News U Can Use
UCPS superintendent discusses school safety
During the Nov. 8 Board of Education meeting, UCPS Superintendent Dr. Andrew Houlihan addressed school safety and security.

Click the link below to view his full remarks, which begin at the 47:27 mark.
Wingate cohort information session scheduled for Nov. 15
Have you ever thought about going back to school and receiving your teaching certification? Do you have an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field?

UCPS and Wingate University are partnering to help UCPS employees earn a bachelor's degree in education. Stop by the UCPS-Wingate Cohort information session on Thursday, Nov. 15 to learn more.
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Human Resources department debuts compensation calculator
As a UCPS employee, you receive regular pay for the services you provide. But have you ever wanted a comprehensive understanding of your benefits and how they translate into your complete salary?

The Human Resources department recently rolled out a Total Compensation Package Calculator to calculate your personalized benefits statement, which is intended to give you a summary of the benefits you personally receive and their value. Click the link below to learn more.
In Case U Missed It
Caught U Tweeting
What's a challenging and fun way to help your students work on their math skills?

Incorporating a bit of exercise!

Benton Heights Elementary fourth grade teacher AnnaMarie Alexander blended multiples and agility ladders for an interactive math lesson!

Click on the tweet to view a video of one of her "fit mathematicians" blazing through the agility ladder.

Keep up the great work, Benton Heights Elementary!
Employee Spotlight: Mercedes Tohala
Congratulations to Mercedes Tohala, our November 2018 UCPS Employee of the Month!

During the Nov. 8 Board of Education meeting, Walter Bickett Education Center Site Administrator Ken Roess praised Mercedes for being a trusted resource for many of the school's parents and for also contributing to a positive work environment.

"Mercedes is a problem solver and goes above and beyond the call of duty without complaint and with great enthusiasm. Helping to record ConnectEd messages in Spanish, covering classes so teachers can attend professional development, providing translation services for open house meetings, fairs, and other events are just a few of the services that she provides to support our school," he said. "Beyond all these things, she has a cheerful disposition that uplifts everyone around her. Mercedes is a truly exceptional employee and we are proud to have her as part of our team."

Congratulations, Mercedes!
School Spotlight: New Town Elementary
On any given day, New Town Elementary's former computer lab could look like an art studio.

The next day, it could be mistaken for a math class.

The day after that? An engineering lab.

That’s the beauty of the school’s new science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) lab, a place where New Town Elementary students in kindergarten through fifth grade are spending their days developing a lifelong love of learning.
Grants and Discounts
Click the link below to access special offer employee savings on Samsung phones, iPhones and more.
Do you and your colleagues have a big idea that could impact your entire school population?

Apply for the Union County Education Foundation's GROW Grant before the Jan. 25 deadline! The first grant of $5,000 will be awarded to one UCPS school in the spring.
Mark Your Calendar
Veterans Day Holiday
Monday, Nov. 12

Connect and Chat: High School Programs Expo Facebook Live
6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 13

Twitter Chat: How digital resources and devices help us connect in the EmpowerED classroom
7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 13
Follow #UCPSChat on Twitter

4 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 15
UCPS Professional Development Center 721 Brewer Drive, Monroe

Open Enrollment Deadline: Flexible Benefits
Friday, Nov. 16