As we prepare for the changing of the seasons, we ask that our families please review our inclement weather policy. Although we have a partnership with Washington County Schools, we do want to remind our families that we follow a different calendar and inclement weather and emergency closure policy, so please be sure to review the information below:

Inclement Weather & Emergency Closure Policy:

When there is inclement weather:

• University School will close if Johnson City Schools close for inclement weather.
• University School will also close for inclement weather if ETSU closes.
• University School will close if there is need due to an emergency at the school.

We will not make an announcement through the news media due to the fact that saying University School will be closed is confusing to ETSU students. Instead we ask that our students and parents/guardians be aware of the reasons for closure stated above and refer to the University School website and social media sites for updated announcements.

We are aware some students live in areas where the weather may be worse than it is in town. Therefore, if University School is open but road conditions between your home and the school are dangerous, we ask that you please do not put yourself at risk by attempting to drive to school. If this were to occur, please call the school office and inform us of your circumstances. On inclement weather days when Johnson City Schools are not regularly scheduled, announcements will be made through our normal email distribution, website, and social media outlets.

Click here for Link to Johnson City School System Home Page

If Johnson City Schools or ETSU are on a delayed start schedule, we will follow the schedule below:

The University School Foundation is looking for a parent or guardian to join our board in the role of treasurer. Knowledge of QuickBooks and basic book keeping is helpful but not necessary. Please contact Dan Van Zant at vanzantd@etsu.edu if you are interested in joining us!

The University School Foundation was pleased to welcome our teachers back to school last week with a special surprise. Every classroom teacher received a $100 Amazon gift card to use for their classroom or classroom project for the new semester. We can’t wait to see what you can accomplish in 2024!

The University School Foundation is open to all parents interested in attending. The meeting dates are listed below and are scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM in the school library on each of the designated days. Immediately following the meeting, all executive officers will remain to vote on pending requests.

February 5th

March 4th

April 2nd

May 6th

June 3rd (tentative time. The last meeting of the year is typically used for voting members to vote on any requests needed for the summer, as well as to vote on the 24-25 board and budget).

WHO WE ARE: The Senior Parent Committee helps facilitate events and provide memorabilia to all Seniors. We have already been hard at work this year hosting events and providing memorabilia to the Class of 2024; please see attached flier for upcoming events.

· T-Shirts, Yard Signs and Holiday Ornaments have been available for pick up in the front office and Dr. Penley’s office. Please make sure your Senior has picked up these items by the end of day Monday, January 15th. After this time, they will no longer be available.

HOW YOU CAN HELP: We need parent volunteers for the upcoming activities, including Senior Week. This is a full week of activities, and we need as many volunteers as possible. Please complete the Sign-up Genius link to let us know how you can help! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050849A8A722ABF58-47059106-help

FUNDRAISING: Each family is expected to contribute $150 towards the cost of the Senior activities, including Senior Week. These funds will be raised via the annual discount card fundraiser.

1. Each Senior is given 10 discount cards to sell for $15 each.

2. Your Senior will stop by the front desk to sign out their discount card envelope, which contains 10 discount cards with instructions.

3. Submit the $150 payment by Friday, February 2, 2023. Please use the envelope with your student's name on it and return it to the office with cash or check, made payable to UH Senior Class of 2024. Return any unsold cards to the office.

4. Or you can submit payment via Venmo, the QR code is attached, Please be sure to note your student's name on the payment.

The Senior Parent Committee appreciates your support. If you have any questions and/or you would like to volunteer - Bridgette Ward (bridgetteward1@gmail.com), Laura Willard (uhclass2021@gmail.com), Stacey Wild (drstaceywild@yahoo.com), or Leisa Harvey (HARVEYL@mail.etsu.edu).

Thank you,

Senior Class Parent Committee

Congratulations to this year's University School Homecoming King and Queen, Peter Boynewicz and Shannon Willard and Runner's Up, AJ Murphy and Reagan Hensley!

Extended congratulations to the entire senior court which included: Amaris Bradley, Austin Carter, Madison Dempsey, Jack Harmon, Theron Sellers and Jenna Underwood.

Grade level representatives included: Freshman - Cole Stephenson and Grace Arqueta; Sophomores - Avian Pate and Carmen Thomas; and Juniors - Andrew Cole and Anna Oligny.

Congratulations to the entire court and Go Bucs!

Felix Duncan wrestled in three tournaments over the break, placing at all three. He was runner up at the Hatfield and McCoy Tournament in Kentucky, and placed third at the Brawl in the Hall this weekend in Bristol where he pinned the sixth ranked wrestler in the state. He is currently ranked eighth in the state in his weight class.

Congratulations, Felix and good luck with the rest of your season!

The Spanish Club is an initiative being introduced by a group of ETSU students who are passionate about Spanish and education. The club will meet on Mondays starting January 22nd from 3:15-4:15 p.m. for Kindergarten, first, and second grade. The club will meet Wednesdays 3:15-4:15 starting January 24th for third, fourth, and fifth grade. Feel free to reach out to Zayda Carver at carverz@etsu.edu or to Dr. Justin Penley at penleyj@etsu.edu with any questions.

It's time to start ordering yearbooks. As most of you know, we have two options: one for grades K-8 and another for grades 9-12; please see the links and order forms below:

Grades K-8:

https://www.jostens.com/apps/jcom/router.mvc?affiliateId=2591462

Grades 9-12:

https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1041219/University-High-School/2024-Yearbook/2023120710150405084/CATALOG_SHOP/

We are collecting photographs for our yearbook—student life, sports events, clubs, and all your special school moments. Follow the link below to submit images for Kindergarten through 8th grade or high school.

K-8

https://images.jostens.com/ImageShare/upload

HIGH SCHOOL

https://images.jostens.com/ImageShare/upload

19 - MS Conference Basketball Tournament Begins @ Happy Valley HS (Girls 4:00 & Boys 5:10 PM)

19- HS Girls & Boys Basketball Home @ Cloudland (4:30, 5:30, 6:30, & 8:00 PM @ Brooks Gym)

22 - Beta Club Meeting in Library @ 3:00 PM

22 - MS Boys & Girls Basketball District Tourney (Varsity Only) @ Happy Valley HS (TBD)

23 - HS Girls & Boys Basketball @ Kachea (Boys) @ Washburn (Girls) (5:30 & 8:00 PM & 6:30PM)

25 - HS Girls & Boys Basketball Home @ North Greene (4:30, 5:30, 6:30, & 8:00 PM @ Brooks Gym)

27- HS Girls & Boys Basketball @ Hampton (4:30, 5:30, 6:30, & 8:00 PM @ Brooks Gym)

29 - MS Boys & Girls Basketball Area Tourney (Varsity Only - Pending Advancement) @ John Sevier

29 - HS Girls & Boys Basketball @ South Greene (4:30, 5:30, 6:30, & 8:00 PM)

February

2 - HS Girls & Boys Basketball Home @ Unaka (4:30, 5:30, 6:30, & 8:00 PM @ Brooks Gym)

5 - HS Girls & Boys Basketball SENIOR NIGHT Home vs Happy Valley (4:30, 5:30, 6:30, & 8:00 PM)

8 - HS Girls & Boys Basketball @ Hampton (4:30, 5:30, 6:30, & 8:00 PM @ Brooks Gym)

9 - HS Girls & Boys Basketball Home vs Cloudland (4:30, 5:30, 6:30, & 8:00 PM @ Brooks Gym)

10 - HS Girls & Boys Basketball @ Unicoi (4:30, 5:30, 6:30, & 8:00 PM)

12 - HS Girls & Boys Basketball @ Elizabethton-Boys (6:30 & 8:00) @ Tri-Cities Christian-Girls (6:00)

16 - HS Girls & Boys Basketball District Tournament Begins (TBD)

26 - MS Baseball @ Sullivan Heights (6:00 PM)

27 - MS Softball Home vs. Fall Branch (5:00 PM - Carnegie Park)

29 - MS Softball @ Lamar School (5:00 PM)

29 - MS Baseball Home vs Unaka (5:30 PM - Location TBD)