CONTACT: Mike Hutchens
Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–They came early and stayed late. And there was a steady stream in between.
A constant crowd of parents registered their children for either pre-K or kindergarten last week during the early registration for the 2020-21 school year at Union City Elementary School.
Some were in line before the 9 a.m. sign-ups began, and the process continued for others until the 6 p.m. close of registration. The crowd was deemed heaviest during lunchtime by UC Schools officials.
The fast-growing Pre-K program had 70 of its 80 participants this year register for next fall’s kindergarten class, with the rest possibly to join in soon.
With new enrollees added to that figure, kindergarten enrollment for 2020-21 is already at 125.
There are also already 77 children signed up for the next pre-K class, leaving just a few spots open/available. One student to register Thursday represented a fourth-generation wearer of the Purple and Gold from his family.
Faculty and administration greeted the prospective UCES students last week in the library, where several stations were set up to aid with the process.
Along with necessary paperwork to complete for the registration, children also placed their palm prints – in purple and gold colors – on a bulletin board headlined with the inscription “Class of 2033.”
Children then underwent a few minutes of informal basic testing before taking advantage of a couple of photo opportunities, which included signing an unofficial “letter of intent” to attend Union City Schools.
A snack and more fun picture-taking with family and school personnel then finished the process.
“I’m not sure who was the most excited – our future students, or our faculty members who greeted them,” a smiling UCES Principal David Byars said when all was completed. “Truly, the looks on the kids’ faces and the attitude and demeanor of our staff as they welcomed them to our school was absolutely priceless.
“It was a fantastic turnout. And I was so excited to be a part of welcoming the next class of Golden Tornadoes to our campus. We’re obviously thrilled with their prospects and that they’ve chosen Union City Schools for the best education out there.”
Students will still be allowed to register for the two classes until they begin in August.
