A Message From Our CEO
Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year. Without a doubt, it promises to be a unique and new beginning. As I ponder these ever-changing and uncertain times, my mind relaxes in the steadiness of our U Prep foundation. We are crew, and as such, we stand in solidarity, ready to deliver at our highest level, no matter what challenges this new beginning may bring.
My team and I have monitored national, state, and local reports, and solicited advice from medical professionals and other colleagues in education, as well as our families and crew. After careful consideration, we are taking steps to start the year 100% virtually on August 31.
We know our scholars learn best when we are together in person. We will strive toward returning to school as soon as it is appropriate to do so. The end of the school year tested our strength. It also taught us about our resilience and relentless commitment to doing what is best for our scholars as a community. Our efforts this year will rely on these same ideals to be successful. Together, we will rise to meet whatever challenges may come our way to ensure we reach our educational goals for all U Prep scholars. l will keep you informed of our progress as we make our way through the school year.
We Are Crew!
In Community,
Danielle Jackson
CEO, Detroit 90/90 & U Prep Schools
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The U Prep Academic Vision |
As we prepare for the start of the 2020-21 school year, we thought it the perfect time to share the U Prep Academic Vision, as it drives the work that we do as Crew!
University Prep Schools provides a culturally responsive educational experience for our scholars that builds academic competence, habits of work and scholarship, and self-actualization, empowering them to successfully accomplish their post-secondary plans, as well as socially and civically engage as change agents for themselves and their community.
The skills our students have upon graduation include:
- Master core academic content
- Think critically and solve complex problems
- Communicate effectively
- Work collaboratively
- Learn how to learn
- Develop academic mindset
- Know how to critically engage
Click below to visit the culture and values page on our website and learn more about the U Prep way.
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Finding New Ways to Succeed |
One of the best things you can do when you are challenged is reach out to others. Fortunately, when we reached out to Theresa Henderson Franklin, Director of Student Development at U Prep Schools, she agreed to write an article for our parents, to offer support and suggestions for families who may be struggling to manage their child's virtual school work.
One suggestion Ms. Henderson Franklin shared: "I found that talking to others actually helped me feel better. This pandemic allowed me to connect with friends and family that I hadn’t talked to in years. Asking others for advice or their thoughts helped to ease the frustration that I encountered." Read more of her helpful advice in the article at the link below.
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Theresa Henderson Franklin
Director of Student Development
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UPA Raises Funds for Local Non-Profits Benefitting the Black Community |
U Prep Academy raised money for three local Detroit nonprofits through the sale of Black Lives Matter hoodies and tees in August. The effort was created by a group of students working with U Prep Academy High School Dean of Culture Jerry Lawrence. All of the funds raised from the sale of these hoodies AND t-shirts will go to support these three Detroit nonprofits:
- Detroit Phoenix Center
- Detroit Black Community Food Security Network
- Detroit Justice Center
This fundraising campaign was initiated to raise awareness and fund local non-profits that are doing the work that is "needed to continue to advance Black people, Black families, and Black communities in our city. The second goal was to further instill a deep sense of Black pride within our student body," Lawrence told us.
The effort raised $1,820, exceeding their goal of $1,500. The items are no longer for sale. Thank you to all who supported our efforts!
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Get the Latest Information on
Our COVID-19 Communications Page
The COVID-19 Communications Page on our website provides access to timely communications and resources to guide and support our learning community through the 2020-21 school year. Please visit this page for the U Prep Schools COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan, Plan-At-A-Glance and FAQ's for both our families and our Crew.
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Meet Ryan Valentine. A member of the first graduating class from University Prep Academy in 2007, he went on to Brewton Parker College, earning a B.A. in Sports and Fitness in 2015.
Ryan currently works as a retail consultant for AT&T, living in Alabama with his wife and two children, while he works on his Masters degree in Athletic Administration.
He feels that his U Prep experience helped prepare him for success, "It offered the students real life experiences in the field we were interested in pursuing post graduation." Read more about Ryan at the link below.
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Celebrating Opening Day 2020! |
Every year before school starts, U Prep Schools holds Opening Day for our teachers and staff, an inspiring, motivational, and educational event. The morning begins with a high energy inspirational start to pump up the crew for an afternoon of professional development that will prepare them for the new year ahead. Typically, we gather in person, though this year, we met via Zoom.
SPECIAL SHOUT-OUT: We appreciate U Prep Academy High School Dean of Culture Jerry Lawrence for creating our Opening Day t-shirt, which describes the work that we do that's uniquely U Prep! Thank you, Jerry, for always going above and beyond in inspiring and motivating our Crew!
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Get Set with U Prep Merch for 2020 |
Did you know that U Prep has a branded apparel store? We offer a variety of branded tees, hoodies and more from Nike, Under Armor, Russell Athletics and others - customized with art for each of the U Prep districts.
Get 20% off any order of $85+ with the code AUGUST20 (through the end of August) here: http://bit.ly/2S9XoRn
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U Prep Birthdays and Anniversaries |
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We have several birthdays and U Prep anniversaries in September! Click the links below to wish happy birthday or happy anniversary to our Crew members who are celebrating. |
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Stay up-to-date with U Prep Schools
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