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RAIDER REVIEW: Issue 65, April 25, 2025: Weekly Mess...
UTICA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT’S RAIDER REVIEW / Issue 65 April 25, 2025 Weekly Message From Dr. Christopher M. Spence, Superintendent of Schools Dear Utica City School District Families, I hope you’re enjoying a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved Spring Recess! Whether you’re traveling, spending time with family, or simply taking a break, I hope this week brings the rest and renewal we all need this time of year. As we return to school on Tuesday, we head into the final stretch of the academic year with renewed focus and energy. We’re incredibly proud of our students and staff for their continued efforts, and we’re excited about what’s still to come. A few important notes as we look ahead: Monday, April 28 is now a day off for students and staff due to an unused snow day. Good luck to all of our students who will continue taking the New York State Math and Science Assessments in the coming days. Keep up the great work! Our next Board of Education meeting is Tuesday, April 29, which includes the BOCES Annual Meeting Vote. We encourage families and community members to attend and participate. Wednesdays with Dr. Spence continues! I welcome the opportunity to speak with parents, students, and community members one-on-one each week. Click here to sign up. Our Utica Reads book boxes officially launch next week! These free-standing boxes will be stocked with books for all ages and placed at locations across the city—no library card needed. Click here to find a location near you! This issue also includes highlights from just a few of the many enriching activities that took place across our schools this month. Thank you to our staff, families, and especially our students for making UCSD such a vibrant and inspiring place to learn and grow. See you on Tuesday! #UticaUnited Sincerely, Dr. Christopher M. Spence Superintendent of Schools View the UCSD District Calendar! Upcoming Events What's happening District wide! WEDNESDAYS WITH DR. SPENCE A new initiative designed to create more opportunities for open, direct communication between the community and the school district. How to register: • Fill out the online registration form • Indicate your discussion topic in the additional information box • Receive an email confirmation once your registration is complete 2025 REMAINING NYS TESTS MATH Grades 5-8: April 30-May 1st Grades 3-4: May 5-6th SCIENCE Grade 5: May 8th Grade 8: May 8th STAY IN THE KNOW WITH DR. SPENCE Scan the QR to follow Dr. Spence on X to stay updated on UCSD news, student success stories, and what’s ahead for Utica schools! Or you can click this link: Dr. Christopher Spence (@DrSpenceUCSD) / X GENERAL HERKIMER'S MULTICULTURAL NIGHT "Strength lies in differences, not in similarities -together, we soar!" The General Herkimer gym was filled with a beautiful world class celebration of culture and unity during this year's Multicultural Night. The focal point of the gym was a stunning art installation of student hand prints each decorated to uniquely represent the many cultures that make up General Herkimer. Check out some of the photos of the celebration in our gallery here! SPRING K-12 STUDENT ART EXHIBIT On Tuesday, April 8th the Utica City School District Art Department celebrated many talented student artists who have work displayed in The Utica City School District Spring K-12 Student Art Exhibit. An artist's reception took place in the second floor gallery of the Utica Public Library to honor their achievement. The Proctor High School Moose Ensemble entertained visitors with a variety of classical and contemporary musical selections adding to the upbeat and festive atmosphere. The exhibit will be on display at Utica Public Library through April 30th, so be sure to check out this showcase of exceptional artwork! See the students creativity here! JFK DRAMA CLUB'S "ONE MAGIC KISS: SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS" Congratulations to the JFK Drama Club on their wonderful and magical performances of "One Magic Kiss: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" on April 10th and 11th! Congratulations to the cast, crew, and advisors who worked so hard to bring this production to life. Thank you to the community and parental support that allows the JFK Drama Club to bring these productions to our stage each year. Bravo!! Check out the photo gallery here! WATSON DONATES TO THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION Watson Williams Elementary Grade 5 and 6 Junior Raiders held their very own lemonade war after participating in the One Book One School initiative. Watson students read The Lemonade War and were inspired to start a business to give back to our community. Watson students raised $400! The 6th grade class was voted the school winners! Chris Labella, owner of Spartan Merchant Services LLC sponsored the event and matched the amount of money raised. Thanks to Mr. Labella's match, Watson Williams Elementary donated $800 to The American Heart Association. WEATHER & EMERGENCY CLOSURES & DELAYS COMMUNITY GROUP If you are not a ParentSquare user but would like to be notified of weather delays, closures, and cancellations, click here to sign up for our ParentSquare Weather Closures and Delays Community Group BUSZONE & FIRSTVIEW AVAILABLE NOW! Available for both smartphones and tablets, BusZone and FirstView will make staying informed about your school bus easier than ever. Download here: https://www.uticaschools.org/departments/transportation/bus-tracking-apps CTE: WE ARE HIRING CTE TEACHERS NOW! The Utica City School District is now hiring Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers to create, transform, and empower students through hands-on learning and real-world career preparation. With the Career and Technical Education Center at Proctor High School set to open in Fall 2025, UCSD invites skilled professionals to apply and turn their industry experience into a rewarding teaching career. The district’s new CTE careers page is live at www.uticaschools.org/cte-hiring-2025, where applicants can explore open positions and learn how to become certified educators—even without prior teaching credentials. AIR FORCE STEM TOUR Students toured STEM related career fields at Hancock Field ANG Base in Syracuse featuring flight simulators and the MQ-9 aircraft to highlight the skills, certifications, and qualifications that a career in the Air Force can provide. The tour included Special Warfare, Syracuse University presentation, and a walkthrough with Lockheed Martin spotlighting radomes which is a weatherproof enclosure that protects large radar antennas used to monitor air traffic. CAPITAL PROJECT UPDATES The new CTE addition is scheduled to open in the fall of 2025. The District will follow a phased-in approach that will begin with freshmen students and scaffold each year until the building is at full capacity over the course of four years by 2029. The goal of creating four-year CTE programming is to engage students in authentic learning that correlates to their future career plans at a younger age while also preparing them for an internship experience that will conclude their senior year. For the latest on the Capital Project progress, check out our website here! Check Out the Weekly Schedule 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, Apr 25 2025
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Proctor's Environmental Club & Key Club Spring Inter...
Shining the Light on Excellence in Our Schools Community spirit shined bright on Sunday, April 13th, as Proctor's Environmental Club and Key Club students teamed up with the Oneida County Youth Bureau for the Spring Intergenerational Cleanup! Under the guidance of Mrs. Barok, Ms. Golden, Mr. Boyd, and Mr. Aurigema, our dedicated volunteers raked and swept properties across Utica, helping residents prepare for spring. Students discovered that lending a hand to neighbors wasn't just community service, it was a truly meaningful and rewarding experience! Thank you to Mrs. Barok, Ms. Golden and Mr. Aurigema for the photos! #UticaUnited
Friday, Apr 25 2025
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District Wide Job Fair - May 8, 2025
The Utica City School District will host a Job Fair on Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Utica, located at 200 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502. The event is open to all job seekers interested in joining one of the largest and most diverse school districts in the region. UCSD is currently seeking certified educators for a variety of anticipated openings in the 2025–26 school year. In addition, informational booths will be available for individuals interested in joining the district as: Bus Drivers and Bus Monitors, Security Monitors, Teacher Assistants, Food Service Workers and Substitute Teachers. Those interested in attending are encouraged to pre-register online at www.uticaschools.org/job-fair-2025 Walk-ins are also welcome.
Wednesday, Apr 23 2025
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Utica Gems: Proctor Senior Lucas Santana
Shining the Light on Excellence in Our Schools Utica Gems: Proctor Senior Lucas Santana Proctor senior Lucas Santana received recognition for his outstanding work on Saturday, April 8 at a ceremony for artists with work in the Fenimore Museum’s "Young at Art!" Regional Art Contest exhibition! The theme chosen for 2025 is "Timeless Tales, Vibrant Visions" focusing on a theme of legends. Lucas' sculpture titled "The Legend of Baba Yaga" excelled in competition receiving the award for "Best Representation of the Theme." The judges found Lucas' attention to detail and level of craftsmanship in telling the story of Baba Yaga through his sculpture to be truly exceptional. The goal of "Young at Art!" is to showcase the work of young, emerging artists across the region. Works will be on display at the Fenimore Museum in Cooperstown, NY through May 7, 2025. Congratulations Lucas, The Utica City School District is so proud of the dedication and vision you have for your art!
Monday, Apr 21 2025
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RAIDER REVIEW: Issue 64, April 17, 2025: Weekly Mess...
UTICA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT’S RAIDER REVIEW / Issue 64 April 17, 2025 Weekly Message From Dr. Christopher M. Spence, Superintendent of Schools Dear Utica City School District Families, This week, I’m excited to shine a spotlight on something truly special happening in our community—Utica Reads. Thanks to the dedication of our Buildings & Grounds team, community partners, and generous book donors, our Utica Reads book boxes are almost ready to launch across the city! These free-standing book boxes will provide 24/7 access to books for readers of all ages—no library card, no due dates, and no fees. It’s all about sharing stories, sparking imaginations, and building a culture of reading in every Utica neighborhood. To find a book box near you or sign up as a Utica Reads volunteer librarian, click here. More locations will be added soon! Whether you’re dropping off a favorite book or picking up a new one, every interaction supports literacy, learning, and connection in our community. We are proud to be part of this citywide effort and grateful for the many hands that made it possible. A few quick reminders: Good Friday is April 18—there will be no school. Spring Recess is April 21–25—wishing everyone a safe and relaxing break! Monday, April 28 is now a day off for students and staff due to an unused snow day. Enjoy the extra time with your families! Our Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 29, which includes the BOCES Annual Meeting Vote. We encourage your attendance and involvement. Don’t forget to sign up for Wednesdays with Dr. Spence—a weekly opportunity to connect with me one-on-one. I look forward to continuing these meaningful conversations with our families and community members. Click here to sign up. Thank you for your continued support as we build a stronger, more connected Utica—one book and one student at a time. Have a safe and restful Spring Break! #UticaUnited Sincerely, Dr. Christopher M. Spence Superintendent of Schools View the UCSD District Calendar! Upcoming Events What's happening District wide! IMPORTANT DATES Good Friday - No School - April 18, 2025 Spring Break - April 21-25, 2025 Unused Snow Day - No School - April 28, 2025 Board of Education Meeting (BOCES Annual Meeting Vote) April 29, 2025 at 6:30 pm 2025 REMAINING NYS TESTS MATH Grades 5-8: April 30-May 1st Grades 3-4: May 5-6th SCIENCE Grade 5: May 8th Grade 8: May 8th WEDNESDAYS WITH DR. SPENCE A new initiative designed to create more opportunities for open, direct communication between the community and the school district. How to register: • Fill out the online registration form • Indicate your discussion topic in the additional information box • Receive an email confirmation once your registration is complete STAY IN THE KNOW WITH DR. SPENCE Scan the QR to follow Dr. Spence on X to stay updated on UCSD news, student success stories, and what’s ahead for Utica schools! Or you can click this link: Dr. Christopher Spence (@DrSpenceUCSD) / X CONKLING ELEMENTARY SCIENCE FAIR! Conkling Elementary hosted their annual Science Fair, and it did not disappoint! Conkling Jr. Raiders showcased their creativity with unique displays and experiments, and knocked it out of the park. Each year our Jr. Raiders amaze us, and this year was no different. Thank you to all of the teachers, parents, and administrators who continue to support our Jr. Raiders in their pursuit of learning and new discoveries. Check out the awesome projects here! PROCTOR'S POP CONCERT On Tuesday, April 2nd, Proctor High School’s combined Bands, Symphonic Orchestra, and String Orchestra took the stage for their annual Pops Concert, delivering an unforgettable evening of music for the school community. Led by Mr. Wronka and Mr. Kishman, students performed a variety of well-known selections from past and present, showcasing both their talent and the hard work they put into preparing for the event. The concert was a celebration of collaboration, creativity, and dedication. At Proctor, instrumental music is a hands-on, team-driven experience that teaches students the value of setting goals and working together to achieve them. The audience left inspired and impressed by the professionalism and energy of these young performers. Bravo to all who participated! Look through the wonderful photos here! WATSON WILLIAMS MULTICULTURAL NIGHT Watson Williams Jr. Raiders and families took a trip around the world in the Watson Williams gym. The gym was filled with singing, cultural dancing, and delicious samples of international cuisines. Thank you to all of the Watson Williams families, staff, and students for making this years Multicultural Night such a huge success! Check out some photos from this great event here! ALBANY ELEMENTARY MULTICULTURAL NIGHT Albany Elementary took students and families on a first class trip around the world aboard Flight Utica United on April 3rd! Passengers enjoyed numerous stops on the journey to take in all that Albany Elementary had to offer including: world class entertainment, international cuisine, and fashion from every corner of the globe! Thank you to the staff, parents, and students who made this years Multicultural Night such a success! Check out a few of the photo memories collected in our scrapbook! WEATHER & EMERGENCY CLOSURES & DELAYS COMMUNITY GROUP If you are not a ParentSquare user but would like to be notified of weather delays, closures, and cancellations, click here to sign up for our ParentSquare Weather Closures and Delays Community Group BUSZONE & FIRSTVIEW AVAILABLE NOW! Available for both smartphones and tablets, BusZone and FirstView will make staying informed about your school bus easier than ever. Download here: https://www.uticaschools.org/departments/transportation/bus-tracking-apps CTE: WE ARE HIRING CTE TEACHERS NOW! The Utica City School District is now hiring Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers to create, transform, and empower students through hands-on learning and real-world career preparation. With the Career and Technical Education Center at Proctor High School set to open in Fall 2025, UCSD invites skilled professionals to apply and turn their industry experience into a rewarding teaching career. The district’s new CTE careers page is live at www.uticaschools.org/cte-hiring-2025, where applicants can explore open positions and learn how to become certified educators—even without prior teaching credentials. CAPITAL PROJECT UPDATES The new CTE addition is scheduled to open in the fall of 2025. The District will follow a phased-in approach that will begin with freshmen students and scaffold each year until the building is at full capacity over the course of four years by 2029. The goal of creating four-year CTE programming is to engage students in authentic learning that correlates to their future career plans at a younger age while also preparing them for an internship experience that will conclude their senior year. For the latest on the Capital Project progress, check out our website here! CARPENTERS UNION TRAINING CENTER Future builders in the making! Proctor students with a passion for carpentry got a hands-on look at the trade during a visit to the Carpenters Union Training Center in Syracuse. Students rotated through six action-packed demo stations, including concrete formwork, toolbox building, the screw gun challenge, a confined space obstacle course, and the panel max challenge. Each station was led by current apprentices who shared real world tips and techniques using the tools of the trade. Skilled instructors also gave insight into the world of commercial construction; and what it really takes to become a Professional Union Carpenter. Students had an awesome day of learning, building, and getting inspired for their futures! Check Out the Weekly Schedule 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
Thursday, Apr 17 2025
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Conkling's Mrs. Rowlands is a Utica Gem!
Shining the Light on Excellence in Our Schools Mrs. Rowlands is a Utica Gem! Mrs. Rowlands is an exceptional social worker at Conkling Elementary School, whose dedication and compassion make a profound impact on the entire school community. She has consistently provided emotional support, crisis intervention, and essential resources to students and families in need. Whether it’s leading social-emotional learning activities or offering a listening ear to any student that walks through her door, Mrs. Rowlands is a constant source of stability and encouragement to Conkling School and the Utica City School District. The Utica City School District is grateful for dedicated social workers like Mrs. Rowlands, whose compassion and expertise make our schools supportive, inclusive environments where every student can thrive.
Thursday, Apr 17 2025
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REMINDER: City of Utica Youth Bureau - Youth Job Fair
City of Utica Youth Bureau - Youth Job Fair Ages 14-21 When: Tuesday, April 22, 2025 1:00PM - 3:00PM Where: Utica Rec Center 220 Memorial Parkway Utica, NY 13501 Ages 14 & 15 will have the opportunity to speak with Oneida County Workforce Development. Ages 16-21 will have the opportunity to speak with various seasonal and part time employers, along with multiple community agencies, providing helpful resources. For more information, please contact us at (315) 223-4320
Thursday, Apr 17 2025
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We Are Hiring CTE Teachers!
Join Our Team The Utica City School District is now hiring Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers to create, transform, and empower students through hands-on learning and real-world career preparation. With the Career and Technical Education Center at Proctor High School set to open in Fall 2025, UCSD invites skilled professionals to apply and turn their industry experience into a rewarding teaching career. The district’s new CTE careers page is live, where applicants can explore open positions and learn how to become certified educators—even without prior teaching credentials. To learn more, explore opportunities, or apply today, visit www.uticaschools.org/cte-hiring-2025 #UticaUnited
Thursday, Apr 17 2025