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Get ready for an exciting new chapter! As the final moments of this year's summer break tick away, we're eagerly counting down the hours until the start of the 2024-2025 school year at Union County Public Schools on Monday, Aug. 26. Whether your little one is gearing up for their first big adventure in pre-K or you're cheering on your high school senior for their grand finale, we're here to ensure you're all set to make this school year the best one yet.
This edition has an array of exciting topics to keep you informed and engaged.
- Welcome back message from the superintendent
- Building our future: Updates on upcoming and past bonds
- New security protocols at athletics and extracurricular events
- How to volunteer this year
- Teacher and student features
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Welcome Back!
A message from the superintendent
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Superintendent Dr. Andrew Houlihan warmly welcomes all families and thanks you for choosing our schools. In his welcome back video, he highlights three key priorities: creating positive school environments, promoting high academic and non-academic standards and ensuring physical and mental safety. | |
Building our future:
Updates on upcoming and past bonds | |
Things you need to know about the 2024 bond information campaign
On November 5, Union County residents will vote on a $39.4 million school bond package that directly impacts our schools and community. This bond will address the needs of aging facilities at Parkwood High School and East Union Middle School, ensuring our students have access to modern, safe learning environments.
For Parkwood High, the funding will address design work, assessments and land surveys. For the East Union Middle project, the funding will provide demolition, additions and building renovations to accommodate
middle school academic and athletic programming.
The 2024 bond will build on previous investments and provide adequate facilities for students and staff. With a successful bond, more projects will move up on the priority list for capital needs and future bonds.
For more information about this bond referendum, please visit www.ucps.k12.nc.us/bond2024. More bond information will be shared at upcoming community meetings.
Register to vote at the Union County Board of Elections.
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East Elementary and Forest Hills High bond-powered transformations | |
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On Nov. 8, 2022, Union County voters ignited a thrilling new chapter for UCPS by approving a $134 million bond referendum. This decision paved the way for a promising future as it provided the funding for building new schools for East Elementary and Forest Hills High. Slated to open in the fall of 2025, these cutting-edge schools are not just buildings—they are the foundation for a brighter future, designed to spark innovation, creativity and excellence in every student.
The momentum is visible as construction charges ahead, turning visionary plans into tangible, state-of-the-art learning environments.
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Watch the videos of the progress below. | |
Extracurricular event security reminder | |
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UCPS has also updated safety protocols for extracurricular events. Since the 2023-2024 school year, the following measures have been in place:
- Clear bag policy: Only clear bags no larger than 4.5” x 6.5” are allowed.
- Adult supervision: Elementary and middle school students must be accompanied by an adult.
- Ticket sales: All ticket sales end at the beginning of halftime or the mid-point of events.
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New for the 2024-2025 school year, UCPS will begin using body scanners at events, starting with home varsity football games. These state-funded body scanners are designed to enhance security and will be operated by trained school and athletic staff, with law enforcement officers present to ensure safety.
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Get involved, sign up today | |
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Discover the power of volunteering! Whether you're a parent or a community member, your involvement this school year is invaluable. Volunteering strengthens the bonds within our community and leaves a positive impact on students. You can sign up to be a reading buddy, mentor, tutor and classroom assistant to name a few.
To get started, please complete our volunteer application and be part of the positive change we're creating together.
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Sunflower power:
How Spencer cultivates growth | |
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When Raven Spencer entered her classroom at Wingate Elementary to prepare for the school year ahead, she felt a sense of new beginnings. In her second year of teaching, she is more confident and excited than ever to welcome her second-graders on Monday, Aug. 26. Her classroom, still in the early stages of transformation, will soon be adorned with more colorful decorations and interactive learning stations, each carefully chosen to spark curiosity and creativity. For Spencer, setting it up is more than a physical task—it is about laying the foundation for a year filled with discovery, excitement and growth.
"I've always loved school and always wanted to be a teacher. I remember my teachers made me feel welcomed and nurtured. They created a community within the classroom. That's what I want to do for my students," she said.
As she carefully prepared her classroom, one element stood out more than any other: sunflowers.
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New school year, new adventures for CATA incoming ninth graders | |
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Central Academy of Technology and Arts (CATA) came alive with vibrant energy as families arrived for ninth-grade orientation on Aug. 19, each step filled with anticipation and excitement. The cheerleading team greeted parents and students warmly as they approached the school, creating an atmosphere of nervous giggles and eager smiles. Staff directed families to tables where they could collect student schedules. Some chatted joyfully, while others observed curiously.
For the first time this year, CATA introduced an optional orientation session for parents in the gymnasium. This thoughtful addition provided families with essential information on many topics, such as transportation, extracurricular programs and the Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (PTSO), helping them feel more connected and prepared to support their children through this significant transition.
"Our PTSO told us that many parents reach out to them for information before the start of school. We decided to be proactive and have the parent orientation to answer those questions ahead of time," said Principal Kevin Beals. "Our students come from all over the county, so not all families live nearby. It is a way for them to wait for their student and get important information."
For parents, seeing their child enter high school can be filled with pride and nervous anticipation. Marlayna Stafford was a bundle of mixed emotions as she waited for her son, Tajhirae Bradley.
“Seeing him start high school is a huge moment for me,” Stafford said. “I feel so proud but also a bit anxious about this big change. I have cousins who graduated from CATA, so I know the excellence that comes with that because they are doing great."
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Project SEARCH interns make an impact through community service | |
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The 2024-2025 Atrium Health Union Project SEARCH Interns are already making a difference! They recently teamed up with Atrium Health Union, Union West and Union Emergency Medical Services for the annual Stuff the Bus Campaign, helping collect and “Stuff the Bus” with 4,531 school supplies. These donations will benefit students across Union County.
Learning in a hospital-based classroom, the interns will participate in three internships throughout the school year. After completing the program, they will be awarded a certificate and provided with support to help them secure competitive employment.
Project SEARCH is a collaborative partnership between Union County Public Schools, Atrium Health Union, the North Carolina Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities and InReach, all working together to empower these interns for future success.
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