University School Weekly Update
🌸 Bloom 2025: Growing Our Future 🌸 University School Online Auction
Dear University School Parents,
We are thrilled to present Bloom 2025: Growing Our Future, our Online Auction designed to benefit the students and teachers of University School. This is your chance to bid on extraordinary items, unique experiences, and handcrafted treasures, all while making a meaningful impact. Every dollar raised directly supports our school community, helping us grow into an even brighter future.
Auction Highlights:
Explore these amazing items generously donated by local businesses, teachers, and staff:
Costa Caye Villa Belize Beach House (Travel): A luxurious escape valued at $4,000.
Dormie Network Stay & Play (Activity): An exclusive golfer’s paradise for 4 worth $5,400!
Captiva Beach House (Travel): Experience Florida's best with this luxury property valued at $8,000.
K-8 Teacher Lunch: Your student can enjoy a special lunch with their teacher and a friend.
Director for Half a Day: Your kiddo can step into the role of Director, Assistant Director, Front Office Aid, or SRO for half a day!
Specials Teacher Time: Spend quality time with your Specials teacher for lunch and a fun-filled half day.
K-5 Handpainted Keepsake Pottery: Unique, handcrafted treasures created with love from our younger students' thumbprints.
Austin Springs Spa (Spa): Pamper yourself with a spa experience worth $325.
ETSU Football Season Tickets (Sports): Catch all the action and cheer for our favorite team, valued at $250.
Ripley's Aquarium & Greystone Lodge (Travel + Activity): A delightful package for the whole family, valued at $240.
Knoxville Zoo (Activity): A wild adventure for the family, valued at $224.
This is just a sampling of the treasures and experiences awaiting your bids—there’s truly something for everyone!
Special Thanks to Our Donors:
We are deeply grateful to the amazing businesses, parents, teachers, and staff whose generosity has made this auction possible. Your support fuels our mission to provide exceptional opportunities for our students and teachers. Together, we are growing our future!
Don’t Miss Out—Auction Ends Thursday!
Make sure to get your bids in before the auction closes this Thursday.
How to Participate:
Register now to secure your spot in the auction. https://ourschool.auction/U_SchoolBLOOM2025
Browse the full catalog of exciting items and experiences.
Place your bids and make a difference for our school!
Let’s make Bloom 2025 an unforgettable event. Thank you for your support, and happy bidding!
Calling All Volunteers for Teacher Appreciation Week!
This Teacher Appreciation Week, from May 5th to May 9th, we’re putting on our rhinestones and embracing a Dolly Parton theme! 🎶 Each day, we'll treat our amazing teachers to goodies and surprises because, as Dolly says, they’re working “8 to 3” and deserve to feel like superstars!
We need your help to make it happen! Whether you can lend a hand with setup, donate treats, or share your creative ideas, there’s a way for everyone to pitch in. Together, let’s show our teachers they’re “Shining Like a Diamond in a Rhinestone World!”
Ready to join the fun and support our amazing educators? Contact Christine Hutchinson at hutchinson.christine@gmail.com. Thank you for helping us make this Teacher Appreciation Week one to remember—Dolly style! 🌟
Pereira Named National Merit Finalist
Congratulations to University School Senior, Hannah Pereira, on advancing as a 2025 National Merit Finalist!
Hannah will compete with the top high school students in the nation for approximately 6,800 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $26 million that will be offered this spring. Good luck, Hannah!
Bright Recognized as 2025 Tenn Under 10 Scholar
Congratulations to third grade student, Juniper Bright, on being selected as a 2025 Tenn Under 10 “Literacy Leader” scholar!
Tenn Under 10, powered by PNC, Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation (GELF) selects 10 Tennessee 3rd graders to serve as GELF’s literacy ambassadors each year and receive a post-secondary education scholarship, based on their journey from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.”
We are excited to announce that our faculty has selected Kristin Colson as the University School Outstanding Innovative Teacher of the Year. The most innovative teacher award is an award given annually during the Clemmer College of Education and Human Development Awards Ceremony.
For the past five years, Ms. Colson has been a cornerstone of the University School faculty, teaching K-8 Art, AP Art History, and Journalism. Her commitment to fostering creativity and intellectual growth in every student is truly remarkable.
Through her innovative approach, Ms. Colson has revitalized and expanded our art education offerings at all grade levels. Whether she’s leading inspiring art projects for our younger students, guiding high schoolers through the complexities of AP Art History, or empowering aspiring journalists, her passion for education shines through in everything she does.
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Colson can always be counted on to lend a hand, whether it's helping with school events, curating student art exhibits, or contributing to the vibrant atmosphere around campus. Her contributions extend into the broader community, as her work is a testament to the positive impact she has on all of us.
Additionally, Ms. Colson has taken on the crucial responsibility of producing our school’s yearbook, capturing the memories and milestones that define our school year. Her tireless work and unwavering dedication make her an invaluable member of the University School family.
Ms. Colson is, without a doubt, a truly outstanding educator. We are fortunate to have her as part of our school, and today, we honor her extraordinary contributions.
TCAT Enrollment
Any high school student planning to attend the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) in the fall or spring of next school year needs to complete the Google form at the link below. There is a waiting list for several programs and an early reservation is key to having a spot in the program of your choice.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfeGx3nvqXA9yZHhUZOkXQr-r1z2BbtHqWWKTssA5NRWVKOwA/viewform?usp=sharing
For more information, please contact Destiny McRee at 423-439-5925 or mcreed@etsu.edu.
