Your weekly update on what's happening at UPMS!

Principal's Message

Hello Econ Families!

I hope that you had a wonderful weekend! I am looking forward to another great week at Union Park!

As I have mentioned before in this space, there have been some issues regarding student cell phone and earbuds being used at school and during class. Beginning Monday, October 8th, all cell phones and earbuds need to be out of sight when in the buildings at Union Park. If a cell phone or earbuds are visible, they will be confiscated. On the first offense, students will be allowed to pick up their items in the grade level office after school. After that, items will only be released to parents as part of a parent conference.

I know that this sounds harsh and some may have concerns because students have cell phones so that parents can get in touch with them. As a parent, I understand this, but it is also critical that we remove distractions from the school day so that students and teachers can focus on academics. If you have any questions about this policy, please feel free to contact me.

Here are a couple of quick announcements:

There will be no early release this Wednesday, October 10th due to PSAT testing in the high schools. Students will be dismissed at 4:00 that day, please make arrangements as needed.

Speaking of October 10th, Latinos in Action will be hosting a Latinos Fiesta Night on October 10^th after school from 4-5:30 to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. There will be music, games, and Hispanic themed food. The event will take place in the gym and tickets will be $2 (all food and drinks included with ticket). Tickets will be on sale soon along with mandatory permission slips that will have to be signed in order to attend the event. If you would like to help with this event, please contact Mr. Jesso, or Ms. Nuñez!

This Friday is the end of the 1st Marking Period and there is no school on Monday, October 15th!

We have lots of other things going on at UPMS as well! Please scroll down to see great information about athletics, ways to get connected at our school such as SAC and PTA, and some information about our school partners in education.

Thank you and have a great week!

Quick Links

OCPS Website

Union Park MS

Lunch Menu

OCPS Calendar

LaunchPad

ProgressBook

Canvas

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SAFE Ambassadors News!

Our SAFE Ambassadors are encouraging everyone at UPMS to participate in different activities for Anti-bullying Month.

Bullying Prevention Day is on October 24^th. On this day, we encourage everyone to wear orange and will host an activity for kindness, acceptance and inclusion during the lunch periods. Students can write a positive message on a sheet of paper and then will connect them together.
Canvas assistance for students is offered every other Friday during the 2^nd period in the Media Center.
New Student Orientation and tours of the school are on October 5^th and 19^th
Candy gram Sales!!! We will be selling Halloween candy grams! We will start taking orders on October 18th and we will be ending sales on the 25th. We’re selling in the mornings (before school) in the courtyard and during all 3 lunch periods. Each candy gram that is ordered will be delivered to the students, teachers, and staff during second period on October 31st. Candy grams are only a dollar!! Make sure to bring your money and write your friends a little special note.

Upcoming Events

10/10/18 - Long Wednesday!

10/10/18 - Latinos Fiesta Night 4-5:30 pm

10/12/18 - End of 1st Marking Period

10/15/18 - No School

10/26/18 - No School

10/29/18 - Report Cards distributed

PTSA would like to welcome all the teachers, parents and students who became members during last week's Open House! Become a member with your $10 donation! Students are encouraged to join the movement! unionparkmiddleptsa@gmail.com

Informational Sessions

Informational sessions about the following programs are offered in our Parent Resource Room:

School Procedures: New Students & Parents
Canvas
ProgressBook
Additions
I-Ready
ELL Resources
Digital Library

Please contact Ms. Nuñez , for more information!

Hispanic Heritage Month

This Tuesday, October 9th, at 6:30 pm, the Orange County Library System will present the following event at their Southeast branch: Spanish Cuisine with Chef Warren Caterson: More than Just Spice! Register today and learn how to create healthy meals from various regions of Spain with local and easy to source ingredients!

Thank you partners!

A big thank you goes to Horace Mann and AXA for coming in and helping make our preplanning time a successful one for our teachers. We are always looking for more partners in education, so if you or anyone you know would like to become a partner with Union Park Middle School, please contact our coordinator, Ms. Harmon at crystal.harmon@ocps.net. We are looking for partners who are interested in supporting supplemental programs for students, student recognition programs, and teacher appreciation efforts.

Special Olympics Bowling!

Any student with a physical limitation or disability is eligible to participate in the Special Olympics bowling team. All matches take place at Boardwalk Bowl with the first being September 17th. Contact Coach Honeycutt if interested.

Very important message from the Volleyball coaches: All students who plan on trying out for volleyball on October 4 ^th must have already turned in their sports physical. If you need a packet see Mr. Wofford (Athletics) or the front office.

If you are interested in participating in or coaching a UPMS team, please contact our Athletic Director, Mr. Wofford at david.wofford@ocps.net.

Union Park Middle School

Orlando, FL 32817

407-249-6309