Join #TeamUCPS as a Read with U volunteer today!
Since the 2017 launch of Read with U, more than 1,000 Union County community members have stepped up to help foster a lifelong love of reading in young students.

Now, with the new school year well underway, we're looking for even more community members like you to join #TeamUCPS and help students grow their literacy skills.

The program is simple: Sign up to be a reading buddy and spend 30 minutes each week reading with a first-grade student.

That's it. It's a small commitment that can yield sizeable and long-lasting gains in young students.

Here's how to get started:

  1. Click the link below to visit the UCPS Volunteer Services webpage to complete an application
  2. Once your application is approved, contact the volunteer coordinator at your local elementary school to get started. While all schools need volunteers, please consider becoming a reading buddy at East, Benton Heights, Walter Bickett, Sardis, Marshville, Wingate, Rocky River or Rock Rest elementary schools.
  3. Read with your student for at least 30 minutes once per week during the school year.
Click. Read. Share.
UCPS receives five-year School Climate Transformation Grant
UCPS recently received a $3.7 million School Climate Transformation Grant from the U.S. Department of Education, which will support 12,000 students at the following schools: Health Sciences Academy at Monroe Middle, Parkwood Middle, Piedmont Middle, Porter Ridge Middle, Sun Valley Middle, Monroe High, Parkwood High, Piedmont High, Porter Ridge High, Sun Valley High and South Providence School.
NC Youth Legislative Assembly is accepting applications
Know a high school student who wants to learn first-hand about the legislative process while developing their leadership skills?

Encourage them to apply for the Annual Youth Legislative Assembly, a three-day program that teaches high school students about the laws governing North Carolina's citizens as well as the lawmaking process. Click the link below to learn more and apply before the Jan. 31 deadline.
2020-2021 Calendar Survey
UCPS is conducting a survey to gather input for the 2020-2021 calendar. We encourage you to participate and learn more about the calendar planning process. 

Click on the link below to access the survey, which will close on Friday, Oct. 18.
College Readiness Corner
College application season is upon us, but that doesn't mean this time of year has to be stressful for your student or family.

To help guide your family through the college preparation and/or application process, the UCPS College Readiness department offers the following resources, events and workshops for middle and high school students:
The College Readiness Resource Center is open!
Click the link below to sign up for a 30-minute meeting with a guidance counselor to learn more about the college application process, College Board assessments, high school course planning and more!

Sessions are held 4 - 7 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays and 2- 4 p.m. on Saturdays at the Monroe branch of Union County Public Library.
College Readiness Parent Series: Paying for College
At 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 14, parents of students in grades 8 - 12 are invited to attend a college readiness parent session to learn more about how to pay for college.

Community partners and UCPS staff members will share information about the FAFSA, scholarships, financial aid and the NC residency determination status.
Use Naviance to help with college and career planning!
Naviance, which is available at no cost to all UCPS middle and high school students, allows parents and students to work together to align students’ strengths and interests with their post-secondary goals.

Looking for college preparation activities and sessions all year long?
The UCPS College Readiness calendar is your one-stop shop for local and national events to help prepare your student for college. Click the link below to see upcoming events, details and registration information.
In Case You Missed It
Spotlight on our Schools
This school year, 18 UCPS schools were recognized by the NC Department of Education for their proactive work with supporting the academic growth and achievement, behavior, social and emotional needs of all students.

Congratulations to the following NC Green Ribbon and Model Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) schools:
  • Benton Heights Elementary (Green Ribbon)
  • Fairview Elementary (Green Ribbon)
  • Indian Trail Elementary (Green Ribbon)
  • Marshville Elementary (Green Ribbon)
  • Monroe High (Model)
  • Parkwood Middle (Green Ribbon)
  • Porter Ridge Middle (Model)
  • Porter Ridge High (Green Ribbon)
  • Sandy Ridge Elementary (Green Ribbon)
  • Shiloh Valley Primary (Green Ribbon)
  • South Providence (Green Ribbon)
  • Shiloh Valley Elementary (Green Ribbon)
  • Union Elementary (Model)
  • Unionville Elementary (Green Ribon)
  • Waxhaw Elementary (Green Ribbon)
  • Weddington Elementary (Green Ribbon)
  • Wesley Chapel Elementary (Green Ribbon)
  • Western Union Elementary (Green Ribbon)
Mark Your Calendar
6 - 7:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 14
Monroe High (1 High School Drive, Monroe)

UCPS Student Support Week
Monday, Oct. 14 - Friday, Oct. 18

Report Cards: Middle and High School
Wednesday, Oct. 16

Friday, Oct. 18

Report Cards: Elementary Schools
Thursday, Nov. 7

Veterans Day Holiday: All Schools and Offices Closed
Monday, Nov. 11
Did U Know?
Did you know October 14 - 18 is UCPS Student Support Week?

Throughout the week, UCPS will highlight all of the expansions we've made in recent years regarding safety and security as well as social and emotional health.

Stay tuned to the district's Facebook and Twitter accounts as we highlight the great work of our nurses, counselors, school resource officers, mental health therapists, psychologists and school social workers.

Also, don't forget to follow U Matter in UCPS on Facebook and Twitter all year long for additional information about resources and events designed to help promote the physical, social and emotional well being of students and staff.