This edition has an array of exciting topics to keep you informed and engaged.
- A message from Superintendent Dr. Andrew Houlihan
- Holiday breakfasts unite generations
- Students collect a record 2,600 lbs for Union County Loaves & Fishes
- Brightening the season with acts of giving
- East Union Middle: Redefining excellence with culture and mindset shift
- Celebrating excellence: 2024-2025 Athletic Director and Coach of the Year
That's only a few of our highlights; enjoy the read and stay connected to the exciting happenings in our district.
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A message from
Superintendent Dr. Andrew Houlihan
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Superintendent Dr. Andrew Houlihan shares his gratitude and holiday wishes in the videos below. As we celebrate the season, UCPS is also embracing new ways to connect with our families, including using AI to communicate in Spanish, Ukrainian and Russian. | |
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Spanish (generated with AI) | |
Ukrainian (generated with AI) | |
Russian (generated with AI) | |
Holiday breakfasts united generations | |
Forest Hills High and Piedmont High continued their decades-long holiday traditions of hosting senior citizen breakfasts, bringing together students, staff, and local seniors for a season of joy and connection.
Forest Hills held its breakfast on December 11, featuring performances by the band and chorus, festive decorations by art students, and volunteer efforts by student clubs. Piedmont’s December 17 event welcomed seniors and students’ grandparents with warm greetings, lively songs, and a Bingo game.
Both events celebrated the contributions of older generations while allowing students to give back to their community.
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Students collected a record 2,600 lbs for Union County Loaves & Fishes | |
Marvin Ridge Middle School’s November Food Drive was a tremendous success. More than 2,600 pounds of food were collected for Union County Loaves & Fishes, a new record!
Teachers John Myers, Ronald Kinyanjui, and Matthew Sams led the campaign, motivating students and staff to rally behind this important cause. Donations poured in throughout the month, highlighting the school community’s spirit of generosity and teamwork.
“We’re incredibly proud of our students and staff for coming together to make such a meaningful impact,” said Myers. "The Marvin community is very generous and likes to help. This gives the families a way to contribute to their community and meets a need within the community."
Below is what some of the eighth graders who participated had to say:
“We like to give back to the community,” said Sebastian Graves.
“We hope the people getting the food feel loved and acknowledged,”s aid Ishan Bhimani.
“Giving to those in need is our priority,” said Kiran Kulkarni.
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Brightening the season with acts of giving | |
This month, UCPS Central Services partnered with the House of Pearls to make the holiday season brighter for those they serve. Thanks to the generosity of staff, essential items such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and other necessities were collected and delivered on Dec. 18.
The donations will help meet the immediate needs of the women supported by the House of Pearls, a local organization making a difference in our community.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this meaningful initiative and showed the true spirit of giving this holiday season!
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East Union Middle: Redefining excellence with culture and mindset shift | |
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East Union Middle School has transformed from a low-performing school to a symbol of progress and pride for the Forest Hills feeder pattern. For the first time in a decade, no school in this cluster carries the low-performing designation from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
This achievement reflects the collaborative efforts of teachers, staff, students and leadership under the guidance of the Union County Public Schools turnaround model.
Key changes included a renewed focus on school culture, accountability and leadership.
Principal Jared Gatewood, who joined in July 2023, emphasized a shift in mindset, urging staff and students to believe in their potential. This cultural transformation was supported by stronger behavior management, cross-curricular collaboration and enhanced Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
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Celebrating excellence: 2024-2025 Athletic Director and Coach of the Year | |
Union County Public Schools is proud to honor Mike Helms from Parkwood High School as the 2024-2025 Athletic Director of the Year and Claire Lyerly from Weddington High School as the 2024-2025 Coach of the Year. Both honorees exemplify dedication, leadership, and a commitment to student-athlete development, making a lasting impact on their schools and communities.
Both were surprised with their awards during announcements. The celebrations were attended by students, staff and district leadership, adding a personal and heartfelt touch to the recognition.
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Board of Education members sworn in; new chairman and vice chairman named | |
At the Dec. 3 Board of Education meeting, five Board of Education members were sworn in for another term. John Kirkpatrick IV (District 1), Matt Helms (District 2), Joseph Morreale (District 5), Sarah May (At-Large) and Todd Price (At-Large) were re-elected and will continue to serve for the next four years.
Additionally, Rev. Jimmy H. Bention, Sr. was named Chairman and Matt Helms was named Vice Chairman.
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Rev. Jimmy H. Bention, Sr. | |
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Board approves 2025-2026 Academic Calendar for traditional schools | |
At the Dec. 3 meeting, the Union County Board of Education approved the 2025-2026 academic calendar for traditional schools. To view the full calendar, visit the official calendar page: UCPS Calendar. Please note that the calendars for Wolfe School and Union County Early College will be approved at a later date. | |
Partnering with U for student success | |
Celebrating youth service | |
The Union County Board of Education has honored Mahip Sompura, a senior at Weddington High, with the John H. Crowder Service Award for December.
Sompura’s extensive dedication to community service, leadership and academics has led to many hours of community service. As vice president of community service for the DECA club, Mahip has organized events like food drives, toy and clothing donations, and a marathon benefiting veterans, resulting in over 300 hours of collective service. As vice president of Key Club, he has led donation drives and fundraising efforts, raising $500 for local schools and contributing to numerous community-focused projects.
Additionally, he has volunteered at Atrium Health in roles such as patient transport, help desk support and ER storage organization, earning the President's Volunteer Service Award.
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Dec. 18-Jan. 3 - Winter Break - Early College
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Dec. 20-Jan. 3 - Winter Break - Traditional Schools and Wolfe School
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Jan. 6-10 - Wolfe School Intercession
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Jan. 14 - Board of Education Meeting, 7 p.m.
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