University School Weekly Update

The first book fair of the school year is coming soon! Here is the information about the bookfair!

If you are looking for a good meal on Monday night and would like to support the 8th Grade JC to DC trip, we would encourage you to swing by Raising Cain's. Details about the event are below:

Testing Dates:
Grades 3-6 - September 3-9
Grades 7-8 and HS - September 4-10

Students in Grades 3-8 and HS EOC Classes will complete Quarter 1 benchmark testing beginning on September 3rd. Benchmarks are rigorous, standards aligned assessments that provide teachers with a projection of your child’s performance on the Spring TCAP. While the ELA Part II Essay may be used for a graded assignment, all other benchmarks do not count in a student's grades. However, to provide parents with insight on their child’s performance, there will be two scores provided to families. An explanation of these scores is listed below. Should you have further questions, please reach out to your child’s teacher.

Percent Correct - This score is available once your child completes the benchmark and will be entered into PowerSchool. Except for ELA Part II Essays, the score will not be included in final grade calculations. The percent correct is simply a calculation based on the number of questions your student answered correctly. A lower percent correct could be indicative of standards that have not yet been taught, question types that are particularly challenging, or areas for student improvement.

Individual Student Reports - These score reports will be available after the testing window for Washington County closes. Due to differences in administration dates, ISRs are estimated to be available in late October. Information will be shared in the weekly newsletter prior to these being sent home. ISR reports contain an explanation of how your student scored on questions based on the level of difficulty, performance per standard, as well as their projected proficiency.

University School Student Influenza Vaccinations will be administered on October 15th or 16th, 2026.

Sign up for your student to receive the vaccination on the attached English and Spanish parent letters, QR code or link and complete before September 30, 2026.

We’re so grateful to the families who have donated coffee, snacks, and drinks for the Teachers' Lounge. These small comforts make a big difference for our hardworking teachers.

If you’d like to join in, our Amazon Wish List is linked below.

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/S1B4HED5K38W?type=wishlist&filter=all&sort=custom&viewType=list

A huge thank you to our Out‑Of‑This‑World Sponsors — families and local businesses who keep our Fall Festival shining bright. Your support is truly the rocket fuel behind this beloved event.

If your family or business wants to join the constellation, sponsorships are still open. Click here to find out more: https://2026OutOfThisWorld.ourschool.support

Get ready to support University High School Athletics all year long! 🟡🔵

🎟️ Sports Passes provide admission to all regular-season home games for Middle School and High School athletics.

WHY BUY A SPORTS PASS?

✔️ One pass for the entire 2026–2027 school year
✔️ Attend regular-season home games across Middle & High School sports
✔️ A convenient and affordable way to support University Athletics

🎟️ SPORTS PASS PRICING

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family: $175
👤 Adult: $75
🎓 Student: $35

📋 HOW TO ORDER:
Complete and return the Sports Pass Form to the Main Office with payment, or submit your order online.

📣 Support our student-athletes. Pack the stands. Show your University pride!

🟡 GO BUCS! 🔵

We are so excited for our University K-8 families to join us for our “Under the Big Top” Family Engagement Night. Please pre-register and select 5 events you are interested in attending. We look forward to a fun night filled with learning and family fun!

Congratulations to the following Morning Mile Participants:

• 5 Mile Club: Amelia McNabb (K), Jensen Suhy (1), Rex Kent (1), Caleb Bray (1), Soren Altura-Peterson (5), Lucas Denton (5), & Clara Mullins (6)
• 10 Mile Club: Millie Lunsford (K), Katherine Lunsford (3), & Nathaniel House (5)
• 15 Mile Club: Addie Bowling (5)
• 20 Mile Club: Steven Kipfer (5) & Annie Bowling (5)

8th Grade families interested in purchasing an advertisement/acknowledgement page, for your 8th grader, you may purchase one by clicking on the image below.

Are you interested in playing Middle School Softball? Join us for an informational meeting!

📅 Date: September 8
🕒 Time: 3:20 PM
📍 Location: School Cafeteria

Come learn more about the upcoming season and opportunities to be part of University Middle School Softball! Parent and students invited.

For more information, contact Coach Angelica at aresam@etsu.edu

TCAT has asked that we start creating student waiting lists several trimesters in advance for the more popular programs. We want to make certain that University School students have access to their program of choice. Several programs are already full for the Spring 2027 term. If you have any interest in attending TCAT as a dual enrollment student in the Spring 2027 or Fall 2027 terms, please contact Destiny McRee as soon as possible (mcreed@etsu.edu or (423) 439-5925).

High school softball tryouts for the upcoming season will be held Monday, August 31st, and Tuesday, September 1st, at the ETSU Intramural Turf Fields. Please come prepared with all necessary softball equipment and wear softball pants. Additionally, students must have a physical, SCA, & concussion forms on file. If you have any questions, please reach out to Coach Bolton (boltonj@etsu.edu) for more information.

Senior honor ads available now! Please click the link below for more information regarding senior ads for our yearbook.

All seniors will take the ACT on Tuesday, October 6th. This is mandatory for all students in Tennessee. Testing will begin at 8:00 am and students should report directly to their testing location. Room assignments will be shared with students on the Canvas Counseling course for their grade level. Please contact Dr. Campbell (campbellhe@etsu.edu) if you have any questions.

Students will need to bring the following items on test day.
- CHARGED, School Issued Chromebook and Charger (See Mr. Moore if you need a device)
- ACT Approved Calculator - https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/ACT-calculator-policy.pdf
- Non-Mechanical Pencils

All electronic devices and backpacks must be stored in lockers or student vehicles. These items will not be allowed in the testing rooms. Examples of prohibited items are cell phones, Air Pods, smart glasses, and smart watches.

University School policies regarding electronic devices and cell phones will apply during testing.

MyACT Non-Test Information - All seniors received an email on 8/21 from Dr. Campbell with information on how to set up their MyACT account and enter their student code for access to online score reports. Scores can only be accessed through MyACT.

Practice Materials - https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation/free-act-test-prep/act-online-test-sample-questions.html

Schedule after Testing - Students will resume their normal class schedule after testing is finished.

September Events for School Age Kids (Ages 5-12)

Book Lounge is Wednesdays, September 2 AND September 16 from 3:30-5 p.m. in the Children’s Library. Ages 8-12 discover new genres and titles, play games, and make friends in a fun, laid-back program. This is a drop in program with no registration required.

Craft Tales: Dragon Eggs is on Thursday, September 3 at 4 p.m. in the Jones Meeting Center. Ages 5-8 read “Strong” by Clara Anganuzzi, a touching story about a gentle dragon who loves flowers. Then kids will get creative by designing their own dragon egg to take home. Registration is required at jcpl.org/events.

Art Explorers is Friday, September 11 at 4 p.m. in the Jones Meeting Center. Ages 8–12 explore the work of a famous artist in each session, inspiring creativity and artistic discovery. Young art enthusiasts create their own art piece inspired by the featured artist and style. Registration is required at jcpl.org/events.

READing Paws is held Monday, September 14 from 4-5 p.m. AND Saturday, Saturday, September 19 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Ages 5-10 register for a private 15-minute time slot to read to a trained listening dog in the Library's Storytime Room. Registration is required at jcpl.org/events.

ETSU Arboretum: Know Your Trees is Saturday, September 19 from 2-3 p.m. in the Polly Peterson Room. Learn to identify native trees such as oak, maple, and hickory with the ETSU Arboretum’s Dr. Tim McDowell, and participate in family activities like leaf and seed matching. First come; first served.

Wings of Fire Party is Monday, September 14 from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Library’s Jones Meeting Center. Ages 5-12 celebrate Tui T. Sutherland’s expansive “Wings of Fire” series by exploring the world of Pyrrhia with dragon-themed festivities. This is a drop in program with no registration required.

Stories Around the World about Dragon Mythology is Monday, September 21 at 6 p.m. in the Library’s Jones Meeting Center. Ages 8-12 get excited about mythology by hearing different dragon myths. Kids will delve into epic tales about these fiery and fascinating creatures from all over the world. Registration is required at jcpl.org/events.

Orchestra Lab is Tuesday, September 29 at 4 p.m. in the Library’s Jones Meeting Center. Ages 5-12 join Johnson City Symphony Orchestra members for a fun, interactive music program. Kids will explore a variety of instruments and with opportunities to see, hear, and play them. Registration is required at jcpl.org/events.

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September Events for Teens (Ages 12-18)

Teen Shire Role-Playing Game is a one-shot tabletop gaming session taking place on Wednesday, September 2 from 5-7 p.m. in the Jones Meeting Room. Inspired by the quests of J.R.R. Tolkien, ages 12-18 will embark on an adventure hosted by local gamemaster Kip Polmanteer. No prior RPG experience is required. Snacks and supplies will be provided. Registration is required at jcpl.org/events.

Game Hang is held on Thursdays, September 3, 10, 17 AND 24 from 4-6 p.m. in the Library's Teen Space. Ages 12-18 are invited to bring their favorite games or choose from our collection. Drop in and come play, hang out and have fun in a welcoming, inclusive space for all experience levels. Snacks will be provided.

Teen Tolkien Pens is a writing workshop for teens to celebrate author J.R.R. Tolkien through fantasy world-building. Ages 12-18 are welcome on Wednesday, September 9 from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Library's Jones Meeting Room to build Tolkien-inspired characters and adventures through guided writing exercises with ETSU writing professor Dr. Mark Baumgartner. Share ideas and grow your creative skills in a supportive space. All skill levels are welcome. Supplies will be provided. Registration is required at jcpl.org/events.

Teen Homework Cafe is Mondays, September 14, 21, AND 28 from 3-5 p.m. in the Library's Teen Space. Bring homework and friends to work on projects. Library staff is available to help ages 12-18 find research materials and resources. Snacks will be provided.

Teen Writing Group meets on Tuesday, September 15 from 4-6 p.m. in the Teen Space. Drop in to write, discuss books, and develop your creative writing skills. Share original ideas and exchange feedback with Library staff and fellow writers. All experience levels are welcome. Snacks will be provided.

Teen Precious Trinket Box will be on Wednesday, September 23 from 6-7 p.m. in the Carl Jones Room. Decorate a miniature custom wooden box for your precious treasures, in the style of J.R.R. Tolkien. Snacks and supplies are provided. Registration is required at jcpl.org/events.

Teen Advisory Board Meeting meets on Wednesday, September 30 from 6-7 p.m. in the Library's Teen Space. Ages 12-18 can join TAB to help shape the teen book collection, programs, services and the Teen Space. Earn one volunteer hour community for attending each meeting while building leadership skills, sharing ideas, and working with other teens and library staff. Snacks will be provided.

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September Events for All Ages

Chess Club is held Fridays, September 4 AND September 18 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in the Polly Peterson Room. All ages can challenge their minds and connect with others through the timeless game of chess. Whether you’re learning the basics or mastering advanced strategies, all skill levels are welcome. This is a drop in program with no registration required.

Shirefest is September 20 from 2-4 p.m. at the Johnson City Public Library. Inspired by the Hobbits’ Shire and the rich culture of Appalachia, this free all-ages celebration offers something for everyone. Drop by with your whole family for musical performances by The Butternuts and the Science Hill Chamber Orchestra, traditional folk dancing, and demonstrations by local blacksmiths and fiber artists. You'll experience the traditions and vibes that connect Appalachia and the Shire by playing festival games and hobbity activities, sipping locally-brewed soda, and browsing vendor booths. This is a drop in program with no registration required.

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

August

31 - Book Fair in U-School Library Begins

31 - JC to DC Spirit Night at Raising Cain's

31 - MS Tennis VS. Indian Trail (HOME)

31 - MS Girls Soccer @ Chuckey-Doak (AWAY)

September

1 - K-8 Family Engagement Night (5:00 - 8:00 PM)

1 - Math Mentoring Program (3:15 - 4:15 PM)

1 - HS Golf VS. Happy Valley & Hampton (HOME)

1 - HS Girls Soccer @ Gatlinburg-Pittman (AWAY)

2 - Sign Language Club with Officer Steele

2 - MS Tennis VS. T.A Dugger (HOME) 8th Grade Night

3 - University School Parent Foundation Meeting (8:15 AM - 9:15 AM)

3 - MS Girls Soccer VS. Indian Trail (HOME @ Winged Deer Park)

3 - HS Golf VS. Chuckey-Doak, HV, Johnson Co (AWAY)

3 - HS Girls Soccer @ Mo.West (AWAY)

4 - College App Day

4 - MS Tennis @ T.A Dugger (AWAY)

4 - HS Girls Soccer @ Gatlinburg Tournament (AWAY)

5 - HS Girls Soccer @ Gatlinburg Tournament (AWAY)

5 - MS XC @ Fender's Farm

7 - No School (Holiday)

14 - Fall Break Begins (Students return on Monday, October 5th)

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