Union Center Elementary
Learn...to Achieve!
October 2, 2020
Parents and guardians, please check below for updates on all things happening at Union Center Elementary!
Socktober is Coming! (NEW INFORMATION)
Thanks to Mrs. Schumacher, Union Center will be collecting NEW socks for those in need!
In order to adhere to our social distancing guidelines, if you are able, we please ask that you provide one NEW package of socks: It doesn't matter what type of packaged socks they are :)
For more information, please click HERE!
UCE Ground Breaking Ceremony and Construction Update (NEW INFORMATION)
While this event is not open to the public, there will be plenty of pictures taken!
Moving forward after October 5th, Union Center is going to become one busy place!
We are working with Hagerman Construction so that there will not only be very little disruptions during the day, but also to our arrival and dismissal processes.
The first week or so a few kinks may need to be worked out, so I ask that everyone please bear with us as we work to make everything synchronous :)
UCE Parent Teacher Conferences (NEW INFORMATION)
As a reminder, this will be a VIRTUAL DAY FOR ALL UCE STUDENTS!
Be on the lookout in your email for a message from your child's teacher regarding how to sign-up for a VIRTUAL time-slot on Monday, October 12th!
Body Safety Program (NEW INFORMATION)
Our annual Body Safety Program is this month!
The 2nd and Final Notice went home to both in-person and virtual students this week, and the presentations will begin on Wednesday, October 14th!
For more information, please click HERE!
Free Tutoring Opportunities (Last Week)
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.
Trunk or Treat Presented by WHS Girls Basketball (Last Week)
UCE Staff of the Week!
Let's get to know Ms. Leonelli a little more :)
Tell Us a Little Bit About Yourself
Hello! I graduated from Valparaiso University back in 1984!
I have one son, Tom Leonelli: He is in his final year of five years, studying to be a Physician's Assistant at Valparaiso University! I am very proud of my son and all that he has accomplished!
How long have you been a teacher?
I have taught at Union Township Schools for the past 36 years. I have taught in grades 7, 6, 4, 3, 2, and am currently at 1st Grade!
What Do You Like to do When You Are Outside of the Classroom?
Outside of the classroom, I spend time with my son Tommy and my Golden Yorkie named Patrick!
What Made You Want to Become a Teacher
I wanted to become a teacher to inspire kids to strive to be the best they can be every single day!
What is the Best Part About Being a Teacher?
By far the best part about being a teacher is watching the students grow! :)
Informational Video From the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
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
- UTSC Technology- Interested applicants should email Superintendent John Hunter at jhunter@union.k12.in.us
- Special Education Classroom Aide at UCE (9:00-3:30)- Interested applicants should email Chrissy Giraud at cgiraud@pces.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.
A Day in the Life at Union Center!!
Harris Loved Creating His Bear Bridge in High Ability with Mrs. Asher!
Emily Loved 80's Day So Much, It Has Become a Lifestyle!
Can You Spot Which One of Our UCE Students Was Rocking the Jean Swagger?
Ty Was Able to Fit 20 Bears on His Bridge in High Ability!
We Wear Our Sunglasses at Night... :)
Mrs. Asher in High Ability Was Rocking the 80's Multicolored Vibe!
Click Here to Register for the KidStop Program
80's Day
Students can purchase a pair of 80's Sunglasses for $1: All the proceeds go to the Make-a-Wish Foundation!
Friday, Oct 2, 2020, 09:00 AM
Union Center Elementary School, North 600 West, Valparaiso, IN, USA
VIRTUAL LEARNER SUPPLY PICK-UP
Friday, Oct 2, 2020, 04:00 PM
Union Center Elementary School, North 600 West, Valparaiso, IN, USA
Virtual Learner Supply Pick-Up
Monday, Oct 5, 2020, 04:00 PM
Union Center Elementary School, North 600 West, Valparaiso, IN, USA
Ground Breaking Ceremony!
Monday, Oct 5, 2020, 10:00 AM
Union Center Elementary School, North 600 West, Valparaiso, IN, USA
Body Safety Parent Night (VIRTUAL)
Tuesday, Oct 6, 2020, 06:00 PM
VIRTUAL
Parent Teacher Conferences and Virtual Learning Day
2) Virtual Parent Teacher Conferences- Please Contact Your Child's Teacher For More Information
Monday, Oct 12, 2020, 09:00 AM
Union Center Elementary School, North 600 West, Valparaiso, IN, USA
Body Safety Program (5th and KG)
Wednesday, Oct 14, 2020, 09:00 AM
Union Center Elementary School, North 600 West, Valparaiso, IN, USA
Body Safety Program (4th and 1st)
Friday, Oct 16, 2020, 09:00 AM
Union Center Elementary School, North 600 West, Valparaiso, IN, USA
Body Safety Program (3rd and 2nd)
Monday, Oct 19, 2020, 09:00 AM
Union Center Elementary School, North 600 West, Valparaiso, IN, USA
Principal Fuller's Thoughts
It feels like only yesterday that Kristen and I brought him home from the hospital, both of us figuring out those first couple of hours, let alone days with a newborn.
Recently, Big Ben has gotten into that stage where he has mastered rolling over, is starting to crawl (albeit backwards), and now he wants nothing more than to kick and try to walk :)
My wife and I hold his hands as he tries walking across the carpet, where he inevitably falls, rolls over, and wants to do it over again.
This week I couldn't help but be so impressed with him because every single time he falls, he wants right back up to try it again.
I've always maintained that one of the most crucial lessons we can teach our children is simple: How to fail the right way.
I will fail. Benjamin will fail. You will fail.
That's life.
But the real measure of success is how we emerge from those failures, from adversity, from those rugs being pulled out from underneath that will make us a stronger and better person.
This isn't to say that it's ok to tell your children to fail, but in order to learn from failure one must first...well, fail.
Teaching our kids that everything good in life comes with hard work and determination is essential: The key to success is to learn from our mistakes...creating opportunities through failure is how we teach our children to grow.
Benjamin will walk in the coming month, but only if he continues to get off his butt and try again :)