University School Weekly Update

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

Elementary School Honoree – Silas Ford

Silas is a leader in every facet of his life. He sets a positive example for his peers and is a friend to all. He is a respectful, kind, compassionate, humble, and a responsible student. Silas has a positive attitude daily and is able to share that positivity with others in a way that can help anyone have a better day!

Getting to know Silas Ford:

• What is something you wish more people knew about you? “I have two sisters and one brother.”

• What is one thing you would never want to live without? “My family, because it is really fun to hang out with them and they bring me joy.”

• You are granted three wishes...what are they?

1. “I would wish to join the Olympics and play soccer.”
2. “I’d wish for a pet dog.”
3. “I’d wish for a super power to control gravity.”

“Silas is a true joy to have in class,” commented Silas’s second-grade teacher, Mrs. Erin Doran. “He is not only a friend to everyone he meets, but also goes above and beyond to make sure that everyone feels included and accepted in our classroom. Silas loves learning and shares his love of learning with others often peer tutoring when he finishes assignments. His passion for learning is contagious and commendable!”

Middle School Honoree – Isla Harker

Isla is an outstanding student in and out of the classroom. She is very kind and encouraging to her classmates. She takes initiative in helping struggling students in the classroom and is very thoughtful in helping students who are absent or need some support. Isla comes to class ready to learn and is prepared to challenge herself. She keeps a positive attitude and perseveres when faced with challenging work in class.

Getting to know Isla Harker:

• What is something you wish more people knew about you? “I play three instruments: the guitar, ukulele, and piano.”

• What is one thing you would never want to live without? “I would never want to live without dance…It is my favorite hobby!”

• You are granted three wishes...what are they?

1. To end Covid
2. To have a ton of pets. I love animals!
3. To enter the world of any movie!

“Isla's positive attitude and commitment to doing her best is a great example for her peers in and out of the classroom,” said Mrs. Pratt, Isla's 6th-grade math teacher. "She initiates supporting and encouraging her classmates who may be struggling with learning new skills or accomplishing a task. Recently, Isla took the time during lunch and recess to write and perform a science content song for her classmates. Her kindness and positivity is contagious. She is a joy to have in class."

High School Honoree – Macy Baurle

Despite being new to the University School community, Macy demonstrates leadership abilities inside and outside of the classroom. She has even helped to create a new club at University School that welcomes all female students. The goal of the "Chick Chat” Club is to "create a safe space for girls to discuss female-centric issues."

Getting to know Macy Baurle:

• What is something you wish more people knew about you? “I enjoy creative writing.”

• What is one thing you would never want to live without? “Pen and paper.”

• You are granted three wishes...what are they?

1. Start a bakery
2. Thick hair
3. Infinite wishes!

"Macy is new to our school but has already demonstrated how valuable she is to our school community,” said Mrs. Jessica Lee, Macey’s World History teacher. “She offers vibrant discussion in the classroom and is always willing to help a friend in need. I am thrilled to have Macy in my World History class!"

Congratulations to Caleb Bonner, alto saxophone, and Sadiq Mohammed, percussion, on being selected for and participating in the 43rd annual ETSU Honor Band Festival last Friday and Saturday. This event included some of the best musicians from nearly 30 high schools across East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. University School was well represented by these outstanding students. Please celebrate their hard work when you see them!

On Monday, January 24th, 2022, University School student-athlete Henry "Hank" Berning signed to continue his academic and athletic career at Mars Hill University.

Hank has been a standout golfer throughout his high school career. A four-year member of the varsity golf team, Hank has had a direct impact on University High winning three consecutive TSSAA District Tournament championships and several high finishes in the Region Tournament as well. Additionally, as an individual, Hank has finished as medalist in multiple matches while competing for the Bucs. He also has numerous top-10 finishes on the Sneds Tour. "I am so proud of what Hank as accomplished at UH," said golf coach Justin Penley. "He has worked tirelessly throughout his time as a Buccaneer and is a young man of high character as well. While we will definitely miss him moving forward, I am extremely pleased that he will be able to continue to advance both his academic and athletics abilities at the next level."

Congratulations to our University School Homecoming King and Queen for 2021-2022:

The 2022 Homecoming King: Luke Johnson
The 2022 Homecoming Queen: Ellie Ledbetter
1st runner up King: Andrew Ross Sermons
1st runner up Queen, we had a tie: Aubrey Davidson and Isabelle Johnson

After some delay, it is now time to start ordering the 2021/2022 yearbooks. The good news is that there will not be a price increase for the yearbooks; however, this yearbook price does not include personalization.

There are two ways you can order your child’s yearbook.

You may order online at www://yblive.net (links to an external site). Once on the website, click on “Shop Online”. There are drop down menus for state, city, and then a choice of two yearbooks (University School Elementary/Middle or University High School). Once selecting the yearbook you wish to purchase, you may click order. You will then be prompted to create an account for the publisher, and once the account is created, you will be able to complete your order.

The price for ordering online is $50.40 for high school yearbook and $29.40 for elementary/middle school yearbook. The online cost includes a nominal ordering fee.

We are offering a chance to have your child’s yearbook personalized. This is an additional $5.20 per book. This will be added to the cost of the book.

The second way you can order is to complete the attached yearbook order form and return the completed form with a check made out to University School to either your child’s teacher or to me. Please make sure the form is completed.

The price for ordering through the school (and not online) is $40 for high school yearbook and $28 for elementary/middle school yearbook. If you want to personalize the yearbook, the cost to order through the school is $45.20 for high school yearbook and $33.20 for elementary/middle school yearbook.)

The deadline to order is April 15, 2022.

In addition, we are looking for any pictures of vacations, pets, outings, ballgames, or activities that your child has participated in this school year.

If you would not mind sharing your pictures, please send them to school with your child, or email them to me at hammondse@etsu.edu. Please make sure each person in the picture is identified.

We need the pictures as soon as possible as our deadline is quickly approaching. I will scan the pictures and return as soon as possible.

Thank you for your help,

Evelyn Hammonds

Yearbook Adviser

For any student who is planning on returning to University School during the 2022-2023 school year, we ask that our families please complete this reenrollment form for each child returning by February 28, 2022.

All additional documents that will need to be completed, will be sent home when students return in July (see approved 2022-2023 calendar).

The 2022 SASEF STEM competition will be held on March 29, 2022 on the University of Tennessee campus at the Student Union Ballroom. East Tennessee middle and high school students enter their STEM project into the fair for the chance to win prizes and cash awards. We recommend teachers and students register early so they receive updates and reminders along the way.

Registration is open now!

SASEF Registration

The 2022 TN JSHS will be held on March 10-11, 2022 on the University of Tennessee campus at the Student Union Ballroom. Tennessee high school students present original research for the chance to win tuition scholarships and advance to the national competition in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Attendance and lodging are free for participating students and teachers. Application deadline is February 5!

More TJSHS Info

UTK’s Society of Women Engineers (SWE) will be hosting Tomorrow's Engineers Today, or TET, on Saturday, February 19, 2022. TET is an event where SWE invites girls in grades K-12 to come to the University of Tennessee to experience what it's like to be an engineer for a day. Perform experiments, hear guest speakers, enjoy lunch and a free t-shirt! Registration is $7/person starting January 1.

Register for TET

BOSS is an annual spring conference for high school students in east Tennessee; we reach nearly 100 9th-12th graders each year. This year’s BOSS is scheduled for Saturday, February 19th, 2022. Our vision is to bring information on STEM careers and exposure to university life to historically underrepresented populations, and get them excited about STEM and being a VOL. This year’s theme is What is Your STEM Superpower?

Get more info

To be recognized as a TN Scholar at graduation, please complete all documentation and application listed in Canvas Announcement. Applications are due March 31st. This is a HARD Deadline. Please see Dr. Shaw for more information.

We are excited to announce that University School will be partnering with the College of Business & Technology to start an Entrepreneur's Club. This will be a great opportunity for our students interested in learning how to promote an innovative idea and learn from local entrepreneurs. Students will also have an opportunity to attend a week long summer camp and participate in their version of "Shark Tank" - the first scheduled meeting will be Monday, January 31st in Room 214, please email Dr. Penley (penleyj@etsu.edu) if you are interested in more information.

Annual Health Screenings are scheduled for Thursday, February 10th, 2022, in the University School Library for Kindergarten, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th & 9th Grades. Parents will receive a letter with your child's results and any referrals that are recommended related to the screening.

The Gaming and Chess Clubs are Cancelled until further notice.

View Events for Entire School Year | Printable Calendar: This Year or Next Year | Schedule Change Policy

January

January 31 Math Help Club, Library, 3:15-4:30 p.m.
January 31 Entrepreneur's Club, Room 214, 3:15-4:15 p.m.
January 31 MS Girls, Boys Basketball, Sectional Tournament, @John Sevier Middle

February
February 1 MS Girls, Boys Basketball, Sectional Tournament, @John Sevier Middle
February 1 HS Girls, Boys Basketball, Unaka, 5:00,6:30,8:00
February 2 Bible Study Club, Warf-Pickel Hall Room 127, 3:15-4:00 p.m.
February 2 Key Club, Room 011, 3:05-3:30 p.m.
February 2 MS Girls, Boys Basketball, Sectional Tournament, @John Sevier Middle
February 3 Eastman Engineer Visit, HS Science Classes
February 3 Chick Chat Club, Room 010, 3:15-4:15 p.m.
February 3 College Ready Club, Library, 3:00 p.m.
February 3 Math Help Club, Library, 3:15-4:30 p.m.
February. 3. JAM, 3:15-4:30 p.m.
February 3 MS Girls, Boys Basketball, Sectional Tournament, @John Sevier Middle
February 4 MS Girls, Boys Basketball, Sectional Tournament, @John Sevier Middle
February 4 HS Girls, Boys Basketball, @Hampton, 5:00,6:30,8:00
February 5 MS Girls, Boys Basketball, Sectional Tournament, @John Sevier Middle
February 7 No School - Faculty Professional Development

Email: partinbk@etsu.edu
Website: www.usbucs.com
Location: 68 Martha Culp Dr. Johnson City, TN, 37614
Phone: (423)439-4271
Facebook: facebook.com/uschool1911
Twitter: @USBucs