University School Weekly Update

March 29-April 2, 2021

Welcome Back to our University School families, we hope you all have enjoyed your spring break and are looking forward to the last quarter of the 2020-2021 school year!

As we prepare for the week ahead, we ask that you please review the following information:

Based on the recent CDC recommendation changes for schools, we are planning on implementing the 3ft. spacing in classrooms as recommended; however, it will be extended when possible. In addition to maximizing our distancing to the greatest extent possible, the following safety measures, will remain in effect and be expected for all of our in-person students:

Approved face coverings are required (please refer to the ETSU Face Covering Policy for further guidance).
Handwashing and sanitizing should take place frequently and upon entering and existing classrooms.
Desks should be wiped at the beginning and end of each class.
Follow all directional signs posted throughout the building.
Students should bring a refillable water bottle and necessary supplies for all classes.
Remote students are expected to attend all assigned classes synchronously. If you are absent from a class, a parent must contact the school office to report the absence.
Students scheduled to attend in-person must have a parent contact the office if they are unable to attend in-person.

We are excited to have the opportunity for our students to return on this four day schedule (please refer to school calendar in the weekly update) on Monday, March 29, 2021.

TN State Assessments for Grades 3-8 and HS Students

The Washington County School System will be administering the state-mandated TCAP Achievement Assessment beginning beginning with grades 3-8 on Monday, April 12th, 2021 and ending Friday, April 23rd, 2021. State testing is required for all subjects in grades 3-8. TCAP Assessments for students in grades 3-8 include: Math, English/language arts (ELA), Science, and Social Studies.

High school End of Course state assessments will begin Monday, April 21, 2021 and will end on Friday, May 14, 2021. State testing is required for English I and II, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Biology, and US History.

Federal and State Law states that every student be administered the same State Board approved standardized tests required of public school students in accordance with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015 and T.C.A. § 49-1-602 pertaining to district and school accountability.

The TCAP assessment is a fully aligned assessment that captures the depth and breadth of what students are learning--and have been learning--in the classroom every day. The information from this year’s assessment will provide educators, parents, and students with a perspective on how students are progressing academically compared to their peers across Tennessee, and better information about a student’s strengths, needs, and areas for growth.

Please do not schedule appointments on testing days and encourage your child to do well on the tests and help them at home by doing the following:

Discuss the tests with your child. Talking about the tests will help ease your child’s worries and show him/her that you are interested.
Make sure your child goes to bed early and gets plenty of rest. Students’ minds and bodies need to be ready for a full day of trying their best.
Make sure your child eats a good breakfast. It is difficult for students to think and do their best if their stomach is empty.
Arrive at school on time. Being late may cause your child to feel rushed and nervous. Arriving on time will help your child feel relaxed and ready to do his/her best.
Send your child to school with words of encouragement. Hearing, “You can do it!” or “I have confidence in you!” from you means a lot to your child.

Where can I go for more resources?

Information describing the TCAP Achievement Assessment can be located on the TN Department of Education website (www.tn.gov/education ...follow top link “For Students & Families”/Assessment …next follow left side links…Overview or click TNReady then select the specific content area or also click Parent Resources).

SENIORS: TN SCHOLARS

TN Scholar Application due to Dr. Shaw by March 31!

Do you want to be designated as a Tennessee Scholar when you graduate?

The application and all information can be found here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHfhzYdFhJ3IA6cOG9jtF84tOdSAHurozb23Xs5yb3eJmV3w/viewform

GRADES 10-12: REGISTRATIONS FOR HS CLASSES FOR 21-22 FOR CURRENT STUDENTS

Dual Enrollment registration for the 21-22 school year is open and all paperwork for Fall 2021 will need to be submitted by April 30, 2021. For more information, please click on this link or email Dr. Shaw (shawa@etsu.edu)

Yearbook Orders

It is finally that time of the year to order the 2020/2021 school yearbooks. Due to our altered schedule, we are a little behind in getting this up and running, but we are now ready to accept orders. The deadline for placing a yearbook order is April 12.

There is no price increase for the yearbooks this year. The elementary/middle school yearbook is $28.00 while the high school yearbook is $40.

For the convenience of online ordering, there is a processing fee assessed by our publisher; therefore, the total cost will be $42.00 for high school and $29.40 for elementary/middle school.

In addition, this year we are offering at a cost the option for you to have your child’s name written on the book. This will cost $4.95 per book. You will add that to your online order.

Directions for ordering online: Go to http://yblive.net; Click on shop online and locate our school by city and state and click okay.

To Purchase: Click on yearbook and select order to place it in your shopping cart.

You will then be asked to log in or create an account. Follow the steps to check out.

If you have any questions, please email me at hammondse@etsu.edu or call the school.

HOMEWORK HOTLINE REMAINS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING ACADEMIC SUPPORT

FOR ALL K-12 STUDENTS IN TN.

TEACHERS ARE AVAILABLE

3PM–8PM CT, MONDAYS THROUGH THURSDAYS.

615-298-6636 OR 901-416-1234

Note: For more information, please visit https://www.homeworkhotline.info/

Optional Vaccine Information for Individuals 16 and Above

NORTHEAST REGION HEALTH DEPARTMENTS

ANNOUNCE COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

BY APPOINTMENT FOR RESIDENTS 16+

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Health Northeast Region county health departments are now booking appointments for individuals aged 16 and up who wish to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. The Northeast Region includes Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins-Church Hill, Hawkins-Rogersville, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington Counties.

The Northeast Region county health departments offer COVID-19 vaccinations by appointment. To book your appointment, visit Vaccinate.tn.gov and click the blue “Proceed to COVID-19 questionnaire” button at the bottom of the page to start your registration. When scheduling appointments by the online portal, make sure to search all locations in the county for appointment availability. Most vaccines are given at sites that are not at the local health department. Please see attachment for vaccine sites. If you need help scheduling your vaccination, please call the Northeast Regional Registration Line at (423) 979-4689. The Registration Line is staffed Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Pfizer vaccine has been authorized for ages 16 and older. Moderna vaccine is currently authorized for ages 18 and older. Please call the NE Registration Line at (423) 979-4689 to register 16 and 17 year olds for a Pfizer vaccine site.

The Northeast Regional Health Office reminds all residents that in addition to vaccinations, wearing a face mask, maintaining social distance and getting tested when exposed or sick are critical to controlling the pandemic.

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. Learn more about TDH services and programs at www.tn.gov/health.

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