Moving On

The Moving-On process is designed to support students at UCDS in their transition to middle school. Moving-On has been a tradition at UCDS for the past ten years. It is a yearlong process that starts in June of the fourth grade and culminates in June of the fifth grade with the Moving-On celebration. During the process the students revisit their own school history, cement memories, and participate in community service projects that benefit both the UCDS community and the greater community.

Moving-On projects, called Service Learning Projects, provide students with an opportunity for personal growth. Students are challenged to increase their responsibilities and manage their time. They practice collaboration skills working with peers, teachers and mentors. Each student is paired with a faculty advisor/mentor to support them during the yearlong process.

Projects have included shadowing UCDS teachers and assisting with lesson planning, preparation and teaching. The "teacher and classroom assistant" project has occurred in Spanish, Technology, Literature Groups, Reading Circles, Math, Music, Art and PE. Students have participated in outreach programs at The B. F. Day School and The Thurgood Marshall Elementary School. They have volunteered at Northwest Harvest and the Food Bank at Blessed Sacrament. They built and continue to care for the "Bird Garden." Further, they have worked with the Facilities Manager, the Administrative Assistant and the Admissions Director. Some projects are ongoing, some are new to each year, and some are student designed. The goal is to support the students toward a better understanding of UCDS and their learning community. In turn, we hope to help each student grow into a prepared and responsible citizen in his/her new school community.