University School Weekly Update

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

Next week (Feb. 28-March 4) the K-5 classrooms will participate in Read Across America. The theme of this year's Read Across America is to celebrate a school of diverse readers. The books selected are a sampling of different books from the 5 regions of the United States. We will focus on diverse books from the Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, West, and Midwest. Students will 'travel" around the country through different stories throughout the week. Each classroom will have a guest reader and activities to focus on the theme for our celebration. Students can participate in dress up days all week long! We look forward to exploring new stories together and having some fun!

February 28 @ 5:00pm-6:30pm- 8th grade registration for HS Brown Hall Room 206 (Brown Hall is next door to US)

This meeting will be for all current University School 8th grades students and at least one parent/guardian. Dr. Shaw will go over high school graduation requirements, GPA, and other important information. Students will select their classes for 9th grade at this meeting, and they will receive the results of the Pre-ACT they took in January. Please make plans to attend.

The University School/ETSU Entrepreneur’s Club will have its next meeting this Monday (Feb 28), 3:15-4:15pm in room 214 at University School. Our featured speakers will be business partners and owners of Crumb Bakeshop, Lauren Jones and Katelyn Jones. Crumb Bakeshop offers a welcoming and delightful food experience! Those who operate the bakeshop are a family of bakers that provide creative and hand-made baked goods with outstanding service in a comfortable and inviting environment. Crumb Bakeshop is inspired by tradition, driven by the love for family, and fulfilled by the enjoyment of our efforts. We look forward to have club members as well as those interested in the club join us for this exciting presentation!

Interested in attend and/or joining the U-School Entrepreneurs Club? Please see https://www.etsu.edu/uschool/clubs/entrepreneurs.php or e-mail Dr. Penley (penleyj@etsu.edu) for more information!

All 11th grade students will take the ACT on Tuesday, March 1st. The ACT is a Tennessee graduation requirement.

Juniors must report directly to their assigned testing room at the Culp Center. You DO NOT need to check in with your first period teacher. Attendance will be taken at the Culp Center. Students with special circumstances will be contacted individually for location information. Don't forget to log in to your ACT account and complete the non-test portions of the test. See Dr. Campbell in Room 111 if you need your student code or help creating an account. You have up to two days after the test to complete this portion.

Below is a link to additional information on what to expect the day of the test, entering your student code in MyACT, and score reports.

https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/secured/documents/TakingTheACT-StateandDistrict.pdf

Please bring the following:

• Approved calculator- ACT-calculator-policy.pdf (Calculators will not be provided)
• Number 2 pencils -mechanical pencils are not allowed
• Photo ID (if possible)
• Snack and bagged lunch or lunch money to eat at the Culp. Students who need a cafeteria lunch should let Dr. Campbell know by Feb. 28th.
• Dress in layered clothing because the room temperature is not within our control (blankets and hats are not allowed).
• Students will be expected to return to their 6th and 7th period classes

Cell phones, smart watches, and other electronic devices should not be brought into the testing room. Students who access a prohibited device will be dismissed according to ACT testing policies.

Heidi Campbell, Ed.D.

Testing and Curriculum Coordinator

East Tennessee State University

Any student planning on returning to University School during the 2022-2023 school year, must complete this re-enrollment form for each child returning by February 28, 2022. Any student who has not completed the re-enrollment form by February 28, 2022 risks losing their spot to a student on the waiting list, so please be sure to complete the form located in the link above. The material fees can be paid when re-enrolling or by the start of the 2022-2023 school year.

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

Please turn in your four senior casual pictures for the yearbook. These do not have to be professionally taken. The deadline to submit them is March 5, 2022. Please email Mrs. Hammonds at hammondse@etsu.edu or give to one of the journalism seniors or Mrs. Hammonds in Room 301B.

Sadie is a spotlight student leader every day! She is kind and respectful to each individual in our classroom community. She embodies leadership traits essential to the foundation of both classroom friendships and successful learner. One specific academic strength of Sadie's? Her wonderful writing! Sadie’s dedication and love for learning are ever present in the detailed stories and illustrations she provides her readers with. Sadie also demonstrates perseverance when problem solving in all academic areas. Her curiosity and joy for learning are contagious to those around her. She is always eager to help a friend in need. Sadie often creates beautiful pieces of art to gift friends throughout the school day.

Getting to know Sadie Bode:

• What is your favorite game to play?

“I like animal games. I like to pretend to be an animal that is magical– such as a 9-tailed fox. It’s fun because you get to pretend to have powers!”

• If money were no object, what gift would you purchase for a family member?

“I would buy my family a fox for a pet.”

• What brings you the most joy? What annoys you the most?

“When my two dogs, Odie and Rosie, play with me brings me joy. Loud noises like screaming is annoying.”

"Sadie is an absolute joy to have in the classroom!” said Ms. Heather Jeffers, Sadie’s first-grade teacher. “She is a true leader in more than just one way: through the kind words she uses, considerate choices made, and responsible practices observed. Sadie chooses to love and respect everyone. She also chooses to greet each new task or activity with excitement and only turns in as complete when she feels it’s her very best work. We are so proud of you, Sadie!”

The middle school team would like to honor Cole Stevenson. Cole is in 7th grade at University School. Cole stands out for his competitive yet compassionate nature. He is very respectful to his teachers as well as respected among his peers. As a three-sport athlete, Cole is kind, hardworking, and genuinely keeps a positive attitude no matter what challenges he faces. This makes Cole an excellent addition to our team and our school!

Getting to know Cole Stevenson:

• What is your favorite game to play?

“I like playing baseball. I like going out and having fun with my friends.”

• If money were no object, what gift would you purchase for a family member?

“I’d like to get my little brother, Carson, an X-Box.”

• What brings you the most joy? What annoys you the most?

“What makes me happy is sleeping in on the weekends. Having to get up early annoys me the most.”

“Cole shines no matter what role he is asked to play,” said Ms. Leah Darnell, Cole’s ELA teacher. “He was an excellent addition to our read aloud of 'A Christmas Carol.’”

Brody always has a smile on his face. He is friendly, always making those around him feel welcome. He is genuinely polite to all those around him. He makes the environment of our school better through his warm smile, kindness, and willingness to help others.

Getting to know Brody Key:

• What is your favorite game to play?

“I enjoy playing baseball. I like to play outfield or second base. I grew up playing; my friends got me involved.”

• If money were no object, what gift would you purchase for a family member?

“I would buy my dad a few acres of land to grow crops on. He wants to get some land to have a farm.”

• What brings you the most joy? What annoys you the most?

“Family and friends: spending time with them and just hanging out brings me joy. Not doing my best is what annoys me.”

"It is evident that Brody is considerate of those around him,” pointed out Dr. Amanda Frasier, Brody’s U.S. History & Geography teacher. He will pass out notebooks for the other students who are coming from across campus and is always tending to my pencil sharpener without being asked. These are little actions which can often go unnoticed and Brody should be recognized for this.”

Congratulations to Jack Sayers (7th grade, percussion), Helen Grace Gannaway (freshman, flute), and Cielo Cox (senior, bass clarinet) for their participation in the 2022 Washington County All-County Band. This event was a 2-day clinic for middle school and high school band members from across Washington County culminating with public concerts on Saturday, February 19. The clinicians were Atticus Hensley (middle school) and Rodney Brown (high school). Mr. Hensley is a band director in the Tullahoma City School system. Mr. Brown is the band director at Knox West High School. These students had fun, worked hard, and produced some great music for a packed house. Special thank you to Josh Ogle (band director, David Crockett High School) for hosting the event this year and inviting us to attend.

Pictured with students is Dr. Hunter Mullins, Instructor of Elementary and Instrumental Music at University School.

Eliza Berry (6th grade, clarinet) participated in ETSU Reed Day on Saturday, February 19. This an annual event organized and hosted by the woodwind faculty for students at any level, teachers, parents, and music educators. This year's event featured masterclasses and a concert by the Atlantic Reed Consort. The ARC is a Washington D.C. based Reed Quintet with musicians from the United States military bands.

Congratulations to all of our University School athletes who have earned Sports Awards so far this year. We will be adding award recipients to the site listed below as they are received throughout the year.

https://www.etsu.edu/uschool/athletics/sports_awards.php

*Please note that awards are not announced until completion of the season for current/spring sport.

Tennis Team Co-op - Unicoi County High and University School

UH students: Please give your physicals to Mr. Honeycutt and send or bring me a copy of your emergency forms. You can do this via email (Jamie Mefford jamiemefford@gmail.com) or in person. The forms are located on the usbucs.com Athletics Web page.

If you know of anyone who is interested in playing tennis this year, pass this information along and help them join the Remind group. (text @uchstennis to 81010)

Senior Wills be due Friday, March 4th - please email Mrs. Hammonds with questions or submissions: hammondse@etsu.edu

Senior ad pictures and money are due on March 4th -- you may pay online for the ads or send in money to the school. All pictures may be emailed to Mrs. Hammonds (hammondse@etsu.edu) or sent into the office.

Dear eighth grade parents/guardians,

Eighth grade is a big year for your child since he/she will be leaving middle school and beginning high school next year. The journalism staff believes that eighth graders deserve some form of recognition for all their hard work. To help celebrate this achievement, we are including “dedications” in the 2021-22 K-8 yearbook.

If you would like to have your child in this section, please send a picture of your child (baby or current) and a short message to him/her that will be featured in the yearbook. Some examples are pictured below. There will be no extra charge for this feature. We hope to have all eighth graders included.

Please email Ms. Hammonds your picture and message by March 25, 2022, to hammondse@etsu.edu. Thank you for helping us recognize the University School class of 2026!

Sincerely,

2021/22 Journalism Staff

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.

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

Dear University School Families,

Thank you for everything you have helped the Foundation do this year. We have accomplished so much, and are looking forward to our largest fundraiser of the year, our Annual Spring Gala and Auction. This year, the Fundraising Committee has selected “Back to the 80’s” as our theme and exciting plans are being made for the evening of Saturday, April 9, 2022 at the Carnegie Hotel. The University School Foundation acts as a PTA for University School and we rely heavily on this event which generates much needed funds for our school, with proceeds used towards technology, sports, playground improvements, teacher appreciation, and to meet other needs of the school’s operation.

To make this event a success, we need your help. We are in dire need of items for both our silent and live auctions at the event. Please take a few minutes to think about the places you visit every week. Maybe you have a favorite restaurant or sneak away for an occasional massage. Maybe you use a personal trainer or enjoy a mani/pedi. Think of the places you visit and spend your money, and please approach these businesses for a donation. You can also help us by donating personal items or your own business services at our event. Do you own a Beach House or a Mountain Cabin? These make great auction items! The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 58-1453829, and donated items are tax deductible. We will provide receipts for the fair market value of the items donated. The Foundation will also provide our tax exemption letter or any additional paperwork you might need upon request.

We are happy to pick up any donated items or you may drop them off at the University School front office. Please email Christine Hutchinson at hutchinson.christine@gmail.com if pickup is needed. Alternately, items can also be mailed to University School Attn: University School Foundation, PO Box 70632, Johnson City, TN 37614-1702. Attached you will find a donation form. Please fill it out after you receive a donation. We also have hard copies available in the front office.

In addition to the above, we offer the opportunity for support via monetary sponsorship of the event, which helps defray the costs and increases our overall success. Please see the next page or visit our website https://tinyurl.com/uschool-80sgala for exciting sponsorship opportunities for your family or business. In return for your generosity, we will highlight your business on the evening of the event. To do so, we ask that you provide a high-resolution company logo (jpeg or png file) which can be emailed directly to: usfoundation.fundraising@gmail.com Subject Line: Back to the 80’s Sponsor Logo. Tickets are limited to 150 and are available for purchase through our website. You can pick up your tickets and auction paddle at check-in at the event.

If you have any additional questions, need more information, or are interested in volunteering for this event, feel free to contact us. On behalf of the Foundation, thank you for considering supporting our school. We look forward to music, food, fun and fundraising with you!

With Gratitude,

Dionne Ganger & Melanie Richards

University School Foundation

Fundraising Co-Chairs

Attention parents: Classroom Baskets are a fun and easy way to contribute to the Spring Fundraiser! Plus—- Whichever basket raises the most money, we will win a fun Pizza Party for the winning class! Be on the lookout for information from your classroom representatives about the theme of your basket and how to contribute to this fun project!

Spring Break - There will be No School March 5th through 27th.

Have a great break, students and faculty! The first school day after break will be Monday, March 28th.

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

February

February 28 Last Date for Lottery Inclusion for Applications for 2022-2023 School Year
February 28 Last Date for Re-enrollment Forms
February 28 Math Help Club, Library, 3:15-4:30 p.m.
February 28 Entrepreneur's Club, Room 214, 3:15-4:15 p.m.
February 28 High School Registration, 8th Grade, 5:00-6:30 p.m.

March

March 1 Testing, Spring ACT
March 2 FCA Club, Room 219, 7:30-7:50 a.m.
March 2 Bible Study Club, Warf-Pickel Hall Room 127, 3:15-4:00 p.m.
March 2 Key Club, Room 011, 3:05-3:30 p.m.
March 3 Chick Chat Club, Room 010, 3:15-4:15 p.m.
March 3 College Ready Club, Library, 3:00 p.m.
March 3 Math Help Club, Library, 3:15-4:30 p.m.
March 3 JAM, 3:15-4:30 p.m.
March 4 Hoops for Heart, Grades 5-8, CPA, 8:00-3:00
BREAK March 5 - 27 No School - Spring Break
BREAK March 7 No School - Administrative Day
BREAK March 12 UH Class of '70 Reunion, Information
BREAK March 13 Daylight Saving Time Starts, Turn Clocks forward 1 hour
BREAK March 24 No School - Faculty Professional Development

BREAK March 25 No School - Faculty Professional Development

March 28 First School Day after Spring Break

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