Congratulations to University School Instructor, Holley Ziglar, on the completion of her doctorate degree!

She was bestowed the honor of Doctor of Education: Curriculum & Instruction: Elementary Education from Liberty University on February 4, 2025!

Way to Go, Dr. Ziglar!

3rd Quarter benchmark testing will begin on Thursday, Feb. 27th. Please see the link below for additional schedule details. The testing lab will be closed on March 3rd and 4th. Additional information regarding accommodations will be shared with individual teachers at a later date.

Grades 3/4 - February 27-March 3
Grades 5/6 - March 5-6
Grades 7/8 and HS EOC Courses - March 3-4

BM3 Daily Schedule - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1WNR5k6dZWGgaKomyXpmkNMdnF0Kk-tk6NfgdtDvpm5Y/edit?usp=sharing

Spaces still available for the upcoming workshop, "Financial Empowerment for Educators." Free, food provided, registration required.

Register:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/financial-empowerment-for-educators-tickets-1207551572259

Deets:

• Thurs, Feb 20, 2025
• 4:30-6:00pm
• ETSU Main Campus, Culp Center, room 219

Who Should Attend?

• PK-12 educators, NE TN and beyond
• Faculty, staff in higher education
• Anyone with student loans, interested in financial tips

Blurb:

This workshop sponsored and hosted by the Center of Excellence in STEM Education, the NE TN STEM Innovation Hub, and the Appalachian Opportunity Fund provides an opportunity for Northeast Tennessee educators (e.g., teachers, faculty) to learn about the building blocks of financial empowerment, hear unique tips and advice from a financial advisor and former teacher, and learn about free personalized financial coaching resources available to support any financial situation.

Speakers include financial coaches and advisors from Appalachian Opportunity Fund and Edward Jones. This event is brought to the community through funding from the Washington County Community Foundation.

Flyer & More Info:

https://www.etsu.edu/coe/stem-education/innovation-hub/workshop.php

Hey K-8 Parents!

We are gearing up for our annual Spring Auction, and we need your help. Every year some of our most anticipated and hotly contested items are our classroom baskets. We're super excited about the themes this year, but we need your help to make them amazing! Each grade has a unique theme, and we're asking every parent to contribute one item to their child's basket. You can donate any item you wish within the theme, or to make it even easier, our awesome volunteers have created Amazon wish lists for each basket. Check them out:

• K Squishmallow Basket: Amazon Wishlist
• 1st Grade STEM Basket: Amazon Wishlist
• 2nd Grade Wicked Basket: Amazon Wishlist

• 3rd Grade We Love Our Pets Basket: Link coming soon 😺🐶

• 4th Grade One Spoiled Mom Basket: Amazon Wishlist

• 5th Grade Video Game and Gadget Basket: Amazon Wishlist
• 6th Grade Cooking and Baking Basket: Amazon Wishlist
• 6th Grade Teen Spa Basket: Amazon Wishlist
• 7th Grade Art for Grown Ups and Art for Kids: Amazon Wishlist
• 8th Grade Disney Basket: Amazon Wishlist

Your contributions will help make these baskets a hit and support our school community. Let's make this auction unforgettable!

Thanks a bunch for your generosity and participation!

Be on the lookout, everyone! Our final University School Spirit Wear Store is coming soon. This will be your last chance to grab your gear for the 2025 season!

Our spring store will feature new designs for tees, tanks, shorts, skirts, and other items to showcase your U School spirit in the warmer weather. Don't miss out on the opportunity to show off your pride and support for University School! A percentage of every purchase goes back to the school.

Stay tuned for more details and get ready to rock your U School spirit wear!

University School is currently reviewing K-12 Science textbooks/curriculum materials for adoption and implementation during the 2025-2026 school year. Families may preview materials approved by the Tennessee State Board of Education at Washington County’s Midway Center from 9:00-2:00 during the week of March 3-7. Materials may also be viewed digitally at https://www.tn.gov/textbook-commission/textbook-online-samples.html. Comments or other feedback may be submitted using the Google Form link below.

This year's "Girls on the Run" program begins 2/18/25 for our girls in grades 3-8 who would like to participate! For those interested, you must be registered by no later than Tuesday, February 18th.

The high school boys soccer team is looking for help keeping the scoreboard & stats at home games, which are held at the Winged Deer turf fields. High schoolers will get volunteer hours for helping. Please use the link below to signup or reach out to Amanda Onks for more information (amanda.g.onks@gmail.com).

https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C0E4AA8A72AA3F9C25-54972530-uhboys

The University High School Softball team is dong their annual support drive to help cover team expenses. All donations are appreciated and can be submitted through the link below.

Our Robotics Club made a fantastic impression at the recent “Roaring Winter Bots” competition hosted by Lakeway Christian Academy in Morristown. Nineteen of our talented students represented the school in their signature navy blue swag, competing fiercely across three teams:

• 2536A – Aluminum Annihilators
• 2536U – The Ultimatum
• 2536S – University Supernova

Under the expert guidance of Coach Havert and Coach McVeigh, our Robotics Club has expanded rapidly to include three competing teams in just two years. Their dedication and teamwork were evident on the field and during strategic group interviews for judged awards, where the students showcased not only their competitive edge but also their collaborative spirit.

A special shout-out goes to Josh, Jude, Marten, Fisher, Sammy, and Jade, who made their first competition debut with the Supernova robot. We are thrilled to welcome them aboard as part of this growing program.

With talent, teamwork, and dedication, the future of University School Robotics continues to shine brightly. We look forward to seeing what these young innovators will accomplish next!

Current 8th Graders: February 17, 2025, 5:30-7:00pm, Ball Hall, Room 127:

High School meeting for current 8th grade students - this is a mandatory meeting for current 8th grade students and at least one parent/guardian.

Meeting Agenda:

• High school graduation requirements
• High school classes offered at University School
• Opportunities available to high school students during their four years of high school
• Grades and GPA
• Students will register for their 9th grade classes at the meeting.

Current 9th & 10th Graders: February 17-March 1, 2025, days and times to be determined: Group meetings with current 9th and 10th grade students during the school day. Parents are not expected to attend. Students will come home with registration information to discuss with their parents/guardians. If parents have any questions, please contact Dr. Shaw or Dr. Day.

Meeting Agenda:

• Review of graduation requirements
• Overview of class offerings for 25-26
• Students will register for their classes for the next year at the meeting, but can submit another registration after discussing with parents if needed.

Attention 6-8th grade: Come enjoy a Night Under the Stars at the SGA Middle School Dance on Friday February 21st from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

Pizza and snacks will be provided. Tickets are $5 in advance from Feb. 19-21 or $6 at the door.

Money will be collected in your classes.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Please complete this form by Friday, February 28, 2025, for each child who is currently enrolled and who is returning to University School for the 2025-26 school year. If we do not receive your response by February 28, your child may be at risk of losing their seat at University School for the 25-26 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 2025-26 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.

Save the date for our final book fair of this school year! The book fair is scheduled for February 24-28th. Please see the information below for more details. Additional information will come home with students soon.

Gently used books for all ages are being collected in Mrs. Ledbetter and Ms. Darnell's rooms. Check out this website for more information. All books will be distributed to people throughout the Appalachian region who were affected by Hurricane Helene.

https://packhorselibrarians.my.canva.site/

February

17: D&D Club in Mrs. Doran's Room @ 3:20 PM

17: HS Parent & Student Meeting for Current 8th Graders (5:30-7:00 PM, Ball Hall Room 127)

18: HS Boys' Soccer Scrimmage vs Cherokee (Winged Deer Park @ 5:30 PM)

18: Girls on the Run/Heart & Sole Meeting in Library (3:00-4:30 PM)

19: After-School Math Help Club in Library

20: Girls on the Run/Heart & Sole Meeting in Library (3:00-4:30 PM)

20: Spring Sports Pictures in School Gym (3:30-8:00 PM)

20: HS Boys' Soccer @ Lakeway Christian (TBD)

21: K-5 Jump for Heart

21: Middle School SGA Dance in School Gym (6:00-8:00 PM)

21: HS Girls' Basketball District Tournament (West Ridge HS)

22: HS Boys' Basketball District Tournament (West Ridge HS)

24: D&D Club in Mrs. Doran's Room @ 3:20 PM

24-28: Scholastic Book Fair in Library

25: Girls on the Run/Heart & Sole Meeting in Library (3:00-4:30 PM)

25: MS Boys' Baseball Home vs Fall Branch (5:00 PM)

25: HS Boys' Soccer Home vs Unicoi (Winged Deer @ 6:30 PM)

26: After-School Math Help Club in Library

27: Girls on the Run/Heart & Sole Meeting in Library (3:00-4:30 PM)

27: MS Girls' Softball Home vs South Greene (Winged Deer Park - Huff 5 @ 5:00 PM)

27: HS Boys' Soccer Home vs Sullivan East (Winged Deer Park @ 6:30 PM)

28: Grades 5-8 Hoops for Heart