Union Center Elementary
Learn...to Achieve!
December 11th, 2020
Parents and guardians, please check below for updates on all things happening at Union Center Elementary!
Chromebook, Charger, and Textbook Return
If your child STILL has a Chromebook, charger, or textbook at home, please return those items AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!
Principal Fuller will be making calls on Monday for any of those three missing items!!
Student Absences for COVID
If your child or a member in your household has symptoms or has been exposed to an individual with COVID, please email the following Union Center Staff members:
- Mr. Fuller (Principal)- pfuller@union.k12.in.us
- Mrs. Burian (Nurse)- jburian@union.k12.in.us
- Mrs. Brocksmith (Attendance)- abrocksmith@union.k12.in.us
We will return your email within 24 hours with a return date for your child. During this time, please be very judicious in communicating any possible symptoms before sending your child to school :)
Holiday Parties At UCE
In addition to our Holiday Themed Days taking place all this week and next, this upcoming Friday, December 18th teachers and staff will be helping spread the Holiday Cheer all...day...long!
While we cannot have our traditional Holiday Parties, there are things we can do to help our students spread the Holiday Cheer!
A Virtual Holiday Reading with Mr. Fuller will take place Friday morning with all our students, and teachers will have different activities for our kids that day!
Unfortunately, similar to our Halloween Parties, we still cannot accept shared food items to distribute to classrooms; however, if you contact your child's teacher, some teachers may be bringing in their own pre-packaged food items or purchasing cookies through our cafeteria: Please email the teacher to see if and how you can contribute :)
Protocols and Guidelines
Just a reminder, the safety guidelines and protocols that have been in place at UCE since August will remain as we return to school for the final two weeks of the 2020 year! This means that students will still:
- Wear facemasks throughout the day
- Be seated in their pods while at lunch
- Participate in recess with only the students in their classroom
- Have assigned seats when riding the bus
- Be required to hand sanitize and/or wash their hands throughout the day
UCE Staff Member of the Week
Let's get to know Mrs. Schumacher a little more :)
Tell Us a Little Bit About Yourself
I am a proud graduate of Wheeler High School. I went on to earn my undergraduate from Ball State University and eventually earning my master's, in education, from Indiana Wesleyan University. My husband, Mike, and I have two children. Izabela is a 6th grader at Union Township Middle school, while Dimitri is a 3rd grader at Union Center. We feel very blessed to be a part of Union Township and this wonderful community, both professionally and personally.
How long have you been a teacher?
I started my student teaching at John Simatovich Elementary School and was eventually offered a full time position at Union Center. I was hired to help start the full day kindergarten program.
Since then I have taught 4th, 2nd, 1st, and High Ability. I have enjoyed each grade and all that it has to offer. In addition to teaching, I have coached volleyball, basketball, and track at Wheeler High School. I look forward to getting back into coaching again.
What is the Best Part About Being a Teacher?
I think one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is having the ability to influence kids, and shape the kind of world we want to live in. I'm able to make a difference in the lives of students and their families in meaningful ways every single day. It's incredibly fulfilling and humbling all at the same time.
What Do You Like to do When You Are Outside of the Classroom?
As a family we enjoy sports, traveling, hiking, and watching movies. For my husband and I triathlons and road races are far and few in between, now that our children are busy with their own activities, but we have a few favorites that we won't give up. Of course if shopping was a sport I would definitely be captain of the team.
Do You Have a Favorite Movie, Book, or Quote to Share...?
I love the quote, "You miss 100% of the shots you never take." - Wayne Gretzky This quote is a reminder to take a chance, or a risk, at opportunities that may come your way. Without taking that risk you never know your fullest potential in anything you do. I think it is important to provide children as many opportunities as possible so that they may find the best version of themselves.
Anything Else You Would Like People to Know...?
After 20 years of teaching I can still say I love my job, I love the community, and all of those who walk through our doors. Each day is filled with laughter, love, and inspiration and for that I am grateful. #Bearcatstrong
UCE Themed Holiday Days!
Emily Loves Holiday Themed Days!
Buddy the Elf and The Grinch Showed Up at UCE!
Mrs. Brocksmith and The Grinch Are BEST FRIENDS!
Virtual Love and Logic!
Please click HERE for more information on the FREE VIRTUAL LOVE AND LOGIC sessions!
Camp Sunset Information
If your child would be interested in attending Camp Sunset this summer, please click HERE!
UCE Building Update #2
Free Tutoring Opportunities (Recurring)
The Youth Services Coordinator for the Porter County Public Library is offering free online tutoring from 2:00-11:00 PM!
For more information regarding this free service, please click HERE.
Special Birthday Treats (RECURRING)
Since we cannot bring in shared, outside food into the building, our UCE Kitchen has decided to provide a little birthday surprise to our kiddos!
If you are interested in having milk and cookies delivered to your child for their birthday, please contact Mrs. Kim Camplan, our Kitchen Manager, for prices and details at kcamplan@union.k12.in.us
Job Opportunities (RECURRING)
- Bus Aide- Interested applicants should email Superintendent John Hunter at jhunter@union.k12.in.us
- UTSC Groundskeeper- Interested applicants should email Superintendent John Hunter at jhunter@union.k12.in.us
- UTSC Kitchen- Interested applicants should email Superintendent John Hunter at jhunter@union.k12.in.us
COVID-19 Student Guidance (Recurring)
- The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has released some wonderful tips to parents about how to begin having the conversation with your child regarding wearing a mask. Please click HERE for more information.
- For a look at the difference between Quarantine and Isolation, please take a look at the attachment HERE.
Click Here to Register for the KidStop Program
Virtual Learner Supply Pick-Up
Friday, Dec 11, 2020, 04:00 PM
Union Center Elementary School, North 600 West, Valparaiso, IN, USA
VIRTUAL LEARNER SUPPLY PICK-UP
Monday, Dec 14, 2020, 04:00 PM
Union Center Elementary School, North 600 West, Valparaiso, IN, USA
Special School Board Meeting
Wednesday, Dec 16, 2020, 04:00 PM
Wheeler High School, West 300 North, Valparaiso, IN, USA
VIRTUAL Holiday Reading with Principal Fuller!
UCE Students will be participating in a Virtual Holiday Reading Program thanks to UCE Librarian Mrs. Ramirez!
Friday, Dec 18, 2020, 09:00 AM
Union Center Elementary School, North 600 West, Valparaiso, IN, USA
CHRISTMAS BREAK!!
Enjoy some rest, relaxation, and TURKEY!!
Monday, Dec 21, 2020, 09:00 AM
North Pole
First Day Back From Break!
Monday, January 4th is the first day back from Christmas Break!
Monday, Jan 4, 2021, 08:30 AM
Union Center Elementary School, North 600 West, Valparaiso, IN, USA
Principal Fuller's Thoughts
Character matters.
It’s important that we talk to our KIDS and OURSELVES about the importance of what character means to us.
We’ve all heard the old adage: Character is what you do when no one is watching.
This is true…but I think character is much deeper than just that.
I define true character as how we respond when things don’t go our way.
How are you going to react when you don’t get your way and it feels like the world is against you?
Whatever we are going through at any given moment, we have a choice to how we respond, and our response often dictates how that moment will play out.
I see character in our students every day…and that is a testament to you, the parents.
A student this week had his character tested…a fun recess activity gone wrong :)
He felt bad, and he self-reported his behavior to me, because in his words, “I wasn’t fair and made a mistake.”
That’s character.
It is imperative we MODEL (notice I didn’t say teach) character to our children, but it’s just as important we acknowledge their effort in doing the right thing.
Doing the right thing isn’t always easy, but you recognize that moment when you are met with that choice.
2020 has been difficult for EVERYONE…but the funny way life works is that some of our greatest moments happen after some of our worst.
Can we be just as grateful at our lowest point as we are at our highest?
That’s where character comes into play.