University School Weekly Update
February 5-11, 2023
As we prepare for the week ahead, we ask that you please review the information listed below:
No School Day - February 13th
Current Student Reenrollment (Grades K-11)
All students currently in grades Kindergarten - 11th grade will need to complete the following reenrollment form by February 28, 2023.
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 reenrollment 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.
Student Spotlights
Elementary School Honoree – Chloe Mullins (5th Grade)
Chloe is an insightful and thoughtful student as well as kind and caring to her classmates and teachers. She always is engaged in whatever we are doing and contributes valuable and pertinent information in our class discussions. Outside of class, she is a budding musician and incredible big sister. I absolutely love having Chloe in my classes. She makes me smile every day.
Getting to know Chloe:
- If you could teach your pet to talk, what is the first thing you’d teach him to say? “We don’t have any pets. If I could get one, I would get a snake. I really want a snake, they’re cool and come in a lot of different variety. I would teach it to say, ‘I will NOT bite you!’”
- What's your favorite quick joke? “My favorite is one my sister taught me: What did the traffic light say to the other traffic light? ‘Don’t look at me, I’m changing!’”
- Where do you see yourself in five years? “I’ll probably still be at University School. I like it here and my dad works here. He’s Dr. Mullins, the music & band teacher. I play the clarinet now so I’ll probably still be playing it then. I can see myself taking some advanced math classes.”
“Chloe is a top-notch student as well as incredible leader in 5th grade," said Ms. Davis, Chloe's 5th grade teacher. "She displays an eagerness to learn combined with an infectious smile and a kind word for everyone; she is an absolute joy to have in class!"
Middle School Honoree – Avery Hildenbrand (7th Grade)
Avery is kind to everyone she meets. She is a hard worker and dedicated to giving her best effort in all that she does. She is a great friend to all and always willing to help a friend out!
Getting to know Avery:
- If you could teach your pet to talk, what is the first thing you’d teach it to say? “I have four dogs, a cat, and a bearded dragon. My Great Dane, Molly, is probably my favorite. I’d probably teach her to tell me when she needs to go out.”
- What's your favorite quick joke? “Here’s one that makes me laugh and we say it a lot in Mr. Weems’ class: Knock-knock. Who’s there? Europe. Europe who? (you’re a poo, LOL)”
- Where do you see yourself in five years? “In five years, I’ll be a senior. I’ll still be dancing hopefully. And I’ll still have good grades in school.”
“Avery is a go getter!” commented Ms. Lester, the school Librarian. “She works hard and is very dedicated to doing her best. She is always kind and willing to help out in any situation. She is a great leader and a joy to have in class!”
High School Honoree – Lauren Tucker (HS Junior)
Lauren has attended University School since Kindergarten. She is very sweet, friendly, and has a kind disposition. She is involved in several school activities, including cheerleading for basketball and also the high school softball team. She is a member of several clubs at school: Green Club, Key Club, and Beta Club. She is a good student and wiling to help all when needed.
Getting to know Lauren:
- If you could teach your pet to talk, what is the first thing you’d teach him to say? “I have a Pomeranian Papillon dog, Teddy. He’s grumpy all the time. I’d probably teach him to say something like, ‘Get off my lawn!’ since he’s 13 and like an old man that barks at everything.”
- What's your favorite quick joke? “Well, it’s not that quick but I like that flea-in-my-hand joke. It’s basically me pretending to have a flea in my hand, asking you to hold his coat and then pretend the flea is doing tricks. I ask if you believe me, and when you say no I ask why you’re holding its coat.”
- Where do you see yourself in five years? “Five years? That’s after college, so my goal is to be happy, successful, and making lots of money. I’m going to major in finance, so my plan is to be a financial adviser.”
“Lauren is very nice and kind, as well has being school-spirited,” pointed out Dr. Day, University School Assistant Director. Added Ms. Rea, Executive Secretary: “Lauren is involved a lot at the school and is a good example for younger students. She is willing to help out when needed with a smile on her face.”
Jr. Robot Drone League
Storm team Student of the Week
ACT Practice Test(Juniors Only)
All juniors will take the ACT on March 7th. Additional information will be shared with students prior to testing. Below is information on how to access ACT practice tests in the TestNav platform. Students are encouraged to access TestNav and practicing using the online platform prior to testing.
Steps to Access TestNav
- Sign out of school issued Chromebook
- Click Apps at the bottom, left part of the screen
- Click TestNav (change the customer to ACT if the screen does not look like the image below)
- See Mr. Mitchell in the Tech Office if you need help or if you do not have a school issued device to use on March 7th (students must use a UH Chromebook).
Staff Spotlights
National School Counseling Week
Nurse Beverly Pritchard
AP Capstone Informational Meeting
There will be an informational meeting about AP Seminar and the AP Capstone program on Monday, February 6 at 5 PM in the University School Library. Ms. Robinson will present information about AP Seminar for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors who interested in registering for next year. Current AP Capstone students will also share their experiences and answer questions. Parents are welcome to attend.
9-12 STUDENT SURVEY
Senior Night Rescheduled
Due to unforeseen circumstances, University High School Senior Night will now be held Feb 9, 2023 in Brooks Gym.
Please join us in recognizing our senior athletes in boys & girls basketball, boys & girls golf, cross country, and cheer. The ceremony will take place between the varsity girls and boys games, approximately 7:30pm. We apologize for any inconvenience this change causes. Hope to see you in Brooks Gym on Feb 9!
AP Retake Exam
Students interested in retaking an AP Exam for a higher score may indicate their interest on this form. AP Seminar and AP Research are not eligible for retakes due to the unique requirements for those courses. Once responses are received, students will receive an email indicating if space is available in the testing room. Retakes will not be available for courses that reach max capacity for seating.
The deadline to submit an AP Exam retake request is Feb. 10. Requests will be honored in the order in which they are received. The cost of retaking an AP exam is $147. Payment will be due by February 17th.Students should not submit payment until they receive an email confirmation from Dr. Campbell indicating there is space available in the testing room. Students and parents with questions should contact Dr. Campbell at campbellhe@etsu.edu.
AP Retake Request Form - https://forms.gle/hgZ3DR3SKPWc5YQu5
(Photos below are students completing AP Chemistry Labs this past week)
Free Counseling Services
East Tennessee State University’s Clemmer College is offering counseling and mental health support to students, faculty, staff and members of the community through the Department of Counseling and Human Services’ Community Counseling Clinic. There is no cost to utilize these services.
University School Foundation News
Foundation Donor Spotlight
The Auction Committee is already receiving donations from local businesses for our upcoming Spring Auction. Each week we will recognize our community partners. When you're out, be sure to support these businesses and thank them for supporting University School! If you have a business and would like to donate to the auction reach out on Facebook or contact Shawna Trivett at shawna.trivett@gmail.com
Online Auction Sneak-Peak
The auction item of the week comes from our friends at Chicken Salad Chick. They have Generously donated two family meal packs! This and many more will be available to bid on in the auction. 100% of the proceeds go back to University School.
Classroom Auction Baskets K-5
K-5 parents be on the lookout for information about your child’s classroom auction basket. Every grade has a fun different theme. Please consider donating an item or two to the basket. It’s super convenient this year with Amazon wish lists so that all you have to do is click. Please contact your classroom parent volunteer with any questions or if you would like to help gather or coordinate items! Please turn in items or monetary donations by March 24th. The classroom with the winning basket will get a popsicle party provided by the Foundation!
Yearbook Orders
Dear Parents,
It is time to start ordering the 2022/2023 yearbooks. Our yearbook company has changed and we are now working with Entourage Yearbooks. The good news is that there is a price reduction for the high school book but an increase for the elementary/middle school. These costs do not include personalization which is an additional charge.
There are two ways you can order your child’s yearbook.
You may order online at https://www.entourageyearbooks.com .
Once on the website, click on “Buy Yearbook/Ad”. You will be prompted to identify the school, city, and state. You will have a choice for University School (elementary/middle) or University High School and then purchase yearbook link. If you want your book personalized, you will be given that option as well.
The price for ordering is $35 for the high school yearbook and $30.00 for elementary/middle school yearbook. If you choose to include personalization that will be an additional $6.95 charge.
The second way you can order is to submit your order through the school. Just return the attached form with a check made out to University School to either your child’s teacher or to the office. Please make sure the form is completed.
The deadline to order is April 14, 2023.
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.
You may also upload your pictures directly to the yearbook website. When you are on the website you can click on the button to upload photos. It will take you to the site to upload. You will have a choice as to what file you wish upload your photos.
Thank you for your help and if you have any questions or problems, please email me at hammondse@etsu.edu.
Evelyn Hammonds
Yearbook Adviser
Order Form for Yearbooks
Child’s Name:
Parent’s Name:
Contact Information
Phone Number:
Email:
Yearbook Wanting to Purchase:
Elementary/Middle ($30.00)
High School ($35.00)
Make checks payable to University School.
Return order form and check to your child’s teacher or to Mrs. Hammonds (Room 302B).
Personalization: Add $6.95 to the cost
Personalization: name as you wish it to appear
_________________________________________________________
Order deadline: April 14, 2023
Senior Yearbook Ad Information
The University School Yearbook Staff is preparing for the 2022/2023 yearbook. If you would like to purchase a Senior Ad, you can do so now. This is a chance to congratulate the seniors; if you are not familiar with the tradition of Senior Ads, you need only look as far as any Buccaneer yearbook.
A journalism student will create your ad, then we will allow you a chance to proof it and make any changes you wish. On your contract, you may indicate a color scheme for the ad, and we will try to incorporate it. You may submit anywhere from 7 to 20 pictures but be mindful that we are not always able to fit them all on a page. You may also create your own senior’s ad. It can be in a jpeg, or pdf format.
This year you will have the option of uploading your pictures directly to the yearbook site. After you have returned the contract, I will create a file for your child and you may upload your pictures directly to that file. To get to the upload site, you go to https://www.entourageyearbooks.com and click on the button to buy yearbook/ad. You will be prompted to identify the school, city, and state. You will click on University High School and upload photos. There should be drop down menu with the folder for your child’s senior ad. You may also submit the pictures to the school and I will scan and return.
If you are interested in purchasing space in this year’s yearbook, please complete the attached contract as well as submit payment, pictures, and a message by March 1, 2023. After that date, we will not accept any more senior ads.
There are two ways to pay for your child’s senior ad. We will accept cash or checks made out to University School, or you may pay through the online yearbook payment system on the school website. It is located on the main school page in the University School Payment System box. You indicate the size of senior ad you wish to purchase and complete the process.
The staff is looking forward to working with you and creating wonderful ads for you to enjoy! If you have any questions of problems, please let us know! My email address is hammondse@etsu.edu and the school’s phone number is 423.439.4333
Sincerely,
Evelyn Hammonds
Yearbook Advisor
Athletics & Activities
MS Girls Softball
HS Tennis (Grades 8-12)
Those high school students (both boys & girls) interested in trying out for the University High tennis team, please plan to have parents attend an informational meeting scheduled for Monday, Feb. 6th at 6pm. The meeting will be held in the school cafeteria. Please reach out to Jamie Mefford (jamiemefford@gmail.com) with any questions or more information. Tryouts are currently scheduled for Friday, Feb. 17th (time/location TBA).
When: Friday, February 10th
Time: 6:00-8:00 PM
Where: University School Gym
Cost: $5.00 Donation per student
Dress Attire: School Appropriate (Not Formal or Semi Formal, Soft Soled Shoes)
The U Middle School SGA and the U Middle School Foundation have teamed up to put on the first middle school dance in five years!! This event is open to all U
middle school students. SGA is requesting a $5.00 donation with the option to donate a spot for a friend. SGA will be collecting dance donations at the end of the week during middle school lunch and at the door the night of.
SGA has worked hard to vote on the theme, color scheme, decorations, refreshments, and attire for the event. This is where our wonderful U families can help! We need help with several areas including refreshments, decorating, and chaperoning. Please click on the sign-up link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080449A4A823A46-umiddle
Current Needs: Lighting, Valentine Themed Décor, TAPE, Decorating Team, and Chaperones
For those wanting to decorate and/or chaperone, be sure to secure your spot by signing up. You will be contacted through Signup Genius website with further information.
- We are requesting DECORATIONS to be turned into the main office by WEDNESDAY, February 8th
- We are requesting REFRESHMENTS to be turned into the main office by FRIDAY, February 10th
Thanks!
Kristen Bunger, Heather Moore, and Dionne Ganger
Middle School Foundation Reps
Student Volunteer Service Opportunity
Great Volunteer Service Opportunity! Within walking distance of University School!
Register here: https://forms.gle/SvoEh2hx9QsXEPfp7Links to an external site.
Thanks for signing up to help at Tree Streets Community Garden Project.
In our spring garden we will grow spring crops to donate to One Acre Cafe as they provide meals with dignity.
Dates: Thursday, February 9th; Thursday, February 23rd; Thursday, March 2nd
Time: 3:15 to 5:45 PM
Location: 207 West Pine Street
You can expect to dig, remove weeds, mulch, plant, and harvest. Gloves and tools are provided.
Call text or email with questions:
BradofTN@gmail.com or 4233831240
Please put this contact, as well as the date time and location in your phone.
Parent Education Group
Calendar of Events
February
Feb 9 - HS Basketball v/Chuckey Doak - *Senior Night* - 5:00pm
Feb 10 - AP Seminar 1st Presentations
Feb 11 - HS Basketball @ Unicoi County - 5:00pm
Feb 13 - HS Basketball - v/Happy Valley - 5:00pm
Feb 20 - Required Training for ACT Room Supervisors and Proctors
Feb 27 - March 2 - Grades 3 & 4 CASE Benchmarks
March
March 1 - Final Junior Device Checks for ACT - All Juniors meet in the cafeteria from 8 to 9
March 7 - Junior ACT - Testing Online
March 11-April 2 - Spring Break
University School
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