Friendsgiving, DECA, Field trip info, Tree lighting, and more
Hey families,
Five more days! This week is Spirit Week, be sure to check the main school newsletter for the daily themes and what to wear so you don’t miss out. Thank you for helping us finish the semester strong while celebrating the season together.
Know a family that is interested in attending UDS? Tours are ongoing, please have them reach out to the office. Read individual teacher newsletters linked at the top of this newsletter, and as always, please make sure to read the whole-school newsletter.
Thanks,
-Foster
December
12/17 - Winterfest (Lower School) 5:00-7:00
12/22 - 01/2 - Winter Break
Be aware of IA and EE due dates coming up in December for each class.
This time of year is a great opportunity for CAS hours!
Current seniors have been registered for their final exams. Look for communication soon on your choices for taking the External Assessments.
Next week all of our sophomores will be assigned a mentor. 10 of our IB Diploma Programme Juniors will serve as Mentors to our sophomore students. They will meet with them regularly about assigned topics to ease anxiety and offer real life experiences . Our Junior to Sophomore program is being designed Jemma Elliott and led by Captains Madeline Siegel and Collin Perrera.
All 11th and 12th grade students at UDS are either DP certificate students or full DP candidate students. We welcomed our second class of Diploma Program students with a Year One informational meeting this past week, and are looking forward to their journey over the next two years.
From Ms. Goodson
The IB Learner Profile for the month of November is Open Minded. Being open-minded means we appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, but we’re also willing to learn from the perspectives, values, and traditions of others.
You can show open-mindedness by:
Listening respectfully to different opinions,
Trying new strategies or ideas in class,
Including others in group work,
And being curious about the world around you.
Throughout November, teachers will be looking for students who demonstrate open-mindedness in and out of the classroom. Those students will be recognized at the end of the month, so keep your minds and hearts open!
Mr. Shuford
As of Friday 12/12/2025 our seniors have completed 75 Applications and 26 acceptances so far. We have 9 Accepted students and seven who have been offered rather large scholarships totaling $764,000 ! Remember that students must send all acceptance letters and Financial/Scholarship letters to Mr. Shuford
SGA will be holding a Pet Supply Drive for the Holiday Season. Please bring the following items to help sheltered pets for the season of giving.
Items Needed
Dry Pet Food(Cat and Dog)
Toys
Pet Shampoo
Grooming Needs
Cat Litter
Pet Beds
Donation boxes will be inside the Front Lobby of the school with all collections going to Animal Care and Control of Charlotte
Here is information on preparing for the ACT which will be given in March at UDS.
Ever wonder what it would be like to spend a day at UNC-Ch or better yet two weeks experiencing higher education at the country's oldest public institution. Juniors apply now if you would like to explore!!
Any Senior who has scholarship or admissions interviews planned, please see Mr. Shuford. The Scholarship Committee would like to help by hosting a mock interview with you to help you prepare. Gather valuable experience and feedback to help you advance.
Everyone should complete the FAFSA because it's the only way to access federal student aid like Pell Grants, work-study funds, and loans, and many states and colleges use it to determine eligibility for their own aid. It provides a clearer picture of your potential costs and financial options, even if you don't think you'll qualify for aid, as some scholarships and grants require it and the benefits can be surprising.
Key reasons to complete the FAFSA
Access to financial aid: It is the application for federal grants, work-study programs, and loans, which are the largest source of student aid.
Eligibility for state and school aid: Many states and individual colleges use FAFSA data to determine eligibility for their own grants and scholarships.
Opens up opportunities: Completing the form doesn't commit you to anything. It simply provides possibilities and a clearer picture of your costs once all potential aid is factored in.
No income cutoff: There is no income cutoff to qualify for some forms of aid, and many scholarships are based on financial need, not just high grades or test scores.
It's free: The "F" in FAFSA stands for "free," so it costs nothing to submit the application.
It's quick and easy: For most families, the application can be completed in under 30 minutes.
https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Mr. Shuford serves as counselor for grades 7-12. His office is located in room 203 in the high school hall. He can be reached at barry.shuford@uniondayschool.com
or Ext. 9000
Week of 12/8-12/12