University School Weekly Update

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.

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Kelli Barnett will serve as an additional Assistant Director for University School effective June 1, 2024, focusing primarily on K-8 instructional and student support. In addition to her 21 years of experience as a member of the University School Faculty, Dr. Barnett is bringing experience as a former Human Resources Director and ETSU Adjunct Faculty member to the administrative team. Dr. Barnett holds multiple degrees from ETSU including a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, and she has strong roots in the traditions and successful practices of University School. Part of Dr. Barnett’s vision for the new position is to put “the needs of our students first while providing strong support for the growth and well-being of our faculty.”

Dr. Barnett lives in Johnson City with her husband, Aaron, an alumnus of University School. She also has two children, her son, Greer, who graduated from University School in 2020 and ETSU in 2024, and her daughter, Ella, who is part of the University School graduating class of 2024 and who will be attending UTK in the fall. During her free time, she loves to travel, hike, read, garden, and spend time with family and friends.

Both Drs. Day and Partin, along with the University School Faculty and Staff, are excited for Dr. Barnett to join the administrative team and they are looking forward to the unique perspective and leadership she will bring to our school community in this new capacity. Preparations for her transition have already started and will continue over the coming weeks, so we do appreciate your continued support and involvement in helping make this transition occur as smoothly as possible.

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.

Any student who has not checked in their device must do so in order to avoid device/repair replacement charges. In addition to the devices, all chargers must also be returned; please reach out to Mr. Wes Moore (mooretw1@etsu.edu), University School Technician, with any questions.

Thank you to all of our parents and community volunteers this year, your dedication and commitment to the school is incredible and greatly appreciated!

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

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.

MEDICATION PICK-UP: All medications in the Nurse Clinic need to be picked up prior to or on the last day of school, May 31, 2024, by a parent/guardian. The medications must be disposed of after this date. Parents may stop by anytime during the school day to collect any medications or supplies for their child.

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

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!

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.

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)

1 - Summer Break Begins

8 - Teachers Return

9 - Back-to-School Bash (4:30 - 6:00 PM)

10 - Students Return (1/2 Day for Students)