University School Weekly Update

October 23, 2026 • 5:30–8:30 PM

Our Buccaneers are gearing up for an Out‑of‑This‑World Fall Festival — inflatables, trunk‑or‑treat, costume contests, food, and more.

Volunteer & Make a Big Impact

This is our largest fundraiser of the year, and it takes a stellar team to pull it off. It’s a short, fun event where your help makes a galaxy‑sized difference.

Sign up digitally for roles of all sizes. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4AA8AE23ABFEC25-64820225-fall

Sponsors Needed

Businesses, families, and community partners can support through Platinum Supernova, Golden Constellation, or Silver Stratosphere sponsorships.

Your tax‑deductible donation directly supports programs, equipment, and technology for University School students.

Questions? Contact Amber Bumgarner • usfoundation.fundraising@gmail.com

Our annual FERPA, Personal Directory, Asbestos, and other important notifications to our school community can be found in multiple locations, including: the student handbook located in this update and on the school website and in your Final Form return to school platform. Any inquires regarding these notifications should be made directly to the school office or school administration.

The University School Math Mentors Program will be an opportunity for those who may desire assistance with math concepts to seek it in a stress-free environment. Unlike a typical after school club, the Math Mentors Program aims to provide a flexible way for students to further their understanding of math concepts when they need it most. Students who join this program are not required to attend every week, but only when they choose to do so. If a student does not require assistance that week, then they do not need to attend the program. Additionally, this program will offer a way for students excelling in math to earn community service hours by mentoring others. Specific details regarding the program are listed below:

Who:

• 5th - 12th graders

When:

• Starting date: August 11th, 2026 Tuesdays every week from 3:00 - 4:15

Where:

• Room 212 (Mrs. Lester’s Room/Library)

Leaders:

• Led by Algebra 2 and Criminal Justice Teacher Mr. Davidson and High-school Senior Darian Azima, President.

Concept:

• Students will enter the library and Darian (President) or Mr. Davidson (Teacher) will find a mentor that can assist them with their school work or better their understanding of the current math concept they individually are learning.
• High school students may leave at 4:15, while 5th - 8th grade students will be escorted to the front lawn by Mr. Davidson to wait on their guardians to pick them up.

Mentoring:

• If a high school student would like to discuss tutoring opportunities, please see Mr. Davidson during his study hall from 12:35 - 1:00 at WP 121.
• Students who choose to mentor should attend as often as they can and let Mr. Davidson or Darian Azima know if they cannot that week.
• Every week when arriving check in with Darian Azima so he can document your volunteer service hours. These will be signed off by Mr. Davidson at the end of the year during the last meeting.

BAND:

• Mr. Davidson will have a group on BAND for communication regarding either the changing of locations or the cancellation of the Math Mentors Program that day if applicable. The QR code to join the group is listed below.

We’re excited to welcome all University School Middle School students back with our annual Middle School Mixer at Wetlands Water Park on August 27 from 6–8 PM!

Students will enjoy an evening of slides, snacks, and splashy fun as we kick off the new school year together. To help keep this event accessible for everyone, we’re requesting a $5 donation per student, with an optional opportunity to donate for a friend.

Please sign the waiver and pre‑register by August 25.

• Registration Link: https://middleschoolmixer2026.ourfundraiser.events/

• Volunteer to Chaperone: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0C45ACAC2DA3FE3-64629302-2026

• Donate Snacks & Drinks: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/36GP7BYH7K03U?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_ggr-subnav-share_YMY5YK2AKP2WDCWXD0VS

This is a private event for University School 6th–8th graders only.

We can’t wait to celebrate the start of another great year with our Middle Schoolers!

Auditions for University School's production of Beauty and the Beast will be Monday, July 27, 3:15-5:30 in room 013 for high school students and any 5th through 8th graders who do not have chorus with Ms. Ross. Auditions for 5th through 8th graders who do take chorus will be during class the week of July 27. Please email Ms. Ross at rossa@etsu.edu with any questions.

After-school care will be provided by University School for the 2026-2027 school year beginning on Friday, July 10, 2026. The program is open to students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. The program operates daily until 5:30 in our school building. All school rules will still be in place during after-school.

In the event that school closes early or is not in session, after school care will not be offered.
After school care will not be open on half days. In the event that the school dismisses using a
controlled release due to a threat in the area, after school care will be cancelled unless otherwise
announced.

The daily cost of the program is $15 per day, with a $60 maximum charge per week, for students who use the program. Payment is only expected for the days your child attends after school care.

Payments should be made to University School.

The site for online payments can be accessed here:

University School Online Payments

Registration for after-school will be submitted online using the following link:

2026-2027 University School After School Registration

It's time for middle school cross country! If you are a runner (or if you are not yet but would like to give it try) the middle school cross country team will be meeting Monday through Thursday from 5:30- 6:30pm at the VA Campus across from ETSU (parking at the top semi-circle parking lot, meeting at the gazebo) beginning tomorrow, Monday July 20. Races are 2 miles, and practice will include both distance and speed workouts. *All runners will need to have turned their physicals in to the school (front office or trainer Ellie Jordan) before attending practice​* Also, please bring a large water bottle, wear shorts/t-shirt and running shoes. Please feel to contact us if you have any questions! We look forward to seeing our returning runners and welcoming new ones! Coach Dave (smithdm8@etsu.edu) and Coach Leslie (leslieburrell@gmail.com).

Join University High School Soccer for a fun and exciting day of skill development, competition, and teamwork!

Bring your cleats, shin guards, water bottle, and be ready to have fun while taking your game to the next level!

For registration details or more information, contact Coach Richards at uhbucssoccer@gmail.com.

If your child is interested in playing middle school baseball in the spring for the 26-27 year, please complete the attached interest form, https://forms.gle/RfPCkmMDDXQpx4YNA, by Friday, July 24th.

This year's senior photos are scheduled for Tuesday, August 4th on the 2nd floor of the ETSU CPA.

The photo session will only be the formal pictures for the yearbook, so all seniors will need to schedule a photo session by clicking on the link below and signing up for a time.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054BA9AC2FA6F5C25-64807687-senior

***Please note: This is a "1-click" program offered by our school photography company, Lifetouch. Students will take one pose, or "click", in formal attire (tux/drape). Because of this, restrooms will be made available for students to change into formal attire if needed. Boys will need a white or light-colored plain t-shirt, and girls will need a tank top for formal clothing. This prevents any bright shirts, collars, straps or designs from showing through on the tux attire and allows shoulders to be clear for the drape attire.***

The PSAT/NMSQT is an OPTIONAL test given to students in 11th grade. Students who are potential National Merit Scholars must take PSAT/NMSQT during their junior year to qualify.

University School will offer the PSAT/NMSQT to 11th grade students on Tuesday, October 13th at 8:00 a.m. This is a school day administration and students will be responsible for making up any missed assignments. The cost for the PSAT is $18 (bring to Dr. Campbell - not the office). Due to online test registration requirements and deadlines set by College Board, students will not be allowed to sign up for the PSAT/NMSQT after the August 10th deadline. Students who have questions may email Dr. Campbell (campbellhe@etsu.edu).

PSAT/NMSQT Registration Form - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdaZyI7JqBeafg0vfOOdTOZjjBhK0A_HbaG4K4YbToeT0bwdw/viewform?usp=publish-editor

Information about PSAT/NMSQT content and format can be found on the College Board website. (https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqtLinks to an external site.)

High school students interested in trying out for the UH golf team, please complete the registration form via the QR code located on the graphic. Tryouts will be held Tuesday, July 28 and Thursday, July 30 at Pine Oaks Golf Course. Students must have their own clubs, transportation to and from practices and matches, and a completed physical on file prior to attending tryouts. If numbers warrant, we will have varsity (up to 6 boys, up to 3 girls) and JV Team (up to 4 boys, up to 2 girls). Any questions can be directed to Coach Penley (penleyj@etsu.edu) or Coach Havert (havertn@etsu.edu).

Johnson City Kiwanis Club is hosting their fifth annual Back to School Bash, which provides backpacks, school supplies, food and activities for local students in need of materials ahead of the new school year. This event, held on July 24th from 3-7pm, empowers children to start the school year excited, and with more confidence. Kiwanis Club members are asking for donations of school supplies such as backpacks, glue sticks, crayons, pencils, notebooks, pens, markers, folders, erasers, etc. A drop box will be located in the front lobby at University School for donations. The deadline is July 22nd. Thank you!

(JOHNSON CITY, TENN.) The Chamber of Commerce, serving Johnson City, Jonesborough and Washington County, is now accepting applications for its 2026-2027 3D Youth Leadership program, a class focusing on highschoolers’ leadership development. Online applications, along with the $100 tuition, close on Friday, July 31 at 4 p.m.

The program is open to high school juniors and seniors and runs from September 19 to April 3, with the class meeting once a month on Saturdays. 3D Youth Leadership aims to equip, empower and inspire students to become more engaged and impactful leaders in their schools and community.

“Since 1998 over 700 students have graduated from the Youth Leadership program” said Chamber Director of Leadership & Engagement Elisa Britt. Each member is a steppingstone to a prosperous community.

Facilitators of the class, with the help of business leaders and community partners, provide programming that covers effective communication, team building, time management, leadership effectiveness and more. Students graduate with a refreshed knowledge of what it means to be a leader both inside and outside of the classroom.

Classes begin soon, submit your application today. The online application and payment system for the program are live and can be found at https://johnsoncitytnchamber.com/3d-youth-leadership/

About the Chamber

The Chamber of Commerce, serving Johnson City, Jonesborough and Washington County, is a 501-C6 organized to promote business, enhance economic and community development, and serve as a catalyst for improving the overall quality of life in the community and region. It is also supported by the Chamber Foundation, a 501-C3 dedicated to promoting education, leadership and business development programs. Through strategic programming, advocation and resources, we position our members to achieve their greatest business and community potential.

For more information, visit www.johnsoncitytnchamber.com.

July

23 - MS Tennis Parent Interest Meeting @ 6:00 PM

24 - HS Golf Interest Meeting @ 3:15 PM

August

6 - Senior Picture Day - CPA Studio (Formal Shots Only)

19 - Early Dismissal @ 1:00 PM for all students

27 - MS Mixer Event @ Wetlands

28 - Parent-Teacher Conference Day

Please note the following changes to our schedule this fall:

• August 19th - Early Dismissal Day for all students; students will be dismissed at 1:00PM on this day due to a University Meeting for the College of Education and Human Development that our faculty will need to attend.

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