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As we approach winter break, Superintendent Dr. Andrew Houlihan would like to express his excitement about how the school year has progressed and thank you for the support you provide to the district. Watch the video below.

A look back at UCPS in 2022

View our interactive annual review

Union County Public Schools (UCPS) is the sixth-largest public school system in North Carolina. It serves approximately 40,000 students at 53 schools and has approximately 5,000 staff members. With a long-term goal of ensuring all students are equipped to succeed in college, career and life, UCPS is committed to offering quality instruction for all children.


We hope you will enjoy this interactive annual review, which features highlights and videos from academic, athletic and employee achievements from 2022. From innovative programming to improving facilities, UCPS is proud of the great work our students and employees accomplished this year.


Click on the photo or link above to get started!

Board of Education approves

2023-2024 traditional academic calendar

The Union County Board of Education approved the 2023-2024 traditional academic calendar at a special called meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 13.


Calendar highlights:

  • The first day of school for students is Aug. 9.
  • The last day of school for students is May 22.
  • Exams will be administered before winter break.
  • The first optional teacher workday is Aug. 2.



View calendars.

Support our schools through Living Tree

Are you looking for a way to support schools? Visit our Living Tree page to see how you can provide funding for educational experiences, ideas to boost staff morale, meal balances, physical education equipment, Esports equipment and athletic activities. Union County Public Schools qualify to receive tax-deductible donations as a government unit under Internal Revenue Code section 170(c)(1).

Donate

East Elementary received the gift of community this holiday season

On Dec. 9, East Elementary students smiled with anticipation as they lined up in the hallways. They knew it was a special day, but they had no idea it would include a parade, gifts and Santa. When they stepped outside, the enthusiasm grew as a Wow Supermarket caravan, a truck with Santa, and police and fire vehicles drove by with sirens, horns and plenty of flashing lights.

Read more and view photo gallery

Career readiness in action

Building futures


Monroe and Parkwood high school students are applying the skills they've learned in their Career and Technical Education classes as they volunteer and build a home with Habitat for Humanity. Watch the video below to hear students' perspectives on the project.

Monroe Fire Department hires a 2022 Fire Academy graduate


Andrew Bessinger, a 2022 graduate of Piedmont High School, exemplifies why giving students options is vital. Andrew enrolled in the school's Fire Academy his senior year and completed all the skills and certification testing. Less than three months after graduation, he realized his dream of becoming a firefighter. Andrew's ambition was sparked by a toy fire truck given to him by his father when he was three or four years old.


"The program helps students develop leadership skills, creates a family-like relationship with their peers and gives students on-the-job training in high school," said Chad Baucom, the school's Career Technical Education Public Safety and Firefighter teacher. "I wish I had the opportunity students have at Piedmont High today when I was a student here."

CATA's Esports Club develops skills students can use anywhere

The Central Academy of Technology and Arts (CATA) Esports Club students are as competitive as any athlete on the field, track, pool or court. Their sport is less common and not always well understood; it is competitive video gaming. Esports has gained popularity at the college level, with some universities offering programs. There are also scholarship opportunities for students who participate at the high school level.  


Students in the club compete with other high school students around the country on the PlayVS platform. Like any other team, they have a coach and practice. 


They all agree that esports requires teamwork, strategy and communication skills. When the teams play, you can see their connection in action. They exchange directions, strategies and cheers or advice at a rapid speed. Problem-solving and decision-making are happening in real-time. 

Read more

Monroe High student receives

December Crowder Award

The Board of Education continues to honor students who are making a difference in their school and community with the John H. Crowder Service Award. At the Dec. 6 meeting, a Monroe High School senior, who is a shining example of dedicated leadership and volunteerism was honored.  


Erika Quintero is a student, athlete and Air Force JROTC cadet. She is also an integral part of the ROTC leadership team. This year, Erika rose to the highest rank of The Commander, NC-931, AFJROTC Corp of Cadets. She is constantly striving to become the best she can be. As a result, she has earned her place in the prestigious Kitty Hawk Honor Society, the Airforce's Global Honor Society.

Learn more about Erika

Mark your calendar

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  • Dec. 19-Jan. 2 - Winter break - No school for students (Traditional, UCEC and Wolfe School)
  • Dec. 19-21 - Teacher Workdays (Traditional, UCEC and Wolfe School)
  • Dec. 23 - Holiday - All offices closed
  • Jan. 2 - Holiday - All offices closed


From Team UCPS

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