{Can't view this email? Click here.}

This March, students and schools showed their talents, explored new opportunities and made our community proud. From Marvin Ridge High FBLA’s record-breaking wins and middle schoolers using Spanish to tackle global issues to a mother-daughter teaching duo at Rock Rest Elementary, there’s plenty to celebrate. Families can also learn about the upcoming career fair, summer opportunities and help spotlight the Class of 2026 seniors.

In this issue:

• Marvin Ridge High FBLA excels at State Leadership Conference
• Students showcase bilingual skills during global diplomacy simulation
• UCPS hosts career fair, April 18
• Share feedback or report concerns safely
• East Union Middle: Renovation update
• Scholarships available for rising sixth- and seventh-graders
• Summer camps and open house at South Piedmont Community College
• Mother and daughter teach steps apart at Rock Rest Elementary
• Help us celebrate the Class of 2026

Recently, 284 students from Marvin Ridge High School (MRHS) attended the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference, competing in more than 70 events, participating in workshops and networking with students from across the state.

The students earned a record-breaking 200 medals, including 39 first-place finishes, and 116 students qualified for the FBLA National Leadership Conference in San Antonio this summer.

First place

• Business Management – Mason Csantaveri, Jackson Willis
• Business Plan (Team 3) – Sahasra Muchalapuri, Connor Schwarzkopf, Saideepya Vanukuri
• Coding & Programming – Aditi Kshatriy
• Data Analysis and AI – Karthika Malireddy, Naren Saravanan
• Digital Video Production – Rushika Mahavadi, Lila Mikels
• Entrepreneurship – Shireen Bhaskar, Naina Galivity, Sahana Venkatesh
• Financial Statement Analysis – Eleri Pratiknjo, Sunay Sharma, Ria Vaishnav
• Future Business Educator – Vajra Thota
• Intro to Business Communications – Alexia Vega
• Intro to FBLA – Vyom Shah
• Parliamentary Procedure – Talal Blan, Neev Dadhania, Emily Durham, Vihaan Kale, Abhinav Medisetty
• Public Service Announcement – Hasini Baskaran, Karthika Challagundla
• Sports and Entertainment Management – Adithi Belur, Jiya Bhalodia, Manasi Iyer
• Supply Chain Management – Tvisha Mahajan, Aditi Tadikonda, Sahasra Tumati
• Technology Support and Service – Lokruth Patil
• Visual Design – Zoha Ahmad, Mishri Patel, Ahana Shah
• Website Coding and Development – Nithya Gopa, Krithi Koti, Sonakshi Kshatriy

Students from East Union, Health Sciences Academy at Monroe, Parkwood, Piedmont, Porter Ridge, Sun Valley and Weddington middle schools joined peers from across North Carolina on March 5 to participate in Conexiones para la Acción Diplomática (CAD), a Spanish-language global diplomacy simulation hosted by Participate Learning at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

During the event, students served as international ambassadors, representing different countries and engaging in structured debates about global challenges—all while communicating entirely in Spanish. This year’s debate focused on animal well-being and biodiversity, with students discussing issues such as wildlife trafficking, habitat conservation and species protection while proposing collaborative solutions.

Students prepared by researching their assigned country’s perspective, writing opening statements and developing proposals. The experience also included interactive stations where students practiced conversational Spanish, matched countries with their flags, created video news segments and reflected on the importance of protecting animals.

Students also connected with bilingual mentors from the university through the Participate Learning Bilingual Community Fellowship and participated in a Spanish-language campus tour.

The event is part of Participate Learning’s Conexiones program, which helps middle school students strengthen Spanish language proficiency while developing global skills such as communication, empathy and problem-solving.

UCPS will host a career fair on April 18. Families and community members are encouraged to share the event. The district is looking for highly qualified teachers at all grade levels, including secondary math, science, and career and technical education (CTE), as well as school counselors, teacher assistants and exceptional children staff.

If you or someone you know is interested, please apply, pre-register, and come prepared for on-site interviews.

This is a reminder that UCPS offers several ways for students, parents, staff and community members to share concerns or provide feedback. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 right away.

The UCPS Tip Line is a simple way to share feedback, report safety concerns or submit anonymous tips. Personal information is optional and confidential — leave it out if you want to remain anonymous.

The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System gives another way to safely report concerns through a telephone hotline, website or mobile app. Submissions can also remain anonymous, giving everyone a secure way to speak up.

Renovations for the new East Union Middle School, located at the former Forest Hills High School, are moving forward. The project is part of a voter-approved 2024 bond to provide safe, modern learning environments for students.

Check out the latest construction update below!

Students have a chance to earn a scholarship to the Cooperative All-Stars Sports Camp this summer. One girl and one boy will receive a full scholarship to attend a university basketball camp in North Carolina at no cost.

• Wolfpack Women’s Basketball Camp at North Carolina State University: June 14–17
• Carolina Basketball School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: June 27–30

Camps allow students to develop basketball skills, work with college coaches, make new friends and experience life on a college campus.

With parent or guardian permission, students can apply by March 31 at union-power.com/sportscampscholarships.

Questions? Contact Emily Aldridge at 704-220-0703 or emily.aldridge@union-power.com.

Registration is now open for South Piedmont’s 2026 Summer Camps! Students ages 10–17 can explore exciting fields like criminal justice, coding, culinary arts, nursing, welding, comic book art, and more. These hands-on camps offer a fun, engaging learning experience at an affordable price your family will appreciate. 

Register at https://spcc-register.fundfive.com/camp.

Open House: South Piedmont Community College will host an open house on Thursday, March 26, from 4 to 7 p.m. at two locations: the Old Charlotte Highway Campus, located at 1851 S. Piedmont St. in Monroe, and the Tyson Family Center for Technology, located at 3509 Old Charlotte Highway, also in Monroe.

The event is drop-in style, allowing prospective students and community members to stop by at any time during the event to explore South Piedmont’s programs, tour campus facilities, and connect with faculty and staff. Attendees will be able to learn more about academic programs, workforce training opportunities, financial aid, and student support services. Representatives from several departments will be available to answer questions and help visitors take the next steps toward enrollment.

Visitors can also explore the different program offerings available at each location. Registration is requested but not required and is available at https://events.spcc.edu/event/spcc.events.1463388.

At Rock Rest Elementary School, two fifth-grade classrooms sit just down the hall from each other. In one, Lacey Hart teaches. In the other, her daughter, Madison Hart, leads her own class.

For Lacey, a 20-year educator, watching her daughter step into the same profession has been both emotional and inspiring. For Madison, teaching just steps away from the mom whose classroom she grew up visiting has brought a new appreciation for the work educators do every day.

Known by students and staff as “Mama Hart” and “Baby Hart,” the two share a commitment to building relationships and helping students grow—while creating a special family connection within the school community.

Join the conversation on Facebook

Do you have a favorite teacher? After reading the story, visit our Facebook post and leave a comment celebrating the Hart family or recognizing an educator who made a difference in your life or your child’s life.

We are proud to celebrate our soon-to-be graduating seniors, and we need your help!

If you have or know a student graduating this year, encourage them to share their story. UCPS will feature seniors on the district website, social media or in a special edition of UCPS Snapshots. Students can highlight their senior-year journey, accomplishments, future plans and what makes them unique.

Deadline to submit: April 17.

Selected students may be contacted for follow-up, including photos. Let’s celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026 together!

• March 19-30—Wolfe School Intersession (No school for students and staff)
• March 31—Wolfe School Teacher Annual Leave Day (No School)
• April 3—Holiday (UCPS is closed)
• April 6-10—Traditional and UCEC—No School (Spring Break)
• April 14—Board of Education Meeting, 7 p.m.

Connect With Us