UCPS celebrates
Computer Science Education Week
According to code.org, North Carolina currently has more than 15,000 open computer science-related jobs. In the coming years, demand for computer science-related skills are only expected to grow as employers seek graduates who know how to drive innovation in our economy and society.

Keeping in line with its goal of preparing students for success in college and careers, UCPS joined the nationwide annual celebration of Computer Science Education Week to highlight the importance of our students learning computer science-related skills.

Throughout the week of Dec. 9, every student in every corner of the district was encouraged to embrace innovation and think critically and creatively through computer science lessons integrated in all subject areas.

From hands-on STEAM lab activities at New Town Elementary to coding video games at Monroe High, all UCPS students were engaged in activities that challenged their critical thinking and analytical skills while empowering them to collaborate and problem solve.

Click the link below to view a scrolling website and photo gallery of school activities as well as additional information about how learning computer science-related skills will help set students up for success in the future.

For additional UCPS Computer Science Education Week photos, follow #UCPSCodes on the UCPS Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
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Who has had a positive influence on you?
Through the UCPS Influencers employee recognition program, you have the opportunity to shine a light on our outstanding UCPS employees who go above and beyond every day.

Click the link below to submit a nomination today.
Union County Early College and the IB Pathway Program are accepting applications
The application period for Union County Early College and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Pathway Program is open! Click the link below to apply before the Monday, March 2 deadline.

Also, stay tuned for additional information about UCPS School Choice, which will be shared in January 2020.
The 2020 graduation and school calendars are here!
Mark your calendars!

The 2020 graduation and 2020-2021 school calendars are now posted on the UCPS website. Click the links below to view the calendars.
UCPS is named national 2019 Start With Hello district winner
Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) has selected UCPS as the national 2019 Start With Hello District award winner.

SHP, the nation’s leading school violence prevention organization, launched the awards in tandem with the larger Start With Hello Week national campaign to recognize school efforts to prevent bullying and violence.
U Matter in UCPS
For some people, the holiday season can be a stressful period. Our UCPS Student Support Services department is on social media to connect you with resources, articles and information that promote the physical, social and emotional well-being of our students, families and community members.

Click the links below to follow U Matter in UCPS on Facebook and Twitter, and learn more about how to deal with the "holiday blues," manage your child's stress, etc.
In Case You Missed It
Spotlight on our Schools
Last school year, Piedmont High senior Micah Fagala created a Break the Silence club at her high school. Its mission was two-fold: to remove stigmas associated with mental health and provide students with a safe space to have these critical conversations.

Since then, similar Break the Silence clubs have popped up at schools around the district with a growing number of students committed to working collaboratively in support of one goal: removing negative stigmas of mental health throughout the entire county.
Mark Your Calendar
International Baccalaureate (IB) Program Pathway Application Period
Monday, Dec. 2 - Monday, March 2

U nion County Early College Application Period
Monday, Dec. 2 - Monday, March 2

Winter Break
Monday, Dec. 23 - Friday, Jan. 3

Winter Holiday: All UCPS Offices Closed
Dec. 24 - 26, Jan. 1
Did You Know?
Did you know that UCPS digital tools are available for all students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week -- and even over breaks?

This winter break, help your elementary or middle school student practice their math and reading by participating in the Winter Digital Resource Contest! The contest runs through Jan. 21 and prizes will be awarded to the top myOn and Dreambox users,top myOn and Dreambox classes and top two IXL classes!

For a complete list of details and resources, click the link below to visit the Winter Digital Resource contest webpage on the EmpowerED Family Portal.