UPES Updates

We did it...our student leaders completed a full week of instruction, and they arrived daily-- ready to learn! Thank you for the early bedtimes, morning pep talks, and on-time arrivals. Your partnership is powering a strong start.

Let’s keep the momentum. Consistent attendance, nightly reading, and steady routines help every child grow. When home and school move in the same direction, progress accelerates. A few quick ways to help this week:

• Be Present, On Time, Every Day. Every minute matters.

• Read 15–30 minutes each night. Ask one “What did you learn?” question.

• Check folders and ParentSquare. Sign & return all paperwork, download ParentSquare and stay in the loop.

With your support, "Nothing Is Impossible" at UPES! We are building habits now that will carry us through an AMAZING year an beyond. Thank you for being our partners in “Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today”, and we need your continuous support to ensure our year is filled with growth, high achievement, and endless possibilities. Let’s make this year the best yet. Please do not hesitate to contact our front office with any questions or concerns. #WeAreFalcons #FalconStrong

#StrongerTogether #GrowingTomorrowsLeadersToday

In your service,

Principal Mullins 🦅💖

Our annual Open House will be this Tuesday, August 19th from 4:30–6:00 p.m. We look forward to each of you joining us to learn more about our school-wide expectations, safety procedures, parental engagement opportunities, Title I funding information, 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. Let's accomplish our mission!

We want to hear from our families! Please take a few minutes to complete the Family & Community Artificial Intelligence (AI) Input Survey and share your thoughts on how AI can support teaching and learning in TCS. Your feedback will help guide our next steps and ensure family voices are part of our planning. Click the Survey Link to provide your input!

This month, our students will begin their Kindness Kickoff with the Character Strong curriculum. Through lessons focused on traits such as empathy, respect, and cooperation, students will practice the skills needed to be kind, strong, and well. This work ensures we are truly growing well-rounded leaders with character. Be on the look out for family newsletters to reinforce ways to be kind at home.

All car riders should have a colored hangtag (blue, yellow, or red). If you have not received a hangtag, please stop by the front office in the morning or before 2:30 to pick up your colored hangtag to assist with a smooth and safe carpool dismissal.

• K & 1st graders are picked up in the BLUE lane.
• 2nd & 3rd graders are picked up in the YELLOW lane.
• 4th & 5th graders are picked up in the RED lane.

• 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.

• 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.

• Autism Unit (PreK–5th): Drop-off and pick-up are also on the PreK end near the church.

• 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.

Thank for your understanding, and please be patient with us as our buses may be late to pick up or drop off as they routes are being finalized. There is increased back to school traffic for the next week, but we are striving to ensure all students who need transportation are added and picked up on time.
Reminder: Please download the Stopfinder app for bus communications and to track your child's bus live.

IMPORTANT: If you have not yet registered for bus transportation, you must contact your child’s school or call the TCS Transportation Dept. at 205-247-2400 to register as soon as possible.

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.

🔗 Click here to apply now!

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

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

Tuscaloosa City Schools has 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.

August 19th-22nd- Beginning of the Year Testing

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

August 29th- PBIS Kick-Off

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

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