By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
A steady stream of folks eager to join the Purple and Gold family showed up at Union City Elementary School on Friday.
UCES Principal Allison Palmer said more than 125 children registered for kindergarten, with those numbers expected to rise even higher before the new school year begins in August. Those projections rang true, too, for Pre-K numbers, which totaled nearly the same figure.
Top-level administrators – including Palmer, Vice Principals Bill Kail and Maggie Miller, and Director of PreK and Special Populations Laney Rogers – along with several elementary school teachers were on hand to welcome interested parties and assist with the sign-up necessities.
School officials deemed themselves thrilled with the large turnout to sign up for the 2026-27 school year.
“Every year it just seems to get better with the new smiling inquisitive faces, and the eagerness of their parents to join the Union City Schools family,” Palmer said while getting visitors to their appropriate places. “This is truly where the educational journey begins, and we’re thrilled to have so many who want to be a Golden Tornado from Day 1.
“Collectively, our staff always does a tremendous job of putting people at ease and gaining their confidence that we are going to take care of their children. That is such an important part of the process, and you can truly see the children and parents becoming more comfortable by the minute at Union City Schools.”
Parents and prospective students began arriving before 8 a.m. and filtered through the process until 5:30 p.m.
There were plenty of photo opportunities at Friday’s sign-ups, and spirit wear was available for purchase. Snacks were provided, too. Information on after-school programs and details of the many in-school opportunities for students were also shared.
“We always strive to make the educational experience here the best for everyone,” Palmer added. “And today was a great example that many people from all different backgrounds and demographics truly believe that.”
Students will still be allowed to register for both Pre-K and Kindergarten until the 2026-27 school year begins in August.
For more information, call (731-885-1632) or visit UCES during regular school hours.