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We’re excited to share the September edition of our parent and community newsletter! Each month, we’ll bring you stories and resources that celebrate our schools, highlight student and staff success and keep you connected to what’s happening across the district.

In this issue, you’ll find:

• The classroom that ties generations together
• Open the door to discovery with a library card
• Sign up for PaySchools Central and apply for free lunch
• UCPS opens NC Pre-K classrooms at new East Elementary
• 2026 graduation schedule is available

We hope you enjoy this month’s stories and feel inspired by the incredible things happening in our schools and community.

When Kinsey Lowder unlocks her classroom door at New Salem Elementary each morning, she’s stepping into more than just another school day. She’s walking into a place that holds nearly a century of her family’s history.

Lowder is in her fourth year of teaching, all of which have been at New Salem. She completed her student teaching in the same building, was offered a position before graduation, and has been there ever since. What makes her story even more remarkable is the generational tie—her grandfather attended New Salem in the 1950s and 60s, her great-grandfather before that in the 1930s and 40s, when the school was still a high school. Even a cousin her age passed through its halls in the early 2000s.

“New Salem has always been part of my family’s story,” Lowder said. “When I was placed here for student teaching, it just felt right. And when they offered me the job, I knew this was where I was meant to be.”

Unlock a world of possibilities with your library card. During September, you can sign up for a new card or renew your existing one at any of our library locations.

Complete Library Card BINGO for a chance to win a prize—fun for the whole family. At Union County Libraries, your library card is the key to endless learning, entertainment, and discovery.

Learn more and get your library card today!

Parents can pay for school meals and submit free meal applications through PaySchools Central.

• Use your child’s Infinite Campus student ID to register.
• View school menus at My School Menus.

Make sure to apply for free or reduced lunch if your family is eligible. For more information, visit School Nutrition Services.

UCPS is offering the North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten (NC Pre-K) Program at the newly opened East Elementary School, giving four-year-old children a strong start to their education with high-quality early learning programs designed to prepare them for kindergarten.

The school has two NC Pre-K classes with space available for 36 students. Classes follow the school bell schedule, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and breakfast and lunch are provided at no charge.

Families may apply online at https://theallianceforchildren.org/#APPLICATIONS or pick up a paper application at the East Elementary front office located at 221 Elizabeth Avenue, Monroe. All required documentation listed on the application must be submitted.

For more information, visit https://theallianceforchildren.org or contact East Elementary at 704-296-3110.

North Carolina seniors with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or higher may qualify for direct admission to select colleges, universities, and community colleges through the new NC College Connect program.

Eligible students will see a personalized list of schools in their NC College Connect portal and can claim their spot with a simple online form—no traditional application needed.

Office hours for questions:

• Sept. 30, 6–7 p.m.
  

Learn more and check eligibility at NCCollegeConnect.org.

Monroe High School students in the Health and Sciences Academy are turning compassion into action this fall with their first community Cancer Walk—a day of remembrance, hope, and solidarity for those affected by cancer. Families, friends and neighbors are welcome to walk in support of cancer survivors and patients while raising funds for local families through the Tickled Pink Fund, which serves Union County and surrounding areas.

Set for Saturday, Sept. 27, from 2:30 to 8 p.m. at Monroe High, the walk is more than laps around the track—it’s a celebration of community and courage. The first lap will be reserved for cancer survivors and patients, giving them a moment of honor and recognition. Guests can then join in, walking in solidarity or simply showing that no one faces cancer alone.

Shiloh Valley Primary had a heartwarming start to the day recently as the school community came together to celebrate Gavyn, a kindergarten student who is courageously fighting cancer.

Through the support of Hometown Heroes, Gavyn received a special escort to school. Riding alongside Sheriff Eddie Cathey and the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Gavyn arrived on campus in style with lights flashing and sirens leading the way.

Students and staff lined the entrance with handmade signs, cheers and smiles to welcome him. The energy was full of excitement and encouragement, creating a memory that Gavyn and his family will cherish.

We are grateful to Hometown Heroes and the Union County Sheriff’s Office for making the day so meaningful. It was a powerful reminder of the love, support and strength within our community.

We know families like to plan ahead, and UCPS is committed to helping you do just that. The graduation schedule for the Class of 2026 is now available, with dates, times and locations for each high school ceremony.

Across our district, UCPS employees go above and beyond every single day. Whether it’s supporting students, encouraging colleagues, or making a lasting impact in the community, their dedication deserves to be celebrated.

That’s where the UCPS Influencers Program comes in—and we need YOUR nominations!

Each month, employees who make a difference are recognized at a Board of Education meeting and featured on the UCPS website and social media.

Nominate a UCPS Influencer today and help us shine a spotlight on the people who inspire us all!

• Sept. 22 - Wolfe School optional teacher workday (No school for students)
• Sept. 23 - Traditional schools' and UCEC's optional teacher workday (No school for students)
• Sept. 23-Oct. 10 - Wolfe School Intersession (No school for students and teachers)
• Oct. 2 - Traditional schools' required teacher workday (No school for students)
• Oct. 2 - UCEC optional teacher workday (No school for students)
• Oct. 7 - Board of Education Meeting, 7 p.m.

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