Union Family Update
January 20, 2023
Dear Union Families,
It's been a short, yet action-packed week! Tuesday was filled with learning and collaboration for our staff as they engaged in a variety of professional learning experiences. Students returned on Wednesday ready to learn and engage in the opportunities to learn the remainder of the week. Kindergarten celebrated the 100 days of school on Wednesday! It was fun to see students bring in their 100 day projects! Thanks for celebrating and having fun with us!
Body Safety Week will be next week (January 25 and 26). Please see below for details of this program!
Starry Night is Union Elementary's annual FUNraiser event sponsored by our PTO (formerly known as Soiree) is Friday, February 3, 2023! This is an evening adult event that will be at The Cardinal Room at the Golf Club of Indiana. Each year, our parents, teachers, and administrators gather together to have some FUN together! This is a wonderful way to enjoy the company of our school community!
The event includes:
- Dinner
- Cash bar
- Music and dancing
- A silent and live auction! "Teacher Times" are auctioned off to benefit our school (which are hugely popular)! Look for details regarding times that you can bid on, like...Principal for the Day, Cocoa Time, Watercolor Lesson with Mrs. Kay, Teacher Ice Cream Parties, Teacher Movie Party, and more...
We truly hope you can join us for this FUN event!
STEM/Wellness Night: Please join us for a night of family fun! On Thursday, February 16th, from 6:00 -7:30 PM, Union Elementary will be hosting our STEM/WELLNESS night. This is a night for children to attend with their parents, and an opportunity for parents and children to interact together with a variety of STEM and WELLNESS themed activities.
Kindergarten registration for the 23-24 school year will open up in early February. Keep your eyes open as registration will go live for the graduating class of 2036! Union will host our first of a series "Kindy Strong Start" event (formerly known as Kindy Round Up) in the afternoon/evening of March 21st for those registered families. More information and details to come soon.
With gratitude,
Mrs. Erin Kay, Principal of Union
Mrs. Laura Christie, Assistant Principal of Union
Body Safety at Union
Think First and Stay Safe and Teen Lures are comprehensive body safety education programs that teach children in grades K-12 ways to keep their bodies safe. The children will learn appropriate ways to prevent, respond to, and report situations such as bullying, cyber-bullying, and all forms of abuse or neglect. An opportunity to speak with someone about body safety concerns will be offered to all students.
The program will be presented to children at Union Elementary on January 25 and January 26. Each presentation will be given in individual classrooms at the elementary/intermediate level and will last approximately 45 minutes. Although not required, each child's attendance in the program is strongly recommended. If you would like to opt out of this experience please fill out the following form and return to Union Elementary by January 20, 2023: 2022-2023+Opt+Out.docx
For additional information regarding their programs, please visit our website at: www.indianaprevention.org
Thank you for your partnership in our efforts to keep the children of our community safe!
Global Day of Play!
- Union, along with schools across the world, will participate in Global School Play Day. This event started with the intent to set aside one day (or portion of the day) for students to engage in unstructured play. It is an opportunity to introduce and inspire us to consider the necessary benefits of play.
Read more about our Global Day of Play here: https://www.smore.com/ewx95-global-school-play-day
Counselor Corner...
This month during our counselor lesson, students will be learning about the Norwegian concept of ‘Friluftsliv’. This is a Norwegian word that translates to “open air living”. Friluftsliv describes a commitment to celebrating time outdoors, no matter the weather forecast. Students are learning that being outdoors is a great way to manage stress and is good for our bodies and brains. Students are enjoying walks outdoors and using their 5 senses to notice what they see, smell, feel, hear, and taste. There is a Norwegian saying, “Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær!” which translates to there is no bad weather, only bad clothes. So, bundle up and enjoy a family winter walk. Your brain and body will thank you!
Recess Reminders
Lunch Visitors
In order to ensure safety for our school community, and to ensure capacity for our visitors, we will limit the number of visitors to three adults/visitors per lunch period and lunch visitors will RSVP for specific date/time.
- Lunch visitors will be welcome to come and eat with their child once again starting October 17, 2022 and January 9, 2023.
- During the school day, all visitors must enter via the front door (Door 1) and sign-in at the front office.
- Visitors need to be prepared to present a government-issued photo ID which will be scanned against the National Sex Offender Registry.
- All visitors will be issued a visitor badge/tag to be worn inside the building at all times.
- Please sit at the designated visitor tables with your child only.
- Please do not share food with other students.
- HAVE FUN with you child!
Sign up for a spot up to 14 days in advance using this link:
January 2023 - Second Semester - Union Families: Union Lunch Sign Up
Mark Your Calendars!
January
25-26 - Body Safety Week
February
1 - Global Day of Play
3 - Evening Event - Starry Night - formerly called Soiree (PTO)
7 - Dads Club Meeting (February), 7PM, Union Teachers Lounge
9 - PTO Meeting (February)
10 - Valentine’s Day Parties
13-17 - Kindness Week
15 - Second Grade Special People Breakfast sponsored by Dads Club, 7 AM, Union Cafe
16 - STEM/Wellness Night, 6-8 PM, Union
February Break - February 20-24 - No School
March
3-30 - NWEA Spring Testing Window (dates will vary depending on teacher schedule)
4 - 2 on 2 Basketball Tournament (Dads Club), times TBD
6-17 - IREAD3 Testing Window (third grade/dates will vary depending on teacher schedule)
7 - Dads Club Meeting (March), 7PM, Union Teachers Lounge
9 - PTO Meeting (March)
13-17 - Relay for Life Week
17 - Relay for Life Movie Night, 2:30 PM, Union Café
15 - End of Third Quarter
15 - Third Grade Special People Breakfast sponsored by Dads Club, 7 AM, Union Cafe
24 - Report Cards will be posted to Powerschool
30 - Kokomo Beach Day
Spring Break - March 31-April 7 - No School
April
11 - Dads Club Meeting (April), 7PM, Union Teachers Lounge
13 - Fourth Grade Special People Breakfast sponsored by Dads Club. 7 AM, Union Cafe
17-May 12 - ILEARN (3rd and 4th grade) - testing dates will vary depending on teacher schedule
21 - PTO Meeting
May
1-5 - Teacher Appreciation Week
2 - Dads Club Meeting (May), 7PM, Union Teachers Lounge
4-5 - Union Musical, Times are TBD
11 - PTO Meeting
12 - Kindy 500, Times are TBD
19 - Famous Hoosiers - 4th grade, Times are TBD
24 - Field Day (No Rain Date)
25 - Last Day of School; End of Fourth Quarter
June
2 - Grades will be posted to Powerschool
Summer Vacation - May 26 - August 13, 2023 - No school
School Resumes for the 2023-2024 Calendar on Monday, August 14, 2023
ZCS 2022-2023 School Calendar (click for the district calendar)
ZCS 2023-2024 School Calendar (click for the district calendar)
Union PTO Updates!
Follow us on social media! Search for @unionptozionsville on Facebook and Instagram for up to date PTO activities & volunteer opportunities!
PTO Meeting Calendar:
- NEXT MEETING February 9, 7 PM, Union Cafeteria
- March 9, 10 AM, Makerspace
- April 21, 10 AM, Makerspace
- May 11, 7 PM, Union Cafeteria
PTO Meeting Minutes: Union PTO Minutes.docx
- Starry Night: This is Union PTO’s debut of our new FUNraiser! Please consider joining us on Friday, February 3 (7pm) in the Cardinal Room at Golf Club of Indiana. It’s a night to celebrate our teachers and staff and we would love to see all of our parents there. Tickets are on sale now. Please reach out to our Starry Night chair with any questions. Josie Klink (jklink@iuhealth.org).
- Union Express: Union Express is in full swing! Please help our students learn how to write a letter, address an envelope AND encourages a digital detox by sending in a note to your kid! While all of our students can participate in Union Express, our 2nd graders get to run the show! They did the stamp design and we’re so proud of them! Please reach out to our Union Express co-chairs with any questions. Elizabeth Maijub (ebethg6@hotmail.com) and Lauren Masur (lauren.masur@bhhsin.com).
- Box Tops: Please remember that when you purchase box tops products AND scan them into the Box Tops app, you’re sending $ right to your school! Please reach out to our Box Tops chair with any questions. Lizzie Monce (lizzie.monce@me.com).
- Amazon Smile: Yes, we’re still doing this! And, yes, you need to sign up! Please remember to designate Union Elementary as your fundraiser via Amazon Smile. You are donating money to our school just by shopping on Amazon. Please put it on your to do list for the weekend! If you need help signing up, please contact our Communications chair, Rebecca Wollenburg @rswollenburg@gmail.com.
- Next PTO Meeting: There are still plenty of opportunities to volunteer. Come to our next meeting February 9th @ 7 pm at Union Elementary to find out more.
- Questions: We love hearing from our parents. Please contact our PTO President, Julie Anthony, with any questions or suggestions for our Union PTO.
Union Parent Volunteers Needed for ZCS Elementary Handbook Review
We are looking for parent volunteers to represent Union for the Elementary Student/Family Handbook Working Group. Each year during February, the handbooks at each level of ZCS are reviewed by staff, administrator and parent representatives from each school.
The time involvement consists of a 30 minute virtual meeting on Jan. 18 and then reading the current handbook on your own time and submitting questions or proposed changes via a digital form. There are two reads required. The first round of proposed edits are due Feb. 3rd and then the second round of edits are due Feb. 16th.
If you are willing to volunteer for this group, please contact Erin Kay at ekay@zcs.k12.in.us Tuesday, Jan. 10th.
Union Dads Club
Dads Club Meetings are the first Tuesday of every month! Dads Club also plans FUN activities throughout the year! ALL ARE WELCOME and ENCOURAGED to attend!
The meeting will be at Union Elementary in the Teachers' Lounge. You can enter the building using door 11. This group will plan a number of fun, extra-curricular activities for Union kids throughout the year. All our welcome to attend! If you have questions, please contact Dads Club President Jake Webster at jwebster1220@yahoo.com.
- Dads Club Meeting (February), February 7, 7pm, Union Teachers Lounge
- Second Grade Special People Breakfast sponsored by Dads Club, February 15, 7am - 8 am, Union Cafe
- 2 on 2 Basketball Tournament, March 4, TBD, Union Gym
- Dads Club Meeting (March), March 7, 7pm, Union Teachers Lounge
- Third Grade Special People Breakfast sponsored by Dads Club, March 15, 7-8 am, Union Cafe
- Dads Club Meeting (April), April 11, 7pm, Union Teachers Lounge
- Fourth Grade Special People Breakfast sponsored by Dads Club, April 13, 7-8am, Union Cafe
- Dads Club Meeting (May), May 2, 7pm, Union Teachers Lounge
Visitor and Volunteer Procedures
During the school day, all volunteers are expected to check in at the front office. Prior to the volunteer opportunity, all volunteers must sign a Non-disclosure Acknowledgement Form and have successfully completed a Full Criminal History Background Check.. Necessary background check paperwork is available on the ZCS website at the Volunteers/BRAVO link and should be submitted at least 10 days prior to the intended volunteer date. Volunteers must also view the state mandated confidentiality/bullying video, provided on the Volunteer/BRAVO website. The volunteer will pay the fee for the full background check which will expire after 5 years.
During the school day, all visitors must enter via the front door and sign-in at the front office. Visitors need to be prepared to present a government issued photo ID which will be scanned against the National Sex Offender Registry. All visitors will be issued a visitor badge/tag to be worn inside the building at all times. Visitors other than parents/guardians must be prearranged and organized through the main office.
Grow/Child Care Services
Fall Break Access Days
- ZCS GROW offers childcare during Fall Break, October 10th-14th at Pleasant View Elementary. This is for Preschool through 6th grade. The hours are 7:30 to 5:30. We will be taking 2 field trips: one to Beasley’s Orchard and one to the Indianapolis Zoo. On the other days, kids get to go swimming at Zionsville High School. There is something fun planned every day that week!! The cost is $75/day for K-6th and $85/day for Preschool. Please register at www.ezchildtrack.com/zcsgrow/parent. If you have any questions, please contact Becca King at bking@zcs.k12.in.us. It’s a fun week to celebrate Fall!.
GROW/Child Care Services (click here)
- Bridge and Early Start Spanish are optional, fee based programs that “bridge” the time between the 7:50-8:00 arrival time for 1st-4th grade students, and the start of the instructional day for Kindergarten students, which is 8:50-9:00.
- Before and After-School Care (BAC) is available for all PVE students, and the before/after school starts at 6:45am and extends childcare from 2:30 to 6:00pm.
- Access Days Care provides a childcare option for when school is not in session for parents who need care for their children during some of the school breaks during the year.
- Eagle Rec offers fee based programs in a variety of interest areas, which typically start after school has already begun after Labor Day.
Food Service/Cafe Information
- Public school lunch cost returns for the 2022-2023 school year unless students qualify for meal assistance.
- Please click here to read all of the important information regarding school lunch for this year, including costs, nutrition, menus, and how to use SchoolPay for your child's lunch money.
- Please visit the ZCS Food Services Department section on our ZCS website for easy access to SchoolPay, how to apply for meal assistance, and more!
ZCS CAFES NEED YOUR HELP!
SEVERAL opportunities for employment await within the ZCS Food Service Department! ACT FAST as this may not be the case for long! J
Can you answer YES to any of the following questions?
Do you like kids?
· Are you eager to be a positive role model?
· Would you like to work with like-minded team players?
· Do you envision yourself OUT OF THE HOUSE, yet home for the kids?
· Does the idea of FAST action and quantifiable results sound appealing?
· Might you value the achievement of walking 10,000 steps in a 5-hour timeframe?
IF SO, please call Jan at 317-733-4804 OR apply online via the ZCS website; simply click here !
NOTE: The ZCS Food Service Department has regular positions starting at $15.25/hour and SOME even include benefits (medical/dental/vision)!
ZCS is now hiring Instructional Assistants at multiple locations. Join the ZCS team and make an impact on the lives of our students. IAs work in the classroom with individual and small groups of students. Please apply online at https://www.applitrack.com/centralindiana/onlineapp/jobpostings/view.asp?choosedistrict=true&district=1452 or contact Robyn Nelson at rnelson@zcs.k12.in.us with any questions.
Above and Beyond
Union Elementary School
Erin Kay, Principal
Laura Christie, Assistant Principal
Email: ekay@zcs.k12.in.us
Website: http://uni.zcs.k12.in.us/
Location: 11750 E 300 S, Zionsville, IN, United States
Phone: 317-733-4007
Twitter: @ZCSUnionElem