New BHESA performing arts center puts students’ talents on center stage
On Wednesday, Dec. 12, UCPS leaders, Board of Education members, local elected officials, community members and students gathered at Benton Heights Elementary School of the Arts (BHESA) to mark a momentous occasion: the opening of the school’s new performing arts center.

The new facility – which is the result of support from UCPS, the City of Monroe, Union County, the Board of Education and BHESA staff -- nearly doubled the seating capacity of the school’s previous aging auditorium, will enhance the school’s theatre productions and provide students with the opportunity to share their talents with larger audiences.

Following the ribbon-cutting celebration, BHESA students performed the Seussical musical for event attendees as well as their peers, marking the first performance to be held in the new facility.

Click the link below to learn more about the new facility and see photos from the event and student performance.
Calling all UCPS middle school families!
Porter Ridge High is exploring the idea of adding an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Progamme and Career Programme.

All current UCPS middle school students would be eligible for the programs, which offer college-level IB courses, service learning, a reflective project, a focus on world language and an opportunity to earn a world-recognized diploma or certificate.

Interested in learning more?

Mark your calendars: At 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 17, Porter Ridge High will host an International Baccalaureate Interest Meeting to provide additional information about how these proposed programs will prepare UCPS students for college and careers. The meeting is open to all UCPS middle school students. Click the link below to RSVP on Facebook and receive an event reminder.

Can't make the meeting?

Click the link below to complete a brief survey expressing your interest in IB programs at Porter Ridge High.
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2019-20 Career Readiness Academy and Pre-Apprenticeship Program application period is open
Is your high school student interested in in-demand career fields such as engineering or the health sciences? K now a high school junior who'd like to get paid to go to college while completing their senior year of high school?

Encourage them to apply for the Pre-Apprenticeship Program or any one of the 20+ academy pathways offered through the UCPS Career Readiness department.
Application for vacant Board of Education seat
The Union County Board of Education is seeking candidates to fill an At-Large seat that has been vacated by former At-Large Member Dennis Rape, who was elected to the Union County Board of Commissioners in November.

Pursuant to Board of Education policy, vacancies during the term of office for board members elected prior to 2018 shall be filled by appointment by the remaining members. The appointed member shall serve until the next election.
The 2019-20 calendars are here!
During its Dec. 5 meeting, the Board of Education approved the 2019-20 calendars for traditional and year-round schools as well as Union County Early College.
Share the UCPS holiday card with family and friends
The UCPS holiday card , which was created by Porter Ridge Middle eighth grader Ashley Cole, is available for purchase. Thanks to a partnership with the Union County Education Foundation and Life Touch, you can order 15 cards for $20. Proceeds will benefit the Union County Education Foundation. 
#UCPSGivesBack
Every holiday season, hundreds of UCPS students and staff donate their time, talents and resources to help those in need.

To shine a spotlight on their efforts, UCPS is sharing stories about how our students are spreading holiday cheer and bringing about real change in their local communities.

Click on the links below to read their stories and follow #UCPSGivesBack on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to learn more about the various charitable initiatives going on in all of our schools.
In Case You Missed It
Mark Your Calendar
International Baccalaureate Interest Meeting
6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 17
Porter Ridge High (2839 Ridge Road, Indian Trail)

Winter Break: No School
Year-Round Schools: Monday, Dec. 17 - Friday, Jan. 4
UCEC: Wednesday, Dec. 19 - Friday, Jan. 4
Traditional Schools: Monday, Dec. 24 - Friday, Jan. 4

Winter Holidays: All UCPS Schools and Offices Closed
Dec. 24 - 26, Jan. 1