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It’s officially fall, and our schools are buzzing with creativity and connection! In this October edition, we’re spotlighting inspiring classroom projects, student-led community service and the artistic accomplishments of our talented educators. You’ll also find opportunities for parents and families to stay involved through upcoming meetings and workshops designed to support student success.
In this issue:
- Fuel your day and student learning at the Coffee Nut
- State Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green visits UCPS to see innovation in action
- Union Power scholarship opportunities
- Exceptional Parent Virtual Lunch and Learn returns
- Encourage students to enter the Holiday Card Contest by Friday, Oct. 24
- Your student's passion could grow into a career—hear how!
- Waxhaw Elementary third graders explore local history
- UCPS art teachers shine in local exhibit
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Fuel your day and student learning
at the Coffee Nut
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The Coffee Nut, located inside the Monroe Aquatics & Fitness Center (2325 Hanover Drive, Monroe, NC 28112), is open to the public every weekday and offers a variety of delicious beverages.
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
CASH ONLY—Most hot and cold beverages are $2
Now offering loyalty cards
Purchase a card for $10 and enjoy 5 beverages plus one (1) free!
Hot and cold coffees and lattes, hot teas, hot chocolate, apple cider, specialty lemonades and seasonal beverages are all available on the menu throughout the year.
The Coffee Nut is staffed by talented student crews from Union County Public Schools’ Transition to Adulthood (TTA) and Occupational Course of Study (OCS) programs.
- Monroe High TTA and OCS students run the café on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
- Sun Valley High's TTA students serve on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The district rotates participation each year, so all programs have the opportunity to participate. So far, students from Monroe, Forest Hills and Porter Ridge high schools have gained valuable experience through the program.
It’s been a great start to the year, and the students are enjoying every opportunity to connect with the local community—one cup at a time!
| | | State Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green visits UCPS to see innovation in action | | |
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green visited East Elementary to see how Union County Public Schools is preparing students and supporting teachers for future success through innovation, partnerships and career pathways.
Health Sciences Academy students welcomed Green with smiles and shared their dreams of becoming doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals. The visit highlighted how UCPS connects classroom learning to real-world careers—starting as early as kindergarten.
Green also observed UCPS’s high-dosage tutoring model, which provides structured, small-group support and has led to measurable gains in math proficiency. The model reflects the district’s commitment to using data-driven strategies that help every student grow.
The visit concluded with a look at Next Stop: TeachUCPS, the district’s teacher pipeline program that helps aspiring educators earn credentials and gain classroom experience while working in UCPS schools.
From early career exploration to educator development, the visit showcased how UCPS is investing in people, partnerships, and pathways that benefit the entire community.
| | Union Power scholarship opportunities | | |
Union County Public Schools encourages eligible seniors to apply for the Union Power Cooperative Scholarship Program. Each year, Union Power awards 10 $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors who live within its five-county service area—Union, Stanly, Cabarrus, Mecklenburg and Rowan counties. These scholarships help students further their education and pursue their future goals without added financial stress.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must reside in a home served by Union Power Cooperative
- Must be a current high school senior
- Must plan to attend a four-year college or community college in North Carolina
Application Evaluation:
- 40% financial need
- 30% academic achievement
- 30% extracurricular involvement (school, civic and community activities)
Eligible students can apply online at union-power.com/collegescholarships.
Applications are due by March 1, 2026.
For more information, contact emily.aldridge@union-power.com.
| | Exceptional Parent Virtual Lunch and Learn returns | | |
The UCPS Exceptional Children Department is partnering with the School Social Work Department once again, inviting families to connect, learn and grow through the annual Exceptional Parent Virtual Lunch and Learn Series. Designed to support parents and caregivers of students with disabilities, this free virtual series features expert-led sessions on valuable topics and community resources.
Each one-hour webinar, held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., allows families to learn from local organizations that specialize in services and support for individuals with disabilities. Click on the link to access the registration information.
The 2025–2026 schedule includes:
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November 20: Partners Behavioral Health Management – Learn about the NC Innovations Waiver (“the long waiting list”) and Child 1915 (b)(3) Services, also known as respite.
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January 15: Autism Society – Hear how this national organization supports families and advocates for individuals with autism through education, research and resources.
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February 19: Down Syndrome Association – Learn about the resources and community connections available to families and students.
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March 19: North Carolina Able – Understand how individuals with disabilities can save money in a tax-advantaged account for qualified disability expenses, fostering financial independence.
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April 16: Union County Clerk of Court – Guardianship – Gain insight into the guardianship process and how to prepare as your child approaches adulthood.
The UCPS Exceptional Children Department will host all sessions via Microsoft Teams. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to mark their calendars and join any or all sessions that fit their family’s needs.
| | Encourage students to enter the Holiday Card Contest by Friday, Oct. 24 | | |
UCPS invites elementary, middle and high school students to participate in the 2025 Holiday Card Contest! Students can showcase their creativity by designing artwork that captures the joy and warmth of the holiday season.
The theme, “Happy Holidays/Season’s Greetings,” encourages festive or winter-themed designs. Artwork should not include images or references to specific religious holidays.
Two winners—one elementary and one secondary student—will have their designs featured on official UCPS holiday cards, including their name, grade and school. Top finalists will be recognized at a celebration on Dec. 5, and winners will also receive a personalized gift and be highlighted on the UCPS website and social media.
Details:
From Nov. 13–20, families and the community will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite designs.
| | Your student's passion could grow into a career - hear how! | | |
Is your student interested in science, technology, animals or the environment? Agriculture today is so much more than farming. It’s one of the fastest-growing and most innovative industries in the world. From drone technology and sustainable agriculture to food science and agribusiness, the possibilities are endless.
Families and students are welcome to a virtual session about the Agriculture Pathway, organized by the Career and Technology Education department. This meeting, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 6:30 p.m., will help participants learn how to turn their interests into fulfilling and in-demand careers.
During this session, presenters will:
- Show how Union County Public Schools (UCPS) courses connect seamlessly with programs at South Piedmont Community College, Wingate University, North Carolina A&T State University and North Carolina State University.
- Explain how to use the Career Development Plan to make the most of each learning opportunity.
- Highlight specific courses, certifications and early college options available through UCPS and its partners.
- Share insight into career fields and job opportunities available to students who choose the agriculture pathway.
Families and students are encouraged to attend and explore how UCPS pathways can lead from the classroom to college — and into a future rooted in innovation, sustainability and success.
| | Spartan Sprouts: A new tradition takes root at Sun Valley High | | |
Laughter and smiles filled the classrooms at Shiloh Valley Primary School as seniors from Sun Valley High School met their kindergarten "buddies" for the first time. This moment marked the launch of Spartan Sprouts, a new mentorship program designed to connect graduating seniors with incoming kindergartners for a year of friendship, encouragement and community building.
The program was created by Senior Addison Parker, Principal Dr. Mike Harvey, and Shiloh Valley Primary Principal Lindsey Williams. Its goal is to bridge the gap between generations and strengthen school pride across campuses. The seniors arrived with welcome letters and big smiles, eager to learn about their new buddies—finding out about their favorite colors, foods and even superpowers.
Throughout the year, the buddies will reunite for special events, including a holiday celebration and a possible field day, ensuring their bond continues to grow. What began as a single visit has quickly transformed into a heartwarming new tradition focused on connection and care.
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Waxhaw Elementary third graders
explore local history
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Third-grade students across the district recently finished their social studies unit, "Becoming a Community," which focused on the geography, people and stories that helped shape Union County into the community it is today.
At Waxhaw Elementary, students studied basic geographical concepts, immigrant groups who first settled in the area, and the histories of the county's nine townships. Hands-on activities, such as discussion circles, postcard creation, and poetry writing, allowed students to reflect on themselves while also connecting with their community.
As part of the unit, Meagan Plyler's class at Waxhaw Elementary collaborated with Scottie Stiles' class at Hemby Bridge Elementary on a pen pal project. Students exchanged letters, sharing information about their schools and townships while also asking questions about each other's communities, bringing classroom learning to life and forging meaningful connections outside of their own schools.
| | | UCPS art teachers shine in local exhibit | | |
Several Union County Public Schools art teachers are showcasing their creative talents in the Union County Community Arts Council’s (UCCAC) Art of the Educator Exhibition, which is currently on display through October 30. The annual show celebrates local educators who inspire creativity in their classrooms and the community.
Featured UCPS teachers include:
- Elisa Cantrell, Waxhaw Elementary
- Kelly Harper-Nisbet, Weddington Elementary
- Carli Pigza, Weddington Middle
- Kirsten Durbin, Porter Ridge Middle
- Kristen Baucom, Porter Ridge Middle
- Jennifer Makoski, Monroe High
- Shelly Pentecost, Central Academy of Technology & Arts (CATA)
The exhibition can be viewed at the Union County Community Arts Council Gallery, Monday–Thursday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
| | Celebrating youth service | | |
Piedmont High senior Kallie Hodge was recognized at the October Union County Board of Education meeting with the John H. Crowder Service Award for her outstanding dedication to her school and community. A top-performing student and varsity cheer captain, Kallie has spent countless hours mentoring, tutoring, and volunteering—impacting students, local children, and families across Union County. Her service includes leading community drives, coaching middle school cheerleaders, and contributing over 240 hours at her church’s childcare program.
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