Become A Read With U Volunteer
Do you love to read? Are you looking for more volunteer opportunities? Become a Read with U volunteer and share the love of reading with a first-grade student. It's easy as one, two, three:

  1. Complete a volunteer application.
  2. Once your application is approved, contact the volunteer coordinator at the elementary school to receive information about training, schedules, etc.
  3. Read with your student for at least 30 minutes once a week during the school year.

To learn more, click here.
Congratulations To The 2021 Holiday Card Contest Finalists
The holiday season is quickly approaching and UCPS is pleased with the impressive artwork that was submitted for the district’s annual holiday card contest. UCPS received a staggering 523 submissions from all grade levels.

Congratulations to the following students who have been named top 10 finalists:

  • Alyssa Bowman, seventh grade, Porter Ridge Middle
  • Hunter Christian, first grade, Weddington Elementary
  • Evie Frain, seventh grade, Weddington Middle
  • Kylie Gardner, seventh grade, Cuthbertson Middle
  • Kathryn Grace, eighth grade, Weddington Middle
  • Kelcey Griffin, 10th grade, Central Academy of Technology and Arts
  • Shruthika Kampati, ninth grade, Marvin Ridge High
  • Claire Kramb, ninth grade, Porter Ridge High
  • Melissa Smedberg, 10th grade, Marvin Ridge High
  • Emerson Tanner, fifth grade, Stallings Elementary

The finalists will be celebrated at a special virtual program on Nov. 18, and the winner will be announced during the event. 

The winning artwork will be featured as the cover of the 2021 UCPS Holiday Card. The student’s name, grade, and school will be noted on the card. The winner will also receive a gift card, personalized gift, and recognition on the UCPS website and social media pages. 

In addition, the winning card will be available for purchase via the district’s fundraising portal (Living Tree). Proceeds will benefit the art department at the winning student’s school. 

See photos of the finalists with their artwork below:
Alyssa Bowman
Hunter Christian
Evie Frain
Kylie Gardner
Kathryn Grace
Kelcey Griffin
Shruthika Kampati
Claire Kramb
Melissa Smedberg
Emerson Tanner
2021-2022 Superintendent's Student Advisory Council
On Nov. 10, Dr. Andrew Houlihan held his first Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council of the year. With representatives from each comprehensive high school, the council meets quarterly to discuss district initiatives, student engagement projects, what’s working well, and areas for improvement. The group will meet again in January.
Who Influences U? UCPS Employee Recognition Program Returns
UCPS has revamped its employee recognition program, UCPS Influencers, and we want to know who influences you?

We invite our employees, students, parents, and community members to nominate a Union County Public Schools employee for our monthly "UCPS Influencers" recognition program.

The purpose of this award is to recognize employees who exemplify outstanding service through his or her work and influences others.

Click here to nominate someone today!
ACT/SAT Blitz For UCPS Students
The UCPS College Readiness Department is hosting an event your student can't miss! The UCPS ACT/SAT Blitz for Students event will be from 10 a.m. - noon, this Saturday, Nov. 20 at Monroe High.

In partnership with Huntington Learning Center Weddington, this free two-hour event will help students prepare for the ACT or SAT. Students will have the opportunity to learn valuable tips and strategies for success on these two college entrance exams. Students will also complete timed practice problems and should bring paper, a pencil, and a calculator.

Click here to register!
Board Of Education Approves IB Programme At CATA 
At the Nov. 4 meeting, the Board of Education approved a plan to add a second International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme at the Central Academy of Technology & Arts (CATA).

Beginning in the fall of 2022, CATA will offer the IB Pathway Program to 50 ninth graders.

Students who are interested should apply to CATA during the application period. Dates will be announced in the coming weeks. Transportation will be provided for students who are enrolled at CATA.

For updates, visit the CATA webpage or follow the school @CentralAcademy CATA on social media.

For more information and to view frequently asked questions, click here.
Piedmont High Student Selected For November Crowder Award
The Board of Education continues to honor students who are making a difference in their school and community with the John H. Crowder Service Award. At the Nov. 4 meeting, a Piedmont High School senior, who is a shining example of dedicated leadership and volunteerism was honored.   

Landri Bigham is an excellent student and a wonderful role model for others. She is ranked at the top of her class at Piedmont High School. Landri is a member of both the National Honor Society and the Beta Club, in which membership is determined by GPA and commitment to community service.  

Click here to learn more about Landri.
In Case You Missed It:
UCPS celebrates veterans by honoring our own
Union County Public Schools observed Veterans Day on Thursday, Nov. 11, staff and students took the time to honor and thank all veterans who have served this nation.  

Leading up to the holiday, schools honored veterans by posting pictures and recognitions on social media and invited the heroes to speak to students.

Click here to learn more.
CATA students transform classic automobile into battery powered vehicle
Loud machinery, heavy equipment, and oil underneath your fingernails are all the makings of a great day at the Transportation Systems Academy at the Central Academy of Technology and Arts (CATA).  

Students in the academy can’t wait to dive in and learn more about the automotive technology pathway and its future career opportunities. 

Click here to learn more.
Mark Your Calendar
  • Nov. 22-23 -Early College - Optional Teacher Workdays (No School for Students)
  • Nov. 24 - Optional Teacher Workday for all schools (No School for Students)
  • Nov. 25-26 - Thanksgiving Holiday- All schools and offices will be closed in observance.
  • Dec. 7 - Board of Education Meeting
Happy Thanksgiving From Team UCPS!
UCPS would like to wish you and your family a very happy and safe Thanksgiving! May your time with loved ones and friends be filled with delicious food, plenty of laughter and lots of gratitude. Happy Thanksgiving!