February 29, 2023

• Compendium Updates
• Campus News & Updates
• Extended Learning
• University Schools Athletics
• Parent Networks
• Mark your calendars!
• UofM Athletics & Events
• Tech Talks
• Helpful Links & Contact Information

We are seeking supervising faculty and and staff to join us for the 2024-25 school year. If you or someone you know is interested in joining University Schools, please visit the links below!

ELRC

• Early Learning Research Center, Supervising Faculty

Campus School

• Campus School, Supervising Faculty

University Middle School

• University Middle School, Supervising Faculty
• University Middle School, Computer Science/STEM Supervising Faculty
• University Middle School, Middle School Counselor
• University Middle School: Coordinator, Operations & Records

University High School

• University High School, Supervising Faculty
• University High School, Computer Science/STEM Supervising Faculty
• University High School: Coordinator, Student Data & Information
• University High School: Coordinator, College Counseling

University Schools

• University Schools, School Resource Officer
• University Schools, Substitute Faculty

Thank you to our amazing community for helping to recruit new Tiger faculty and staff for our schools!

Reminder that our new student enrollment application closed on December 8th. SchoolMint Registrations were due on February 10th @ 5pm.

Additional enrollment information can be found on University Schools Enrollment Webpage. Questions? Email enrollus@memphis.edu

University Schools is proud to introduce the launch of our new website, where you can find centralized information on:

• Enrollment
• Extended Learning
• Athletics
• Policies
• Technology
• Resources
• & More...

Click the blue button below, and check it out!

For school information, use the links below, and be sure to Bookmark them for future use!

ELRC

Campus School

University Middle School

University High School

Check out the latest volume of the President's Perspective from UofM President Hardgrave. In this edition, he discusses University Schools receiving “A” school letter grades in the state’s new accountability system.

Click here to check it out!

In partnership with The University of Memphis, the Jay Uiberall Foundation is supporting the University Schools to provide a family engagement program. Through this program, all University Schools families will be invited to participate in ten engagements with University of Memphis researchers and faculty in order to learn more about specific child-related topics.

These nights will either be focused on early childhood & elementary topics (hosted at Porter-Leath University of Memphis Early Learning Academy at 2869 Park Ave) or on middle & high school topics (hosted at University Middle & University High at 330 Fogelman Drive Memphis, TN)

Family engagement nights 1 and 2 held this past Fall featured information on Supporting the growth of Neurodivergent Learners (ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ODD) through School and Community Based Supports.

Quarter 2

Family engagement nights 3 and 4 featured information on Understanding Secondary Post-Traumatic Stress and Strategies for Self Care during the Holiday Season.

Click on the links below to view the presentations and resources from these past events.

Black History Month

Reggio 2-3 year old Classroom

Ms. Rayann Jaber - Supervising Faculty

This February we celebrated Black History Month in Ms. Rayann’s classroom. Through games, stories, and exploration we learned how people have changed the world. Children jumped like Simone Biles, were creative like Alma Thomas, and inventive like Garrett Morgan. Cultivating differences is something we emphasize year round and the children were able to take the conversation deeper this month with lessons on Martin Luther King Jr. and others who took a stand. Taking a reggio-based approach to these topics helped the children understand that they have a voice and have the power to the change the world too.

Celebrating Black History at Campus School

February was filled with activities to honor Black History Month at Campus School. The whole school had the opportunity to attend the play George Washington Carver and Friends by Bright Star Touring Theatre. Students learned about contributions from African American inventors, scientists, athletes, and statesmen/stateswomen. This event was also an opportunity to celebrate the engineering and design process and the history of inventions. The tickets for this event were subsidized by the Tennessee Arts Commission Ticket Subsidy Grant. The production was so entertaining, and it was a great learning opportunity for our students.

In honor of Black History Month, the 4th grade students self-selected individuals to research. The project was designed and facilitated by English Language Arts teacher Mrs. Courtney Scott. Students created unique products to share their information with others. The students showcased their projects at our Black History Month Project Showcase today for other Campus School students and families. We are so proud of the 4th grade students for honoring these incredible individuals in a way that allowed their individuality to shine!

To wrap up our month of activities, Campus School’s Diversity Committee, spearheaded by chair Jodie Friedman, hosted the annual Campus School Black History Month Poetry Slam. The Poetry Slam, which featured student-created poems from every homeroom, was an amazing opportunity for students to learn about people who made their mark on history and impacted the world around us. Music Specialist, Erin Johnson, led the entire student body in a beautiful performance of ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’. The event was emceed by former Campus School parent, Dr. William Hunter. He shared with students the history of hip hop and introduced the poems as the students presented them. Campus School is so thankful to have his continued support of the school through this event. Go Tigers!

A Doggone Great 101st Day of School!

Campus School first graders had a doggone great 101st day of school! First graders enjoyed a morning of first grade STEM activities to celebrate this milestone in the school year!

Anatomy Academy: Third Grade CLUE

Third grade CLUEsters studied Anatomy Academy for their second quarter study. Part of their learning was creating a heart model to see how blood moves throughout the heart to other parts of the body.

Kid Inventors Day: Design A Robot Challenge

Kid Inventors Day occurs annually on January 17- Benjamin Franklin’s birthday! During January, to celebrate the contributions by children inventors, students entered robots into the ‘Design a Robot’ challenge. The goal was for students to design a robot that will make someone smile. As engineers, students thought about who would use the robot and how they would use it. You had to write a description for the robot design and illustrate the robot. Students also had to describe how the robot will make someone smile. For the K-2 competition, there is a special robot called the Lizzy Wilson robot. The Lizzy robot will be used by kids who get lost. The robot will make people smile when they are sad and mad. Congratulations to Mica Wilson from Ms. Friedman's class for winning the K-2 robot challenge!

For the 3-5 contest, the winner is a robot called the Blanketnator. The Blanketnator is for anyone who likes a warm blanket. It can be used anywhere! It provides warm blankets to people without homes. Part of the robot’s body keeps the blankets warm. The Blanketnator is powered through solar panels and people can donate blankets to the Blanketnator. Not only does the Blanketnator warm people’s bodies, but it warms their hearts, too. Let’s give a huge round of applause to Sam Partee from Ms. Matthews’s class for winning the 3-5 robot challenge!

The winners of both of these competitions will receive a robot party! Thank you to everyone who entered robot designs for your creativity! All of the entries were so creative and compassionate, and our STEM committee can’t wait to see what the students engineer next.

Dixon Art to Grow

Dixon Art to Grow visited third and fourth grade at Campus School! Students learned about soil differences, geography, the study of the earth, and how art and science are connected! Then, students made paint using soil samples. After analyzing soil samples, students then made paint by mixing the soil with water and glue. The soil samples all revealed different colors, which sparked conversations about where and why soil looks different. Everyone’s art was so unique and beautiful. Campus School loves collaborating with our partners at the Dixon!

Kindergarten All Kids Bike

Campus School kindergarteners have begun their biking program! Taught by Diane Coleman and Betsy Pillow, every kindergarten student will learn how to ride a bike in P.E. class! Made possible through a Green Fee 2023 grant and parent funding, Campus School was able to purchase a class set of bikes through All Kids Bike. The All Kids Bike Learn-To-Ride Program includes a step-by-step curriculum to make learning to ride easy and fun. The program uses purpose-built Strider 14x Bikes which eliminates the need for training wheels. In the first lessons, the bike has no pedals which helps your child develop balance first. After students are proficient at balancing, pedals are attached. Following this unit, it is our hope that Campus School students will continue this activity at home, exploring the world around them. We encourage your support in the practices the kindergarteners have learned. The unit began the week of January 29 and will run through April 12, 2024.

Every class starts with a helmet check and reminder that no person should be riding a bike without a helmet. The students spent the first week learning helmet protocols and the “why” behind protecting our brains! (Make sure to ask your student about “2-4-1 Time for Fun!”). The teachers ensure their helmet is properly fitted to their head every time they get on their bike. This unit is an immersive STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, and Math) unit. Learning about helmets will present the opportunity for students to complete their “Brain Unit”. Students will learn about the parts of the brain, why helmets are important, and learn about the engineering behind helmet design. Through this STEM unit, students will also learn about transportation, the mechanics of bikes, and the impact alternative transportation has on the environment. The students are already doing a wonderful job, and the teachers look forward to cheering them on as they continue their bike riding journeys!

7th grade Genetics

Students in 7th grade are studying all about genetics as part of their PBL unit. They had the opportunity to learn how genetics can be used to address real world challenges in agriculture, crime, and medicine by learning from professionals who work with genetics in their respective career choices. They got to learn from a scientist at St. Jude, a farmer specialist from AGLaunch, a Biology professor from the UofM, and a crime detective from the Memphis Police Department.

What an amazing experience!

UMS Black History Month

This past month, students at UMS honored Black History Month with a variety of activities. From Black Excellence Panels, dress-up days, Black History Entertainment Fest, and the Black History Program, students had amazing opportunities to engage with and learn about American American contributions!

UHS Black History Month

UHS students collaborated with UMS students to host an amazing Black History Month program, honoring the fundamental change makers of the past. What a beautiful performance!

We hope your students are enjoying the Spring 2024 Extended Learning Programs! We are excited to announce that we fully operating our Extended Learning program with Final Forms.

Please use our EL Guide (linked below)to review any and all program details. If you need to follow up on an invoice, please visit the UofM Online Market Place, linked here. Don’t forget to contact our partner organizations if you have signed up for an external program.

Please be aware that spring sports season is back in session, and we have several cars parking outside the field on Zack Curlin. We appreciate your assistance with following the correct protocols for dismissal, as student safety is our top priority. Pickup for Extended Learning takes place at Campus School half-circle drive.

• May 16th – Last Day for EL Spring 2024 activities

The Campus School Spelling Bee was held January 24, 2024. Classroom winners from grades 3-5 participated in the spelling bee. Classroom winners included Finley Griffy, Dorothy Holt, Christian Lee, Maya Frazier, Jason Huang, Duke Canale, Iris Li,, Steven Crutchfield, and Corie McGuire.

Iris Li, in 5th grade, was the overall winner and will represent Campus School at the regional SCRIPPS spelling bee on March 22nd at the University of Memphis. Congratulations to all students who participated in the classroom and school-wide spelling bees. Campus School is so proud of all of our learners!

This past month, UMS hosted a Spelling Bee. Classroom winners from grades 6-8 included:

6th grade: Addyson Young, Noa Gookin, Noah Gipson, Ella Myers, Morgan Hunter, Carter Brown, and Reuben Baker

7th grade: Kyrus Jones, Elijah Pendergast, Daniela Dahman, Leonard Waldman-Karr, Maurice Smith-McWay, Lawson Scott, and Gus Breland

8th grade: Anika Clark, Amaiah Lyles, Andrew Singleton, Elijah White, Jeremih Maclin, Isbella Olivio, and Clara Hedge

Congratulations to the overall Spelling Bee winner, Alana Blackwell! She will represent University Middle School at the Regional SCRIPPS spelling bee on March 22nd at the University of Memphis. Way to go, Tigers!

UMS - January 2024

Abigail Doss - 7th grade ELA Instructor

UMS - February 2024

Rebecca Lauprecht - 6th grade Social Studies Instructor

As we welcome 2024 with open arms, we bid farewell to the winter sports season and eagerly anticipate the excitement and hustle of spring. A resounding applause is due to all our winter athletic programs for their resilience and dedication in navigating the highs and lows of athletic competition. Well done, Tigers! Your growth and achievements this year have been truly remarkable. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the students and families whose unwavering support is the cornerstone of our success.

As we embark on this new season, let's not forget the profound impact interscholastic athletics have on our students' holistic development. These programs play a pivotal role in enhancing overall well-being, shaping character, promoting academic excellence, fostering social and emotional growth, and fostering community engagement. Beyond the wins and losses, they impart invaluable life lessons that endure far beyond the field or court. Our sincerest appreciation goes out to our student-athletes and their families for their steadfast commitment to our athletic endeavors. Together, let's make this spring season one to remember!

After a remarkable season, our very own Michael Serino and Carter Banks have been selected to play in the Memphis Metro Middle School All-Star Game! Great job guys!

Congratulations to all of our students selected to represent U-Middle in Track & Field, Soccer, and Golf! Lot’s of fun ahead!

We are thrilled to announce that our UHS Varsity Girls Basketball team has achieved remarkable success, advancing deep into the postseason! This extraordinary group of young women secured a commendable 2nd place in the all-district tournament. As we speak, they are gearing up to face Middle College High School in the REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME—an unprecedented achievement for a 1st-year program! This resilient and determined team has made a significant impact this season, showcasing exceptional poise, sportsmanship, and grit. Let's rally behind them as they strive to reach the State Championship Tournament! It’s gotta be the shoes, Coach Lewis!

A special acknowledgment goes out to UHS Cheer for their unwavering support throughout the postseason.

Meanwhile, our Track & Field and Soccer teams have been selected and begun their practice and preparation for the upcoming season. Both coaches and students are diligently working to ensure they are in peak condition for competition. We are excited to see their dedication and commitment translate into success on the field.

Congratulations to Coach Lewis and our All District - All Tournament Team appointees.

Being selected as all-district players in high school basketball holds immense significance both for the individuals and the teams they represent, especially considering that all of our athletes at UHS are freshmen and sophomores (and an 8th grader) competing against junior and senior players. It signifies recognition of their exceptional skill, dedication, and performance on the court throughout the season, validating their hard work and talent. Additionally, being chosen for the all-district team contributes to the prestige of the entire team, showcasing their collective prowess and competitiveness within the district. Beyond personal satisfaction, this recognition can attract attention from college recruiters, opening doors for future opportunities in collegiate basketball and potentially beyond, thus marking a pivotal moment in the athletic journey of these young players.

District Co-Coach of the year

Cedric Lewis

First Team All-District Girls!

Edniya White

Kalina Lambert

Second Team All-District Boys!

Anthony "AJ" Brewer

All-District Honorable Mention!

Jaia Sims

Our launch of University Schools Final Forms for Athletics has been very smooth. Remember, Final Forms is our Athletics and EL administrative management platform. Final Forms allows us to go paperless for athletic administration. So, that thick stack of forms you have been filling out every year for your student to play sports is a thing of the past! You will simply access the digital version of these forms in your account, review, and digitally sign each year. Your single account will give you access to all of your student's EL and Athletic activities for Campus School, UMS, and UHS. If your student plans to participate in athletics at University Schools, we ask that you please set up a Final Forms account and complete all of the required forms. Coaches for each sport will utilize Final Forms for team roster management, emergency contact information, parent communication, and student athlete eligibility.

We appreciate all who lend a hand to support University Schools Athletics, especially the hard work and dedication of our coaches. Without them, none of this would be possible! Coaches are the guiding forces behind the success of athletes and teams in sports. Their role extends beyond teaching skills and strategies; they are mentors, motivators, and leaders. Coaches instill discipline, foster teamwork, and inspire confidence in their athletes. They play a crucial role in developing character, teaching resilience, and imparting life lessons that extend well beyond the playing field. Coaches have a profound impact on the personal and athletic growth of their students, making their role indispensable. Thank you coaches!

Campus School

Track & Field: Coach Fox, Coach Pence, Coach Parrish, and Coach Banks

UMS

Track & Field: Coach Fox, Coach Taylor, Coach Peters, Coach Banks

Boys Soccer: Coach Lazar, Coach “Gil” Arrollo

Golf: Coach Geer

UHS

Track & Field: Coach Robinson, Coach Cockrum, Coach Grantham, Coach Whitmore, and Coach Stearnes

Boys Soccer: Coach Bentley, Coach “Gil” Arrollo

Special thanks to our University Schools Athletic Support team:

Coach Aaron Whitmore

Coach Tiger Thompson

As our schools grow, so does our need for athletic facilities to practice and compete. Our partnerships with the University of Memphis, Campus Recreation, Transportation, College of Health Sciences, MSCIAA, Shelby Farms Park, and Memphis Youth Athletics are just a few that have played a major role in our ability to host quality athletic programs. This year we are excited to partner with the Memphis Sports and Events Center (MSEC) and The Blue Line!

We have great parent networks for our family members to join! Our parent networks support our schools through volunteering, fundraising, and providing other supports. Reach out to them today to get involved!

ELRC: Parent Resource Page (Parent Network re-launching soon)

Campus School: Campus School Parent Network. Venmo @umcspn your gift today! Click here to subscribe to CSPN Newsletter.

University Middle: University Middle Parent Network (UMPN)

University High: Parent Resource Page Email the University High School Parent Network at UHighParentNetwork@gmail.com

• March 5: Campus School - A visit from the Memphis Parks Rangers (Kindergarten & 1st grade) and International Taste of Campus School (Playroom) 5:30 - 7:30pm
• March 8: End of 3rd Quarter
• March 11-15: Spring Break (NO SCHOOL)
• March 18: Faculty In-Service (NO SCHOOL for Students)
• March 19: UHS - 9th grade UofM College Tour
• March 20: UHS - 9th grade Rhodes College Tour
• March 21: UMS - 6th/7th grade PBL Exhibition (1pm-3pm) / UHS: 9th grade Middle TN State University College Tour
• March 22: Scripps Spelling Bee hosted by University Schools (Rose Theater) 12-5pm
• March 27-28: UHS 10th grade St. Louis College Tour
• March 28: Campus School - Awards Ceremony
• March 29: Spring Recess (NO SCHOOL)
• April 4: UMS - 8th grade Capstone Exhibition
• April 8: UMS - Eclipse Field Trip

Click here to view the UofM Athletics & Events for the upcoming month. Support our Tigers, and buy tickets here!

Tech News, Information, and Support for University Schools Families

As we approach testing season, this is a friendly reminder to pay attention to the upkeep of your student device.

• Please make sure you are turning off the device at night, by shutting down the operating system completely. This allows updates to your device to take place.
• Plug your device in to your charger for 2-6 hours at a time. This prevents the device from being overcharged and overheated. Devices no longer require to be charged all night long. Charging in small increments is best for device use.
• Make sure you are keeping your device charger safe, in good working condition.

Please reach out to Mrs. Hernandez if you have any questions jessica.hernandez@memphis.edu

A Tech Ticket station has been setup for student use for UHS students on the 4th floor. It is located on the main hallway by the teacher work room. Students may submit a tech ticket for broken and malfunctioning devices + broken or lost chargers. Students may also visit Mrs. Hernandez during Tech Support Hours. See below for more information.

If you are in need of a device repair, don't wait! Submit a request in person to Mrs. Hernandez during her office hours.

Helpful Links

• Bookmark the University Schools 2023-24 Calendar
• University of Memphis Volunteers Form (complete for field trips, festivals, class parties, etc.)
• Bookmark the University Schools website
• Bookmark the University Schools Technology Hub
• Bookmark the University Schools Policy Manual
• Bookmark the University Schools Student & Family Handbook
• Share the University Schools Student Enrollment 2024-25 Interest Form
• Bookmark the University Schools social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn

Central Team (901.678.4200)

• Dr. Sally G. Parish, Associate Vice President of Educational Initiatives sally.parish@memphis.edu
• Josh Czupryk, Chief Strategy & Operations Officer, University Schools josh.czupryk@memphis.edu
• Mary Tucker, Assistant Director of Policy and Standards mhtucker@memphis.edu
• Marcos Villa, Assistant Director of Extended Learning marcos.villa@memphis.edu
• Teniesha Anderson, Assistant Director of Operations and Finance tdpender@memphis.edu
• Jessica Hernandez, Coordinator of Technology & Communication jessica.hernandez@memphis.edu
• Keith Loupe, Coordinator of Athletic Programs keith.loupe@memphis.edu
• Art McKenzie, Coordinator of Facilities lmcknze1@memphis.edu
• Michael Carter, UofM Information Technology Liaison michael.carter@memphis.edu

Early Learning & Research Center (ELRC) (901.678.2120)

• Brooke Willis, Executive Director of Early Childhood Programs bwillis3@memphis.edu

Campus School (901.678.2285)

• Dr. Rebecca Scott, Executive Director rhscott@memphis.edu

University Middle (901.678.4200)

• Kerrith Griffin, Executive Director kdgriffin@memphis.edu

University High (901.678.4200)

• Dr. Kristle Hodges-Johnson, Executive Director k.hodges.johnson@memphis.edu

The University of Memphis | University Schools

Memphis, TN 38152

We respect your right to privacy. View our privacy policy.

The University of Memphis does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs and activities sponsored by the University of Memphis. The Office for Institutional Equity has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies. For more information, visit The University of Memphis Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action.