Union Weekly

Mr. Schlesinger is back for another school year giving you updates on the new school year

In the final episode of the year, Zander, Hailee, and Mr. S take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, revisiting the highlights of their podcast journey. They recount their favorite episodes, including memorable guests like Andy, Ms. Fillmore, and Ms. Zhang, sharing humorous and insightful moments from each. We discusses the upcoming summer programs at the public libraries, reflects on the changes i...

Step into Ginger's world as we uncover her remarkable journey from her roots in Evanston to becoming the beloved hall monitor at Union Middle School. Join us for an insightful conversation as Ginger shares experience from her 17 years of dedicated service, emphasizing her passion for student safety and well-being. Discover how she balances her role as a guardian of the halls with her love for phys...

Join us as we sit down with Mrs. Holden, Union's brand new principal. We'll explore her background in education, from her early days as a Mustang to her current role as a Bobcat. Mrs. Holden shares her vision for Union, emphasizing community, collaboration, and empowering both students and staff to reach their full potential. Discover her passion for middle school education, her commitment to fost...

Calling all ambitious Bobcats! Union Weekly dives into the exciting world of student leadership with Ms. Graham and Ms. Morley, advisors for NJHS and Student Ambassadors. Discover how YOU can join these impactful organizations for the 2024-2025 school year and make a difference in the Union community. Learn about service projects, school spirit initiatives, GPA requirements, and the numerous benef...

We're thrilled to have Mr. Brannon, our dedicated vice principal, joining us for an enlightening conversation. With a rich background in education spanning over 18 years, Mr. Brannon shares his journey from teaching to administration, highlighting his passion for working with junior high students. He discusses the challenges and rewards of transitioning into a new school, expressing his excitement...

We are joined by Ms. Grant for a delightful delve into the dynamic world of school theater! As we navigate through the acts and anecdotes of this season's performances, Ms. Grant gives us an exclusive backstage pass to the challenges and charms of bringing Shakespeare's "The Comedy of Errors" to life at Union Middle School. Listen in as we explore the intricate process of transforming a script int...

We're joined by the innovative Mrs. Fillmore to delve into the exciting launch of Union's latest sensation: Paw Cards. Scheduled for release tomorrow, these cards have been in the works since December, receiving the green light from the administration in January. Mrs. Fillmore shares the journey from ideation to implementation, highlighting the labor-intensive yet rewarding process. The episode al...

We're joined by Mr. Penrod, a dedicated PE teacher with a passion for physical education and health. With a background deeply rooted in a family of educators, Mr. Penrod shares his journey from considering a career in sports journalism to embracing the world of physical education, driven by a love for sports and a desire to impact students' lives positively. Celebrating 15 years in teaching, he di...

We're thrilled to welcome Ms. Paulsen, Union's dance teacher, who enlightens us about the dance company and all things dance-related at Union. Ms. Paulsen, bringing seven years of teaching experience at Union and a lifetime of passion for dance, shares her journey from being mesmerized by ballerinas at the age of three to dedicating her career to teaching the art of dance. She discusses her philos...

We delve into the significant transition from elementary to middle school, exploring the challenges and exciting opportunities that come with entering a new educational environment. We discuss the adjustments required in adapting to a larger student body, navigating a school with multiple teachers for different subjects, and the absence of recess. We also highlight the importance of the supportive...

We're joined by Ms. Zhang, Union School's esteemed librarian, for a discussion that's bound to intrigue book lovers and the curious alike. Ms. Zhang introduces us to two exceptional reads: "House Arrest" by K.A. Holt and "The Running Dream," each offering unique perspectives on overcoming life's hurdles with resilience and determination. These recommendations come as a treasure trove for students...

We sit down with our school counselors, Miss Nelson and Miss Robinson, who have dedicated nine years to guiding and supporting students through their academic and personal challenges. With their unique backgrounds transitioning from various roles into school counseling, they share how their approaches have adapted to meet the increasing mental health needs of students, especially in the aftermath...

We delve into the world of social work within the educational system through the eyes of Mr. Barilla, Union Middle School's dedicated social worker. With a rich background spanning 12 years in education, Mr. Barilla shares his transition from teaching to social work, highlighting his passion for supporting students' mental and emotional well-being. We explore the multifaceted role of a school soci...

We sit down with our principal, Ms. McCann, to discuss the transformative journey of moving into a new building and the evolving culture of our school. With a career spanning 30 years in education, Ms. McCann brings a wealth of experience and insights into the challenges and opportunities that come with such significant changes. We'll delve into the background of our new school environment, the im...

Explore the vibrant world of choir and stage tech with Mr. C, uncovering the harmonious blend of music and technology that enriches the school culture. They kick off with a recap of recent school events, including musical field trips, club meetings, and the anticipation for upcoming holiday activities. Mr. C shares his journey of over a decade in education, his multifaceted role at Union, and his...

Dive into the fascinating world of Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) with Ms. McCombs. From the cutting board to the sewing machine, listeners are given a behind-the-scenes look at the skills and crafts taught in FACS class, essential for shaping students' life skills. The episode opens with highlights from the past week, including vision screening, various club meetings, musical tech rehearsals...

We're whisked behind the scenes with Ms. Grant, Union Middle School's theatre teacher, who shares her transformation from a shy child to a passionate educator and director. She delves into the challenges and rewards of teaching theater, highlighting the upcoming "Union Middle School Musical's Awesome Volume Mix 1," a creative endeavor that promises to take audiences on a unique tour of the school...

We delve into the world of education leadership with Mr. Moody, one of the new vice principals at Union Middle School. Mr. Moody shares his unexpected journey from aspiring history teacher to education administrator, highlighting his 20-year career that spans roles from a paraeducator to an assistant principal across various schools before arriving at Union. His passion for teaching, his initial r...

We're joined by Ms. Zhang, the esteemed librarian of Union Middle School, who sheds light on the importance of Digital Citizenship Week and the transformative power of reading. Ms. Zhang introduces engaging activities aimed at encouraging students to explore life beyond their screens, including a screen-time reduction challenge and a digital citizenship quiz, each offering sweet incentives for par...

Dive into the bustling world of Union Middle School's very own Bobcat Market in this episode of Union Weekly, featuring the ever-energetic Mrs. Fillmore. As the CCA and business teacher, Mrs. Fillmore offers a sneak peek into the upcoming opening of the school's store, detailing the variety of items students can purchase with their PBIS points—from treats and fidgets to school supplies and art kit...

We dive into the heart of our school's operations with Andy, our head custodian, who plays a pivotal role in making Union Middle School a clean, safe, and welcoming place for everyone. Andy shares insights from his unique perspective on the school, touching on the complexities and rewards of managing a bustling middle school environment. As the first special guest of our podcast, Andy offers a beh...

We dive into the vibrant life at Union School with hosts Zander, Hailee, and Mr. S. As the fifth week of school unfolds, the third in person, they discuss the commencement of tutoring sessions, the locker sign-up process, and the successes of the cross-country team. The spotlight of the episode shines on the eagerly anticipated new school building, reflecting on its modern features compared to the...

We dive deep into the heart of student leadership at Union Middle School. Join us as we engage in enlightening conversations with the guiding forces behind the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) and the Student Ambassador Program. Our special guests, Ms. Morley and Ms. Graham, share their experiences and the impactful roles they play in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Discover how these dedicat...