University School Weekly Update

On behalf of the faculty and staff of University School, thank you to our incredible parents and this year's organizer, Leslie Mullins, for coordinating such an amazing Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week! Your generosity, time, and thoughtfulness are deeply appreciated.

The HS Honors Ceremony is scheduled for Monday, May 11th in the Culp Center Auditorium. The ceremony will begin at 6:00 PM.

The spring choral performance will be on Friday, May 15th in the U-School Gymnasium at 6:00 PM.

Parents: Please pick up your child’s medications in the clinic by the last day of school! Any medication that is not picked up will be destroyed. This includes prescription and over the counter medications. Of course, medications may be picked up sooner provided you are certain they will not be needed during school hours or school trips.

Regular Clinic Hours: Daily 7:30 - 3:30 for full school days with my lunch break from 1:15-1:45 pm.

I have also attached the University School medication policy letter for your records and review

Medication Administration Letter from Nurse (3).pdf​

Remember, if your student is returning to the University School next year and they require a prescription medication at school, whether it is dispensed by the school nurse or if they carry their own inhaler, they must have a physician completed health plan on file and a new one must be completed for each new school year. Now is the time to make your summertime medical appointments for new prescriptions, health forms, physicals, etc., so please don’t delay.

Each year, the junior class helps the senior class celebrate graduation by assisting with Baccalaureate. This year, we are asking junior class students and parents to help provide dessert for the reception after the Baccalaureate service. Please use the link to sign up. Desserts can be dropped off at the University School Office on Thursday May 21 between 8am and 3pm. Please use the link to sign up and help make this a special time for our graduating class.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0A48A5A829A5FC1-64023743-uhclass

If you have any questions, please contact Ginine Argueta: ginineargueta@yahoo.com

University High School is excited to announce the hiring of Marty Story as the next head coach of the boys basketball program. Story takes the reins of the Buccaneers effective immediately and brings extensive experience as both a player and coach across multiple levels of basketball.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have Marty Story lead our boys basketball program,” said current Athletics Director and former UH coach Justin Penley. “Coach Story brings high-level experience as both a player and coach and understands what it takes to lead a successful program. He cares deeply about ETSU and University High and will work tirelessly to return the Buccaneers to competing for championships. Most importantly, he is a man of faith and high character who will serve as an outstanding role model for our student-athletes. We are fortunate to have him as the next leader of Buccaneer basketball.”

Story was a standout player at Greeneville High School, where he earned All-State honors during each of his final three seasons. He went on to continue his basketball career at East Tennessee State University as a four-year starter for the Buccaneers. During his collegiate career, Story helped lead ETSU to four consecutive conference championships and four NCAA Tournament appearances.

As a coach, Story has served as both a high school head coach and assistant on coaching staffs that made multiple appearances in the TSSAA State Tournament.

Story said he is excited to begin building relationships with players and continuing the tradition of Buccaneer basketball.

“I am honored to be named the new boys varsity basketball coach at University High School,” Story said. “This is an incredible opportunity, and I’m grateful for the trust and support of the administration, players, families, and community. I look forward to building a program founded on hard work, discipline, teamwork, and pride. I’m excited to get started and proud to represent University School both on and off the court.”

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!

AP exams are scheduled through 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.

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.

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:

• 10 Mile Club - Liam Kilgore (6)
• 15 Mile Club - Everett Andrews (K)
• 25 Mile Club - Fritz Burton (2)
• 35 Mile Club - Leo Giuliani (3)
• 45 Mile Club - Theo Burton (4)
• 70 Mile Club - Lindell Hanson (6)

Attention HS Boys interested in playing on the high school basketball team? For returning students, it begins next week!

• Player meeting at Brooks Gym, ROTC classroom 204, Tuesday, May 12 at 3:15pm to officially announce Coach Marty Story, the new head coach of UH Boys Basketball.

• Practice to follow – 3:30-5:30pm. Coach will provide more details at the meeting concerning May and June practices as well as June team camps.

Talk to Coach Penley (penleyj@etsu.edu) for more information.

We have several teams (track, tennis, and baseball) and individuals (track and tennis members) who have either qualified for state or still in the hunt. Good luck to all of our athletes and coaches as you continue to compete over the next two weeks!

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!

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:

11 - 8th Grade Trip to DC (arrive by 7:00 AM for 7:30 AM departure)

11 - HS Tennis Send-off @ 11:55 AM

11 - HS Honors Ceremony

14 - 8th Grade DC Trip Attendee Return

Athletics - MAY:

High School Track:

19 - State Meet in Knoxville, TN

High School Baseball:

9 - Regional Championship

11-15 - Sub-state (TBD)

High School Tennis:

12 - 15 State Meet in Chattanooga

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