UPES Back-To-School Updates
I hope you have enjoyed a restful and memorable summer. As we prepare to begin a new school year, I am excited to welcome both our returning families and those joining us for the first time. We are honored to partner with you in the education of your child.
Our theme for this year is “Nothing is Impossible at UPES.” This reflects our shared belief that, through collaboration, high expectations, and a commitment to excellence, every student can achieve success. Over the summer, our faculty and staff have worked diligently to review data, strengthen instructional plans, and create meaningful learning experiences that align with our mission of “Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.”
As we move forward together, I encourage you to stay actively engaged in your child’s educational journey. Strong partnerships between school and home are key to ensuring a productive and successful year for all students.
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. #WeAreFalcons #FalconsPride #FalconStrong #NothingIsImpossible #UPESLeads
In your service,
Principal Mullins 🦅💖
TCS: Goes Phone-Free in 2025–2026
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 details here
ParentSquare: TCS gets a new Communication App
Beginning with the 2025–26 school year, Tuscaloosa City Schools will use ParentSquare as our primary communication platform. This free app will simplify and streamline messages from your child’s school and the district, ensuring families stay informed about important updates, events, and emergency alerts. ParentSquare is a free easy to use app designed to keep families connected with updates, events, and emergency alerts. All TCS parents, faculty and staff members are encouraged to download the ParentSquare app now to stay informed. #TCSUpdates #StayConnectedTCS #ConnectedForSuccess
We’re currently at 82% of our students registered for the school year and need 100% online registration for all UPES students. 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!
Stopfinder invites for the 2025–2026 school year were sent on July 2. 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 don’t receive your Stopfinder link by July 21st, 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!
TCS Dress Code
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!
University Place Elementary Nakelya Mullins, Principal
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