USC High School March Newsletter

Hello USC Parents and Guardians,

Spring has arrived and soon we will enjoy the beauty of budding leaves, blossoming flowers, and the return of green lawns. It’s a time of renewal and fresh starts. Similarly, our students will experience their own new beginning as we start Quarter 4 on Thursday. This is the perfect opportunity for students to find success with a renewed focus on learning. As we wrap up Quarter 3 this week, we encourage you to support your students in finishing the school year strong as we move into Quarter 4.

During the month of March, students have demonstrated their knowledge both in and out of the classroom. The band and choir students showcased their talents in performances, while the Speech Team participated in meets. Spring sports practices have also begun, offering students the opportunity to stay active and engaged.

Seniors are preparing for their final quarter in high school, making it an exciting time for them as they look ahead to graduation. Students will have a busy quarter 4 with several milestones to achieve, including the WorkKeys assessment, final projects, and preparations for end-of-year events. As they work hard to finish strong, this quarter will be full of opportunities to reflect on their accomplishments and prepare for the next chapter in their lives.

In addition, all USC students are getting ready for upcoming standardized tests taking place in April. Please take note of the following MCA and ACT testing schedule:

MCA and ACT Testing Schedule:

• April 1-4. Reading MCA, Grades 7, 8, 10

• April 8. ACT, WorkKeys, PreACT, Grades 10, 11, 12

• April 10-14. Biology MCA, Grade 10

• April 14-17. MCA Math, Grades 7, 8, 11

• April 23-25: MCA Science, Grades 7 & 8

As we begin Quarter 4, thank you for your continued support in helping your student succeed. Your involvement and encouragement play a vital role in their achievements, and together we can ensure they finish the year strong. We appreciate all you do to help your student thrive both academically and personally.

With Gratitude,

Jen Bye

High School Principal

jbye@unitedsouthcentral.org

Avery, Reyna, Josh, and Taylor participated in the Senior Night interview for Power 96 Radio in Albert Lea, where they had the opportunity to share insights about their senior year experiences. The students discussed how their final year of high school has been going, their goals for the future, and what they envision the last days of their senior year will look like. As representatives of the Class of 2025, they provided a glimpse into their journey and aspirations, giving a voice to their peers as they approach this exciting chapter of their lives.

The USC National Honor Society sponsored an American Red Cross blood drive on Wednesday, February 26th, successfully collecting 25 units of blood to assist with saving lives. This event not only provided a vital service to those in need but also helped set the foundation for future life-long blood donors. Mr. Gorski, NHS Advisor, coordinated the drive, ensuring its smooth operation, while Mrs. Dalton supervised the site and the NHS volunteers on the day of the drive. Wyatt and Ian were among the generous donors that day, contributing to the success of the event. Their participation, along with the support of all the donors, reinforced the National Honor Society's dedication to community service and helping others.

Congratulations to Emma, the March Renaissance Student of the Month. Emma will enjoy a reserved parking spot and first in the lunch line privileges for the month of March. Her dedication to her studies, involvement in USC activities along with her hard work is a positive example for our students. USC is proud to celebrate Emma!

The USC Grade 9-12 Choir, Grade 8 Choir, and Grade 7 Choir performed in their much-anticipated concert on Thursday, March 13, under the direction of Mrs. Rame. The concert showcased the talent and hard work of the choir members, who had been rehearsing diligently to prepare a diverse and exciting program. From entertaining choral arrangements to beautiful harmonies, the concert highlighted the students' vocal abilities and musical growth. Mrs. Rame, who guided the choir with dedication, helped the students develop their skills and confidence, creating a musical experience for both performers and audience members.

NEW

USC students find pride in volunteering to help with important initiatives to make the USC culture a positive atmosphere. Several groups of students have helped recently with the Backpack Food Program by filling food bags. These students are a great example of the pride that Rebels show for their school. Their commitment to giving back not only strengthens the school community but also instills a sense of responsibility and empathy among their peers.

Last week, USC had the privilege of welcoming Justin, also known as "The Man in the Black Chucks," who spoke to our grade 5-8 students about bullying and race. His engaging and thought-provoking message inspired students to reflect on their behavior, cultivate empathy, and recognize the significance of building an inclusive school environment. Teachers have been reinforcing these important lessons in the classroom, helping students connect with Justin's message in a meaningful way. The presentation sparked valuable discussions and strengthened our commitment to promoting respect and kindness throughout our school community.

Students from Mr. Gorski's classes learned the process of communicating in restorative listening circles during quarter 3. Students working in restorative listening circles engage in a collaborative and supportive process that fosters open communication, mutual respect, and accountability. In a restorative circle, students come together in a safe space to discuss conflicts, share perspectives, and find solutions collectively. This process encourages empathy, allowing participants to listen to one another’s experiences without judgment and to understand the impact of their actions on others. By focusing on dialogue, circles help students build stronger relationships, repair harm, and develop essential conflict resolution skills. Ultimately, this approach promotes a sense of community and belonging, helping students learn how to navigate challenges in a positive, respectful manner.

The USC Band Concert on March 18 was a fantastic showcase of musical talent, featuring performances by the USC Jazz Band, the Grade 9-12 Band, and the Grade 7 & 8 Band. Under the direction of Mr. Haug, each group delivered an impressive performance that highlighted their dedication and musical growth. The Jazz Band energized the audience with lively, upbeat pieces, while the Grade 9-12 Band played a selection of intricate and dynamic compositions. The Grade 7 & 8 Band demonstrated their developing skills with enthusiasm and confidence, showing great promise for future performances. Mr. Haug's leadership and guidance were evident throughout the evening, making the concert a memorable celebration of the hard work and talent of all the students involved.

USC is fortunate to have two student teachers this spring. Mr. Klinger is working with our 7th and 8th graders in Physical Education and Health, assisting in Mr. Rasmussen's classes. Miss Duffield has joined our Family and Consumer Science classes alongside Mrs. Feist. Both are students at MSU, Mankato, and have been enjoying their time working with students each day. They have quickly become valuable members of our school community, bringing fresh ideas and enthusiasm to their respective classrooms. Their dedication to fostering student growth and their positive attitudes have made them a great addition to our staff this spring, and we are excited to continue seeing the impact they have on our students.

Staff who are involved in teaching reading skills at USC are actively participating in LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) training once per month to enhance their knowledge and skills in literacy instruction. This ongoing professional development program focuses on the science of reading and equips educators with effective strategies to support students in developing strong reading and writing skills. By engaging in LETRS training, the staff is deepening their understanding of the critical components of literacy, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The monthly sessions foster collaboration among teachers, ensuring that best practices are implemented across grade levels and subject areas. This commitment to continuous learning reflects USC's dedication to providing the highest quality education for all students.

The Speech team continues to have a strong season, showcasing their dedication and commitment to the craft. Jaelyn Stangler was recently honored as the Gopher Conference Craftsmanship Winner, a testament to her hard work and skill. Throughout the season, the team has demonstrated their commitment by attending practices, finding additional practice time, and focusing on improving their abilities at each meet. This year, four individuals were very close to qualifying for NIETOC Nationals: Emma Johnson, Joshua Brooks, Danyelle Dickson, and Maxwell Schull. Congratulations to these students for being just one step away from Nationals. With the Sectional competition on April 11th ahead, the team’s sights are now set on making it to State, and they are eager to see what they can accomplish.

In Mrs. Christianson's 7th and 8th grade science classroom, students recently engaged in a series of hands-on experiments that brought their lessons to life. These experiments allowed students to apply scientific concepts in real-world scenarios. Mrs. Christianson fostered a collaborative environment where students worked together to make observations, ask questions, and analyze their results. The experiments not only sparked curiosity and excitement about science but also encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Students in Mr. Scruggs' Social Studies classroom actively engage in learning by acting out historical events, bringing history to life in a dynamic and interactive way. By stepping into the roles of historical figures and reenacting significant moments in history, students gain a deeper understanding of the events and their impact. This hands-on approach not only makes learning more engaging but also helps students develop empathy and perspective by allowing them to experience history from different viewpoints. Mr. Scruggs encourages creativity and collaboration, making history both memorable and meaningful for his students. Through these reenactments, students enhance their knowledge while honing their communication and teamwork skills.

Seniors

Local scholarship applications continue to be available. It is important you are checking your email for information about upcoming scholarships, qualifications and deadlines. You can check online as well for any scholarships that are available through USC at Ms. Klemek's website.

Students have the responsibility to look for and apply for appropriate scholarships. There are thousands of scholarships available that are not through USC, such as at a place of employment for the student or a parent, through service organizations, and at the college level.

Financial Aid

Seniors, if you have not completed your FAFSA, there is still time to do so. Make sure you are using the 2025-2026 application form.

Work Keys April 8th

• USC Seniors will participate in the Work Keys assessment on April 8th. It is important to note that we are required to document the results of this assessment on students' transcripts, so please ensure your student is present at school by 8:20 AM on April 8th.
• The assessment will focus on three key areas: graphic literacy, applied mathematics, and workplace documents. Students can earn a National Career Readiness Certificate in one of four levels: bronze, silver, gold, or platinum. This certificate is a valuable credential that can prove their skills and readiness for employment. Students may use it when applying for jobs after high school, regardless of whether they plan to attend college or enter the workforce directly.
• *Students should come prepared by bringing their fully charged Chromebooks and calculators.
• Our senior class demonstrated exceptional success on the WorkKeys assessment in 2024, and we are confident that the Class of 2025 will continue this trend. To ensure optimal performance, please remind your student to get a good night's sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive on time for the test, which will begin promptly at 8:20 AM.
• Once the testing is concluded, students will be dismissed around lunchtime. If testing runs longer than anticipated, students will have their regular lunch break between assessments.

Juniors

The ACT is on April 8. Here is an additional resource to help prepare for the test.

To ensure a smooth testing experience, please note the following essential details:

• Arrival: Students must report to the high school doors by 8:20 AM. Late arrivals will not be permitted into the exam.

• Testing Materials: Students should bring only two #2 pencils and an approved calculator.

• Prohibited Items: Cell phones must be left in their car or will be collected and held in the high school office. No electronic devices, including Fitbits or Apple Watches, are allowed at the testing site.

• Breakfast & Snacks: Students need to eat breakfast at home or school, as there will be a significant gap before lunch. A small snack will be provided at the testing site, but students may not bring food or drinks.

• Testing Location & Dismissal: Students will be transported to the community center for testing. The test typically concludes between 12:00 and 12:15 PM, when they will be bussed back to school and dismissed for the day. Lunch will be available at school for those who wish to stay, but we must notify the lunchroom in advance.

• Adequate sleep, a good breakfast, and arriving on time will help ensure your student performs their best. Starting this summer, ACT scores can be used for college applications, scholarship opportunities, and qualification for concurrent enrollment classes at USC next year.

College Visits

This spring is also the best time to take college visits. Next fall you will be applying to colleges. The next six months is an important time for you to look at, visit and ask questions of potential post-secondary options. If you need help setting up a college tour, please see Ms. Klemek. Remember, you have 2 excused days you can use for college visits, as long as you fill out the college visit permission form ahead of time.

Sophomores

• On April 8th, 10th-grade students will participate in the Pre-ACT test at USC. This practice test offers students a valuable preview of the ACT they will take the following year. It will provide an opportunity to identify strengths and areas for improvement well in advance. The test will begin at 8:20 AM and be administered during the school day. Students are required to bring a calculator and two #2 pencils.
• Please note there will be no makeup day for the test, so your student must be present on April 8th. After testing, students will resume their regular afternoon classes and be dismissed.
• On April 16th, our 10th-grade students will attend the Career Expo in Mankato. This event requires an early departure, with buses leaving at 8:00 AM. Please ensure your child arrives on time, as the buses will not wait for late arrivals. If you know your child will be absent on April 16th, kindly inform me. We anticipate returning to school by 12:00 PM when students will have lunch and return to their afternoon classes.
• Please mark April 8th and 16th on your calendars and ensure your child's attendance on these important dates. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Important Dates:

April 8- 10th grade Pre-ACT, 11th grade ACT, 12th grade WorkKeys

April 16- 10th grade Career Expo in Mankato

Transportation Career Corner Newsletter

Weds. Mar 26. End of quarter 3

Weds. March 26. Regional Ag Contest at USC all day

Weds. March 26. NHS Leadership Conference in Albert Lea

Thurs. March 27. Grade 7 & 8 activity pictures during 3rd hour

Fri. Mar 28. Grade 7 & 8 quarter 3 reward at Mapleton Curling Rink, Skating in Mankato, or free gym time

April 1-4. Reading MCA, Grades 7, 8, 10

Weds. April 2. LETRS Training

Mon. April 7. Mobile Health Lab rescheduled for grades 7 & 8 during periods 1, 2, & 3

Tues. April 8. 10th grade Pre-ACT, 11th grade ACT, 12th grade WorkKeys

April 10-14. Biology MCA. Grade 10

Fri. April 11. Regional Ag Meeting.

April 14-17. MCA Math. Grades 7, 8, 11

Tues. April 15. School Board Meeting in Brycelyn 5:30 PM.

April 18 - 21. Spring Break.

April 23-25. MCA Science. Grades 7,8

April 28-30th. State FFA Convention

Tues. May 6. 9:35 - 10:40 AM. Corey Greenwood speaker for grades 6-12