School NewsDistrict News

Meet Up and Eat Up Summer Food Program
06/28/2022
Utica Community Schools is pleased to continue the Meet Up and Eat Up food program this summer.
UCS Secondary Showcase
03/31/2022
Student Council Donations
03/14/2022
JJH student council students raised over 430 items to donate
The UCS Secondary Showcase
JJH Student Council
Read MoreRead MoreRead More

Principal's Corner: 
Go to www.uticak12.org for all UCS updates.

Dear Jeannette Junior High Community,

I hope that this letter finds you and your family enjoying the beginning of summer and resting up after a busy school year.

My name is Beth Grillo, and I am pleased and honored to introduce myself as the new Principal at Jeannette Junior High School beginning in the fall of 2022. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the leader of the Jeannette Patriot family! I look forward to working with you to not only celebrate the history that exists at Jeannette but also to help create our future.

I grew up in Rochester, Michigan and attended Rochester High School. I graduated from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor with a bachelor's degree in English and Political Science and a teaching certificate in the same. I also received a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Loyola University of Chicago. I taught high school English in Alpharetta, Georgia – a suburb of Atlanta – and in Chicago Public Schools for 8 years, after which I moved back to Michigan. I then taught high school English at University High School in Ferndale for three years and then moved into a leadership position with that district as the English Language Arts and Social Studies coordinator.

Then, my journey with Utica Community Schools began! I was the Assistant Principal here at Jeannette Junior High, and then held the same position at Malow Junior High. Last year, I was an Associate Principal at Henry Ford II High School.

I have been married to my husband, Ryan, for 8 years. We are the proud parents of 2 sons – Jack (6) and Dylan (5). They inspire me to treat my students the way I would want them to be treated – fairly and with high expectations.

I am also pleased to announce Mr. Bill Szlaga will return as the assistant principal. Mr. Szlaga finished last year as an administrative intern here. For those that are not familiar with Mr. Szlaga, let me introduce him to you. Mr. Szlaga received his undergraduate degree from Oakland University, a teaching certificate from Wayne State University, and his master's degree from Saginaw Valley State University. He spent 15 years teaching history here at Jeannette, 5 ½ years at Henry Ford II High School as a teacher and athletic director, ½ a year at Shelby Junior High School as an administrative intern, and 1 year at Stevenson High School as an Associate Principal Intern and Athletic Director.

Both Mr. Szlaga and I are excited to return to Jeannette to work with the amazing families, students, and staff here. We are dedicated to helping your children achieve academic success and personal growth. We have many ideas for how we can – together – create a supportive environment with high academic and ethical standards.

I look forward to meeting you during our Back-to-School activities later in the summer. Please continue checking your email for all the wonderful things to come.

 

Sincerely,

Beth Grillo

Principal, Jeannette Junior High

Our Mission

The Jeannette Junior High Community will provide all students with a positive learning environment in which they can become respectful, responsible, and productive citizens.
Events and Announcements

Students must have their ID card on them at all times during the school day.   All students will receive an ID at the beginning of each school year. 

 Please check the Principal's Corner for upcoming events and announcements for Jeannette Junior High School.

UCS Vision

All children have the right to a rigorous, high-quality education which meets their individual needs. UCS will respect, encourage and empower each and every student to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to be successful, contributing members of a diverse community and global society.

UCS Mission

We are committed to exemplary teaching and learning in order for our students to be prepared for success in the 21st Century.
We will achieve this commitment by engaging the entire community to focus on each child's achievement, with the expectation that every student will pursue some type of post-high school educational endeavor.

Core Values

  • Every child can learn and achieve.
  • Parents and guardians are partners in the learning process.
  • Being “smart” can be achieved through persistence, hard work and effective effort.
  • Excellence is expected and celebrated.
  • Data is used to guide our decision-making.
  • All employees will exemplify ethical behavior; exhibit a strong work ethic; and continue to develop their leadership, performance and service skills.
  • Technology supports and enhances instruction, business operations, research and communications.
  • The Board of Education, district educators/staff, parents, community members and business leaders must collaborate and work as a team to enhance educational opportunities for student success.