UCPS announces social and emotional learning , safety and security initiatives for 2018-19 school year
Did you know that UCPS and Union County are partnering this year to connect students with social , emotional and mental health resources ? Or that additional safety and security measures are currently being put in place at schools across the county ?
Traditional schools opened their doors for students on Aug . 27th , and UCPS announced a series of new initiatives and programs for the 2018-19 school year that are designed to provide students with equitable access to critical resources while also preparing them for college , careers and life after high school .
Here ’ s what you can expect to see in our schools this year : Social and emotional learning
• Through a partnership with Union County , UCPS is in the process of hiring additional social workers , mental health therapists and school-based counselors who will provide social and emotional support in each of the district ’ s nine clusters . This districtwide focus on social and emotional health will allow the school system to be more proactive when students are in crisis or need emotional support .
School safety and security
• Through a partnership with the Union County Sheriff ’ s Office , school resource officers will now serve elementary schools throughout the district . In years past , school resource officers primarily served middle and high school campuses .
• In an effort to enhance safety and security , all UCPS elementary schools will have an entrance door equipped with a video camera by the end of September . Staff will use this video doorbell system to identify visitors before buzzing them into the building .
• By next month , all UCPS schools will use a consistent visitor management system that requires guests to provide front office staff with valid identification that will be used to run on-thespot background checks upon entering a school ’ s premises .
College readiness and academic achievement
• UCPS will continue to cover the cost for students to take the PSAT 8 , PSAT / NMSQT and SAT during the school day . By removing financial and / or transportation barriers for students who otherwise may not have been able to take the exams , there has been a significant increase in the number of students who have participated in the College Board assessments – a move which now provides all students with more access to higher education opportunities .
• Building on the success of last year ’ s intensive math tutoring program for fourth and seventh graders at high-priority schools , the school district is expanding the math tutoring program to ninth graders who attend Monroe and Forest Hills high schools .
• This school year , East Union Middle and Marshville and Wingate elementary schools will implement the Advancement Via Individual Determination ( AVID ) program at their respective schools . This rigorous in-school academic support program will help the schools enhance learning opportunities , prepare students for college , and provide the high expectations , access and support students need to succeed in rigorous courses .
2 • Sept / Oct 2018 • Parent Teacher Magazine