University School Weekly Update
July 16 - July 22, 2023
Family Update: April 14 - April 20, 2024
TCAP/EOC State Testing Begins Monday, April 15th
TCAP/EOC State Testing
University School will be administering state-mandated TCAP Achievement Assessments to students in grades 3-8 and those enrolled in high school subjects with End of Course exams beginning on Monday, April 15, 2023 and ending Tuesday, April 30, 2023 (please see schedule below).
Required TCAP Assessments for students in grades 3-8 include: Math, English/Language Arts (ELA), Science, and Social Studies. High School End of Course assessments are required for English I and II, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Biology, and US History.
Good luck to all of our students - we know that you are going to do an incredible job!
Upcoming Remote Learning Days
Remote Learning Days (Grades 7-12)
April 17th and 25th will be remote learning days for students in grades 7-12. Students in grades K-6 and any student scheduled to take an EOC/SDC Challenge Exam/ASVAB test are required to attend school on campus from 8:00 - 3:00. Assignments and remote learning expectations will be communicated by your child’s teacher.
University School Testing Update
Benchmark 3 Individual Student Reports
Individual student score reports from the third quarter benchmarks were sent home last week. Students received a score report for each tested subject. These reports contain projected achievement levels for the spring TCAP/EOC tests as well as information regarding how students performed on test domains/assessed standards. Parents and guardians are encouraged to discuss the reports with their children. Should you have questions regarding your child’s performance, reach out to their teacher for additional information.
Important Reminders
Parent request days will not be approved during state testing. 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 to ease their worries and show you are interested.
- Make sure your child goes to bed early and gets plenty of rest.
- Make sure your child eats a good breakfast.
- Arrive at school on time.
- Send your child to school with words of encouragement.
TestNav Practice - an online tutorial is available for grade 6-8 and EOC students who wish to practice navigating in the testing platform. Go to: https://home.testnav.com/
University School Foundation Auction 2024 is OPEN
The University School Foundation is pleased to present our annual Spring Fundraiser, Bloom 2024 - Growing Our Future. You can view the auction items by going to
https://ourschool.auction/SpringBloom2024 or scanning the QR code below. We have vacations, dining experiences, spa packages, shopping, summer camps, pottery keepsakes and more!
The first 50 people to register will be entered into a drawing to win a $40 gift card to First Watch (no purchase or bidding required).
Thank you to all of our parents and local businesses who donated items and to Amber and her team for putting this all together. 100% of the profits go back to University School, so check it out and bid now!
University School Foundation Meeting Schedule
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.
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).
Service Academy Interest Meeting - Wednesday, April 17
University School Clinic Important Reminders
Medication Pick-Up
Mandatory Immunizations
The Tennessee Department of Health requires all students starting Kindergarten, all upcoming 7th Graders, and new enrollees to submit mandatory immunizations before the first day of school. A physical health examination is required before entering a Tennessee school.
Kindergarteners & New Enrollees must be up to date on all the mandatory vaccines including 2 doses MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), 2 doses Varicella, Hepatitis B series (3-4 doses), 2 doses Hepatitis A, DTaP series (4-5 doses) and Polio series (3-4 doses) with last dose after 4th birthday.
7th Graders must have a single dose of Tdap before entry in the new school year. This requirement is met if Tdap is given any time after the 7th birthday.
Those without up-to-date immunizations will be excluded from school until submission of: 1) The official Tennessee Immunization Certificate with completed vaccinations, or
2) A scheduled vaccination appointment document, or
3) A valid temporary immunization certificate, or
4) A valid exemption documented on the Tennessee Immunization Certificate.
Tennessee Department of Health Immunization Requirements
https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/health/cedep/immunization-program/ip/immunization- requirements/childcare-12th-grade-immunization-requirements.html
TN Immunization Requirements Summary Table
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/immunizationrequirements/tenniis/TN_Immuniza tion_Summary_Table.pdf
TN Immunization Certificate Sample
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/immunizationrequirements/tenniis/TN_Immunization_Certificate_Sample.pdf
High School Prom - Saturday April 27, 2024
The University School High School Prom will take place on Saturday April 27, 2024, from 7:30-10:30pm, at the Carnegie Hotel, lower ballroom. The prom is open to Juniors and Seniors. Students can bring one guest who is not a current Junior or Senior. Guests must be at least in high school and must be under 21 years old (photo ID will be checked for guests who are not current University School students). A guest permission form must be completed and turned in to Dr. Day for any guests who are not current University School students. Forms must be received no later than Wednesday 4/24/24.
To register for prom, students need to complete the steps below:
- Submit your registration no later than 4/26/24.
- Purchase one or more tickets (University School Seniors are free - do not purchase a ticket).
- If you are brining a guest who is not a current University School student, turn in the completed guest permission form to Dr. Day no later than Wednesday 4/24/24.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Day (daya@etsu.edu).
HS Student Volunteer Opportunity
The Jonesborough Storytelling Guild hosts tours at the Christopher Taylor Cabin in Jonesborough on the 4th Saturday of every month from 11:00 - 2:00 PM. They are in need of people who will give a little 5-minute history of the cabin (training provided on April 20th at 1:00 PM) for people as they come and go. They are very interested in using our HS students, so if you are interested you may reach out to the storytelling guild directly or stop by and see Dr. Dycus for more information.
Instrumental Music Solo & Ensemble Festival
HS Girls Basketball Spring Workouts
University High School girls basketball will be having open gyms on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Lower Brooks from 3:30-5:00pm throughout the month of April. Current students in grades 8-11 that are interested in playing high school basketball next season are encouraged to attend. Please contact Coach Hazelwood at hazelwoodbud@gmail.com with any questions.
HS Boys Basketball Spring Workouts
The University High boys basketball team will be having off season workouts every Wednesday & Friday 3:30pm-5:00pm for the months of April & May. This is open to any high school or 8th student interested in tryouts out for the high school team. If interested, please report to the boys locker room in brooks gym after school. If you have any further questions, please email me at bucscoach55@gmail.com
Hold the Date -- Rising Senior Picture Day, July 19, 2024
Student Spotlights
Pickin In the School-Yard
Thank you to everyone who came out to support our students during this year's "Pickin In the School-Yard" event - it was an incredible way to celebrate their love of the arts! This program was a true collaboration with several community partners and University School Instructors that was orchestrated by our very own, Ms. Kim Allison. We would also like to extend our appreciation to all the student participants along with Ms. Allyson Ross, Ms. Kristin Colson, and Dr. Hunter Mullins for their participation in the event.
If you were unable to attend the event and still would like to make a tax deductible donation to the Junior Appalachian Music program for our students and others in the region, you may still do so by visiting the following website: jaminthemountains.com
Photo credit: Warren Adler
HS Boys Soccer
Congratulations to the HS Boys Soccer Team on their 2nd Place Finish during the Providence Academy Soccer Tournament. The team had an incredible tournament and are showing great momentum as they are preparing for the final push of their season -- Way to go Bucs!
Photo Credits: J.D. Vaughn/Six Rivers Media (Johnson City Press)
HS Track
Congratulations to the following Boys and Girls Distance Medley Relay (DMR) Teams for setting new school records:
Girls' New Record 14:05.98 (old record, 14:21.95
- Sarah Mussard
- Emma Nguessan
- Dalencia Kittrill
- Emma Johnson
Boys' New Record 11:25.02 (old record 11:36.28)
- Isaac Mussard
- Braden Williams
- Andreas Papas
- Harry Harker
Excellent job Bucs - keep up the good work!
Senior Parent Update
Hi Senior Class Parents,
The week of Graduation is known as "Senior Week" at UH. This year it will be Monday, May 20th - Friday, May 24th. Graduation will be Friday, May 24, 2024. During this week there are several special events scheduled for all Seniors. We will be sending out a formal schedule of events next week.
In the meantime, we need help with planning, decorations, set-up and tear-down, food, activities, door prizes, etc. for all of these events. Please reach out to the following people if you are willing and able to help with anything regarding these events.
The Senior Sunset event is planned for May 4. Cindy Ryder is coordinating this event. If you would like to help with this event, please let Cindy know at RYDERC@mail.etsu.edu or by phone at 423-483-5214.
Senior Class Trips and Luncheon after Graduation Rehearsal are being coordinated by Bridgette Ward, please let her know at bridgetteward1@gmail.com or 423-440-5885 if you would like to help with these activities.
The Baccalaureate Ceremony is being coordinated by Laura Willard. If you would like to help with this event, please let Laura know at uhclass2021@gmail.com or by phone at 423-483-2414.
- An honoured tradition at UH is the Baccalaureate Ceremony. This is a formal ceremony held one evening during Senior Week. Historically, this ceremony has been held at a local church; it is a non-denominational, secular service. This ceremony is a time where you and your family gather to pause, reflect on this rite of passage, and celebrate your achievements and perseverance.
Project Graduation is being coordinated by a group, Jessica Rogers, Bridgette Ward, Mysty Underwood. Please reach out Bridgette Ward at bridgetteward1@gmail.com or 423-440-5885 if you would like to help with Project Graduation.
- Project Graduation, an all-night event for graduates, begins the evening of graduation and concludes the next morning. This event is held in the CPA on ETSU's campus. Food, door prizes and activities are planned for the entire evening/morning.
Approved 24-25 & 25-26 Academic Calendars
STREAMWORKS Summer Camps 1st grade and up
Discover the exciting world of STEM learning this summer by joining our STEM summer camps! We have designed several new camps this year that are aimed at providing a fun and engaging experience for students interested in science, technology, engineering, and math. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, we've got something for everyone. So don't miss out on this opportunity to explore and learn about the fascinating world of STEM!
Where: ETSU Valleybrook Campus
122 Pickens Road
Kingsport TN 37663
Cost: $150.00 per week
Stem Camp June 3-June 7 1st grade and up
Are you ready for the ultimate STEM adventure this summer? Look no further than our immersive and exciting STEM camp! With an array of topics, including robotics, underwater robotics, coding, and much more, you'll be sure to expand your knowledge and skills in STEM. Our hands-on projects will challenge and inspire you, allowing you to learn about the latest technologies in the field. Whether a beginner or an experienced coder, this camp perfectly fits you. Plus, you'll have the chance to explore and learn about other summer camps that complement this program. This enriching and fun-filled experience is one to take advantage of! Join us for an unforgettable summer of learning and growth.
Forensics Camp June 24-June 28 1st grade and up!
At the forensics camp, we get to learn cool stuff about solving crimes using science! We learn how to analyze fingerprints and other types of evidence to figure out who the bad guys might be. We also use fun techniques like DNA analysis, ballistics, and forensic photography to help us solve cases. By doing hands-on activities and simulations, we become super-sleuths and learn to combine all the clues to solve tough mysteries. It's like being a real-life detective!
Weekly Calendar of Events
15 - HS Softball @ South Greene High School (4:00 PM)
15 - MS Baseball @Providence (4:30 PM)
15 - HS. Baseball (V & JV) Home vs. North Greene High School ( 5:00 PM - Broyles Field)
15 - MS Boys Soccer (V Only) - 8th Grade Night Home vs.Church Hill Middle School (5:00 PM - CPA)
16 - HS Baseball (V & JV) @ North Greene High School (5:00 PM)
16 - HS Track @ Big 11 Conference (4:00 PM - Dobyns-Bennett High School)
16 - MS Softball @Hampton Elementary (5:00 PM)
16 - HS Tennis Home vs.South Greene High School (4:00 PM CPA Courts)
16 - MS Baseball 8th Grade Night vs.Unaka Middle school (5:30 PM - Seaver Field)
16 - HS Boys Soccer Home vs.West Greene (6:00 PM - Winged Deer Park)
17 - Military Academy Interest Night @ ETSU Martin Center (6:00 PM - Powell Hall)
17 - HS Tennis @ Dobyns-Bennett High School (4:00 PM)
18 - HS Boys Soccer @ Cosby High School (6:00 PM)
18 - MS Softball @ Unaka Elementary (5:30 PM)
18 - MS Boys Soccer (V Only) @ Chuckey-Doak Middle School (5:00 PM)
18 - HS Tennis Home vs.Unicoi County High School (4:00 PM - CPA Courts)
19 - HS Softball Home vs. Avery County High school (5:00 PM - Carnegie Park)
19 - MS Softball @ Providence (4:00 PM)
21 - HS Boys Soccer @ Cumberland Gap High School (5:00 PM)