to secure 4th place in the 4x100m relay, with Dunkentell doubling back to take 8th place in the long jump with a personal-best mark. Proctor's throwers and jumpers kept the momentum going strong to round out the team's historic day. In the throws, Gabrielle Vandusen delivered a powerful performance to place 3rd in the discus and 4th in the shot put, while teammate Arianna Nash pushed through for a strong 7th-place finish in the shot put. Up in the air, Ku Htee cleared the bar for a fantastic 4th-place finish in the pole vault. It was a thrilling, well-rounded team effort that proved these athletes belong right at the top of Section III!   Donovan Modified Girls Track Defined by Determination The Donovan Modified girls track team wrapped up an outstanding season defined by hard work and a relentless pursuit of personal records. The school district is incredibly proud of all that these athletes have accomplished, having witnessed tremendous improvement across every single discipline, including throws, hurdles, sprints, distance and jumps. The team's collective dedication was highlighted by several standout individual performances that went well beyond the typical modified level. In just the seventh grade, Avery'ana Chrystie proved to be a rising star by sprinting the 100m in a blazing 13.8 seconds. Yasmine Muya put together a nearly flawless season in both the 55m and 200m hurdles losing only two races all year between the two events, while boasting an amazing time of 10.2 seconds and capturing a victory in the 55m hurdles at the TVL meet. Additionally, Sanaa Garcia was a dominant force in the 400m run, consistently delivering exciting, commanding performances from start to finish and clocking a fantastic time of 71.6 seconds. All in all, it was a phenomenal season of serious athletic progress! JFK Modified Girls Track JFK Joy on the Track The JFK modified girls track team closed out the season with strong effort and steady improvement across the board. Week after week, the Raiders showed real growth in every event group, from sprints and distance races to field events, with athletes stepping up and finding new personal bests along the way. It was a season built on consistency and Raider pride. The progress they made from start to finish was clear every time they showed up to an event. Boys Golf Varsity Team Wrapping Up the Regular Season on a High Note The boys varsity golf team wrapped up their regular season on Thursday, May 14, closing out a spring full of steady swings and great memories on the course. Whether they were sticking approach shots on the green or battling through tough lies in the rough, this group continued to show growth and sportsmanship all season long. The team definitely had plenty of fun teeing it up together. From the first drive to the final hole, this squad brought positive energy and a love for the game every step of the way. Girls Golf Varsity and JV Team Teeing Up While the final record might not show a winning season on paper, the girls varsity golf team proved that success is measured by much more than just the scoreboard. Golf is a notoriously unforgiving game, yet these athletes faced every tough course, bad bounce and frustrating hole with incredible resilience and unwavering sportsmanship. Instead of letting a difficult season get them down, they used every match as an opportunity to sharpen their skills, support one another and build a foundation for the future.  "Every girl lowered their score by a minimum of five strokes from early April. Marian Htoo earned an honorable mention TVL All Star award and improved her score by 12 strokes from last season," shared Coach Joe Guidera. The grit they developed on the fairways this year is a true win, and their commitment to the sport and to each other is something to be incredibly proud of.   Code of Conduct for Spectators STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY SPECTATOR REGULATIONS ❖ Spectators are an important part of the game and shall at all times conform to accepted standard of good sportsmanship and behavior. ❖ Spectators shall at all times respect officials, coaches and players and extend all courtesies to them. ❖ Wholesome and positive cheering is encouraged. (De-fense!/ Let’s Go Team!) ❖ Taunting, foul and abusive language, noisemakers, inflammatory remarks, and disrespectful signs and behavior are not acceptable. ❖ Faculty supervised pep bans are permitted during dead ball time. However, spectator noise makers or sound devices are prohibited. ❖ Spectators shall observe and obey the rules and regulations of the school concerning smoking, food and soft drink consumption, and use of lavatory facilities and parking cars. ❖ New York State law prohibits smoking, alcoholic beverages of any kind on school property; the law further prohibits any person under the influence of alcohol or drugs to be on school property. ❖ Spectators shall respect and obey all school officials, supervisors, and police at all athletic contests. ❖ Respect the playing of the game and appreciate and enjoy the efforts of the participants. ❖ Recognize the officials as persons of integrity and qualification, and respect their decisions accordingly. ❖ Refrain from creating disturbances that would be detrimental to the flow of the game and/or the safety of the participants involved. ❖ Respect for all players, coaches and officials, regardless of team loyalty, is essential for raising the standards of good sportsmanship. ❖ Be a positive supporter and model by encouraging the positive aspects of play. Refrain from sideline coaching. ❖ Maintain a distance from players and coaches during games and contests. (Team benches are for use of team members only.) ❖ The use of name calling, sexual harassment or badgering is prohibited. ❖ Any concern resulting from the participation of the players, coaches or officials should be addressed at a time other than immediately at the conclusion of the game or event. The athletic department administrators and your child’s coach will always try to be receptive to your input. Tri-Valley League Code of Conduct for Parents, Spectators & Fans I Will Always.. Respect the decision of the officials I Will Be Supportive and keep my comments positive and be Loud & Proud I Am A FAN, not a fanatic I Will Never Do anything to deter the players’ love of the game I Will Refrain From entering the field of play during or immediately after the contest for safety reasons I Will Never Use profanity or physically attack a person, player, coach or official I Will Do Everything in my power to negate trash talking! It’s NOT a healthy part of interscholastic athletics I Recognize The emotional and physical well-being of the players is first, before my desire to win I Will Encourage A safe and healthy environment for both teams I Will Remind Myself That the game is for the kids and not the adults We, The Student-Athletes of the Tri Valley League, Sincerely hope that if all the parents, spectators, and fans can follow and abide by these rules, the GAME will be much more enjoyable for all! Cheers and Chants ACCEPTABLE De-Fense! Let’s Go Team Fight Tigers Fight C’mon Bears you can do it Get moving Cat’s, you can’t be beat! UNACCEPTABLE Warm Up the bus! You-can’t-do-that! Check-the-score-board! We-can’t-hear-you! Na, Na, Na, Hey Hey Hey…Goodbye!   Please continue to check ParentSquare, our website and social media for important updates. As always, please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. www.uticaschools.org

Friday, Jun 12 2026

Free Scholastic Summer Reading Backpacks for Grades K–6

Dear Families, We are excited to share that on  Friday, June 12 , all students in grades K–6 will be bringing home a  free Scholastic backpack filled with grade-level books to support summer reading and literacy. This special gift is being provided to help encourage a love of reading and ensure students have access to engaging books throughout the summer months. We hope these materials inspire your child to read, explore, and continue learning all summer long!

Thursday, Jun 11 2026

UCSD District Leadership Update

Dear Utica City School District Families,  I am writing to share that the Board of Education has appointed Dr. Kathleen Davis to serve as Acting Superintendent of Schools effective June 3, 2026, while Dr. Christopher Spence is on leave.  Dr. Davis is a familiar presence across the Utica City School District, having previously served in this capacity and worked closely with our staff, students, and families. She brings decades of educational leadership experience and a strong understanding of the Utica community.  She will work alongside our District leadership and School Administrators as we close out the school year and prepare for summer programs and the upcoming 2026-27 school year.  In June, our buildings are filled with important student activities, celebrations, performances, ceremonies, and preparations for graduation. Those events, along with the daily work happening in classrooms across the District, will continue as planned.  Thank you for your continued support of the Utica City School District, our staff, and our students. Sincerely, Joseph Hobika President Utica City School District Board of Education

Wednesday, Jun 03 2026

Reminder: Cornhill Spring Fest - Saturday, May 30th!

We are so excited to welcome Watson Williams and MLK students and families to the Cornhill Spring Fest. This free, all-ages event is a wonderful opportunity for neighbors to come together and enjoy music, mural painting, food, games, and an old school block party! Event Details: When: Saturday, May 30th | 11AM – 2PM Where: Cornhill Empowerment Center, 230 James Street, Utica What: Music [Live DJ], Community Mural Painting, Food & Games Who: Open to ALL ages — bring the whole family!

Wednesday, May 27 2026

Message from Dr. Spence Regarding Eid al-Adha

May 19, 2026  To Our Utica City School District Community,  As Eid al-Adha approaches on Wednesday, May 27, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the importance of this holiday for many members of our school community. We recognize that Utica is home to a large and vibrant Muslim community, and we understand that this is an important religious observance for many of our students, families, and staff members. While the 2025-26 school calendar has already been approved, and school will remain in session in person on May 27, families should know that absences related to religious observance may be excused. Parents and guardians may indicate in the note submitted to the school that the student's absence was for a religious reason, and the absence will be coded accordingly in our student management system. We also understand that this conversation is important to many families and community members, and we appreciate the continued partnership and communication as we work to support students from all backgrounds and faith traditions. To all those observing Eid al-Adha, we extend our warm wishes for a meaningful celebration.  Sincerely, Dr. Christopher Spence Superintendent of Schools

Wednesday, May 20 2026

RED Program Canceled Thursday, May 21

To all Utica City School District parents and staff:   Please be advised that the RED Program is canceled Thursday, May 21.

Wednesday, May 20 2026