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This edition has an array of exciting topics to keep you informed and engaged.

• Teaching at its best: Kilgo's regional recognition
• Double the joy: Holiday Card Contest winners
• High School Programs Expo
• AgTech program expands to reach more UCPS students
• Bond updates and what's next
• 10 ways for parents to dive into their child’s school life

That's only a few of our highlights; enjoy the read and stay connected to the exciting happenings in our district.

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) named Wingate Elementary teacher and UCPS Teacher of the Year, Yaronda Kilgo, the 2025 Southwest Regional Teacher of the Year during a surprise announcement on Nov. 21. Representatives from NCDPI and other education leaders joined the celebration, highlighting Kilgo’s impact.

Principal Jasmine Stowe praised Kilgo as an educator who goes “above and beyond” for students. At the same time, Kilgo expressed gratitude for the honor, saying, “It means everything to know that I make a difference.”

With eight years of teaching experience, Kilgo now advances to compete for the 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year.

Pictured is Amelia Herndon with her family.

Pictured is Allyson Jenkins with her family

Union County Public Schools celebrated student creativity on Nov. 22 by announcing the 2024 Holiday Card Art Contest winners. Fifth grader Amelia Herndon from Stallings Elementary and 10th grader Allyson Jenkins from Parkwood High won in the elementary and secondary categories. District platforms will showcase their festive artwork. The contest received over 230 submissions and 4,300 votes, highlighting the artistic talents of students across the district. 

Families are invited to learn about the wide range of College and Career Readiness programs available to students by speaking with teachers and administrators. Get insights into high school, college and workforce preparation and plan for your child’s future.

Programs Featured:

• Public Safety
• Carpentry
• Law Enforcement
• Engineering
• Drafting
• Pharmacy Tech
• Digital Film Editing
• Culinary Arts
• Advanced Placement Offerings
• Central Academy of Technology and Arts (CATA)
• Union County Early College
• Fine Arts Programs
• International Pathway at CATA
• Career Readiness Summer Camps
• 
  

Event Details:

• Date: Dec. 7
• Time: 9 a.m. to Noon
• Location: Union County Ag Center, 3230 Presson Rd.

Photos are from the news article.

On Nov. 2, TreesUnion, a Union County nonprofit, organized an event where 100 volunteers planted 24 trees at Stallings Elementary School. The trees, half donated by TreesUnion and half grown at Parkwood Middle School, were placed around the playground and bus parking lot.

Union County Urban Forester Keith O'Herrin highlighted the importance of oak trees in the local environment. This tree planting marks the first of many events TreesUnion plans to enhance school campuses across the county. The event also united families, allowing them to work together and contribute to the school’s long-term growth.

AgTech program expands to reach more UCPS students

Union County Public Schools will expand its AgTech program in Fall 2025, bringing innovative agricultural technology education to more students. Currently offered at Union Elementary, Wingate Elementary, East Union Middle and Forest Hills High, the program will expand to include Marshville Elementary, New Salem Elementary, Fairview Elementary, Unionville Elementary, and Piedmont Middle. Piedmont High will join in Fall 2026.

AgTech blends farming and technology to prepare students for careers in agribusiness and sustainability. Students benefit from hands-on learning and partnerships with Wingate University, NC Cooperative Extension, and South Piedmont Community College, gaining valuable skills and credentials for the future.

Amber Latimore, whose two children are students in Jan Blumer's Transition to Adulthood (TTA) program at Piedmont High School, applied for grants through her insurance company’s community outreach initiative to benefit the school. Wanting to support students like her own children, Latimore wrote grants specifically for the TTA program to enhance student resources.

Thanks to Latimore’s efforts, the classroom received items for a new sensory room, including fidget toys, a weighted blanket, puzzles and other tools to help students regulate emotions and recharge. Snacks and supplies for cooking lessons were also provided, giving students hands-on opportunities to build life skills.

Reflecting on her motivation, Latimore shared, "I wanted to give back to my community by helping young teens transition to adulthood. As a former teacher, I understand how limited budgets can be, and I wanted to make a difference by providing resources to support students and staff."

What’s Next for the 2024 Bond?

With 55% voter approval, the 2024 bond is officially moving forward! Here's what families and the community can expect:

• Parkwood High School: Design work is set to begin once Union County Government allocates funds, which typically occurs five to seven months after Election Day.
• East Union Middle School: Renovations and construction for its relocation to the Forest Hills High campus will begin once Forest Hills High transitions to its new building, expected in the fall of 2025.

Thank you for supporting our schools and helping us create better learning environments for all students!

2022 Bond Update: Progress video

We're excited to share the latest update on our Bond 2022 projects! This month, we have a special behind-the-scenes look at the ongoing progress for the East Elementary replacement school. From new flooring and lighting to enhanced layouts and designs, the improvements are shaping up to create better learning environments for our students and staff.

Check out the video for a sneak peek of the transformation taking place. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to improve our schools.

The NC College Connect student portal is now live, making college applications easier for eligible North Carolina seniors. Students with a weighted Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.8 or higher at the end of their junior year can log in at NCCollegeConnect.org to apply to participating universities and North Carolina community colleges. Students can check their eligibility through their College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) account.

This initiative, spearheaded by the University of North Carolina System, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), and various state partners, aims to increase access to higher education. School counselors are supporting students to ensure everyone has the chance to take advantage of this opportunity. For more information, visit the portal or reach out to program representatives today!

November is Family Engagement Month, a great opportunity to explore ways to stay connected with your child’s school. From tracking academic progress through PowerSchool to attending school events and parent-teacher conferences, there are countless ways to stay involved and make a meaningful impact. Discover 10 practical tips for Union County Public Schools families to stay informed and engaged by clicking the link below. Stay tuned, stay engaged, and let’s celebrate the vital role families play in student success!

The Union County Board of Education has honored Vaideep Pemmada, a senior at Central Academy of Technology and Arts, with the John H. Crowder Service Award for November. Vaideep, part of the medical academy program, is recognized for his academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to community service.

Ranked first in his class, Vaideep is an AP Scholar with Distinction, National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist, and CTE Presidential Scholar nominee. His achievements include leading the Anatomy & Physiology Science Olympiad team to regional victory and contributing to Alzheimer’s research, published in 2024.

Vaideep has made significant community contributions, mentoring Ukrainian students, volunteering with the Autism Strong Foundation, and serving as an American Red Cross Blood Donor Ambassador. He also provides patient care as a certified nursing assistant and interns at Atrium Health, preparing for a promising future in medicine.

• Nov. 27 - Early College, Traditional and Wolfe Teacher Workdays (No school for students.)
• Nov. 28-29 - Thanksgiving Holiday (All schools and offices are closed.)
• Dec. 3 - Board of Education Meeting, 7 p.m.
• Dec. 7 - High School Expo

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