Welcome to our small school which has a big emphasis on family and literacy! Our school is special due to the dedicated staff members who work well together to make sure every child’s needs are met. We use small groups daily to support students' academic needs! This allows for acceleration for students who are working above grade level and allows for individualization to reteach skills for students who need extra support. Our teachers plan together several times weekly to create rigorous and hands-on lessons; they also frequently review student data and growth with administration.  Teacher assistants are utilized in every grade level during the WIN block so that additional small groups can take place. 

Beginning in 2022-2023, Union Elementary incorporated a focus on Ag-Tech to align with EUMS and FHHS.  Our students attend an Encore class to learn about topics such as natural resources, plant and animal science, life cycles, robotics used in farming, and possible Ag-Tech-related careers.

Our attention to student progress led us to a national honor. Union Elementary was one of two schools chosen by the state of North Carolina to be selected for national recognition because of the success of our educational programs and progress made by our students. We were named a National Title I Distinguished School in California in February 2017. Afterward, we were asked to present to the State Board of Education so that other schools in NC could replicate the strategies that have made us successful. Union Elementary has also received three state recognitions for our efforts in implementing PBIS, a positive approach to school-wide discipline. At the county level, we have received recognition for our efforts in globalization; we believe in the importance of educating students to be aware of other cultures and learn about Future-Ready skills.

Union Elementary seeks parental and community involvement.  During the 2015-2016 school year, we started Grade Level Traditions. These are events held during the school day for parents to attend to learn about what their child has been learning. For example, fifth-grade parents are invited to a wax museum where the students dress as famous people and give speeches & technology presentations to highlight what they have learned.  Other traditions include Thankful Thursday in Kindergarten and Fractured Fairy Tales in Second Grade.  Other events, such as the Math Olympics, PTO performances, and curriculum nights, are popular with parents.  Our PTO sponsors Muffins for Moms and Doughnuts for Dads so that parents can enjoy time with their children during the school day.  One of our biggest community events is the Fall Festival, which is a tradition over 30 years old. This festival includes food, games, prizes, raffle baskets, a silent auction, and the famous haunted hall.

Fourth and fifth-grade students who meet the criteria may participate in the AIG program or AIG Nurture Program. All students participate in Encore classes for 40 minutes per day, which could include PE, Art, Music, Ag-Tech, and Media. Our Media Center has a Maker Space Area and a Lego wall. All students in third through fifth grade are given a personal laptop as part of the county’s 1:1 initiative. Students in K-2 grade have access to iPads and Chromebooks.

Union Elementary is a wonderful small school where staff members work together to meet the needs of every student.  We have a family-oriented atmosphere and a big focus on literacy skills since this is the foundation of everything that children will encounter in the future.

In 1884, a log cabin was constructed on one acre of land in southeastern Union County. This was the first Union Elementary School building. In 1886, a deed for the property was granted to the Committee of Public Schools. Additional acreage was acquired in 1916. Two years later, the Union County School Board built a wood-framed building containing grades one through seven. A brick building, used as an elementary and high school, was erected in 1926.

Many changes have occurred since the original building was established. Additions were constructed in 1948 and 1966. The gymnasium was erected adjacent to the main building in 1974. The gymnasium on the original site is currently being used by the South Union Athletic Association.

Changes have been made in the organizational structure of our school. In 1960, grades 9-12 were transferred to the consolidated Forest Hills High School. A kindergarten class, sponsored by Title I funds, opened in 1968. The middle schools in Union County were formed in 1970. At this time, the seventh and eighth graders were transferred to East Union Middle School. In 1974, a public kindergarten began at Union Elementary School, and the sixth grade students transferred to East Union Middle School.

Today, students in grades pre-kindergarten through five attend our school, which is located in Lanes Creek Township. The property was purchased in January 1990 at a cost of $115,600 for a new facility. Construction began on July 1, 1990, with a formal groundbreaking being held on August 30, 1990. The new building was completed in August 1991. In 2003, four additional classrooms and a new dining room were added to the new building.

About Mrs. Deaton

Mrs. Deaton was raised in Stanly County, and she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from UNCC.  Her teaching career began at Sardis Elementary, and she transferred to Fairview Elementary as a fourth-grade teacher when the new building opened in 2001.  During this time, she attended Wingate University to obtain her Master’s Degree, became a National Board Certified Teacher, and was selected as a Top Ten Finalist in the UCPS Teacher of the Year Program.

Mrs. Deaton returned to Wingate University to obtain licensure in School Administration.  In 2006, she was named Assistant Principal at Fairview Elementary.  After serving five years in this capacity, she was promoted to Principal at Union Elementary in July 2011.

Being a life-long learner herself, Mrs. Deaton values the role of education.  She has high expectations for the staff, students, and parents in order to help Union Elementary reach its full potential.  Union Elementary will provide a positive environment where every student has opportunities to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.  

Teamwork and open communication are important to Mrs. Deaton.  She values input and feedback from students, parents, teachers, and the community.  Please email or call her with any questions or concerns that you may have. 

Contact Mrs. Deaton

• Phone: 704-296-6348
• Email: jennifer.deaton@ucps.k12.nc.us

About Mrs. Herlihy

Mrs. Herlihy is delighted to be a member of the Union Elementary family! She graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and received her Master’s Degree from the University of Houston. After graduating from Clemson University, she moved to Sugar Land, Texas, and worked as an elementary school resource teacher. After spending many years living in Texas, Egypt, the Netherlands, and Norway, she moved back to North Carolina. She was hired by Union County in 2008 and taught at Fairview Elementary for four years as both a fifth and first-grade teacher. In 2012, she became the assistant principal of Union Elementary.

Mrs. Herlihy deeply values education for all students. She enjoys interacting with and supporting the students who make up our Union family.

Contact Mrs. Herlihy

• Phone: 704-296-6348
• Email: amy.herlihy@ucps.k12.nc.us

• Dr. Jennifer Topper
• 704-296-9898

• Principal: Jennifer Deaton
• Representative: Amanda Vann