Learn how a student discovers her voice, read important board updates, get the graduation schedule and view some student artwork.

Finding her voice through a Talker

Mesoma "Mimi" Richardson, a fifth-grader, has attended Poplin Elementary since kindergarten. She is well-known and well-liked by staff and students. This year is the most notable for everyone because it is the first time Mimi has had a voice. An iPad and an app have changed the way she interacts and communicates with others.

You can share her story from our UCPS Facebook.

Read more and watch a video

Students show off their creativity

The Union County Community Arts Council (UCCAC) was formed to increase arts participation, awareness and appreciation in Union County. UCCAC recently held its annual student artist showcase, which is open to UCPS and public charter school students.

This year, approximately 500 entries were received. Elementary school entries are only for display, while middle and high school entries are entered in a competition. Winners are named in several different art categories based on originality, technical proficiency and expression.

The Best in Show are chosen in two categories: middle and high. Madison Taylor of Piedmont High won for her painting of a skeleton playing the violin by the moon.

View all artwork

Congratulations to the Class of 2022!

Union County Public Schools is pleased to announce its 2022 graduation schedule for high schools. Union County Early College held its graduation May 11. The traditional graduations will be held from June 6 to June 9, and will take place in school stadiums and will be live-streamed on the school's YouTube page for public viewing.

Approximately 3,100 seniors will earn a high school diploma and plan to attend a four-year college/university, community college, enroll in the military or enter the workforce.

“Graduation is a time to celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of our seniors,” said UCPS Superintendent Dr. Andrew Houlihan. “We are very proud of the Class of 2022. Their high school years were different due to the pandemic, but they stayed focused and were determined to finish strong. I am excited about their future.”

In the event of severe weather, rain dates have been selected. Principals will communicate directly to seniors and their families if their graduation date is rescheduled.

During graduation season, we will feature graduates on a variety of platforms, including our website, social media and videos.

Class of 2022: A business and a revelation

Senior Meghan Sedberry, a Union County Early College student, was innovative during the pandemic and used her creativity to earn extra money.

Mental health matters

Telehealth services bring more mental health resources

UCPS received federal funding to provide contracted supplemental health services. The district currently employs nine mental health therapists, with the Union County Collaborative providing an additional 11. As a result of the pandemic, there is a greater need for student mental health support. The funds will help supplement and expand existing supports in that area.

Jarrod McCraw, assistant superintendent for student support, recently proposed to the Board of Education a telehealth therapy program offered by Atrium Health. The district has requested a three-month trial period to implement the school-based virtual therapy program. The district chose the following high schools to participate in the first phase based on currently identified needs: Forest Hills, Monroe, Parkwood, Piedmont and Sun Valley. Students will not be treated without parental consent.

The board approved the proposal. To view it, click here. To see the presentation (scroll to 1:01:45), click here.

Behavioral Health Collaborative earns Region of Excellence Award

Union County's Behavioral Health Collaborative, a partnership between Union County Social Services and Union County Public Schools, has earned a Region of Excellence Award from the Centralina Regional Council for COVID-19 Resiliency.

AgTech Academy expansion approved

Members of the district's academic team recently proposed an expansion of the AgTech (Agrotechnology) Academy to the Board of Education for approval. East Union Middle School is currently hosting the program. The proposal calls for the program to be expanded to Union Elementary, Wingate Elementary and Forest Hills High beginning in the fall of 2022.

There is a rise in content and it aligns with other district offerings such as culinary, automotive and health sciences. Key partnerships include the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, South Piedmont Community College and Wingate University.

The board approved the proposal. To view it, click here. To see the presentation (scroll to 44:53), click here.

UCPS is hiring!

Apply today to become a bus driver or custodian. These positions offer flexible hours and employees are eligible for bonuses.

Click on the video to hear from employees who work in these positions.

Apply for classified positions