Parentsquare Logo

  • Honoring Veterans Day

    Dear UCSD Families, As we observe Veterans Day, I want to take a moment to thank the men and women who have served our country with courage, dedication, and selflessness. Their sacrifices protect the freedoms we cherish and the values we work to teach our students every day, including respect, responsibility, and service to others. Across UCSD, students are learning what it means to honor and remember those who have worn the uniform. Through classroom discussions, assemblies, and shared reflection, they are seeing that gratitude is not only spoken but shown through actions and care for others. To all veterans in our community and across the nation, thank you for your service and commitment. We are proud to honor you today and always. #UticaUnited With appreciation, Dr. Christopher Spence Superintendent of Schools

    Tuesday, Nov 11 2025

  • Reminder: Proctor Baseball Booster Club Presents: Du...

    Today marks the last opportunity to buy tickets! Step up to the plate for a night full of sparkle! The Proctor Baseball Booster Club and Varsity players invite you to the Dugouts & Diamonds Father-Daughter Gala on Saturday, November 15th . All proceeds support Proctor Baseball and our amazing student-athletes!

    Monday, Nov 10 2025

  • Reminder: Proctor Baseball Booster Club Presents: Du...

    Step up to the plate for a night full of sparkle! The Proctor Baseball Booster Club and Varsity players invite you to the Dugouts & Diamonds Father-Daughter Gala on Saturday, November 15th . All proceeds support Proctor Baseball and our amazing student-athletes!

    Wednesday, Nov 05 2025

  • 2025-2026 Digital Equity Survey

    Collecting accurate data regarding digital resource access for our New York students will greatly help educators to better serve their students and families.  In order to accomplish this, the New York State Education Department is asking parents or guardians to complete a Digital Equity survey (for each student in the family) in grades Kindergarten – Grade 12. This survey will provide information on student access to devices and internet access in their places of residence. Please click here to complete the Digital Equity Survey Please click here for Digital Equity Survey Question Guidance This document may be used to assist parents with responses.

    Monday, Nov 03 2025

  • Reminder: UCSD Raiders' Extended Day (RED) Program E...

    The Utica City School District is thrilled to announce the launch of Year 2 of the Raider’s Extended Day (RED) Program, starting on November 10, 2025. The RED Program aims to provide equitable access to high-quality academic support, enrichment activities, and skill-building opportunities for students across the ten elementary schools. This initiative is designed to foster academic growth, promote social-emotional development, and enhance engagement, while also addressing individual student needs and reducing learning gaps.   RED Program Logistics: Start Date: November 10, 2025 Schedule: Monday-Thursday from 3:15 PM to 6:00 PM (when school is in session) Eligible Students:  Any student in grades K-6 Transportation: Daily bussing will be provided for all enrolled students at the conclusion of the program Meals: Students will receive a light meal and a snack each day   Once all currently allocated seats are filled, additional students will be placed on a waitlist and enrolled as spots become available.   To enroll your child(ren) in the RED Program at their elementary school, please complete the form linked below by October 31, 2025. Ensure that you fill out one form for each child.   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZffZWEqtUASCjs4SbaoT-acMiHHua2jaGxIk4OWP_-HkieA/viewform?usp=header   You will be notified before November 10th regarding your child's participation, so you can plan accordingly. As the program expands, we will reach out to inform you when your child is able to join the RED Program. We look forward to supporting your child’s growth and success!

    Friday, Oct 31 2025

  • Reminder: UCSD Raiders' Extended Day (RED) Program E...

    The Utica City School District is thrilled to announce the launch of Year 2 of the Raider’s Extended Day (RED) Program, starting on November 10, 2025. The RED Program aims to provide equitable access to high-quality academic support, enrichment activities, and skill-building opportunities for students across the ten elementary schools. This initiative is designed to foster academic growth, promote social-emotional development, and enhance engagement, while also addressing individual student needs and reducing learning gaps.   RED Program Logistics: Start Date: November 10, 2025 Schedule: Monday-Thursday from 3:15 PM to 6:00 PM (when school is in session) Eligible Students:  Any student in grades K-6 Transportation: Daily bussing will be provided for all enrolled students at the conclusion of the program Meals: Students will receive a light meal and a snack each day   Once all currently allocated seats are filled, additional students will be placed on a waitlist and enrolled as spots become available.   To enroll your child(ren) in the RED Program at their elementary school, please complete the form linked below by October 31, 2025. Ensure that you fill out one form for each child.   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZffZWEqtUASCjs4SbaoT-acMiHHua2jaGxIk4OWP_-HkieA/viewform?usp=header   You will be notified before November 10th regarding your child's participation, so you can plan accordingly. As the program expands, we will reach out to inform you when your child is able to join the RED Program. We look forward to supporting your child’s growth and success!

    Thursday, Oct 30 2025

  • Reminder: UCSD Raiders' Extended Day (RED) Program E...

    The Utica City School District is thrilled to announce the launch of Year 2 of the Raider’s Extended Day (RED) Program, starting on November 10, 2025. The RED Program aims to provide equitable access to high-quality academic support, enrichment activities, and skill-building opportunities for students across the ten elementary schools. This initiative is designed to foster academic growth, promote social-emotional development, and enhance engagement, while also addressing individual student needs and reducing learning gaps.   RED Program Logistics: Start Date: November 10, 2025 Schedule: Monday-Thursday from 3:15 PM to 6:00 PM (when school is in session) Eligible Students:  Any student in grades K-6 Transportation: Daily bussing will be provided for all enrolled students at the conclusion of the program Meals: Students will receive a light meal and a snack each day   Once all currently allocated seats are filled, additional students will be placed on a waitlist and enrolled as spots become available.   To enroll your child(ren) in the RED Program at their elementary school, please complete the form linked below by October 31, 2025. Ensure that you fill out one form for each child.   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZffZWEqtUASCjs4SbaoT-acMiHHua2jaGxIk4OWP_-HkieA/viewform?usp=header   You will be notified before November 10th regarding your child's participation, so you can plan accordingly. As the program expands, we will reach out to inform you when your child is able to join the RED Program. We look forward to supporting your child’s growth and success!

    Wednesday, Oct 29 2025

  • Celebrating Our Students’ Academic Growth

    October 28, 2025   Celebrating Our Students’ Academic Growth   Dear Utica City School District Families,   I am proud to share that Utica students are achieving tremendous academic growth. Our latest New York State assessment results show significant improvement in our core content areas— English Language Arts and Mathematics for students in Grades 3 through 8, along with continued progress in Science.   Overall proficiency in English Language Arts rose from 31 percent to 40 percent, while Mathematics scores climbed from 36 percent to 41 percent year over year. In both subjects, our students met or exceeded state growth benchmarks.   By the Numbers:   Table 1   Changes in ELA and Mathematics Proficiency from 2023–2024 to 2024–2025 Subject / Grade 23–24 (%) 24–25 (%) % +/- ELA (Overall) 31 40 +9 Grade 3 ELA 21 35 +14 Grade 4 ELA 25 40 +15 Grade 5 ELA 29 42 +13 Grade 6 ELA 29 40 +11 Math (Overall) 36 41 +5 Grade 3 Math 30 42 +12 Grade 4 Math 35 43 +8 Grade 5 Math 34 40 +6 Grade 8 Math 31 40 +9 Note. Percentage point changes reflect increases from the 2023–2024 school year to the 2024–2025 school year. These results reflect the diligent efforts of our faculty and staff across the organization. Every member of our team plays a role in supporting our instructional programs. These data points demonstrate what we can achieve when we are united in purpose and action, and, more importantly, when we hold the belief that all children can learn—regardless of their challenges or perceived social conditions. The energy across our schools is amazing to witness, as we are making real change for our students. The district has, and will continue to, prioritize student learning. We will use this moment to further build and strengthen our academic and enrichment programs to support student success. This is an exciting time to be part of a wonderful organization and to take part in the transformation that is happening in real time. For example: We have developed and adopted district goals for the 2025–2026 academic year. We have renewed the Raiders Extended Day Learning Program to provide academic and social-emotional enrichment opportunities for our students. (Starting November 10, 2025)  We have aligned literacy instruction to the Science of Reading and expanded intervention and support programs to meet students’ needs. We have invested in hands-on science learning through new standards-aligned curriculum and lab kits in Grades 5 and 8. These highlights show how we are working deliberately to realize our theme:   Equity, Accountability, and Achievement: Raising the Bar for All Students.   Yet, these gains are only the beginning of what we can accomplish together. Looking ahead, we will continue investing in reading and math supports, professional development for our educators, and data-driven planning that helps every student grow.  Thank you for your continued trust, partnership, and belief in our schools. Together, we are building something special in Utica—an educational community defined by progress, purpose, and pride.   When the district wins, Utica wins. #UticaUnited   With gratitude,         Dr. Christopher Spence Superintendent of Schools Utica City School District    

    Tuesday, Oct 28 2025

  • Reminder: UCSD Raiders' Extended Day (RED) Program E...

    The Utica City School District is thrilled to announce the launch of Year 2 of the Raider’s Extended Day (RED) Program, starting on November 10, 2025. The RED Program aims to provide equitable access to high-quality academic support, enrichment activities, and skill-building opportunities for students across the ten elementary schools. This initiative is designed to foster academic growth, promote social-emotional development, and enhance engagement, while also addressing individual student needs and reducing learning gaps.   RED Program Logistics: Start Date: November 10, 2025 Schedule: Monday-Thursday from 3:15 PM to 6:00 PM (when school is in session) Eligible Students:  Any student in grades K-6 Transportation: Daily bussing will be provided for all enrolled students at the conclusion of the program Meals: Students will receive a light meal and a snack each day   Once all currently allocated seats are filled, additional students will be placed on a waitlist and enrolled as spots become available.   To enroll your child(ren) in the RED Program at their elementary school, please complete the form linked below by October 31, 2025. Ensure that you fill out one form for each child.   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZffZWEqtUASCjs4SbaoT-acMiHHua2jaGxIk4OWP_-HkieA/viewform?usp=header   You will be notified before November 10th regarding your child's participation, so you can plan accordingly. As the program expands, we will reach out to inform you when your child is able to join the RED Program. We look forward to supporting your child’s growth and success!

    Tuesday, Oct 28 2025