USC High School February Newsletter

Hello USC Parents and Guardians,

February has brought some cold weather days, but that hasn't stopped our students from continuing their learning journey. Students even had the opportunity to learn through virtual platforms with a virtual learning day this week. Despite the chill outside, they have stayed focused on their education and are making great progress.

This month, we celebrated both FFA Week and FCCLA Week with fun and engaging dress-up days. These themed days allowed students to show their school spirit while also learning about the important roles these organizations play in our community and in students' personal growth.

Our students are continuing to work hard in their classes, maintaining a strong commitment to their studies. Their dedication to learning, even in the colder months, is truly commendable, and they are accomplishing great things as a result of their efforts.

I would like to take a moment to thank parents for their continued support of both students and the USC staff. Your involvement and encouragement play a crucial role in the success of our students, and we are grateful for the partnership in helping them thrive.

With Gratitude,

Jen Bye

High School Principal

jbye@unitedsouthcentral.org

Seven United South Central Public School Choir students performed in the Gopher Honor Choir Concert on Saturday, Feb.1st at Blooming Prairie High School. The Choir students spent Friday, January 31st, and Saturday morning, Feb. 1st practicing with other Choir students from various High Schools in the area and presented a wonderful Choir concert for the public. Pictured are Honor Choir members Maxwell S, Grayson H, Alexis A, Aiden E, Caitlin M, Lucy W, and Emma J.

Congratulations to Josh, the February Renaissance Student of the Month. Josh will enjoy a reserved parking spot and first in the lunch line privileges for the month of February. His dedication to his studies, involvement in band, USC Theater, Mock Trial and track along with his hard work is a positive example for our students. USC is proud to celebrate Josh!

Six United South Central Public School Band students participated in the Gopher Honor Band Concert on Saturday, February 1st, at Blooming Prairie High School. The students spent Friday, January 31st, and the morning of February 1st practicing alongside peers from other high schools in the area before performing a concert for the public. Pictured are the Honor Band members. Back row: Josh B, Liam S, Riley K. Front row: Kallie L, Clare K, and Chevelle O.

Congratulations to the two USC Robotics teams who have qualified to compete in the state robotics competition in St. Cloud on February 27 - 28. The high school team in the top picture qualified for the state competition at the MSU VEX Robotics Tournament. The middle school team in the bottom picture qualified at the USC VEX Robotics Tournament. Best of luck to both of these teams of creative young people.

On Tuesday, February 25th, the USC 8th graders will perform the play Robin Hood with performances at 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM. Students have been working hard with director Josh Edwards and student directors Destiny, Emma, Josh, and Ezra this week to prepare for the show.

FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) is a national organization that helps students develop leadership skills, enhance their career readiness, and become active members of their communities. Focused on areas like family life, careers, and community service, FCCLA empowers students to make a positive impact both in their personal lives and the world around them.

FCCLA students celebrated National FCCLA Week from February 10-13 with a variety of fun activities, including dress-up days and Valentine flower sales. These events allowed students to showcase their school spirit and raise funds for FCCLA initiatives, all while promoting the values of leadership and service within the school community.

Is your information up to date on JMC? Please login to JMC to update phone numbers and addresses as they change. If you indicate "call first" on the contact information for one individual, that is the first person the health office calls in the event that your student is ill. It is also the first parent that is called by the high school office for concerns or questions.

Keeping your current information updated is important and helps us to connect with parents more easily.

FFA (Future Farmers of America) celebrated National FFA Week February 18 - 21. Students had the opportunity to dress up for the week. Wednesday was dress as your favorite animal day. Students enjoyed the fun with several dramatic animal costumes.

FFA is a national student organization that aims to develop leadership, personal growth, and career success in students interested in agriculture. Founded in 1928, FFA has grown to include over 700,000 members across the U.S. and focuses on preparing students for careers in agriculture and related fields. Through local chapters, members engage in competitions, community service, and career development events (CDEs), which help them build skills in areas like public speaking, problem-solving, and teamwork. FFA members also participate in national and state conventions, where they network, compete, and develop their leadership potential.

On Thursday, February 20th, students in Mrs. Feist's classes had the opportunity to learn valuable CPR skills from the Wells Ambulance team. This hands-on session provided students with important life-saving knowledge and practical experience in CPR, helping them gain confidence in their ability to respond in emergency situations.

Thank you for all the helpfulness that the high school students showed to our elementary students during their roller skating unit at USC. Students helped tie skate laces and encouraged young students as they learned to roller skate. The phy-ed teachers are grateful to all who helped out during the two weeks.

Congratulations to girl's basketball player, Olivia Bungum, on scoring her 1000th point on Thursday, January 16th. She joins a prestigious list of students who work hard with their team members to give their best on the court.

Seniors: Local scholarship applications will begin coming up at the beginning of February. 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.

The USC Common Scholarship, which includes the Lion's Athletic Scholarship, was sent out to Seniors by Friday, February 7 with a due date of March 3, 2025.

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.

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

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.

Important Dates:

February 28- 9th grade Career Navigator all day trip to South Central College

March 6- Evening Community Health and Wellness Fair

March 12- 11th grade Career Day at MSU-Mankato

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

April 16- 10th grade Career Expo in Mankato

Transportation Career Corner Newsletter

Tues. Feb 25. USC Play Robin Hood 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM

Weds. Feb 26. NHS Red Cross blood drive

Feb 27-28. State Robotics Tournament in St. Cloud

Fri. Feb 28. Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast 7:00 - 7:50 AM

Sat. March 1. Speech Meet at USC

Mon. March 3. Large Group Choir Contest in Waterville

Mon. March 3. K-12 Evening Conferences

March 7-9. Wells Sportsman Show

Fri. March 21. 9:40 - 10:40 AM - grades 5-8.. Justin, also known as "The Man in the Black Chucks," will be visiting USC to deliver an inspiring presentation titled "We Are All Different – Embrace Your Differences – Anti-Bullying

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

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