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As January continues, our schools are moving forward with focus and purpose. Families can now enroll young learners in UCPS early learning, and the School Choice application window will close soon. Students have exciting opportunities, including scholarships for future educators, a basketball scholarship for rising sixth- and seventh-graders, and a Cheerwine Festival t-shirt design contest for high school artists.

In this issue:

• Wayfind scholars announced
• UCPS spotlighted on Carolina Impact
• School Choice application window closes Feb. 13
• Is your youngest learner ready for school?
• Support UCPS Books and Brackets
• Union County Education Foundation scholarships for future educators
• Basketball scholarship opportunity for rising sixth and seventh graders
• Cheerwine Festival t-shirt design contest for high school artists
• Celebrating youth service
• Key dates

Health Sciences Academy at Monroe Middle

East Union Middle

Porter Ridge Middle

Sun Valley Middle

UCPS is excited to welcome the newest group of Wayfind Scholars, a selective program that helps first-generation students prepare for college with mentorship from Wingate University. Scholars are paired with Wingate mentors for 4.5 years, from 8th grade through high school, and are eligible to earn a full four-year scholarship to Wingate University upon program completion.

All scholars were surprised at their schools by principals, staff, UCPS leaders, and a representative from Wingate University with the exciting news of their acceptance.

Here’s what some of this year’s scholars and a parent shared:

Christopher Tovar, HSA at Monroe Middle School

“This is important to me because it will help me grow and give me opportunities I might not have without it.”

Evelyn Do, Porter Ridge Middle School

"I'm really proud of myself and the people who helped me. This program will inspire my sister to apply when she is old enough. I want to be an environmental scientist in the future and this will help me reach that goal.”

Carson Jackobel, Sun Valley Middle School

“I wanted to be in the Wayfind program so I could get into college more easily and take engineering classes. I’m interested in robots and learning how things work, and I think this program will help me with public speaking too.”

Ximena Aparicio-Recendiz, East Union Middle School

“I’m really excited because my parents didn’t have the opportunity to go to college. This program saves my family a lot of money and gives me a big opportunity for the future. I hope to become a teacher one day because I love helping and teaching others.”

Misty Tarlton, parent of CashTarlton, East Union Middle School

“I’m so grateful that he received this. As a single mom, it’s a blessing for our family, and I’m just so proud of him. We always encourage him to try, and look at what happened!”

Wayfind gives students the mentoring, guidance and opportunities they need to succeed in school and prepare for college.

PBS Charlotte recently featured Union County Public Schools on its Carolina Impact show, highlighting the district’s top ranking in end-of-grade test scores. UCPS leads the state with a 71% proficiency rate—16% higher than the state average of 55%. The story showcases how data-driven instruction, dedicated staff, targeted tutoring and locally developed curriculum have contributed to this success.

UCPS School Choice Application Window Closes Feb. 13

Union County Public Schools (UCPS) is accepting School Choice applications for the 2026–2027 school year. The application window opened Dec. 15 and will close Feb. 13, 2026. Applications must be submitted through the Scribbles online system.

School Choice is explained under Policy 4-13 Student Assignment. 

Through this option, families may apply for admission through lottery to any elementary, middle or high school within the district whose student population is no more than 85% of the capacity, as determined by the district.

The superintendent shall designate which schools are available for enrollment under this provision on an annual basis. The superintendent and Board of Education have the final authority to identify schools available for choice under this option. Once a transfer has been granted on this basis, it will remain in effect until the terminal grade in that school location (i.e., 5th, 8th and 12th).

Transportation is not provided for students who accept a transfer through School Choice. 

Pre-K options and enrollment

UCPS offers several Pre-K options designed to meet the diverse needs of young learners. UCPS does not have a general preschool enrollment process, as each Pre-K program has specific eligibility requirements. Families are encouraged to review options carefully to find the best fit for their child.

The Pre-K application period opens in February, and UCPS staff will be available to assist families with the application process during upcoming parent information sessions. Families should bring proof of address and a birth certificate for their child.

Pre-K Parent Information Sessions

• Feb. 5 | 5:30–6:30 p.m. | Porter Ridge High School
• Feb. 12 | 5:30–6:30 p.m. | Sun Valley High School
• Feb. 26 | 5:30–6:30 p.m. | Central Academy of Technology & Arts

These sessions are an opportunity to learn about available programs, eligibility requirements and next steps.

Kindergarten enrollment

Kindergarten enrollment for the 2026–27 school year begins Feb. 2, 2026. Children who will be five years old on or before Aug. 31, 2026, are eligible to enroll.

Enrollment is completed online through Infinite Campus on the UCPS website. Families will need a birth certificate, immunization records, proof of residence, and a completed kindergarten health assessment before the start of school.

UCPS elementary schools offer a wide range of learning opportunities, including language immersion, arts, health sciences, leadership, and other specialized programs. Schools will host open houses and tours, and families are encouraged to visit school websites for additional information.

The application window is open Feb. 2–27. Don’t miss your chance to join one of our specialized programs!

Key Dates:

• Applications Open: Feb. 2
• Applications Close: Feb. 27
• Families Notified: March 23
• Deadline to Accept Seat: March 27

Scribbles Application Portal opens Feb. 2.

Learn more at an open house

Meet teachers, tour campuses, and get your questions answered.

High school open houses:

• Union County Early College: Jan. 27 at 6 p.m., SPCC Building A
• Sustainable Energy at Parkwood High: Jan. 29 at 6 p.m.
• Ag Tech at Piedmont High: Feb. 9 at 5 p.m.
• Health Sciences at Monroe High: Feb. 12 at 5:30 p.m.
• CATA: Feb. 17 and 19 at 6:30 p.m. (Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m. for Sun Valley Middle, Marvin Ridge Middle, East Union Middle, Parkwood Middle and Monroe Middle and Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. for Piedmont Middle, Weddington Middle, Porter Ridge Middle and Cuthbertson Middle.)
• Ag Tech at Forest Hills High: Feb. 19 at 6 p.m.

Don’t wait—apply now and secure your spot in a program that sparks your child’s passions!

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Books and Brackets, UCPS is inviting community members to support this beloved reading challenge through donations. For a decade, Books and Brackets has inspired elementary students to build a love of reading through friendly competition and schoolwide engagement.

Contributions will help expand the program's impact and directly support literacy initiatives at the winning schools. Please consider donating and sharing the fundraiser with others as we mark this milestone year.

Supporting Books and Brackets unites our community through the shared experience of reading.

The Union County Education Foundation is offering three scholarship opportunities for UCPS seniors planning to major in education. These scholarships support students pursuing a career in teaching and reflect a continued investment in the future of Union County schools.

Available scholarships include the Janet Tyson Memorial Scholarship ($5,000 one-time award, with preference given to Sun Valley High School seniors), the Dr. Ed Davis Scholarship ($3,000 one-time award), and the Participate Learning Scholarship, which provides two $2,500 awards to students in the TeachUCPS Pathway continuing from SPCC to Wingate University. Participate Learning scholars also receive access to professional development resources that support global leadership and cultural awareness.

Students who dream of inspiring young minds and making a lasting impact through education are encouraged to apply.

Application deadline for all scholarships: Friday, March 27, 2026.

Union Power Cooperative is offering a basketball camp scholarship for rising sixth- and seventh-graders. Two students will be selected—one girl for the Wolfpack Women’s Basketball Camp at NC State (June 14–17) and one boy for the Carolina Basketball School at UNC Chapel Hill (June 27–30).

The camps are free and provide skill development, coaching, and a college campus experience. Applications are due by March 31 at union-power.com/sportscampscholarships or via the QR code in the attached graphic. If you have any questions, please contact Emily Aldridge at 704-220-0703 or emily.aldridge@union-power.com.

Cheerwine is inviting high school art students across the Carolinas to participate in its annual Cheerwine Festival T‑Shirt Design Contest. This is a great opportunity for young artists to showcase their creativity and have their work featured at a major regional event.

Prizes include:

• $1,000 gift card and a plaque from the City of Salisbury for the winning student
• $500 for art supplies for the winning student’s teacher
• Additional prizes and potential media recognition

Students are encouraged to submit their original t‑shirt designs by Friday, Feb. 27, 2026.

Teachers and students can find full contest details, instructions, and rules on the Cheerwine contest website.

• Jan. 22—UCPS pathway information session focusing on health science, 6:30 p.m. virtual
• Jan. 26—Required Teacher Workday for Wolfe School (No school for students)
• Feb. 2—Pre-Kindergarten application and Kindergarten enrollment begin
• Feb. 2-27—Special Programs application period
• Feb. 3—Board of Education Meeting, 7 p.m.
• Feb. 16—Optional Teacher Workday (No school for students)

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