UPES Back-To-School Updates Vol.2.

The countdown is on—school begins in less than 2 weeks! We are so excited to welcome our student leaders back for another incredible year of teaching, learning and growth.

Our theme for this year is “Nothing is Impossible at UPES,” which aligns perfectly with our mission of “Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.” Together, we will create a learning environment where every student feels supported, challenged, and inspired to achieve their very best.

Important Reminder: If you have not done so already, please complete your child's online registration as soon as possible! In order to be placed on a roster before Meet & Greet, registration must be complete by July 30th. A special "THANK YOU" to our parents that have completed their child's online registration... We currently have 87.70% of our students registered and ready to successfully start the school year. While that is amazing, our goal is 100% of students registered by July 30th.

A big "thank you " to our amazing PreK team and parents for ending the week with a successful PreK Orientation on Friday! PreK is the foundation for endless possibilities, and your presence and participation are helping set the tone for a phenomenal year. We are truly stronger together, and your partnership is essential to student success!

Please do not hesitate to contact our front office with any questions or concerns. We look forward to an outstanding year filled with growth, achievement, and endless possibilities. Let’s make this year the best yet—because at UPES...NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE! #WeAreFalcons #FalconStrong

#StrongerTogether #GrowingTomorrowsLeadersToday

In your service,

Principal Mullins 🦅💖

Stopfinder invites for the 2025–2026 school year bus routes were sent on July 2nd. Please check your email (and don’t forget to look in your spam or junk folder). Stopfinder is our new easy-to-use transportation app that gives you:

✅ Real-time bus location and ETA
✅ Stop details
✅ Direct messaging with our transportation team

If you have NOT receive your Stopfinder link, please contact the TCS Transportation Department at (205)247-2400 for assistance. We’re excited to make bus transportation safer and more convenient for your family!

The new school year is almost here, and it’s full of purpose & possibilities! Be PROACTIVE—prioritize attendance Please use our UPES “vacation planner” to schedule trips and appointments so your child doesn’t miss valuable instruction. Every day matters! #UPESFalcons #FalconPride #NothingIsImpossible #EveryDayCounts

The Tuscaloosa City Schools is now using ParentSquare—a unified platform for all schools, classrooms and district communications. With ParentSquare, you can receive updates via email, text or app; view calendars and RSVP to events; sign up to volunteer; and securely receive student documents like report cards and IEPs. What's even better is you'll get communications from school administrators, teachers, coaches and the district all through Parentsquare.

Check your email or text for an invitation to activate your account, or register at www.parentsquare.com using the same email linked to your student’s enrollment. Download the free app TODAY to stay connected across the district. We encourage every family to join and engage with our school community on ParentSquare. #TCSUpdates #GetConnected #StayConnected #ConnectedForSuccess

Starting with the 2025–2026 school year, Tuscaloosa City Schools will become a phone-free district in compliance with pending state legislation (SB92). This means that all personal electronic devices—including cell phones, laptops, iPads, and smartwatches—must be turned off and stored away during the school day.

This change is designed to minimize distractions and help students stay focused on learning. Thank you for partnering with us to create the best environment for student success! To learn more, please check out the question and answer section for more details.

We’re currently at 87.70% of our students registered for the school year!! We need 100% of our students registered by July 30th. Students cannot be placed on a class roster or assigned a bus until registration is complete. A snap code is required for returning students (check your email or call us at 205-759-3664). Complete your child’s registration NOW to avoid delays!

We look forward to seeing ALL of our student LEADERS on Tuesday, August 5th for Meet & Greet! Drop off school supplies and meet your child's teacher for the 2025-2026 school year. Please remember students must be registered in INFOSNAP before they are placed on a class roster to meet their teacher. If you need their snapcode, please check your email or contact our front office.

August 1st- Faculty & Staff Returns

August 4th - Institute Days for Faculty & Staff

August 5th - Meet & Greet (2:00-3:30)

August 7th- First Day of School

August 15th- C-Day @Central High School

August 19th- Open House

While the primary responsibility for a student's attire resides with the student and parents/guardians, the Tuscaloosa City Schools requires the following concerning dress and grooming. Therefore, the following are mandatory for all students attending any of the Tuscaloosa City Schools. Students who fail to follow these rules will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in Code of Conduct 1.13, “Non-conformity to Dress Code.”

Feeling safe at school is a non-negotiable at University Place Elementary. Therefore, we must ensure that our campus is safe at ALL TIMES. Below are a few of our non-negotiables:

• ALL visitors must sign into our RAPTOR system before moving beyond the front lobby to enter the building. This includes having a valid state issued ID in hand.
  
• A valid state issued ID is required anytime a child is checked out.
• Students are not allowed phone calls or food deliveries on campus.
• Changes in transportation cannot and will not be taken over the phone.
• No students will be allowed to check out after 2:00 p.m. NO EXCEPTIONS!!
• Safety drills will be practiced monthly- including but not limited to backpack searches, fire drills, lockdown drills, and severe weather drills.
• Disruptive behaviors will not be allowed and will be handled according to the Tuscaloosa City Schools Code of Conduct.
• A threat to self or others will also be handled according to the Tuscaloosa City Schools Code of Conduct and State laws and/or mandates.
• All discipline and safety measures will be strictly enforced. NO EXCEPTIONS

On behalf of the Western Cluster administrators, athletic directors, and coaches, we are excited to invite you to the 2025 C-Day Celebration on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 5:30 PM. This annual event is a wonderful opportunity to meet and celebrate the talented student-athletes and coaches from Central High School and Westlawn Middle School.

📍 Location: Central High School Football Field
⏰ Time: 5:30 PM

Come out and show your support for our Western Cluster Falcon Family as we kick off an amazing year of athletics and community spirit!

Email: nmullins@tusc.k12.al.us

Website: https://www.tuscaloosacityschools.com/Domain/26
Location: 2000 1st Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
Phone: 205-759-3664
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniversityPlaceElementarySchool
Twitter: @UPES_Leads