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We are excited to share some key highlights with you as we approach the one-month mark of the school year. Our students and staff have wholeheartedly embraced the Start with Hello initiative and we are immensely proud of their dedication. Discover the core qualities our district puts into practice for students' success in school and life.
We are also thrilled to share outstanding student achievement and an upcoming Exceptional Children's parent workshop. Parents of seniors, we've provided the graduation schedule so you can begin preparing for the big day.
Thank you for being an integral part of UCPS!
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Start with Hello Week
Building unity through kindness
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Central office staff (L), Shiloh Valley Primary students (M) and East Union Middle School staff (top R) wearing green. East Elementary (bottom R) staff focused on introducing themselves and making new friends. | |
UCPS proudly celebrates "Start with Hello Week" every September, an initiative promoting acceptance, inclusion, friendship and kindness. Organized by the Sandy Hook Promise organization, this nationwide event encourages new social connections and a sense of belonging among youth. This year's event, held from Sept. 18-22, had participation from all school levels, including activities like learning diverse greetings, connecting with unfamiliar peers, decorating spaces with uplifting messages and engaging in random acts of kindness. Students and staff also wore green on Wednesday, Sept. 20, to symbolize unity. | |
Wingate Elementary students learned to say hello in various languages, and many of them greeted families in the car line with their signs. | |
Meet and Greet Monday at Union County Early College was a success. Students were encouraged to engage in conversations instead of using their phones during lunch. | |
Parkwood Middle set up a kindness corner. When students needed encouragement they could grab a sticky. | |
At Cuthbertson Middle School, students were spreading kindness one sticky note at a time by placing them on lockers. | |
Announcing the 2024 Graduation Schedule | |
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With the 2024 Graduation Schedule for high schools now available, it's time to start planning for this exciting milestone. It's never too early!
Traditional graduations held from June 10 to June 12 will take place in school stadiums and will be live-streamed on the school's YouTube page for public viewing.
In the event of severe weather, rain dates have been selected. Principals will communicate directly with seniors and their families if their graduation date is rescheduled.
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What is the UCPS Portrait of a Graduate? | |
Portrait of a Graduate is a roadmap for students. It highlights five essential skills they will need in school and life. The focus areas are innovative leader, a resilient problem-solver, a key contributor, an effective communicator and a skilled collaborator. It prepares students for their next steps, whether it’s college, military service or employment. | |
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Portrait of a Graduate in action!
Throughout the year, there will be solid evidence of how students are learning about the Portrait of a Graduate traits. Teachers and administrators are constantly collaborating to create opportunities in daily instruction, school-wide activities, clubs, etc.
An example is the Antioch Ambassadors who embody the key contributor role as they assist as hallway helpers during the morning school arrival.
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Additionally, through a new video series, we will highlight each of the five characteristics we believe each student should have upon graduation.
First up is an innovative leader. Watch Weddington High School football student-athlete Ian McDermaid and Sun Valley High School volleyball student-athlete Kyra Joy Arnold describe how they use leadership skills on and off the field/court.
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Spotlight on innovation: the Hu-RiFy solution | |
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Aadit Preeti Krishna, a Weddington Middle School seventh-grader, is one of six North Carolina middle school students (6-8) who are among the 300 national semifinalists advancing to the 2023 annual Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge competition as announced by the Society for Science. Nearly 2,000 eligible students competed in the challenge.
Aadit's invention, the Hu-RiFy machine, is a response to the challenging living conditions characterized by high temperatures and humidity.
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| Which of the five Portrait of a Graduate traits do you think Aadit displayed most? | | | |
Join an Exceptional Parent Workshop | |
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Join us for an Exceptional Parent Workshop, Oct. 9, from 12 to 3 p.m. at the UCPS Professional Development Center, 721 Brewer Dr., Monroe.
Our dedicated UCPS staff will be sharing valuable knowledge, tools, evidence-based strategies, and practical tips that you can apply at home and in school.
This is a fantastic opportunity to discover fresh ideas and connect with UCPS specialists, as well as fellow exceptional parents. Don't miss out!
If you have questions, email latrice.towns.@ucps.k12.nc.us or stephanie.welland@ucps.k12.nc.us.
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UCPS is proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month which runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. Teachers, students and staff across the district have planned and organized various events and cultural exchanges all in an effort to introduce students to the beauty, diversity and depth of Hispanic heritage and culture. | |
WCNC highlights the amazing accomplishments of Team UCPS and our constant focus on continuous improvement. Click on the image above to watch the coverage. | | |
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Sept. 19-Oct. 6 - Wolfe School Intersession
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Sept. 25 - Traditional and Early College Teacher Workday (No school for students)
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Oct. 3 - Board of Education Meeting, 7 p.m.
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Oct. 16 - Traditional Calendar Teacher Workday (No school for students)
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