University School Weekly Update

✨ Teacher Appreciation Week is here! ✨

Join us as we celebrate our incredible teachers with a fun “Week Around the World” theme this coming week (May 4–8).

Please take a moment to sign up to contribute or help—it truly takes a village and every little bit makes a difference! ❤️

📎 See flyer + sign up here: Teacher Appreciation Week Signup

We are starting to fill in Foundation board and committee positions for next school year. Do you have an interest in helping by leading or joining a committee? There are roles big and small and we welcome everyone who would like to help! The Foundation is a great way to get involved at school. Reach out to Kathryn Comerford at usfoundation.president@gmail.com.

Student design contest t-shirts are available for purchase in the front office for $20. Limited quantities so grab one while supplies last!

We never do this… but the FOMO was real. For one week only, the Spirit Wear Store is open again.

If you want to rep U School all summer long, this is your moment — but you’ve got to get those orders in before Friday the 8th.

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

It's that time of year again. As we are winding down the school year, we are winding down the library as well. All library books are due by Friday, May 8th, 2026. This gives time for the library staff to complete a library inventory, look for missing/lost books, and get books ready for the new school year in July. Please reach out to Mrs. Lester with any questions.

The Middle School Field Day (grades 6-8) is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6th and the Elementary Field Day (grades K-5) is scheduled for Friday, May 8th.

AP exams are scheduled from May 4th - May 15th. All students are required to take AP exams for courses in which they are currently enrolled on the date/time they are scheduled.

Students MUST BE ON TIME. Afternoon exams may last beyond school hours, so students should plan accordingly.

AM Test Reporting Time - Between 7:45-7:50
PM Test Reporting Time - Between 11:30-11:45 (Students should eat lunch at 11:00)

Students must have their Chromebooks, charging cables, and calculators (if applicable). They must also have their College Board login information memorized to be able to access their exams.

For all AP exams - A student observed with any prohibited items during testing or breaks may be dismissed from the exam, the device may be confiscated, the student’s score may be canceled, and no retest will be permitted. In addition, the College Board will be notified and appropriate steps taken for future AP testing. See College Board's Terms and Conditions for a full list of prohibited items.

Additional AP exam info and logistics were emailed to AP students and parents. Students should see their teacher or Dr. Campbell if they have any questions.

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.

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.

Congratulations to all of the University School Girls and Coaches who participated in this past Friday's celebration event and run in Bristol!

In 7th Grade, we will offer a 7th Grade Honors Math option for students who are ready for the challenge. Please read the attached letter and complete the parent response form if you have interest in your child participating in 7th Grade Honors Math.

In 8th Grade, we will offer multiple opportunities for your child to accelerate into high school courses. Please read the attached letter and complete the parent response form if you have interest in your child participating in these opportunities.

Congratulations to the following Morning Mile Club Runners:

• 15 Mile Club - Everett Andrews (K)
• 45 Mile Club - Theo Burton (4)
• 70 Mile Club - Lindell Hanson (6)

Please mark your calendars to join University School faculty, family, and friends Wednesday, May 6, at 3:15pm in the school library for a signing ceremony to recognize baseball standout Knox Poston. Knox has signed to continue his academic and baseball career at Roane State Community College.

A four-year starter on the Buccaneers’ varsity, Knox is a four-time All-District selection, was a member of the TSSAA Super Freshman Team in 2023, helped lead his team to the TSSAA state championship game in 2024, and was the 2025 District Tournament MVP. Additionally, Knox has been a standout pitcher, logging 130 career innings and tallying 135 strikeouts. At the plate, he has collected 130 hits and drove in 104 RBIs over his high school career. His ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game has made him an invaluable asset to his team.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Knox also has distinct accomplishments in the classroom. He will graduate with a 4.18 GPA, scored a 33 on the ACT, and has already earned 48 college credit hours through dual enrollment at East Tennessee State University. His commitment to excellence extends well beyond the field, showcasing the discipline and work ethic that will serve him well at the next level. “Knox Poston is a great baseball player,” said University High Head Coach Pat Ryder. “He has been a starting varsity player for four years, demonstrates exceptional performance as a pitcher, hits cleanup, and consistently excels defensively. It has been my great honor to coach him.”

Knox’s baseball journey continues this summer, as he will move to Springfield, Illinois, the day after graduation to play for the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes in a competitive prospect league. It’s the next chapter in a story that began at just four years old in T-ball and has grown through Little League, travel ball and a standout high school career.

Seniors: Each year on honors night, we award the Military Recognition to some students. The Military Recognition is designed to recognize the sacrifices graduating seniors who are military dependents have made when one or both of their parents have been away serving in uniform. The Youth Action Council paved the way to recognize these sacrifices. Since 2019, graduating seniors have had the option to wear a purple cord with their graduation regalia.

Please email Mrs. Destiny McRee (mcreed@estu.edu) with any questions or to be added to the recognition list.

If you would like to purchase a prize to donate for our hourly drawings during Project Graduation (May 22), please contact Holly Scheller by email, text, or phone. We have a list of specific prizes that will be useful to all seniors, no matter what path they choose after graduation. Most prizes range from $35–$100. We are also collecting $10 gift cards so everyone will go home with one. Let's make this a memorable event for Class of 2026!

Please take a moment to sign the Senior Week permission forms your student brought home and have them return the completed packet to the office by Monday at 9:00 AM.

The packet includes permission forms for:

• Dollywood

• Holston Retreat

• Lunch after rehearsal

• Baccalaureate

We want every senior to be part of these special events, and returning the signed forms helps us finalize reservations and headcounts.

Thank you for helping us make Senior Week smooth and memorable for everyone.

Grace Meadows Farm - June 22-26 from 9am to 2pm Monday-Friday. Lunch & snacks provided. $200 for the week.

Grace Meadows Farm Camp is a week long camp where children will rotate through stations to learn, create, play, and have adventure. They will experience many aspects of a working farm with daily themes including Meet the Farm, From Seed to Sprout, Dairy Day, Farm to Fork, and Farm Olympics Game Day. This camp is interactive, play-based, and a great opportunity for kids to simply enjoy the outdoors.

Grace Meadows Farm Summer Kids Camp

STREAMWORKS - June 1-5 (M-F 9-4 p.m.) and June 15-19 (M-F 9-4 p.m.). Bring your own snacks and lunch. $150 per week.

An immersive STEM summer camp that will allow your child to explore robotics, coding, and hands-on tech projects. Kids will learn about the latest technologies in the field. Whether a beginner or an experienced coder, this camp is a perfect fit for you. This enriching and fun-filled experience is one to take advantage of!

Streamworks 2026 Summer Camp

The East Tennessee State University College of Nursing would like to invite any rising 6th-8th (as of fall 2026) graders to a week-long summer camp (June 1-5) to explore healthcare and nursing. Campers will participate in engaging, hands-on activities such as CPR instruction, basic first aid, interactive simulations, a low ropes course, a planetarium visit, and more. Lunch is provided daily, and spots are limited.

This is a free fishing event open to children ages 3-16. The event will take place in Kingsport, TN.

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

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

May Events for Ages 12-18:

• Teen Homework Cafe is held each Monday in May from 3-5 p.m in the 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.

• Financial Literacy with Talley Wealth will be on Wednesday, May 6 at 6 p.m. in the Library’s Jones Meeting Center. Start building your money smarts with a teen financial literacy workshop led by David Talley of Talley Wealth. Learn how to budget, save, plan for your future, and leave with tools to manage money wisely as you grow.

• Junior Council Session 3: From Graduation to the Workforce will be a peer-led event with the Johnson City Junior Council on Wednesday, May 13 at 6 p.m. in the Library’s Jones Meeting Center. Prepare for life after college by exploring what graduation looks like, how to transition into the workforce, and steps for career readiness. Gain tips for resumes, interviews, and navigating early professional life. Register here.

• Book Bedazzling for teens will be held on Wednesday, May 20 at 6 p.m. in the Teen Space. Get creative by bedazzling it with gems and sparkle! Have fun transforming a favorite book into a fire masterpiece to take home. Bedazzling supplies and books will be provided, but you can also bring your own. 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, May 27 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.

Club & Activities - MAY:

4- 8 - AIMS Web Testing (Gr. 3-8)

4 - MS Cheer Uniform Fitting

5 - Spring Instrumental Music Concert @ 6:30 PM (Culp Auditorium)

6 - MS Field Day

6 - Math Help Club

6 - Chess Club

6 - Student Athlete Signing (Knox Poston - Baseball)

7 - Foundation Meeting

7 - Senior Tea

8 - ES Field Day

8 - 8th Grade Device Turn-in Day

11 - HS Honors Ceremony

Athletics - MAY:

High School Track:

May 5 - Track @ Sectional Meet (Maryville, Time TBD)

High School Baseball:

4 -HS Baseball vs TBA AT Sullivan East (District Tournament)

High School Tennis:

4 - Individual Regional Tournament (TBD)

High School Boys' Soccer:

4 - HS Soccer vs Cosby (District Tournament first round)

5 - HS Soccer AT Gatlinburg-Pittman (District Tournament, 2nd round)

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