Feature Stories

International Studies program at Rea View and Stallings elementary schools connects students to the world

We live in a global economy with international trade supporting millions of U.S. jobs. That’s why, with a goal of preparing their young students for a more global and interconnected workforce, Stallings and Rea View elementary schools are introducing a new international studies program in their schools this year.

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UCPS principal left lasting impression on new Sun Valley Middle teacher

Twelve years ago, Jayy Pierre was a Shiloh Elementary student in Maxie Johnson's fifth grade classroom. Today, he's the newest SVMS health teacher and SVHS track and field coach who is passionate about influencing current and future students -- much like his fifth grade teacher did for him more than a decade ago.

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UCPS sets five-year record under state’s School Performance Grade Model

Union County Public Schools (UCPS) is pleased to announce significant gains and an increase in schools that earned an A or B for the 2018-19 school year under the state’s School Performance Grade model. The results were approved by the State Board of Education Thursday, Sept. 5 with the release of the Student Performance Data, Growth and School Performance Grades report.

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With new Shiloh Valley school model, neighboring elementary schools show they're "better together"

For more than a decade, Sun Valley and Shiloh elementary schools were two very distinct schools despite sitting 500 feet away from each other on the same property. But that all changed six months ago when then-Sun Valley Elementary principal Dr. Susan Rodgers and then-Shiloh Elementary Principal Scott Spencer presented an ambitious vision to UCPS leadership: one school with two separate campuses.

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Parkwood Middle math teacher uses Kenan Fellow experiences to connect students to real-world STEM lessons

After a whirlwind summer that included a 120-hour internship, training sessions and more, Kenan Fellow and Parkwood Middle teacher Pam Johnson is back in her classroom with her mind full of ideas to incorporate those experiences into her curriculum this school year.

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Photo Gallery: Welcome back, students! UCPS celebrates the first day of school

On Monday, Aug. 26, more than 41,000 UCPS students returned to the classroom for their first day of school. From Cuthbertson High band students serenading peers on their way into the building to East Elementary community members giving high-fives to students on their way into school, many schools throughout the district hosted back-to-school celebrations and events that kept students energized throughout the school day.

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Back to School: UCPS announces new academic programming and safety expansions for the 2019-20 school year

Want to learn more about new academic programming and safety expansions for the 2019-20 school year? Check out this short, interactive presentation to get a closer look at what's planned for the upcoming school year.

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Back to School: Connect and Chat Facebook Live session helps UCPS families prepare for the new school year

On Aug. 19, UCPS hosted a Connect and Chat Facebook Live session to provide UCPS families with important back-to-school information for the upcoming school year. Check out what was discussed and find out how you can access the archived session.

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Back to School: Six UCPS schools transform teaching and learning through STEM Leader Corps

Beginning this school year, six UCPS elementary schools will have the unique opportunity to completely transform the way STEM education is offered in their schools. Through the STEM Leader Corps program with Discovery Education, the selected schools -- Fairview, Poplin, Sardis, Stallings, Walter Bickett and Western Union – will be immersed in three years of intensive professional development sessions and experiences designed to not only build but sustain a culture of STEM education in their schools.

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Back to School: East Union Middle rising sixth graders make connections with the state’s largest industry

Agriculture is the top industry in NC, and Union County ranks third in the state for agricultural business production. That's why, with an eye towards the future, East Union Middle is introducing agriculture technology as its new school focus for the upcoming school year, beginning most recently with its annual weeklong Camp Jumpstart summer camp for rising sixth graders.

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SVMS rising sixth grader's Dual Language Immersion skills shine during weeklong mission trip

Last month, Sun Valley Middle and Dual Language Immersion student Nyla White traveled to the Dominican Republic for a week-long mission trip, where she took on a critical role with helping to provide translation services for the mission group.

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Where Are They Now: UCEC grad Tai Huynh makes his mark in business and politics

Three years ago, UCEC graduate Tai Huynh was a UNC freshman with an entrepreneurial spirit and political aspirations. He has since co-founded a startup company, helped found the UNC Institute of Politics, served on the Chapel Hill Housing Advisory Board and has tossed his hat into the ring for the upcoming Chapel Hill Town Council election. Check out what Tai said about his time in UCPS and his plans for the future.

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Where Are They Now: PRHS graduate Hallie Gaskill serves up success as luxury hotel’s pastry chef

For some students, a new class sparks their interest in a career they’d never considered before. That’s the case for PRHS graduate Hallie Gaskill, who was inspired to pursue a career in culinary arts after graduating from the Career Readiness program’s Culinary Arts Academy. Today, Hallie is a Johnson & Wales University graduate who works as a full-time pastry chef in Charlotte. Check out what Hallie said about how UCPS prepared her for the future.

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Where Are They Now: MRHS graduate Lori Riendeau pursues passion for film editing at ABC News

Five years ago, Lori was a Marvin Ridge High student taking Film Production classes offered through the district’s Career Readiness department. Today, she's a 2018 graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts who works for ABC News in New York City. Check out what Lori said about her college and career accomplishments and how UCPS prepared her for the future.

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FHHS and MHS Wayfind Scholars get a taste of college life at Wayfind Summer Camp

From July 7 - 9, the Wayfind Scholars moved into Wingate University dorms to experience campus life. With an agenda packed with experiences that included visits to Queens and Elon universities as well as workshops designed to prepare them for high school and college, the students walked away with an eye-opening experience that gave them a taste of college life.

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Where Are They Now: CHS graduate Tierra Thompson sets her sights on law school

Cuthbertson High alumna Tierra Thompson was selected out of more than 2,000 graduates to deliver the student speech at UNC Greensboro's May 2019 commencement ceremony. Now, Tierra is a rising first year law student at North Carolina Central University School of Law and has plans to practice corporate or business law after graduating. Check out what Tierra had to say about her accomplishments in college and how her time in UCPS prepared her for the future.

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Atrium Health provides Health Sciences Academy at Monroe Middle teacher with educational experience of a lifetime

Last month, Health Sciences Academy at Monroe Middle lead teacher Johanna Markiewitz found new ways to integrate global experiences into her curriculum, courtesy of the experience of a lifetime: the Atrium Health International Medical Outreach program. The program, which provided Markiewitz with an educational trip to Guatemala, was the perfect addition to HSA at Monroe Middle and Atrium Health Union’s unique collaboration that exposes students to the clinical and operational aspects of healthcare.

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UCPS personnel updates for the 2019-2020 school year

UCPS has announced personnel updates for the 2019-2020 school year.

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What does EmpowerED look like? UCPS administrators identify ways to transform learning environments during annual leadership conference

The UCPS EmpowerED Leadership Institute kicked off on June 19. In a departure from traditional professional development sessions, school administrators will spend three days engaged in collaborative activities as they identify ways to transform learning environments at their schools.

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UCPS superintendent and district leaders discuss innovation in UCPS

UCPS Superintendent Dr. Andrew Houlihan and district leadership recently discussed innovation in UCPS during a podcast with the School Superintendents Association and Successful Practices Network, a non-profit member organization committed to improving student education.

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