UPES Updates
August 10, 2025
What an amazing first two days of school! Thank you to our incredible teachers for setting the bar high from day one, and to our parents for your flexibility and understanding as we navigate the challenges of transportation and dismissal procedures. In order for carpool to run more smoothly, all parents should remain in their car and join the carpool lanes for a more efficient dismissal.
Just a reminder—doors open at 7:30 a.m., breakfast ends at 7:55 a.m., and instruction begins promptly at 8:00 a.m.
Only parents of newly enrolling students will be allowed to walk their child to class and meet the teacher. We’re excited to see our teachers continue building strong routines, setting high expectations, and creating the foundation for a year of excellence 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. Let’s make this year the best yet—because at UPES...NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE! #WeAreFalcons #FalconStrong
#StrongerTogether #GrowingTomorrowsLeadersToday
In your service,
Principal Mullins 🦅💖
Let's Make Arrival & Dismissal Smooth...
Arrival: Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Students go directly to cafeteria for breakfast. Parents may walk students to class only the first two days. Staff are stationed throughout the building to assist students.
Drop-Off (PreK–5th): Use the front carpool line and remain in your vehicle to keep traffic moving. If you need to assist your child or visit the office, park near the church or cafeteria.
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PreK Pick-Up: Begins at 2:30 p.m. on the PreK end near the church. For PreK students with siblings, speak to the teacher to avoid using both pick-up lines.
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Autism Unit (PreK–5th): Drop-off and pick-up are also on the PreK end near the church.
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Dismissal: Students use colored lanes for a safe dismissal. No walk-ups are allowed. All students must be picked up by 3:00 p.m.
UPES Ignite 21st CCLC After-School Program
We are excited to announce that registration for the UPES Ignite 21st CCLC After-School Program is now open for the 2025–2026 school year!
Our after-school program offers a safe, structured, and enriching environment for students in grades K–5. With engaging academic support, hands-on STEAM activities, arts and music, physical fitness, character education, and more—this is a place where students can explore new interests, grow socially and academically, and ignite their passion for learning.
Important Details:
Dismissal: No earlier than 5:00 PM; all students must be picked up by 5:15 PM
Transportation is not provided
Daily attendance is expected; this is not a drop-in program.
Mandatory Parent Orientation is required before student participation begins.
Space is limited—late pickups, behavior concerns, or inconsistent attendance may result in dismissal from the program.
Please Note: Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. Families will be notified of their child’s status by August 22, 2025. We can't wait for another exciting year of after-school learning, creativity, and fun!
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
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 question and answer section for more details.
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!
August 14th- High School Open House
August 15th- C-Day @Central High School
August 19th- Open House (4:30-6:00)
August 21st- Middle School Open House
August 22nd- CHS Football Season Opener @ 7:00pm
August 28th- TCTA Open House
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, August 19th...
Our Open House will be held next Tuesday, August 19th from 4:30–6:00 p.m., and we hope you will join us for this important event. During our time together, we’ll share school-wide expectations, safety procedures, parental engagement opportunities, Title I funding information, the School–Home Compact, afterschool expectations, and more. During classroom visits, you will learn more about the grade-level instructional benchmarks for reading and math. This is a valuable opportunity to connect, ask questions, and work together to ensure a successful year for all of our students. We look forward to seeing you there!
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
Westlawn Middle School Football Schedule
We Are Falcons!
Central High School Football Schedule
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