Computer Science Education Week
During the week of Dec. 4, Union County Public Schools celebrated Computer Science Education Week, the annual nationwide celebration that highlights the importance of computer science in education systems.

By expanding the district wide recognition of the Hour of Code to a weeklong celebration of computer science, every UCPS student had the opportunity to practice computer science-related skills that are necessary for success across all occupations, such as analyzing and interpreting data, planning and carrying out investigations, designing solutions, problem solving and more.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that by the year 2020, only an estimated 400,000 students will have the necessary skills to fill as many as 1.4 million computer science-related jobs.

From a Porter Ridge Middle field trip to the Microsoft Store to learn more about coding to a school wide Hour of Code session at Central Academy of Technology and Arts , dozens of unique Computer Science Education Week activities were designed to help fill this gap by empowering all students to embrace innovation and think critically and creatively.

Check out this article by national online publication TrustED, which highlighted a STEAM pep rally at Sardis Elementary as well as coding sessions at Stallings Elementary and Piedmont High.

You can also follow #UCPSCodes on Facebook and Twitter to see how schools in your community celebrated Computer Science Education Week and read this story about why a Wesley Chapel Elementary parent spent the entire week at the elementary school teaching students about computer science.
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Unionville Elementary receives state recognition for global education

The NC Department of Public Instruction recently named Unionville Elementary a North Carolina Model Global-Ready School, making the school a leader in its focus on global education. Unionville Elementary is the second school in North Carolina to receive this distinction.
$40,000 coding grant to fund new courses at Porter Ridge Middle and High
The $40,000 Coding and Mobile App Development Grant will support Porter Ridge Middle and High robotics and coding programs, expand partnerships with local universities and create opportunities for students and staff to attend trainings, conferences and coding boot camps.
2018 UCPS graduation schedule is here
Mark your calendars: the 2018 UCPS High School Graduation Schedule is now available!

Best of luck to our high school seniors as they complete the school year.
In Case You Missed It
Mark Your Calendar

Intersession: Year-Round Schools
Monday, Dec. 18 - Friday, Jan. 5

No School: Traditional Schools
Monday, Dec. 18 - Monday, Jan. 1

No School: UCEC
Monday, Dec. 18 - Wednesday, Jan. 3

Holidays: Schools & Offices Closed
Monday, Dec. 25 - Wednesday, Dec. 27 and Monday, Jan. 1
Student Realignment Survey
Please take a moment to complete this survey and provide your feedback on draft options for the proposed UCPS realignment process.

This survey period will run from Thursday, December 14 at 6 p.m. through Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 11:59 p.m.

To view the options or to learn more about the process, please visit www.ucps.k12.nc.us and click on Student Realignment Citizens Advisory Committee in the Quick Links Section. You may also use Let's Talk to provide additional feedback. The link is located on the UCPS website.

Click here to access draft maps. Click here to access interactive maps.