University School Weekly Update
July 16 - July 22, 2023
Family Update: February 4-10, 2024
No School for Students - February 9th & 12th
Senior Paul Adams Scores ACT Composite of 36
Paul Adams, son of Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Adams and senior at University School, earned the highest possible ACT composite score of 36.
About one-quarter of 1% of students who take the ACT earn a top score. In the U.S. high school graduating class of 2022, only 3,376 out of 1.34 million students who took the ACT earned a top composite score of 36.
The ACT consists of tests in English, mathematics, reading and science, each scored on a scale of 1–36. A student's composite score is the average of the four test scores. The score for ACT’s optional writing test is reported separately and is not included within the ACT composite score.
“Earning a top score on the ACT is a remarkable achievement,” said ACT CEO Janet Godwin. “A student’s exceptional score of 36 will provide any college or university with ample evidence of their readiness for the academic rigors that lie ahead.”
The ACT is a curriculum-based achievement exam that measures what students have learned in school. Students who earn a 36 composite score have likely mastered all of the skills and knowledge they will need to succeed in first-year college courses in the core subject areas.
ACT scores are accepted by major four-year colleges and universities across the U.S.
This is an exceptional honor and we are proud to celebrate and recognize Paul for his achievement and commitment to academic excellence - Congratulations, Paul!
Senior Night at Brooks Gym - Monday, February 5th
Re-enrollment for Current U-School Grades K-11 Students
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Please complete this form by Friday March 1st, 2024, for each child who is currently enrolled and who is returning to University School for the 2024-25 school year.
In addition, we ask that you please pay the material fee for each child returning. These material fees will now cover all individual classroom academic, lab, music, art and technology fees (excluding any field trip and technology repair expense due to damage).
This year's fee structure will be as follows and can be paid through the link on the re-enrollment page or through the University School Payment Link found on our website:
K-5 students - $100
6-12 students - $150
If financial or fee waiver assistance is needed, please contact the school administration directly.
By re-enrolling your child for the 2023-24 school year, you indicate that you and your child agree to abide by the expectations set forth in the University School Student Handbook. You understand that the rules stated in the Student Handbook apply to all students enrolled at University School while at University School or at University School related activities and events. Repeated disregard of school expectations could affect future re-enrollment.
University School Foundation Meeting Schedule & Update
University School Foundation President Letter
Dear University School Community,
I hope this message finds you well as we dive into the new year and the third quarter of the '23-'24 academic year at the University School. I am honored to serve as the University School Foundation President for the 2023/2024 school year.
I write to give you a glimpse into what the Foundation is all about, what we do, and how you can join in.
What is the Foundation?
The University School Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit, is the school’s support organization, and 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 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 Fall and one in 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: Each year, the Foundation takes on a significant project on top of our annual fundraising activities. Currently, we're working on revamping the recreational equipment in the University School’s back and side yards. In past years, we have championed new middle school sports, middle school dance, and helped kick-start our school’s tennis team.
Volunteer Coordination: Beyond fundraising, we facilitate parent and community involvement by communicating and organizing volunteer opportunities. Volunteering fosters a sense of community and collaboration among parents, teachers, and school administrators. It’s also a way that community members can 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 county 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 plays a crucial role in building a sense of 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 come together in support and celebration of 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.
October saw the success of our annual Fall Fest, with one of the largest turnouts in recent years, thanks to good timing, great weather, and the hard work of our Fundraising Committee, led by Mrs. Amber Bumgarner.
We continued sponsoring Mrs. Cradic's roller skating unit for elementary PE.
Our Hospitality Committee, led by Mrs. Christine Hutchinson and supported by her team of "Fridge Fairies," organized two quarterly faculty luncheons and kept the faculty lounge stocked with drinks and snacks throughout the first two quarters.
Additionally, we funded various faculty requests, including:
math tools for Mrs. Reis in Middle School,
Ti-85 calculators for Dr. Summey's Calculus class,
stools for Mrs. Bader,
furniture for Ms. India's counseling room,
library book pouches,
5th-grade classroom tools for Mrs. Davis and Mrs. Stinson, and
financial support for 8th Grade Space Camp trip.
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: The simplest way to get started is by filling out our interest form. Let us know you're interested in joining our mailing list and/or 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. These meetings take place in the school library and are accessible via Zoom. Everyone with an interest is welcome. Our upcoming meetings are scheduled for February 5th and March 4th.
Stay Informed
Check for flyers sent home with your students.
Read the weekly newsletter update from Dr. Partin.
Look for postings around the school.
Connect with Us
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 you may have 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
University School 2024 Spring Auction
The University School Foundation is pleased to host our annual Spring fundraiser, "Bloom - Growing our Future," on Friday, April 19, 2024. This year, we are having an online auction, brought about by families, friends, teachers, students, and the community of University School. This fundraising event is the primary source of income for our Foundation. The fundraising completed this evening directly enhances the experience and education of the students at University School through Foundation supported programs, sports, technology, equipment for the school, and much more! If you would like to volunteer to help gather items for the auction or have an item that you would like to donate, please reach out to Amber Bumgarner at usfoundation.fundraising@gmail.com.
University School Foundation Meeting Schedule
The University School Foundation is open to all parents interested in attending. The meeting dates are listed below and are scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM in the school library on each of the designated days. Immediately following the meeting, all executive officers will remain to vote on pending requests.
February 5th
March 4th
April 2nd
May 6th
June 3rd (tentative time. The last meeting of the year is typically used for voting members to vote on any requests needed for the summer, as well as to vote on the 24-25 board and budget).
AP Capstone Informational Meeting
Topic: AP Capstone Info Meeting
Time: Feb 6, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://etsu.zoom.us/j/81301440545?pwd=TnphMlp1cnhMeWkwblNwVXRUOWhKUT09
Meeting ID: 813 0144 0545
Passcode: 333106
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One tap mobile
+13052241968,,81301440545# US
+13092053325,,81301440545# US
University School Student Hightlights
University High VEX Robotics Team
University School students competed in the VEX Robotics Competition hosted by Sullivan East last weekend. They won five of nine matches, including impressive wins against world-ranked teams. Their robot features an improved launcher and six-motor drive, a successful redesign since the fall. Representing the school were Ryan, Oscar, Sammy, Brayden, and seniors Gabriel and Paul. With exceptional student leadership, the club is building another robot for a second team to carry on the legacy. Coaches Havert and McVeigh are very proud of what they have accomplished this year.
Middle School SGA Dance
Middle School (Grades 6-8) Parents: Please click on the button below to sign-up to chaperone, volunteer for set-up and clean-up, or to provide snacks.
Inclement Weather & Star/Blue PD Day Usage Explanation
University School shifted several years ago to include the additional 30 minutes to the student day in order to have access to the 13-stockpile days. These days are used as follows:
- 4 Days for Snow Days (not required to make-up)
- 3 have been used and one remains
- 9 days for Star or Blue Professional Development Days (to be used if we exceed the 4 days built-in)
- 3 have been used and 6 remain (2/9, 2/12, 4/1, 5/28-30).
Currently, we have used 6 of the 13 days , which leaves us with one more snow or inclement weather day that is not required to make-up and 6 starred or professional development days. If we utilize more than the one additional snow day, then we will be required to make those up on any of the star or blue professional days left on our current school calendar. If additional days beyond the one snow day left are utilized during the remainder of the semester, a notification of any calendar changes will be shared at that time.
Key Club Updates
Key Club Washington County Animal Shelter Supplies Drive. Key Club is continuing to accept donations through February 15th. There is a collection bin in the lobby.
You can find a wish list on their website: https://wcjcanimalshelter.org/support-us/wish-lists/
Key Club Fundraiser: Valentine’s Candy Grams. Students and Families may purchase candy and write a special message to a friend which will be delivered on Valentine’s Day. Sales of candy will take place after school on Thursday, February 8th and Tuesday, February 13th. Proceeds will be used for charitable donations and to help with Key Club service and club activities.
Below are the upcoming monthly meeting dates @ 3:00 p.m. in Ms. Squibb’s room:
- Tuesday - February 6, 2024
- Tuesday - March 5, 2024
- Tuesday - April 9, 2024
- Tuesday - May 7, 2024
UNIVERSITY HIGH CLASS OF 2024
WHO WE ARE: The Senior Parent Committee helps facilitate events and provide memorabilia to all Seniors. We have already been hard at work this year hosting events and providing memorabilia to the Class of 2024; please see attached flier for upcoming events.
· T-Shirts, Yard Signs and Holiday Ornaments have been available for pick up in the front office and Dr. Penley’s office. Please make sure your Senior has picked up these items by the end of day Monday, January 15th. After this time, they will no longer be available.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: We need parent volunteers for the upcoming activities, including Senior Week. This is a full week of activities, and we need as many volunteers as possible. Please complete the Sign-up Genius link to let us know how you can help! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050849A8A722ABF58-47059106-help
FUNDRAISING: Each family is expected to contribute $150 towards the cost of the Senior activities, including Senior Week. These funds will be raised via the annual discount card fundraiser.
1. Each Senior is given 10 discount cards to sell for $15 each.
2. Your Senior will stop by the front desk to sign out their discount card envelope, which contains 10 discount cards with instructions.
3. Submit the $150 payment by Friday, February 2, 2023. Please use the envelope with your student's name on it and return it to the office with cash or check, made payable to UH Senior Class of 2024. Return any unsold cards to the office.
4. Or you can submit payment via Venmo, the QR code is attached, Please be sure to note your student's name on the payment.
The Senior Parent Committee appreciates your support. If you have any questions and/or you would like to volunteer - Bridgette Ward (bridgetteward1@gmail.com), Laura Willard (uhclass2021@gmail.com), Stacey Wild (drstaceywild@yahoo.com), or Leisa Harvey (HARVEYL@mail.etsu.edu).
Thank you,
Senior Class Parent Committee
Yearbook Order Forms
It's time to start ordering yearbooks. As most of you know, we have two options: one for grades K-8 and another for grades 9-12; please see the links and order forms below:
Grades K-8:
https://www.jostens.com/apps/jcom/router.mvc?affiliateId=2591462
Yearbook Photo Submissions
We are collecting photographs for our yearbook—student life, sports events, clubs, and all your special school moments. Follow the link below to submit images for Kindergarten through 8th grade or high school.
K-8
https://images.jostens.com/ImageShare/upload
HIGH SCHOOL
Bucky's Student Slam Jam!
Approved 24-25 & 25-26 Academic Calendars
Calendar of Events
January
28 - HS Girls & Boys Basketball @ Cloudland (4:30, 5:30, 6:30, & 8:00 PM)
29 - HS Girls & Boys Basketball @ South Greene (4:30, 5:30, 6:30, & 8:00 PM)
30 - MS Boys Basketball Regional Tourney vs Bulls Gap (Varsity Only) - John Sevier @ 7:30 PM
February
2 - HS Girls & Boys Basketball Home @ Unaka (4:30, 5:30, 6:30, & 8:00 PM @ Brooks Gym)
5 - HS Girls & Boys Basketball SENIOR NIGHT Home vs Happy Valley (4:30, 5:30, 6:30, & 8:00 PM)
9 - HS Girls & Boys Basketball Home vs Cloudland (4:30, 5:30, 6:30, & 8:00 PM @ Brooks Gym)
10 - HS Girls & Boys Basketball @ Unicoi (4:30, 5:30, 6:30, & 8:00 PM)
12 - HS Boys BB Home v. Elizabethton - Boys (6:30 & 8:00) @ Tri-Cities Christian-Girls (6:00)
16 - HS Girls & Boys Basketball District Tournament Begins (TBD)
26 - MS Baseball @ Sullivan Heights (6:00 PM)
27 - MS Softball Home vs. Fall Branch (5:00 PM - Carnegie Park)
29 - MS Softball @ Lamar School (5:00 PM)
29 - MS Baseball Home vs Unaka (5:30 PM - Location TBD)