Stevenson High School

Good afternoon Titan community,

I am happy to be back after shoulder surgery and looking forward to a great spring and warm weather!

Speaking of that great weather, parents, this is a great time to remind your child about making good decisions and positive choices. As we get ready to celebrate seniors and look forward to our underclassmen moving up, we don’t want that to be marred by a tragedy. From putting those phones down while driving, not putting any substance in our body that is going to harm us or impair decisions, or showing up to school on time, we need our kids to continue making those positive decision that will take them and us forward. We want this to be a spring of celebration, not one that is marred by tragedy. Please have that conversation with your student and know that we’re having similar conversations here!  

Let’s talk about student dress code. Students must adhere to the guidelines outlined in the student handbook

• Indecent, tattered, or unsafe dress or footwear, or attire that calls undue attention to the wearer or has lettering or symbols that are disrespectful or derogatory are not allowed.

• Beach wear, low-cut tops, tank tops, sleeveless tops, muscle shirts, see through clothing, short skirts or shorts, pajamas, tight clothing without proper coverage and clothing exposing the shoulders or mid-section are not allowed.

• Students should not wear clothing with inappropriate advertising like Playboy shirts or similar item.

• Hats are not allowed in school unless explicit permission for a medical or religious reason is reached.

• Knee length shorts and skirts are acceptable. Shoes must be worn.

• Outerwear, such as coats and hats, is not to be worn in school.

• Clothing that promotes illegal substances or drugs, illegal activities, violence, tobacco, or alcohol is prohibited.

• Clothing or head coverings worn as group identifiers that promote a disruptive school climate are prohibited.

• Clothing consistent with religious or cultural beliefs is acceptable.

• Jewelry and accessories that may be deemed dangerous are prohibited.

These and all our dress code rules are available in the student - Handbook - Utica Community Schools (sharpschool.com)

Please continue to review with your student the UCS High School Credit Review rules and procedures which have been changed significantly. In short, it starts by saying that a student has a responsibility to attend, be on time and prepared for each scheduled class. On Page 4 it continues to say that when a student nears or is at 10 absences (any combination of absences or tardies) will meet with their Associate Principal and parents will be notified. At 11 absences the student will enter Credit Review and can restore those credits by making up the lost time for the classes via a contract made with their associate principal. 

Senior families, a reminder as we begin my favorite time of the year, recognizing our seniors for their accomplishments. However, it’s going to be essential that we remind our seniors that they are far from finished as they return from the break. We have a few weeks left in this quarter, which for our seniors is about two weeks of school. They must pass that, pass exams, and not lose credits for tardies, absences or poor choices. We have had our Senior Meetings. This is a time of year to talk about good choices. A key message I will share is to remember that a split-second decision can cost your child a great deal. In 15 years of graduating seniors, I’ve only had to refuse commencement once. I am incredibly clear about how disciplinary actions toward seniors at this point in the year will impact opportunities; be those prom, honors night and/or commencement. I also remind our seniors that those lost opportunities are not my fault, but theirs. We are all responsible for our choices. I also remind students that choices outside of school matter. As it gets warmer, remind your students that they need to be safe and make positive choices. We want to celebrate success at the end of the year, not mourn losses. 

Kenneth L. Cucchi III