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

• Career opportunities
• Dual Language Immersion lottery
• Exploring ecosystems: Waxhaw Elementary students learn by doing
• Where are they now: Painting the future through art
• Celebrating youth service

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

Behind the scenes: Simone Wilson nourishes minds and bodies

When people think of school district careers, they often envision teachers or counselors, but behind the scenes, many dedicated professionals help ensure student success. One such role is that of a school dietitian, like Simone Wilson at Union County Public Schools (UCPS), who plays a vital part in promoting student health through nutritious and enjoyable meals. UCPS's School Nutrition Services Department serves nearly four million meals annually, providing healthy, affordable options that meet USDA guidelines. Wilson oversees menu development, collaborates with families on dietary needs, and ensures meals align with both federal guidelines and student preferences. Her work goes beyond nutrition, blending education, creativity and community engagement to create healthier habits.

Families interested in the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program can apply for the 2025-2026 school year. All applications must be submitted through Scribbles, the district's online application portal. The application window will close on April 6.

UCPS offers DLI programs in 30 schools, with Spanish and Mandarin programs available at the elementary level, continuing through middle and high school. Students are selected for the program through a lottery held during the kindergarten registration process. Preferences for the lottery are based on the student's home address and assigned school. Students with older siblings in a language immersion program are guaranteed a seat at the same school.

For more information about the DLI kindergarten lottery, please review the admission guidelines. The following schools are part of the 2025-2026 kindergarten DLI lottery:

Mandarin:

• Marvin Elementary

Spanish:

• Antioch Elementary
• East Elementary
• Kensington Elementary
• Marshville Elementary
• New Town Elementary
• Poplin Elementary
• Porter Ridge Elementary
• Rea View Elementary
• Shiloh Valley Primary
• Unionville Elementary
• Walter Bickett Elementary
• Weddington Elementary
• Western Union Elementary

Fifth-grade students from Waxhaw Elementary took their learning outdoors with a hands-on field trip to Wingate University’s Campus Lake. In collaboration with Wingate’s Biology Department, students explored ecosystems, participated in food web activities, and discovered the connections between organisms in nature. Led by Elizabeth Miles, a sustainable energy teacher, and Dr. Erika Niland, chair of Wingate’s Biology Department, the experience emphasized real-world applications of science and sustainability.

Students deepened their understanding of energy flow and human environmental impact through scavenger hunts, interactive stations, and engaging discussions. “The best way to learn science is to do science,” said Miles.

UCPS recently hosted its annual Battle of the Books competition, where students put their literary skills to the test in an exciting display of teamwork and reading comprehension.

Battle of the Books is a competition in which students compete against each other using their understanding of a selected list of books, answering detailed questions to showcase their comprehension and critical thinking skills.

The event encourages a love of reading while building collaboration and academic excellence.

This year’s top teams are:

• High School Champion: Central Academy of Technology and Arts
• Middle School Champion: Marvin Ridge Middle
• Elementary School Champion: Rea View Elementary

Congratulations to these outstanding readers, and thank you to all the students, coaches and supporters who made this year’s event a success!

Read View Elementary

Marvin Ridge Middle

Central Academy of Technology and Arts

Four CATA seniors—Amey Sharma, Van Meyer, Evan Levitas, and Dhruv Saxena—are taking their robotics skills to the world stage! Their VEX Robotics team, the Roboraptors, earned the prestigious Design Award at the North Carolina State Competition, securing a spot in the World's VEX Robotics Competition this May.

The Design Award recognizes teams that excel in engineering design, project management and teamwork. It highlights their ability to document and explain their engineering design process through an engineering notebook and team interview. Congratulations to the Roboraptors on this incredible achievement—best of luck at Worlds! 

Recently, the regional Scripps Spelling Bee showcased some of the brightest young spellers, and Union County was well represented. Emanya Sibu, a sixth grader from Sun Valley Middle, put on an impressive performance, securing sixth place out of more than 60 contestants.

Emanya’s dedication and hard work were evident throughout the competition, as they spelled their way through challenging words with confidence and skill. While only the top four contestants advanced to the national level, we are incredibly proud of Emanya’s outstanding achievement. Congratulations to Emanya for representing our district so well!

We’re excited to share that Cuthbertson High School is one of just five schools across the country to receive the National Band Association’s Programs of Excellence Blue Ribbon Award. This amazing honor recognizes the outstanding work of the band program, from the students to the staff, and we couldn’t be more proud.

Congratulations to everyone involved in making this achievement possible!

Ryan Cureton, a Monroe High graduate and former East Elementary student, returned to his roots to inspire students. During his visit to East Elementary, Cureton shared his 20+ years of experience as a professional artist, encouraging students to embrace their creativity and persistence. Drawing inspiration from his mother’s craftsmanship, he emphasized the importance of patience and dedication in art.

Cureton also discussed his public art initiatives through the Amun Ra Arts Foundation and offered students valuable tips on drawing and color blending. His visit was a reminder that art can connect, educate and uplift communities.

March is National Nutrition Month!



March is National Nutrition Month, and this year’s theme, “Food Connects Us,” highlights how food brings family, friends, and cultures together. Mealtime isn’t just about nutrition—it’s about creating memories and strengthening connections!

Below are some fun ways to celebrate:

• Try a new recipe from a different culture.
• Cook and eat together as a family.
• Talk about your favorite family food traditions.
• Stay active with a walk or fun activity after meals.

Let’s use this month to explore new flavors, build healthy habits and enjoy the power of food in bringing us together!

Below are some helpful links:

• UCPS School Nutrition
• 5 smart breakfast ideas for kids
• Healthy breakfasts for healthy minds
• The science behind growing a healthy brain
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:eatright.org
• Make Family Fitness Fun: Healthy Habits for Everyone
• USDA - Help your family make healthy choices together
• PBS - Lyla in the Loop Celebrates Family Food Traditions

The Union County Board of Education has honored Alexandra Florentino, 

a Forest Hills High School senior with the John H. Crowder Service Award for March.

For over three decades, John H. Crowder dedicated his life to supporting the youth of Union County. In honor of his enduring contributions and lasting impact, the Union County Board of Education presented the John H. Crowder Service Award for March to a Forest Hills High School senior.

Alexandra Florentino participates in chorus, theater and musical productions, taking on roles in every school musical. Her love for music goes beyond the classroom, as she has been selected for prestigious audition choirs, including two years with Mars Hill’s Festival Choir and the Charlotte Master Chorale’s Young Artists in Residence. She is also a member of the UCPS All-County Chorus.

• March 18-28 - Wolfe Spring Intercession (No school for students)
• March 21 - Traditional Optional Teacher Workday (No school for students)
• March 31- April 4 - Wolfe - Teacher Annual Leave (Spring Intersession/No school for students)
• April 1 - Board of Education Meeting, 7 p.m.
• April 12 - UCPS Career Fair for Teaching and Non-teaching Positions

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