UCPS leaders are named Education Week 2022 District Leaders To Learn From
Education Week, the premier national news organization covering K-12 education, has announced its 10th class of Leaders To Learn From—releasing profiles of 11 outstanding school district leaders.

Superintendent Dr. Andrew G. Houlihan and Casey Rimmer are being honored for their prescient work—both before and during the pandemic—setting up tutoring programs, creating teacher-training for remote learning, and boosting student supports for counseling and early reading. 

An investment in students' futures
In 2019, UCPS and Wingate University established Wayfind, a free college-access program with a foundation in mentorship. On Feb. 9, in a banquet room at the university, 20 new scholars representing the class of 2026 were inducted into the program. There are now 70 students in the program.

From the mouths of Kindergarteners
We asked Hemby Bridge Elementary students what they like best about kindergarten. Watch the video below to hear their answers!
Kindergarten Registration for the 2022-23 school year is open. Read more
Attend or tell a friend
Five free workshops are available to provide parents with the resources and tools needed to help navigate difficult situations.

The topics—grief, trauma, suicide awareness, becoming a tech-healthy family and family wellness—are relevant to many families.

Presenters include licensed social workers, therapists, counselors and nurses. The first session is Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. at Cuthbertson High. The topic is understanding trauma and resilience.
It is time for a cook-off
Parkwood and Monroe high schools are among the five teams selected as finalists in the 2022 North Carolina Jr. Chef Competition.

Student chefs are challenged to prepare meals that are tasty, healthy, budget-friendly and meet nutritional guidelines for the National School Lunch Program.
Parkwood High Team
Molly Burke
Dakota Garrison
Anna Laney
Gracin McCormick

Monroe High Team
Zion Jordan Williams
Tylik Brown
Alexander Contreras
Louis Viveros
Join us in wishing them good luck by leaving words of encouragement or congratulation on our
Labors of love
A kind idea leads to new bus stop shelter
Union County Public Schools students who reside in the Willow Oaks Apartments now have a comfortable shelter to sit in as they wait for the school bus. Willow Oaks primarily serves Rock Rest Elementary, East Union Middle and Forest Hills High. Read the full feature
Love the Bus
Love the Bus is hosted by the American School Bus Council (ASBC) and reminds the nation of the importance of bus drivers and the impact they have on student lives.

UCPS proudly celebrates our bus drivers and all of our transportation staff and administrators. Throughout the month, school staff will celebrate transportation staff with treats, kind notes and other recognitions.

Want to join in? Share photos on social media using the hashtag #lovethebus or give a shoutout on UCPS's Facebook post.
Sun Valley High senior receives
John H. Crowder service award
Congratulations to Kayla Radman!

The John H. Crowder Award was presented to Kayla during the Feb. 1 Board of Education meeting. Students who receive this award are not only academically successful but also have an established history of community service. 

Kayla has been an active four-year participant in the BETA Club and is an involved leader with the extremely active student council. She has also participated in several volunteer service projects.

School Choice, Special Program Schools Lottery and Dual Language Immersion
REMINDER: There are several key dates and deadlines for School Choice, the Special Program Schools Lottery and the Dual Language Immersion Lottery to keep in mind.

Important Resources:
Mark Your Calendar
  • Feb. 22 - Special Program Schools Webinar - 6 p.m.
  • Feb. 28 - School Choice Deadline
  • March 1 - Board of Education Meeting - 7 p.m.
  • March 6 - Special Program Schools Application Closes
  • March 7 - Dual Language Immersion Lottery Opens