Union Center Elementary
Learn...to Achieve!
December 2nd, 2020
Parents and guardians, please check below for updates on all things happening at Union Center Elementary!
Returning to UCE on Monday, December 7th!
Students are coming back to UCE this Monday, December 7th!
In order to make this transition back to in-person learning as smooth as possible for students, teachers, and parents, please take a look below:
Chromebook, Charger, and Textbook Return on Monday
If your child has a Chromebook, charger, and/or textbook at home, these items MUST be returned when school resumes on Monday.
We currently have no extra Chromebooks or textbooks available, which means that if your child does not return to school with their Chromebook, charger, and/or textbook, they will have difficulty participating in the school activities throughout the day.
Student Absences for COVID
In order to assure that we return safely to UCE, 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 :)
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
Construction Updates: Recess and Car-Rider Line
Construction on the new UCE addition is moving along swimmingly!
Hagerman construction has been working on installing the new septic tanks for the building addition. Unfortunately, this means that some construction has taken place on the recess blacktop. Due to the construction, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of next week all students will have INDOOR RECESS regardless of weather while the new septic tanks are being installed.
Additionally, we may have some slight congestion for our morning and afternoon car-riders. The UCE Office Staff will work to make the process as smooth and seamless as possible, but there is the possibility that we might experience some delays.
UCE Staff Member of the Week
Let's get to know Mrs. Kearney a little more :)
Tell Us a Little Bit About Yourself
I live in Valparaiso with my husband, Brian, two sons, Noah (3) and Connor (1), and two Goldendoodles, Charlie and Dixie. We are currently building a new house!!
How long have you been a teacher?
I started off student teaching in 4th grade and then I was an aide in 2nd grade. This is my 5th year teaching at Union Center.
My first year I taught in 5th grade and I have been in 2nd grade ever since. 2nd grade is the best!!
What Made You Want to Become a Teacher?
My love of school started when I was in Kindergarten. My teacher was so kind, creative, and fun. She inspired me to want to be a teacher from a young age. I would come home after school and play school with my little brother. I thought giving him homework was so much fun!
What is the Best Part About Being a Teacher?
The best part about teaching is the relationships with my students. It’s amazing to me how we start the school year off as strangers but quickly become a close community.
2nd graders have so much enthusiasm for learning and I love the new challenges each day brings. Every single day, I get to make a difference in a child’s life. It’s such a rewarding experience!
What Do You Like to do When You Are Outside of the Classroom?
Outside of the classroom, I stay pretty busy. With two young children, every day is an adventure!
We love to go on hikes at Sunset Hill, go to parks, and watch Toy Story (I know all the words, just ask).
I love to make crafts with my Cricut and even started an online business this summer. Running is another thing I’m very passionate about.
I’ve ran 4 marathons and many half marathons. I hope to run another one someday soon! :)
Anything Else You Would Like People to Know...?
For those of you who don't know, my mom, Mrs. Burian, is the nurse at UCE. I love having her here!
Virtual Love and Logic!
Please click HERE for more information on the FREE VIRTUAL LOVE AND LOGIC sessions!
Informational Video From the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
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
Monday, Dec 7, 2020, 04:00 PM
Union Center Elementary School, North 600 West, Valparaiso, IN, USA
UTSC School Board Meeting
School Board Meeting in the Wheeler High School Cafeteria from 7:00-8:00.
Wednesday, Dec 9, 2020, 07:00 PM
Wheeler High School, West 300 North, Valparaiso, IN, USA
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
We are almost a week removed from a very different type of Thanksgiving.
Even though Thanksgiving may not have been the same aesthetically, it is the heart of the holiday that matters most.
2020 has brought with it so many challenges…whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually, the person we are today is not the same one from back in March.
With the world as different today as it was yesterday, there have been three words that have given me strength during these unprecedented times: THANKS, PERSEVERANCE, and FAITH.
We must give THANKS.
In uncertain times, it may feel like the world is against us. There are many outside forces that could affect us if we let them.
Remember, at the end of the day, we are NOT the product of our circumstances, rather we are the product of our DECISIONS.
Being thankful for what we have is more important than pining for what we don’t; after all, being thankful is a CHOICE.
We must have FAITH.
Things will get better. Life will return to normal. The obstacles that we face every day will only continue to make our faith stronger.
Martin Luther King Jr. said it best: Faith is taking the first step when you don’t see the whole staircase.
Don’t lose faith.
Finally, our PERSEVERANCE must be stronger now more than ever.
When we face trials, know that the struggle is being used to develop our perseverance.
Your grind through the difficult times only strengthens your perseverance into something unstoppable…it will make you better equipped to face any and every challenge in life, no matter how big or small.
THANKS…FAITH…PERSEVERANCE.
These three values have been staples of mine for longer than COVID, but I have never relied
on them more heavily than now.
Give thanks, have faith, and persevere :)