University School Weekly Update

Congratulations to Mr. Sathvik Ramu on being named this year's University School Class of 2024 Valedictorian and to Mr. Paul Adams on being named this year's Salutatorian. We are incredibly proud of both of these young men for their achievements and commitment to excellence in the classroom, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for both of them!

Thursday, May 16th: Seniors will return devices to Room 216 after their last class of the day.

Wednesday, May 22nd: Grades 6 & 9-11 will return devices in first period classes.

Wednesday, May 22nd: Grades 7 & 8 will return devices in their second period classes.

Dear University School Families,

I hope this message finds you well as we close in on the end of the 2023/2024 school year. I have been honored to serve as the University School Foundation President for the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 school years.

I write to share what the Foundation is all about, what we do, and how you can join this school support organization this coming year. As we look forward to July and the next academic year, we’d like to start with a full board. There are still a few positions left to fill, including fundraising co-director, elementary, and high school representatives, and we’re always looking for new families to get involved in the Foundation.

What is the Foundation?

The University School Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit, is currently the school’s only support organization. It was created to assist the school in achieving its mission by bolstering the educational experience through fundraising, volunteer support, advocacy, and communication initiatives year-round.

The Foundation consists of a Board of 13 Directors comprised of parents and community members who meet monthly to vote on support requests and discuss our ongoing activities. Like PTAs and booster clubs in other schools, the Foundation fulfills various roles, including:

Fundraising:

It's at the heart of what we do. We typically host two major fundraising events each year, one in the Fall and one in the Spring. Additionally, we raise funds by selling University School merchandise at various events and maintain fundraising accounts with Amazon Smiles, Kroger Community Rewards, and other local retailers.

Funding Support Requests:

The money we raise supports school programs, projects, and initiatives proposed by faculty, staff, and students. These requests range from backing extracurricular activities to purchasing educational materials and funding special projects.

Big Project Support:

The Foundation takes on a significant project each year on top of our annual fundraising activities. We're revamping the recreational equipment in the University School’s back and side yards.

Volunteer Coordination:

Beyond fundraising, we facilitate parent and community involvement by communicating and organizing volunteer opportunities. Volunteering fosters community and collaboration among parents, teachers, and school administrators. It’s also a way for community members to contribute beyond financial support.

Advocacy for Faculty, Staff, and Students:

We advocate for the needs and concerns of the school community, engaging with administrators, the school board, local officials, and other stakeholders to address issues affecting our students and the school.

Communication:

Our monthly meetings, attended by faculty representatives and University School administrators, serve as a communication bridge. Combined with our active social media presence, we aim to ensure the effective sharing of important information within the school community.

Community Building:

Last but certainly not least, the Foundation is crucial in building community within the University School. Our major fundraising events, including Fall Fest, Spring Gala, online auctions, and the Spring Color Run, provide opportunities for the University School community to support and celebrate our students.

What the Foundation has been able to do this year?

The following is a list of some of the ways the Foundation has made a difference this year:

• Middle School parent representatives organized the back-to-school mixer at Wetlands.

• We pitched in to organize grade-level field trip T-shirts for elementary and middle schools.

• We continued sponsoring Ms. Cradic's roller skating and bowling units for Elem. PE.

• Our Hospitality Committee, led by Ms. Christine Hutchinson and supported by her team of "Foundation Fairies," organized quarterly faculty/staff luncheons and kept the faculty lounge stocked with drinks and snacks throughout the year.

• Additionally, we funded various faculty requests, including:

• Math tools for Ms. Reis in Middle School,

• Ti-85 calculators for Dr. Summey's Calculus class,

• 5th-grade classroom tools for Ms. Davis and Ms. Stinson, and

• Financial support for 8th Grade Space Camp trip.

• And many, many more!

How you can get involved?

Getting involved with our foundation is easy, and we welcome your enthusiasm and support. Here are several ways you can actively participate:

Submit Your Interest:

Let us know you're interested in joining our mailing list and becoming a volunteer by completing the form here: https://forms.office.com/r/F2NEy5tuMT

Attend Monthly Meetings:
Join us at our monthly meetings held on the first Monday of each month, from 3:30 to 5 pm. Everyone with an interest is welcome.

Connect with Us

• Please find us on social media @UniversitySchoolFoundation https://www.facebook.com/UniversitySchoolFoundation/

• Reach out to me directly: vanzantd@etsu.edu

• Finally, connect with someone already serving on the board. They will gladly provide details about upcoming volunteer opportunities and answer any questions about the foundation.

Your involvement is crucial to our success, and we look forward to having you on board!

Warm regards,

Dan VanZant

University School Foundation President

2022-2024

Since 1984, National PTA has designated one week in May as a special time to honor the individuals who lend their passion and skills to educating our children. This year The Foundation had the most fun celebrating our teachers and staff with food, fun, and self-care - Taylor Swift style. The success of the Hospitality Committee’s endeavors is a testament to the unwavering support we receive from our school’s parent community. Your contributions to the Foundation and our committee are invaluable.

The Hospitality Committee’s role extends beyond organizing the Teacher Appreciation Week; we are also committed to maintaining a welcoming and well-stocked teachers’ lounge, complete with refreshments and treats, and ensuring monthly celebrations of staff birthdays. Our “Foundation Fairies” are the unsung heroes who consistently spread cheer within our school community year-round. A special note of gratitude goes out to my “Frolic of Fairies”—yes, that’s the official term for a group of fairies, google it — for their tireless assistance throughout the academic year. A heartfelt thank you to Amber, Melissa, Shawna, Kristen, Jenn, Kaitlyn, Shellie, Leslie, Kristi, Susan, Kelli, and Kelsey for your unwavering support all year long.

With gratitude,

Christine Hutchinson

University School T-shirts and Window Clings available for purchase in the office

The Foundation has U School T-Shirts and window clings available for purchase in the front office. Quantities and sizes for the shirts are limited, so visit the office now and grab your shirt to show your U School pride!

• Spring 2024 T-shirts are $20 cash/$21 card
• Fall 2022 shirts are $10 cash/$11 card
• Window clings are $5 cash/$6 card.

If you are looking for a place to volunteer, the University School Foundation would love to have you join the team. Opportunities to serve along with additional information can be found below:

Registration for Washington County’s K-8 Summer Academy is now taking place. Space is limited, so please register now if you want to reserve a spot for your child(ren). Although not stated on the main page, University School students may register for either location.

Jr. Blazers location – Gray Elementary

Jr. Pioneers location – Jonesborough Elementary

Dates: June 3-28

Time: 9:00-3:00 Monday – Thursday (extended day childcare options available for a fee)

Transportation: Parents must provide transportation to/from location – US kids are not eligible for bus transportation.

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

Rising Senior Photos will be taken on July 19, 2024 at Brooks Gymnasium. Invitations to purchase packets and to sign up for a time will be sent out via by our school photographer (Lifetouch and Prestige Photos), so please be on the lookout for this signup email. Although it is not required that everyone purchase a packet, it is required that everyone sign up for a time and take the free yearbook formal shot on this day. This is a regular scheduled school day, so we will work with individual students and their schedules to complete the photos.

Senior Parents and Students:

The Senior Parent Committee needs your help to wrap up details for Senior Week activities. Please consider signing up to donate food or door prizes, or to volunteer at Baccalaureate or Project Graduation. A sign-up is at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050849A8A722ABF58-49606538-donations.

Door prize suggestions can be found at the following Amazon wishlist and even shipped directly to committee chair Bridgette Ward: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2RBJQY6C0BXX2?ref_=wl_share. These are just suggestions and not required items. Door prizes can be anything a college student might need or enjoy. The goal is to have a good prize for every single Senior who attends Baccalaureate.

All Seniors going to Anakeesta must complete an online waiver form at: https://tickets.anakeesta.com/waivers/

If your student is a minor, under 18, you'll need to create a parent profile then add a child.

Permission forms for all Senior Week events should be completed asap and returned to the school office.

The week of May 27th is our last scheduled week for students in Grades K-11, the schedule for the week will be as follows:

• Monday, May 27th: Memorial Day Holiday - No School

• Tuesday, May 28th: Teachers only, NO SCHOOL for Students

• Wednesday, May 29th: Teachers only, NO SCHOOL for Students; Parent Meetings will be offered for any new families entering in grades K-8.

• Thursday, May 30th: Teachers only, NO SCHOOL for Students

• Friday, May 31st: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL -This will be a step-up day for all students in grades K-11 and new students entering in July. The schedule for the day will be as follows:

8:00 AM -10:00 AM - Elementary Only (Rising K-5); pick-up from 10:00-10:15 AM

10:30 AM -12:30 PM - MS Students Only (Rising 6th-8th); pick up from 12:30-12:45 PM

1:00-3:00 PM - HS Students Only (Rising 9th-12th); pick up from 3:00-3:15 PM

Note: Breakfast (7:30-8:00) and Lunch (10:00-1:00) will be provided in the cafeteria. If you would like your child(ren) to receive one, or both, please complete the request form for your child(ren) by clicking on the meal order form link below.

Road construction to impact traffic on University Parkway near West State of Franklin

As part of the West Walnut Corridor Redevelopment Plan, contractors working with the Johnson City Water and Sewer Services and Public Works departments will close lanes on University Parkway between West State of Franklin Road and West Pine Street beginning Sunday, May 19. During this time, all traffic will be diverted to one lane in each direction in the construction area. This project will be done in phases.

During the first phase of construction, access to University Parkway from the east (Tree Streets side) at West Walnut, Lynn and West Maple streets will be blocked. This phase will last approximately 6 to 8 weeks. The second phase will reopen access to these streets and close access on the west side (ESTU side) to Lynn and Maple streets for approximately 4 weeks. West Walnut Street on the west side will remain closed for the duration of the project. Additional lane closures and traffic interruptions are anticipated.

Emergency vehicles will be able to pass; however, the construction area will see increased congestion as a result of the construction activities with long delays expected. Motorists and pedestrians are strongly encouraged to find alternative routes.

The project will take approximately three months to be completed, weather dependent.

Motorists should expect delays, use caution in the construction zone, and observe posted speed limits for their safety and the safety of workers.

Applied STEM foundation is a 3-week experiential program that covers, computing, digital media, engineering, and other STEM concepts. The program is for high school students interested in a STEM major. Each week students will be given the opportunity to explore areas and careers in STEM through the use of classroom lectures, hands-on experiences various, field trips, and speaker presentations.

(3 -weeks, from 9 – 3pm, Cost - $25, lunch included)
June 3 - 21, 2024, enroll by May 15th to secure your spot

Structured intense program that allows students to sample college curriculum to find their passion

Students will work with two of the department's outstanding faculty to explore concepts in environmental and occupational health and safety science.

• Well water simulation and stream water sampling and characterization
• Measurement of indoor air quality
• Other hands-on activity in the lab
• Learn how environmental health impacts what we eat and drink

(1 Week, 9 am to 3 pm, Cost - $25, lunch included)

June 3 – 7, 2024

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

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.

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!

13 - MS Award Ceremony (by invitation), Martha Street Culp Auditorium @ 5:30 PM

13 - HS Tennis Regional Individual and Doubles Tournament (Time and Location TBD)

13-17 - Scholastic Book Fair - University School Library

14 - Spring Band Concert

14 - 4th Grade Field Trip to Oak Hill School

15-16 - 7th Grade Field Trips

15-17 - 8th Grade Trip to Space Camp

16 - HS Award Ceremony (by invitation), Martha Street Culp Auditorium @ 6:00 PM

20-24 - Senior Week

22-23 - 5th Grade Camp Explore

24 - 1/2 Day - Dismissal @ 11:00 AM

27 - Holiday, No School

28 - HS Boys' Basketball Tryouts for Current Students, 3:30-5:30 PM

28-30 - Built in PD/Snow Days, No School for Students
31 - Last Day for Students in Grades K-11 (see schedule above)