Union Center Elementary
Learn...to Achieve!
April 9th, 2021
Parents and guardians, please check below for updates on all things happening at Union Center Elementary!
UCE in Need of Temporary Custodian! (Recurring)
Union Center is in need of a temporary evening custodian through Friday, May 7th.
The position requires the cleaning of classrooms and bathrooms, Monday through Friday.
If you or someone you know is interested, please email Principal Fuller at pfuller@union.k12.in.us
Promise Porter County- Kindergarten and 1st Grade Students! (NEW)
Kindergarten and 1st Grade Families, please read the below message from Promise Porter County:
Greetings, Parents!
Click HERE to find information about receiving $25 for your child's college savings account. You are eligible if:
~you set up an account during April and deposit at least $25 during April or...
~you have set up an account in 2021, haven't made a contribution yet, and make at least a $25 deposit during April.
Unfortunately, accounts created before 2021 or funded before April are not eligible for this promotion. See the attached letter for details.
Feel free to call me at the number below for help.
Sincerely,
Susie Hord
Promise Indiana Porter County Coordinator
VALPARAISO FAMILY YMCA
1201 Cumberland Crossing Drive, Valparaiso IN 46383
(P) 219-241-8367
3rd and Final Round of NWEA Testing! (NEW)
UCE Students will begin testing the 3rd and final round of NWEA starting next week through Friday, April 23rd!
If your child is going to be absent during the next two weeks, please check with your teacher to see when their class will be taking the assessment!
Reusable Water Bottles! (REMINDER)
Now that the weather has started to warm up, our teachers will be trying to get our students outside more often and gym will be getting students out to the soccer fields (away from the construction).
We encourage you make sure your child has a reusable water bottle brought to school so that they can refill throughout the day. We have touchless water filling stations in both hallways!
Deep River Reading! (Recurring)
UCE and Deep River Waterpark will be working together again to get our kiddos to READ!
Reading Sheets and Logs will be due on Friday, April 16th!
The classroom with the most complete Reading Logs will receive a rather 'SWEET' prize :)
If your child needs an extra reading log, please click HERE.
If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Ramirez at kramirez@union.k12.in.us
UCE Staff Member of the Week!
This week's UCE Staff Member of the Week is Mr. Matt Gage!
Let's get to know Mr. Gage a little more :)
Tell Us a Little Bit About Yourself
I am part of an awesome family. My daughter has brought a new joy and understanding to my life. My wife's beauty and grace continue to amaze me. We are surrounded by wonderful people!
How Long Have You Been a Teacher?
2 years in Chesterton. 16 years here at UCE. 5th and 4th grades
What Made You Want to Become a Teacher?
It seemed like it would be an enjoyable occupation. And it is!
What is the Best Part About Being a Teacher?
Interacting with the children and having fun! I enjoy seeing their confidence expand.
What Do You Like to do When You Are Outside of the Classroom?
I love spending time with my family, working outside, working with wood, gardening, playing music, and studying. I love watching my daughter grow.
What is Your Favorite Quote, Book, or Movie...and WHY?
Wow, there are so many! 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18. "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." The Bible. Why? Eternal perspective, This is my hope.
Baseball, Softball, Soccer, Football, Cheerleading...OH MY! (Recurring)
(UPDATED) If your child is interested in participating in Wheeler Little League, please click HERE for more information!
If your child is interested in participating in Union Township Softball, please click HERE for more information!
If your child is interested in participating in Union Township Soccer, registration is happening NOW! Please click HERE to register your child!
(UPDATED) If your child is interested in participating in Wheeler Football or Cheer, please click HERE for more information!
Protocols and Guidelines (RECURRING)
Just a reminder, the safety guidelines and protocols that have been in place at UCE since August will remain as we return to school in 2021! 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
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)
- UCE Baker- Interested applicants should email Principal Fuller at pfuller@union.k12.in.us
- JSE Lunch/Recess Aide- Interested applicants should email Principal Barnes at lbarnes@union.k12.in.us
- Bus Aide- Interested applicants should email Superintendent John Hunter at jhunter@union.k12.in.us
- Substitute Teachers- Interested applicants should email Principal Fuller at pfuller@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 and Drop-Off
Friday, Apr 9, 2021, 04:00 PM
Union Center Elementary School, North 600 West, Valparaiso, IN, USA
Virtual Learner Supply Pick-Up and Drop-Off
Monday, Apr 12, 2021, 04:00 PM
Union Center Elementary School, North 600 West, Valparaiso, IN, USA
Kindergarten CogAT Testing (Round 1)
KG Students Will Be Taking the CogAT Assessment!
Tuesday, Apr 13, 2021, 09:00 AM
Union Center Elementary School, North 600 West, Valparaiso, IN, USA
Kindergarten CogAT Testing (Round 2)
KG Students Will Be Taking the CogAT Assessment!
Thursday, Apr 15, 2021, 09:00 AM
Union Center Elementary School, North 600 West, Valparaiso, IN, USA
School Board Meeting (Middle School)
UTSC School Board Meeting at 7:00 PM
Thursday, Apr 15, 2021, 07:00 PM
Union Township Middle School, West 300 North, Valparaiso, IN, USA
Virtual Learner Supply Pick-Up and Drop-Off
Friday, Apr 16, 2021, 04:00 PM
Union Center Elementary School, North 600 West, Valparaiso, IN, USA
ILEARN Testing Begins (3rd and 4th Grade)
UCE 3rd and 4th Grade Students Begin ILEARN!
Monday, Apr 19, 2021, 09:00 AM
Union Center Elementary School, North 600 West, Valparaiso, IN, USA
Principal Fuller's Thoughts
Do you ever find yourself focusing so much on the destination that you forget to enjoy the journey?
It's an old saying, but a very poignant one...don't get so wrapped up in looking ahead that you fail to enjoy the moment.
As we prepare for the ILEARN assessment in the coming weeks, and we keep an eye on wrapping up the end of the school year, it's easy for students, teachers, parents, and myself to be anxious about the end.
I've said it SO MANY times...this year is like nothing any of us have ever experienced, and hopefully will never have to again.
So being anxious about it's completion is completely normal :)
When I find myself focusing too much on the end and not on the journey, I am reminded of Odysseus.
Returning home from the Trojan War, Odysseus traveled the seas for over 10 years, until he finally could see his home far off in the distance.
Thinking that the journey had come to an end, Odysseus decided to take a nap.
During that nap, the winds blew fiercely, knocking the boat from side to side. Odysseus and his crew were not prepared for these winds, and they threatened to wreck the boat so close to home.
Remember, the danger is greatest when the finish line is in sight.
Don't lose sight of your goals, and always remember to be present in the moment, for fear the winds may knock your boat off course :)
On a side note, Benjamin is in the 55th percentile for his weight and 80th percentile for his height!
He is a healthy and happy baby boy!