University School Weekly Update

"PICKIN' in the SCHOOL-YARD" (April 11th, 10-2), our annual JAM fundraiser, is in 2 weeks! Please come celebrate and support traditional arts in our school and community (rain or shine)!

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! Please sign up now to help in some way:

https://signup.com/go/kyTQHMR

VENDOR Sign up (parent/student/community members) by 4/1:

https://forms.gle/6axm4u1yzTW4piEUA

Music Schedule:
10-10:35 State of Franklin (outside)
10:40-11:00 Elementary School students (gym)
11-11:35 Ambassadors (outside)
11:40-12 MS/HS Chorus (gym)
12-1 Junior Appalachian Musicians Showcase (outside)
1-1:40 ETSU Ramblers (outside)

K-8 Art will be shared and on display and vendors will be available for purchase.

Note: This year JAM students will have the opportunity to also participate in the ETSU String Summit (at no cost). There will be opportunities Thurs-Sat to attend (more info will be sent home to parents directly). An additional Summit workshop, held by resident artist, Missy Raines, will be provided for our JAM students during "Pickin in the School-Yard".

"Pickin in the School-Yard" is a collaboration between: JAM of Upper East Tennessee (serving 4-12 students from University School, Sullivan County, and Johnson City); University School students; and ETSU Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies.

To know more about JAM, make a donation to our 501c3 nonprofit, or for questions/more information, please contact Kim Greenland at allisonk@etsu.edu.

The University School Foundation’s Bloom 2026: Growing Our Future online auction opens Thursday, April 11 at 10:00 AM. You can also stop by JAM’s Pickin’ in the School‑Yard to preview select items in person on campus. Bidding will remain open until midnight on April 17, and we’ll continue adding new items throughout the week.

This year’s lineup includes incredible offerings such as a one‑week Belize Beach House stay, the Carnegie Hotel’s Enhance Your Romance package, an Ozzie Albies autographed photo, a General Shale fire pit, and even a full week of Appalachian Christian Camp. You’ll also find getaways, family attractions, dining favorites, beauty and wellness services, sports tickets, home and auto packages, and so much more.nPlus our K-8 classroom baskets donated by our parents and the always popular K-5 classroom pottery!

Preview items now: https://BLOOM2026.ourschool.auction — but be sure to check back regularly as new items are being added daily.

Fresh designs, vibrant colors, and new styles have arrived in the University School Foundation’s Online Spirit Wear Store. Shop tri‑blend and garment‑dyed tees, cropped styles, tanks, shorts, skorts, hats, totes, and more — all created just for our Buc community.

A portion of every purchase supports Foundation programs that directly benefit our students.

The store is open through Friday, April 10th. Orders can be shipped directly to your home, or you may choose “Pick Up My Order” to have a University School representative distribute items to students free of charge.

Shop the collection: https://stores.inksoft.com/university_school_spirit_store/shop/home

University School will be administering state-mandated TCAP Achievement Assessments to students in grades 3-8 and those enrolled in high school subjects with End of Course exams beginning on Monday, April 13, 2026 and ending Monday, April 27, 2026. Students in Grades 6-12 will need their charged, school issued Chromebook and charging cord.

TCAPs (Grades 3-5 Paper Based/Grades 6-8 Computer Based)

• April 13: Grades 3-8 ELA Subpart I

• April 14: Grades 3-8 ELA Subparts II and III

• April 15: K-6 attend in person/7-12 remote learning day (see info below)

• April 16: Grades 3-8 ELA Subpart IV and Math Subpart I

• April 20: Grades 3-8 Math Subparts II-III

• April 21: Grades 3-8 Science

• April 22: Grades 6-8 Social Studies

• April 23: K-6 attend in person/7-12 remote learning day (see info below)

EOCs (Grades 9-12 - Computer Based)

• April 15: English I & II (Grade 7-12 remote learning day/tested students required to attend in person)

• April 22: SAILS/SDC Statistics Challenge Exams

• April 23: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II (Grade 7-12 remote learning day/tested students required to attend in person)

• April 24: Biology and U.S. History

• April 27: Double Math EOC (teachers will share info with students enrolled in 2 math courses)

Remote Learning Days

April 15th and 23rd will be remote learning days for students in grades 7-12. Students in grades K-6 and any student scheduled to take an EOC are required to attend school on campus from 8:00 - 3:00. Assignments and remote learning expectations will be communicated by your child’s teacher.

Preparing for Test Day

Federal and State Law states that every student be administered the same State Board approved standardized tests required of public school students in accordance with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015 and T.C.A. § 49-1-602 pertaining to district and school accountability.

The TCAP assessment is a fully aligned assessment that captures the depth and breadth of what students are learning--and have been learning--in the classroom every day. The information from this year’s assessment will provide educators, parents, and students with a perspective on how students are progressing academically compared to their peers across Tennessee, and better information about a student’s strengths, needs, and areas for growth.

Parent request days will not be approved during state testing. Please do not schedule appointments or early dismissals on testing days. Students cannot be released from the testing room once testing has started.

You can encourage your child to do well on the tests and help them at home by doing the following:

• Discuss the tests with your child and send them to school with words of encouragement.

• Make sure your child goes to bed early and gets plenty of rest.

• Make sure your child eats a good breakfast.

• Arrive at school on time.

Optional Requested Time

Chapter 978 of the Public Acts of 2022 (PC978), codified at Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-6015, allows for TCAPs to be administered in a timed format with an additional “Optional Time” period (known as Requested Time). University School has decided to implement a schedule that includes time for any student to make a request for “Optional Time”. The amount of extra time will vary and is calculated as an additional 20% of the testing time per subtest. Students are not required to use the optional time, however they will remain in the testing room until dismissed.

Prohibited Devices During Testing

Students are NOT PERMITTED to possess or access any electronic devices while in the testing room. If a student accesses any of these devices during testing, the student's test results in that content area may be invalidated and a score of 0 entered in PowerSchool. Additional disciplinary action may also be taken.

Examples of prohibited devices include cell phones, Air Pods, smart watches, smart/Meta glasses, etc.

Where to find additional resources

Access the University School website for more information. Testing dates and other information may be found by selecting Testing Schedule under the Parents Tab. Information regarding TCAP/EOC Assessments can be located on the Tennessee Department of Education website.

Parents and students are encouraged to contact Dr. Campbell (campbellhe@etsu.edu) with any questions.

Please review the Spring State Testing Schedule for our school below; we ask that you please avoid scheduling any conflicting appointments on the day your child(rent) are scheduled to test.

Congratulations to 6th grader, Ife Adeyemi, for earning first place in the Tennessee Secretary of State Civics Essay Contest for grades 6–8. Her winning essay, “The Nashville Student Movement: America at Its Best,” earned her a $500 college scholarship.

Ife and her family were invited to attend an awards ceremony in Nashville over spring break, where she and the other state winners received certificates, enjoyed a celebratory luncheon, and participated in a guided tour of the state capitol hosted by Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett.

We are incredibly proud of her hard work and achievement—not only as a representative of University School, but also for representing students across the state of Tennessee.

The Junior-Senior Prom will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 7:30-10:30 pm, at the Carnegie Hotel, lower ballroom. Use the back entrance to the hotel for easiest access.

REGISTRATION:
Juniors and Seniors planning to attend prom must complete the prom registration (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScbw3nXiuhVdM_V7B90J5kv4QnfoZ2Hpd9uz1KbAhn__Qei2A/viewform). If you bring a guest who is a 9th or 10th grader at University School, they also need to complete the registration.

Guests: Current University School Juniors and Seniors may bring one guest who is not a current University School Junior or Senior. Guests must be at least a high school student and under 21 years old.
For guests who are not University School students, a guest permission form (https://www.etsu.edu/uschool/clubs/documents/university_high_school_prom_guest_form.pdf) (printed forms available in the office) must be turned in by Wednesday 4/22/26 to be reviewed. Approved outside guests must bring an ID to be admitted to prom.
For guests who are University School 9th or 10th grade students: they need to complete the prom registration form.

TICKETS: (https://epay.goldlink.etsu.edu/C20071_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=719&SINGLESTORE=true)
Current University School Seniors do not need to purchase a ticket for themselves. University School Seniors are free, but they still need register. If bringing a guest/date who is not a current senior at University School, a ticket will need to be purchased for the guest.

All other students attending prom must have purchased a ticket by 4/24/26..
TICKETS can be purchased online for $15. - NO TICKET SALES AT THE EVENT.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Day (daya@etsu.edu).

Need to Meet with Dr. Shaw? Sign up for an appointment!

Can't find Dr. Shaw in her office? If you would like to meet with her regarding next year's schedule or any other topic, please sign up for a slot between 4/8-4/24 using the Sign Up link. Slots prior to 4/8 are reserved for Rising Seniors ONLY.

https://signup.com/go/jSpMKqFLinks to an external site.

3D Youth Leadership is designed to equip, empower and inspire high school students to become engaged, impactful leaders in their schools and communities. Meeting one Saturday each month from August to May at the Chamber office, the program covers a variety of essential topics, including effective communication, team-building, college/workforce readiness, leadership development and more.

Throughout the year, juniors and seniors from public, private and home high schools develop their skills and confidence needed to lead in diverse settings, learning how to make a positive difference in their environments. The program culminates in a graduation ceremony in May, celebrating the students’ growth and achievements. 3D Youth Leadership not only prepares young people for future success but also helps share the next generation of community leaders.

3D Youth Leadership requires a $100 tuition payment.

Congratulations to Dalencia Kittrell on breaking the school record in the 200 Meter Dash—for the 11th time!

Dalencia is a senior and a multi-sport scholar-athlete, excelling in both Soccer and Track & Field. After graduation, she plans to continue her running career at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee.

We look forward to watching Dalencia and her University School teammates shine this season and for many years to come.

Way to go, Dalencia!

The University High Buccaneers boys soccer team had a weekend to remember at the Smoky Mountain Cup Tournament, sweeping all three matches to claim the Mount Sequoyah Division championship.

The Bucs opened Friday with a dominant 3-1 victory over Carter High School, powered by a hat trick from senior Danny Rojas. Freshman goalkeeper Cole Arnold was sharp in net, turning away four shots to earn the win.

On Saturday, Rojas continued his outstanding tournament with two more goals in a 4-1 win over Oneida. Sophomore Cooper Booth added a goal of his own, with Rojas picking up the assist, and Cooper Onks rounded out the scoring. Sophomore A.J. Campbell delivered an impressive nine-save performance between the posts.

The Buccaneers saved their best for last Sunday, edging Livingston Academy 2-1 to seal the championship. Booth played a starring role, scoring the opener off an assist from Caden Richards and then setting up Onks for the match-winner. Goalkeepers Arnold and Peter Reeves shared duties, each playing a half to combine for the near shutout performance.

With the sweep, your Buccaneers are off to a remarkable 5-0-2 start to the season. Don't miss your chance to be part of the excitement! Come support your Buccaneers at Winged Deer Park, Monday at 6:30 p.m. vs. Volunteer High School and Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. vs. Gate City High School!

Interested in playing Girls High School Soccer? Whether you’re an experienced player or new to the game, we’d love to have you learn more. We’re building a strong, competitive program and are excited to continue growing participation and interest.

An informational meeting will be held to share details about the upcoming season, expectations, schedules, and May tryouts. Students and parents are encouraged to attend.

📅 Wednesday, April 22
⏰ 5:30 PM
📍 School Library

If you have questions or can’t attend but want more information, please contact Morgan Richards at UHbucssoccer@gmail.com.

Come out, get informed, and see if girls soccer is right for you!

Senior Week is right around the corner in May, and we’re excited to celebrate the Class of 2026 with a full lineup of traditions and milestone moments. Events include Senior Sunset, Senior Day at Dollywood, the Holston Presbytery Retreat, rehearsal and picnic, Baccalaureate at Munsey Memorial UMC, and finally Senior Walk, Graduation, and Project Graduation.

RSVPs for the senior trips and Baccalaureate will be coming out soon, so please keep an eye out and respond promptly to help us plan smoothly for each event.

You can always find the most up‑to‑date details here: ourschool.support/UH_ClassOf2026

Class of 2026 families, please take a moment to complete the RSVP for this year’s Baccalaureate Reception, held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church.

Your response helps our committee and caterer prepare for a meaningful evening celebrating our seniors, and we ask that families submit the form as soon as possible.

RSVP here: https://forms.gle/b8ck7bStRwTTrkfn9

Thank you for helping us plan a special night for the Class of 2026.

Project Graduation is set for an unforgettable night of fun, food, and prizes in the CPA following the graduation ceremony. This long‑standing tradition provides seniors with a safe, substance‑free celebration where they can enjoy one last night together as a class — a mission that has made Project Graduation a beloved and meaningful part of the University School experience.

To make this year’s event a success, we need your help. We are seeking businesses willing to donate food and prizes, as well as parents who can help solicit these items from our community.

If you are able to donate or volunteer, please contact Holly Scheller at nurseholly1@gmail.com.

Thank you for helping us create a memorable and safe celebration for the Class of 2026.

Join Johnson City’s Junior Council on Wednesday, April 8 at 6 p.m. in the Library’s Jones Meeting Center to learn about the college life experience.

Ages 12-18 will learn what to expect during your first year of college, from classes and campus life to managing time and responsibilities. Discover strategies for adjusting smoothly and making the most of your experience.

Registration is required.

Welcome to Ren Camp! We're celebrating our 24th year! Here, your campers can dive into exciting, hands-on STEAM adventures each day, exploring science, technology, engineering, art, and math in fun and meaningful ways.

What's New This Year?

• Two field trips per week (except during our two Kitchistry weeks)
• We're now offering a Drama Camp with an end of the week performance
• Bigger and better end-of-week parties
• Kitchistry now expanded into two full weeks for even more time in the kitchen
• Some new field trips that we've never been on!
• Meet real scientists, artists, and creators through special guest visits and live demos.

Ren Camp's mission is to foster a sense of belonging where teamwork and creativity thrive through engaging, hands-on experiences that empower campers to learn, connect, and grow.

Camp Themes:

• Week 1 - Mythical Creatures Academy- June 1- 5
• Week 2 - Robo World - June 8 - 12
• Week 3 - Kitchistry & Lights, Camera, Action - June 15 - 19
• Week 4 - Once Upon a Fairytale & Kitchistry - June 22 - 26
• Week 5 - Treasure Planet (Space Pirates) - July 6 - 10
• Week 6 - Survivor - July 13 - 17
• Week 7 - Rhythm Around the World - July 20 - 24
• Week 8 - Time Travelers - July 27 - 31

If you have any questions, please call: (423) 439 - 8084 or email: Browderkn@etsu.edu

Applied STEM foundation is a 3-week experiential program that covers various academic majors such as computing, digital media, engineering, and biology. The program is mainly for high school students interested in a STEM major but mature 8th graders are encouraged to attend. The program emphasizes exposure to technological concepts, idea development, and skills that support success within a STEM major using an experiential model. Students will also work with ROTC and complete fun challenges. The opportunity to earn college credit and scholarships may be available. Summer 2026 will have two tracks that students can select from.

• Track 1 -covers, Computing, Digital Media, Engineering, and other STEM concepts.

• Track 2 - covers Biology, Dental Hygiene, Radiologic Science, Environmental Health and Technology

Enrollment is now open.

Enrollment Link: https://www.etsu.edu/coe/summer-camp/applied-stem/

Cost: $75 which includes lunch

Dates: June 1-19 8:30 am – 3:30pm.

Any student interested in taking classes at one of the TCAT locations during the 26/27 school year should complete the Google form below. If you have any questions regarding potential classes or regarding the form, please contact Destiny McRee.

https://forms.gle/pq5TNvfFy4Gbe6NDA

A one-week Art & Museum Teen Camp for 7th graders and up, Mosaic Mountain: Materials of Collaboration, will be in session June 1-5. Campers will create multiple artworks to be exhibited in one of the Reece Museum's three galleries. Collaborating with local artist Amanda Renfrow and museum staff, campers will work together to create individual works of art through collaborative group projects exploring different media. Projects will include wheat paste collage, contact paper window collage, and a large-scale wind-chime mobile. The exhibition will open to the public at the end of the camp and remain on display through September 4. Students will be able to take their work home at the end of the exhibition.

For more information: 2026 Teen Art Camp - 262-9005A-9

• Do you want to be a leader?
• Do you want to shape the future of our nation?
• Do you want to preserve the freedoms we all hold dear?
• Do you want to learn how to become a contributing citizen?
• Do you want to better your community, your nation, and society as a whole?

You can do all of this and more at Tennessee American Legion Boys State, a training
ground for the leaders of tomorrow. This five-day gathering — made up of counselors
and 600 young men representing every county in Tennessee — is designed to offer
hands-on experience in the problems of government.

To accomplish this, participants are tasked with putting into practice the theories of government
through actual participation in city, county, and state governments organized as a “Mythical 51st State,” complete with political parties, an election, and the establishment of judicial, legislative,
and executive branches of government.

If interested, please contact Destiny McRee at mcreed@etsu.edu or 423-439-5925.

Any parent interested in participating in voluntary a research study being conducted by Dr. Wallace Dixon from the ETSU Department of Psychology, please review the information below:

GattonRx Summer Camp
The annual GattonRx Summer Camp will be held June 1-5. The overnight camp is open to high school juniors and seniors interested in learning more about the pharmacy profession. The event will include lots of hands-on activities; opportunities to learn directly from students, faculty and practicing pharmacists about the profession; campus tours; and fun with peers.

An online application for the camp is required. If accepted, the residential camp fee is $400 for a double-occupancy room and $500 for a single-occupancy room. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.

Register at etsu.edu/pharmacycamp.

If you would like additional information, please contact Destiny McRee.
(423) 439-5925
mcreed@etsu.edu

The United States Military Academy at West Point is excited to offer your rising seniors (current juniors) the Summer Leaders Experience (SLE)—a rigorous five-day, overnight immersion led entirely by current West Point cadets.

SLE offers an authentic look at cadet life and challenges students academically, militarily, physically, and socially. Participants will experience:

Hands-on academic workshops:

• Choose from 17 sessions taught by West Point faculty.
• Physical and military training: Army PT workouts, obstacle courses (indoor and outdoor), the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA), and more.
• Leadership and character development: Team-building exercises, the Leader Reaction Course, ethics discussions, and cadet-led activities.

Students can choose between three SLE sessions:

• Session 1: May 30 – June 3

• Session 2: June 5 – June 9

• Session 3: June 11 – June 1

West Point provides scholarships to cover the $495 SLE fee and travel expenses for students with documented financial need.

Any junior interested in this opportunity should contact Destiny McRee as soon as possible.
(423) 439-5925
mcreed@etsu.edu

April Events for Ages 12-18:

• Teen Homework Cafe is held each Monday in April from 3-5 p.m in the Library's Teen Space. Ages 12-18 can bring their homework to complete after school. Library staff is available to help find research materials and resources, and snacks are provided.

• Creative Writing Workshop for teens is held on Wednesday, April 1 from 6-7 p.m. in the Teen Space. Unleash your imagination and drop in to write, share ideas, and level up your stories in a supportive space for self-expression.

• Junior Council Session 2: Life as a College Student will be on Wednesday, April 8 from 6-7 p.m. in the Library’s Jones Meeting Center. Learn what to expect during your first year of college from the peer-led Johnson City Junior Council. From classes and campus life to managing time and responsibilities, discover strategies for adjusting smoothly and making the most of your experience after high school. Register here.

• Teen Book Club - Onward: 16 Climate Fiction Short Stories to Inspire Hope is held on Wednesday, April 15 at 6-7 p.m. in the Jones Meeting Center. Explore this collection of powerful stories by notable YA authors, which imagine responses to climate change while emphasizing resilience, creativity, and hope for the future. Register here.

• Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is open to anyone ages 12-18 who is interested in helping make the Teen Space a safe and exciting place. TAB will meet on Wednesday, April 22 at 6:30 p.m. to share ideas for the Teen Space, collection, programming, and vision for the future.

Visit jcpl.org/events to find more upcoming events.

April

6-9 - High School Cheer Tryouts

6 - GOTR/ Heart and Soul Practice

6 - HS Softball @ West Greene

6 - HS Baseball @ Elizabethton

6 - HS Boys Soccer VS. Volunteer (HOME)

7 - HS Softball VS North Greene (HOME)

7 - Track @ Science Hill (JV Meet)

7 - Tennis @ Johnson Co.

7 - MS Softball VS. Providence (HOME)

7 - HS Baseball VS Madison Co NC (HOME at Thomas)

7 - MS Boys Soccer @ Unicoi Co.

8 - Math Help Club

8 - Track @ Abingdon (Varsity Only)

8 - Tennis @ Unicoi Co. HS

8 - HS Boys Soccer VS Gate City (HOME)

9 - GOTR/ Heart and Soul Practice

9 - HS Softball VS Cloudland (HOME)

9 - MS Softball VS. Gray (HOME)

9 - Tennis VS. Cherokee (HOME) (SENIOR NIGHT)

9 - MS Boys Soccer @ Cocke Co.

10 - HS Baseball @ Oakdale (DOUBLEHEADER)

10 - HS Softball @ Hancock Co.

10 - HS Boys Soccer Providence Tournament (TBD)

11- Pickin in the Schoolyard (JAM)

11 - HS Baseball @ Oakdale VS Cumberland Co.

11 - HS Baseball @ Oakdale VS Harriman

11 - Track @ Frank Carver Invitational (TN High)

Email: UNIVERSITYSCHOOL@etsu.edu
Website: www.etsu.edu/uschool/
Location: 68 Martha Culp Dr. Johnson City, TN, 37614
Phone: (423)439-4271
Facebook: facebook.com/uschool1911
Twitter: @USBucs