Dear Parents/Guardians:

The Union School District has again contracted with Spero Group, LLC, a local organization that provides counseling services to individuals and organizations, as part of a district-wide commitment to helping students develop skills to improve their emotional health and wellness, in the school setting. Spero Group, LLC, has placed Mrs. Jessica Chapman, a mental health professional, at Union School District four days per week to provide outreach, education, and counseling services to students.

Students may utilize the counselor in a variety of ways outside the classroom. Interactions can range from a quick check-in or discussion, around developing skills needed to manage current situations, to receiving weekly counseling. If a student under 14 years of age is referred for counseling, parents will be contacted to obtain consent. Students over 14 years of age may receive counseling services without parental consent according to Pennsylvania Law Act 147, The Mental Health Procedures Act.

The Union School District has also contracted with Ms. Angie Hawk, as the Social and Human Services Assistant. Ms. Hawk, will provide support to the various stakeholders throughout the district to remove barriers to student’s success in the school setting. Services and support can range based on each individual students’ needs. Ms. Hawk will provide information and assistance to address possible student needs as identified by the administration or school counselor.

These individuals will also be utilized to aid students in achieving the Pennsylvania Department of Education PA Career Readiness Skills. These skills include the social and emotional skills students need to empower themselves to successfully navigate relationships within their family, school, college, and or career, as well as, within the global marketplace. Some examples include skills needed to understand and manage emotions, set goals, maintain positive relationships, feel and show empathy for others, and make responsible decisions.

Through teaching these skills, it is possible to better remove academic and non-academic barriers to learning for optimal success. These topics may be taught within the classroom setting and in conjunction with the guidance office.

Please contact the high school if you would like to know more about how these services could benefit your child, or if you have any additional questions. Time available for individual counseling is limited. These services are paid for by the District, and will require no financial support from students or their families.


Sincerely,



Mr. Andrew Carlson, Principal
Union High School

Dear Parent/Guardian,

The Union School District is committed to taking proactive steps to make sure that students can feel safe to learn each day at school.  As part of this commitment, we are partnering with Passages, Inc. to bring age-appropriate prevention education programs into the classroom. These sessions give teens the tools they need to navigate relationships, respect themselves and others, and know how to respond if they, or a friend, face an unsafe situation. We have scheduled these programs to take place in your child’s 11th grade Health class. 

We care deeply about the safety and well-being of our students. We see these skills as a vital part of keeping kids safe, healthy, and confident as they grow. Programs students will participate in are:

• Sexual Violence 101 – A foundation for understanding and preventing sexual violence. Topics include red flags, bystander intervention, and the importance of consent.
• Let’s Talk About Consent – A real and honest conversation about what consent looks like in everyday life, how to ask for it, how to give it, and how to respect others’ boundaries.
• Peer Sexual Harassment – A scenario-based session that helps students recognize harassment among peers, spot early warning signs, and know how to respond in safe and respectful ways.

We encourage you to reach out with any questions you may have about any of the programs.  Questions can be directed to Joy Horner, the Prevention Educator at PASSAGES that will be presenting the programs.  She can be reached at 814-226-7273 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

If you prefer that your child not participate, please send a note to the Guidance Office by September 8, 2025. Students who opt out will be assigned to study hall on the days of this program. 

Thank you for supporting our efforts to ensure that Union High School is a safe and positive place for students to learn and grow.

Sincerely, 

Judy A. Rupp

Union High School Counselor

Dear Parent/Guardian,

The Union School District is committed to taking proactive steps to make sure that students can feel safe to learn each day at school.  As part of this commitment, we have scheduled programs through PASSAGES, Inc. to take place in your child’s 8th grade Health class. 

The programs will be coming from the Expect Respect Prevention Curriculum.  Students will be learning about topics including but not limited to: anti-bullying, boundaries, sexual abuse, consent, dating violence and supports/resources.

We encourage you to reach out with any questions you may have about any of the programs.  Questions can be directed to Joy Horner, the Prevention Educator at PASSAGES that will be presenting the programs.  She can be reached at 814-226-7273 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

If you prefer that your child not participate, please send a note to the Guidance Office by September 8, 2025. Students who opt out will be assigned to study hall on the days of this program. 

Thank you for supporting our efforts to ensure that Union High School is a safe and positive place for students to learn and grow.

Sincerely, 

Judy A. Rupp

Union High School Counselor