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Weekly Letter
Weekly Letter
Friendsgiving, DECA, Field trip info, Tree lighting, and more
Hey families,
Quite a lot of things happening this week, please read the messages below carefully.
Tuesday is Friendsgiving! You will not need to pack a lunch for your student on this day if you would like for them to eat the food provided by our PTO. Want more info and how to contribute? Please contact the PTO through either their Facebook page or their website.
DECA competes in the regional competition this Tuesday. Cheer on your friends and make us proud, Gryphons! Look closely for information from Mrs. Sarrafi on details.
Registration for 8th and 9th grade field trips is open. Have a student in one of these grades? Look for more information from Mr. Foster the evening of 11/14. Here are the links for the 8th grade Washington, DC trip and the 9th grade Williamsburg, VA trip.
The Weddington Town Hall tree lighting has become a yearly tradition for Mrs. Wyant and our MYP music program. Look at her newsletter at the bottom of this page for details, and come out for a good time and to support our music program.
Basketball continues this week with a MS game on 11/18 and a HS game on 11/20, both away. Come out and support our team and make sure to put our first home games on your calendar for the first week of December.
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
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
November
11/19 - Winter Sports Pictures
11/18 - MS Basketball Game at 4:30
11/20 - HS Basketball Game at 4:30
11/21 - MS Chorus Performs at Weddington Tree Lighting at 6:00
11/24-28 - Fall/Thanksgiving Break - No school
December
12/1 - UDS Board Meeting
12/6 - SAT at UDS
12/11 - MS Winter Concert 5:00-8:00
12/17 - Winterfest (Lower School) 5:00-7:00
12/22 - 01/2 - Winter Break
Diploma Program
Diploma Program
Updates for the Week of Nov. 8
Updates for the Week of Nov. 8
Be aware of IA and EE due dates coming up in December for each class
Current seniors have been registered for their final exams. Look for communication soon on your choices for taking the External Assessments.
New Junior to Sophomore Mentoring Program to Kick off Next Week
New Junior to Sophomore Mentoring Program to Kick off Next Week
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.
Movie on 9-4-25 at 4.32 PM.mov
November IB Character Trait is Open-Mindedness
November IB Character Trait is Open-Mindedness
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!
Counselor's Corner
Counselor's Corner
Mr. Shuford
College Application Statistics
College Application Statistics
As of Friday 11/14/2025 our seniors have completed 60 Applications. We have 6 Accepted students and five who have been offered rather large scholarships totaling $590,000 ! Remember that students must send all acceptance letters and Financial/Scholarship letters to Mr. Shuford
Practice for Your Interview
Practice for Your Interview
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.
Email Mr. Shuford for November Scholarship Newsletter
FAFSA Seniors It's Time to Fill Out Your FAFSA
FAFSA Seniors It's Time to Fill Out Your FAFSA
FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a form used to apply for federal financial aid to pay for college or career school. You should fill it out as soon as possible each year to apply for aid for the upcoming academic year, which starts July 1st. While the federal deadline is usually June 30, 2027, you should also check the earlier deadlines set by your state and individual schools to maximize your aid eligibility.
What is FAFSA?
Purpose: To apply for federal student aid, such as grants, work-study, and federal student loans.
Eligibility: Any student seeking financial aid, including federal, state, and school-based aid, should fill it out.
Cost: The application is free.
Aid beyond federal: States and colleges also use the information on your FAFSA form to determine your eligibility for their own aid programs.
When should you fill it out?
For the 2026–27 academic year: The form is available now, and you can fill it out to receive aid for the period of July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.
Fill out early: You should fill out the form as soon as possible to meet federal, state, and school deadlines, as some aid is first-come, first-served.
Know your deadlines:
Federal: The 2026–27 form must be submitted by June 30, 2027.
State: Each state has its own deadline, which is often earlier than the federal deadline. Check with your state's higher education agency for this date.
School: Each college and career school has its own deadline, which is often the earliest. Contact the schools you are applying to for their specific date.
UDS Today
UDS Today
Amazing group of young people providing announcements each and every day!
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
Music
Music
Week of 11/17-11/21
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