UNION COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
WORKSHOP
Union County High School
THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025
6:00 p.m.

Agenda

A blue sky has a positive impact on our psyche, not only being something beautiful to behold but also foretells a day of nice weather. The blue is even more enhanced if there are bright white clouds present. This leads to the question perhaps you hadn’t thought of: why is the sky blue? Prepare yourself for a short physics lesson.

Union County Public Schools hosted a Networking with the Legislators Breakfast at Union County High School on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Rebecca Lock, Legislative Liaison for the Union County Board of Education, planned the event for the chance to mingle and learn about educational achievements and legislative actions. Attendees were greeted by the Navy JROTC and escorted to the UCHS Library.

On April 29th, members of the Union County FCE traveled to Kingston, TN, for the Eastern Region FCE "Spring Into FCE" event, an annual gathering that brings together members from across the region for a day of learning, networking, and community building.

The event featured a variety of activities, including live Bluegrass and Gospel music, which set the tone for an enjoyable morning. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the Blossom and Bee Boutique, a fundraiser for FCE.

Union County High School is thrilled to offer dynamic work-based learning opportunities for our healthcare students, providing invaluable hands-on experience and a direct pathway to future careers in the medical field. This exciting initiative connects classroom learning with real-world practice, empowering students to develop essential skills and gain a competitive edge as they pursue their healthcare aspirations.

The Union County Board of Education Differentiated Pay Committee will meet at Big Ridge Elementary School on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 3:20 p.m.

Written by Annabelle Groce, Union County 4-Her

Being chosen to attend the 4-H Congress trip as a representative of Union County was a great honor. On the trip, my sister and I experienced citizenship and leadership firsthand as we met our state Representative, Senator, and Governor at the Capitol.
When the buses filled with top-performing 4-H’ers from all over the state first arrived in Nashville, the excitement was contagious! Once we all checked in and received our iconic dark green 4-H sweaters, we headed to a conference room where stations were set up for us to explore fun facts about our state and our county’s leaders. We also played trivia games and wrote thank-you cards to our 4-H agents for making this trip possible.

In April, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent Abigail Thomas and Union County 4-H Teen Leader Jaelyn Cummings partnered to bring the Healthy Me pilot program to Whitney Copeland’s kindergarten class at Big Ridge Elementary School. Over the course of six visits, students participated in engaging lessons designed to promote emotional wellness, social skills and mindfulness.

Health Department Director Garnet Southerland introduced the Healthy Living Poster contest winner to Union County Commission. Isabella displayed her poster which admonished, "Don't get hooked on smoking". She is a student in the 5th grade at Big Ridge Elementary.

Chairman Martin Shafer opened the 28th Annual Union County Business & Professional Prayer Breakfast on Good Friday with a warm country welcome of fellowship and good food. The First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Maynardville was packed with friends who not only wanted to share fellowship, but also to donate to several UC nonprofits. Father Neil Pezzulo of St. Teresa of Kolkata Catholic Church blessed the bounty and reminded everyone that no one should be afraid to walk with the Lord and enjoy the peace that comes from belief.