FREE LUNCH FOR STUDENTS Principal Thomas Lietz and the food service staff work during the closure to prepare meals for families

NEWS WHAT’S HAPPENING CHECK OUT ALL LOCATIONS FOR FAMILIES TO GET MEALS FINDING FOOD DURING QUARANTINE

Sanitizer stations installed throughout school

MACKENZIE OLMSTEAD EDITOR

Germs, viruses, and different kinds of bacteria face the crowded halls of a typical high school day. Now, there are hand sanitizing stations to maximize the cleanliness in the halls.

At the beginning of March, hand sanitizing stations were placed for any students or staff members who would like to have a quick and easy way to help rid the school of germs and prevent any sickness or viruses.

“The sanitizing stations have to be installed consistent with ADA guidelines for accessibility,” principal Thomas Lietz said. “Mr. Kranzo and I walked the building to determine which locations made the most sense for them. Outside of major gatherings spaces and bathrooms were priorities, but we also tried to spread them out so they were accessible.”

At the end of the 2019-2020 school year, senior Raeleen Sobetski approached Lietz about placing sanitizing stations throughout the halls. It took until the 2020 school year to make it happen.

“I came up with the idea [of sanitizing stations] because my club volleyball coach didn’t want us getting sick, and because I started volunteering at Henry Ford hospital Macomb last spring and they have them literally every five feet,” Sobetski said. “I just realized that there weren’t sanitizer at school, especially in the cafeteria and the gym where people need them. I had to do my research on different models and I had to look into scent-free sanitizer because there are several staff members that are sensitive, but a lot of the ordering went through Lietz.”

Utica was also the first school in the district to get the sanitizing stations installed.

“I think it’s really cool that Utica was the first to get [the sanitizing stations],” Sobetski said. “It certainly wasn’t my intention to get them weeks before a global pandemic, but sometimes things kind of just work out like that.”

With the sanitizing stations set in place for the 2020- 2021 school year, it is possible that some will feel safer when walking the halls. Senior Raeleen Sobetski uses a hand sanitizer near the counseling office. THOMAS LIETZ PHOTO

{ { Every school is full of staff willing to do the absolute most for any student. Among the many at Utica, special education teacher Jeanette Mikula was voted by her colleagues as being the best.

“I think I am so lucky to be in the presence of greatness every single day. She works so hard to help her students and co-workers and we are so grateful to have her,” teacher Jaclyn Moore said. “She absolutely deserves this award and is the best co-teacher I could ever ask for.”

After the staff at Utica nominated her as Teacher of the Year, Mikula went on to compete against the teachers who won the same award in the other three schools within the district. Eventually, Mikula was chosen as the Utica Community Schools High School Teacher of the Year.

“We are really thrilled to nominate Ms. Mikula, who is honestly amazing. I know she impacts a smaller group of students with being a special education teacher, but if you have ever had an interaction with her, she’s one of the most student-centered people I have ever met,” principal Thomas Lietz said. “She gives up her time frequently for her students. We’re really happy to recognize her work with special education because they can be overlooked despite the important things they do for students.”

Even though her colleagues were the ones to nominate Mikula for the award, her students recognize her patience as being a key quality.

“She’s a great teacher all-around. If anyone ever needed a helping hand then she would definitely give it. She will also welcome anyone with open arms,” senior Chelsea Rakes said. “Her patience is her best quality in my opinion. She’s kind and loving to whoever she talks to and deserves every reward that she gets. [Mikula] always pushed me to be the best I can be all three years at Utica, and I will always be grateful for that.” TEACHER OF THE YEAR

HALEY GROOMS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Teacher Jeanette Mikula displays her award. THOMAS LIETZ PHOTO

UCS provides food for families in time of need Wearing protective face covering, principal Thomas Lietz helps distribute food to students and families. THOMAS LIETZ PHOTO

As COVID-19 spread throughout Michigan, and multiple districts shut down their buildings, the fear of hunger became prevalent for some. Not only are schools a source of education, but for the students who rely on the food provided by school, it many questions arose over the well-being of these students, as well as their families.

In order to combat this crisis, Utica Community Schools offers meals to all children and teens eighteen years old and under on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. In addition to this, regardless if one is a UCS student or not, or if one qualifies for free or reduced lunch or not, these people are still able to pickup meals free of charge. The food is distributed free of charge at fourteen different public school locations through the community.

In addition, the food distribution workers are providing enough meals to last three days. This is to combat frequent trips. Children do not have to be present for parents to go get the meals.

“There are good things that are happening,” principal Thomas Lietz said. “We just have to remember to keep doing those good things.”

Furthermore, the meals that are distributed will be wholesome and healthy meals, according to Lietz. They will be very well put together so the people that will be picking up these meals can rely on a nice meal that will satisfy them and their families in between each pickup.

The staff does have a few minimal compliances it asks of those who will be coming to pick up these meals. They are asking, to minimize the social exposure, that families and their children either drive or walk up to the outdoor distribution site and collect the breakfast, as well as the lunches. Afterward, meals should be taken home to ensure safety for all.

The participating schools will begin distributing food between the time frame of 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and will be ran for about an hour or two depending on the location.

Meals will also be sent out and delivered by UCS food trucks at many different locations.

With all of this progress being made, the food service staff is requesting for volunteers. To sign up there is a community link online. To find this link, look up “UCS meal preparation for quarantine volunteers.” In addition, it is very simple process for new volunteers. As it only asks for name, number, and an e-mail address.

If some may be concerned about safety, there is no need to worry. Workers have taken this into consideration and only assigned volunteers and food service staff can be on site during the designated distribution hours.

NUR AWKAL

EDITOR