University School Weekly Update

Greetings University School families, please review the following updates for the upcoming week:

Mrs. Heather Jeffers is originally from Johnson City, Tennessee. Growing up not far from campus, she vowed to one day officially become an ETSU Buccaneer. Keeping true to this promise, she graduated from East Tennessee State in 2010 with a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and Cum Laude honors. After discovering a passion for literacy instruction, she returned to ETSU in 2013 and obtained a master’s degree in Reading Education.

Prior to joining the University School team, she taught 11 years in Washington County Schools, six of which as a kindergarten teacher at South Central School. In August 2016, Heather transferred to Sulphur Springs School and began a three year residence in third grade. Throughout this time, she led county professional development on revised academic standards, developed grade specific pacing guides and received K-4 Teacher of the Year for 2017. She is also an Eastman Math and SciencElite graduate. Before moving from teacher to K-8 Interventionist in the summer of 2019, Heather worked for the Tennessee Department of Education as a content facilitator in the first core region. During her final year at Sulphur Springs, she taught 6th and 7th grade English Language Arts.

Heather and her husband, Ralph, have a daughter, Adelyn, and two sons, Rhys and Holden.

Mrs. Chelsie Pratt is originally from Knoxville, TN and is a graduate from ETSU with an M.Ed in Secondary Education. Chelsea is entering her sixth year as a middle school teacher and has taught in both the Knoxville area and for the Tennessee Virtual Academy. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to teach sixth grade math and science and to be joining the University School family!

In her previous positions, Mrs. Pratt served in a variety of roles which has included: lead math teacher, assisting with school-wide STEM nights, presenting at state-level professional development meetings, new teacher mentor and trainer, and serving as a sponsor for a variety of extra-curricular clubs and athletic programs. Chelsie is looking forward to an amazing school year full of new experiences, learning, and growth with the students, families and staff of University School!

Please adhere to the following:

• ETSU and University School requires that all students, faculty, and visitors to campus to wear masks indoors.
  
• Physical distancing should be observed to the greatest extent possible.
• Hand sanitizing and regular handwashing should happen frequently.
• Individuals exhibiting COVID-like symptoms should remain home until cleared to return to school (following current return-to-school algorithm).
• Anyone who has a fever >100.4, new cough, difficulty breathing or loss of taste or smell, must have a COVID test before returning to school.
• Please refer to the TN Department of Health Return-to-School Algorithm when determining plans to return to school when out with symptoms or due to contact tracing.

Note: If there are any updates or revisions made throughout the year, the most current plan will be shared with our families.

On September 2, our seniors will have the opportunity to go to the Tri-Cities College Fair at Freedom Hall Civic Center where there will be the opportunity to visit with up to 40 colleges, military recruiters, and a few employers. Cost of the trip is $3 payable in the Counseling Office.

Permission Forms for both trips can be found on the Class 2022 Counseling Canvas page.

More details about the College Fair coming soon!

Student will not be in session on the following dates:

• Friday, August 13th - Parent-Teacher Conferences
• Friday, August 20th - Teacher In-service Day
• Friday, October 22nd - Teacher Professional Development Day

A little hocus pocus is in motion for our 2021 Fall Festival. Save the date for October 15th and plan to join us for an evening of treats and a few friendly tricks!

School pictures for grades K-11 is scheduled for Monday, August 30th.

Senior Retakes will be on 8/31/21 and Lifetouch is offering the following session options:

$30: 8-10 Poses, Up to 2 Outfits, 2-3 Backgrounds

$20: 4-6 Poses, Up to 2 Outfits, 1 Background

Want to Give Back to University School?

The University School Foundation would like to let you know some EASY ways your family can raise money for our amazing students, teachers, and school!

Amazon Smile

• Support University School of Johnson City and Washington County
• When making Amazon purchases, please LOG IN through Amazon Smile first: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/58.1453829 Amazon will DONATE 0.5% of the price of your eligible Amazon Smile purchase to the charitable organization of your choice. Underneath the price it will say “Eligible for amazonsmile donation.” When you check out you will see “Supporting: University School of Johnson City and Washington County.”

Box Tops (new easy app!)

• If you visit www.boxtops4education.com/ you will find a bunch of excellent information on how to help raise funds for our school.
• You can download the Box Tops for Education App (apple store and google play).
• This will allow you to scan your receipts.
• It will find participating products and INSTANTLY add Box Tops to our School’s earnings!
• Download App: Enter email, create password, agree to terms; Search school but using JOHNSON CITY, TN and choose University School; Start Scanning!

Office Depot

• Office Depot offers credits equal to 5% of the total purchase on qualifying purchases so that the school can earn credits for free supplies!
• All you need is the University School ID: 70092925 at check out (online or in stores)

Kroger

• Kroger offers the Kroger Community Rewards program, which donates annually to participating organizations based on the percentage of spending as it relates to the total spending associated with all participating Kroger Community Rewards organizations
• Visit http://www.kroger.com.
• Once logged into their Kroger account; search for University School Foundation either by name or XT962
• Click Enroll.
• If you do not have a Kroger Card, you will need to create an account which requires some basic information to get a Kroger rewards card.

Food City

• Food City offers “School Bucks” and at the end of every year they will donate a percentage of the amount spent by University School shoppers.
• Starting after 8/3 (once all Washington Co. schools start), when you use your Food City Card at check out, you’ll just need to state that you want your card/donations to go to University School.
• This only needs to be done one time, and from then on your card will be associated with University School.
• No form, registration, or code
• If you do not have a Food City card, you will need to create an account which requires some basic information to get a Food City rewards card.

Ingles

• Ingles offers the “Tools for Schools” program and a portion of the sales will be donated back to the school of choice.
• Link your Ingles Advantage Card by visiting: https://www.ingles-markets.com/tfs/sendhomeletter.pdf

Publix

• Publix offers “Publix Partners” and at the end of every quarter they will donate a percentage of the amount spent by University School shoppers.
• Sign up for Club Publix. Then log into your account and select University School in your account settings. Then simply enter your phone number at checkout.
• This only needs to be done one time, and from then on your card will be associated with University School.
• Based on a minimum of $250 per quarter, University School will receive a check. If University School doesn’t earn $250 in a quarter, any funds accrued will be carried over to the next quarter.
• If you are not a member of Club Publix, you can join at the following link: https://www.publix.com/myaccount/register

University School Cheerleaders will host a fundraiser, Pizza Plus Spirit Night, on Tuesday, August 10th, 2021, from 5:00-8:00 p.m., at Pizza Plus, in Jonesborough, TN.

Our cheerleaders will be working the event by bringing drinks and clearing plates for tips plus 10% of sales. Come out for some great food and support those who cheer our athletes on! Go, Bucs, Go! Pizza! Pizza!

The University High Boy's Basketball Golf Fundraiser will be Saturday, August 14th, 2021, at Pine Oaks Golf Course in Johnson City, TN. Start time is 8:00 a.m. Registration 8:30 a.m. Shot-Gun Start. The cost is $200 per team of 4 ($50 per player). Tournament will be flighted after completion of round. Each team will be able to purchase 1 mulligan per player (4 per team $20). East team will be allowed to purchase 4 red tees for $20 per team ($5 per player). Putting contest is $5 for 3 putts. Prizes will be awarded for each flight winner and putting contest winner. Food will be available for purchase.

Welcome University School Families! Please check out the University School Foundation Back-to-School sale items by clicking on the link below:

https://wheelhouseprintanddesign.printavo.com/merch/u-apparel-2021.

You'll find a great selection of Nike, North Face, and Arctic apparel, water bottles and tumblers, ball caps, backpacks, and car magnets. All sales will be available for pickup at school (pickup dates vary based upon order date) and benefit the University School Foundation which supports faculty and students. These are great items to show your school spirit or to stash away for gifts for special events throughout the year.

If you have any questions, please contact Stacey Wild via email at drstaceywild@yahoo.com or via text at 423-943-7791. Show your school spirit, and thanks for your support!

https://wheelhouseprintanddesign.printavo.com/merch/u-apparel-2021

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