Utica Community Schools is rolling out new student wellness spaces and expanded hands-on learning programs this fall.
Students across the district are seeing updates that include a Zen Den at Davis Junior High, more career program opportunities and refreshed STEM lessons that help them learn and recharge during the school day.
Davis Junior High opens Zen Den for student wellness
Students at Davis Junior High now have a designated place to take a breather during busy school hours, according to a post on the Utica Community Schools website. The school recently opened its Zen Den, a quiet room near the cafeteria with dim lighting, soft seating and a calm atmosphere. Students can visit during lunch to relax, read or finish homework.
Counselor Brenda Habbo said the idea was inspired by a similar space at Henry Ford II High School. Even in its first few weeks, the room has seen steady use, with more than 10 students stopping in each day. The space was partially funded through a wellness grant, and staff members who supervise lunch duty volunteer to monitor the room. Teachers and the school social worker also use it for small-group activities and academic support.
Students say the Zen Den gives them a chance to reset and feel more prepared for the rest of the afternoon.
UCNECT students build workplace and independent living skills
Alongside its wellness efforts, the district continues to grow hands-on learning opportunities. Students in UCNECT — Utica’s post-secondary transition program for young adults with mild cognitive impairments — are gaining workplace experience through partnerships with 20 local businesses, according to a district update posted on the Utica Community Schools website.
Students rotate through various job sites during the year. At each location, they practice interacting with customers, learning job-specific tasks and navigating workplace expectations. Teachers say the goal is to help students build independence and apply classroom lessons to real-life situations. The district encourages additional businesses to reach out if they are interested in partnering with the program.
Shelby Junior High students explore energy and electric vehicles
Eighth-graders at Shelby Junior High took part in GM’s rEV program on Thursday, Oct. 17, an interactive lesson focused on electric vehicles, energy transfer and natural resources, as detailed in a district post published by Utica Community Schools.
Some students said they were surprised to learn that charging an electric vehicle can be relatively inexpensive and, in some cases, quick. Science teacher Teresa Kavanaugh said the presentation connected directly to their current unit on contact forces and energy transfer. She added that the inquiry-based approach gave students another way to explore concepts they have been studying in class. Students can continue participating in the program for a chance to win prizes such as an Amazon gift card or an e-bike.
Messmore Elementary unveils Outdoor Learning Oasis
Also on Oct. 17, Messmore Elementary marked the International Day of Peace by opening its new Outdoor Learning Oasis, according to a post on the Utica Community Schools website. The space offers students and teachers a quiet outdoor area for lessons, reflection and collaboration.
The Oasis features a rock garden, picnic tables beneath a canopy, a small student library, a Glockenspiel instrument and an International Peace Pole with the phrase “May Peace Prevail on Earth” written in several languages. Staff and parent leaders said the project reflects a long-running interest in creating more outdoor learning options. During the dedication, students read poems, displayed a peace banner and shared origami cranes tied to the story of Sadako Sasaki.
Henry Ford II automotive program receives industry grant
At the high school level, Henry Ford II’s automotive repair program received a $43,000 grant from the Margaret Dunning Foundation to update its tools and equipment. Teachers say the funding will help align the program with current industry standards, giving students hands-on experience with technology commonly used in auto shops and dealerships.
Many students in the program have already earned ASE certifications and work part-time at local repair businesses. Automotive teacher Brett Orlowski said the upgrades will help strengthen students’ preparation for both continued education and future careers in the field.
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