University School Weekly Update

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Please complete this form by Friday, February 28, 2026, for each child who is currently enrolled and who is returning to University School for the 2026-27 school year. If we do not receive your response by February 28, your child may be at risk of losing their seat at University School for the 26-27 school year.

In addition, we ask that you please pay the material fee for each child returning. These material fees will now cover all individual classroom academic, lab, music, art and technology fees (excluding any field trip and technology repair expense due to damage).

This year's fee structure will be as follows and can be paid through the link on the re-enrollment page or through the University School Payment Link found on our website:

K-5 students - $100

6-12 students - $150

If financial or fee waiver assistance is needed, please contact the school administration directly.

By re-enrolling your child for the 2026-27 school year, you indicate that you and your child agree to abide by the expectations set forth in the University School Student Handbook. You understand that the rules stated in the Student Handbook apply to all students enrolled at University School while at University School or at University School related activities and events. Repeated disregard of school expectations could affect future re-enrollment.

There have been a few updates to the student handbook on page 35 regarding High School Awards and Honors. These changes can be found in the handbook attached copy below or in the copy located on the school website.

Students, we are looking for your help in creating our next design for a spirit wear t-shirt to be sold through the front office.

Designs must be submitted by January 16th, either on paper (turned into the office) or by email to usfoundation.president@gmail.com.

The winning design will be printed on our next round of spirit wear t-shirts!

The Sideline Store for University School is open for anyone interested in purchasing spirit wear. Items can be personalized so check out the store for your next purchase.

Our 8th grade JC to DC fundraising team is sponsoring a spirit night at Chick-fil-a from 5:00-8:00 pm on Friday, January 16th at the Market Street store.

MIDDLE SCHOOL SOFTBALL will have a player and parent meeting this Wednesday, Jan 14, from 3:15-4:15pm in the school cafeteria. All girls interested in playing on the school softball team and their parents are invited to attend. For more information or if you cannot make the meeting, contact Coach Angelica Ares at aresam@etsu.edu.

Congratulations to our MS Cheer and Dance teams for having such an outstanding performance this past weekend at the ETSU Basketball game. Way to go, Bucs!

On Tuesday, 1/13/26, high school students will attend the Teen Driver Safety program presented by ThinkFast Interactive. The program will run for one hour, from 10am-11am.

Dual-Enrollment students who do not have a 2nd or 3rd period class: students who are in classes 2nd period will walk over to the Culp Center with their teachers. Students who do not have a 2nd period, but who have a 3rd period should report to the Culp Center for the program. Students who do not have a 2nd or 3rd period can still attend the program. See Dr. Day if you have questions.

ThinkFast Interactive describes their program as follows:

• Teen driver safety is a complex issue, but one that can be addressed with the right approach. The ThinkFast Interactive (TFI) program is designed to be fun, interactive, and tailored to each age group and region, while also conveying safety information based on state and national guidelines. Through peer engagement and rewards, the program encourages students to “be cool” with safety measures, thus shifting their real-world intentions to align with safety benchmarks. Evaluative findings have indicated a shift in group norms due to rewards such as peer recognition and prizes for demonstrating knowledge. TFI is proud to provide an individualized, evidence-informed, and cost-effective plan for reducing motor vehicle-related injuries and fatalities among teen drivers in the states they serve. Join us in our mission to make the roads safer for everyone.

More information can be found on their website: https://thinkfastinteractive.com/

If you have any questions about students attending this program, please contact Dr. Day (daya@etsu.edu)

Registration is officially open for the Class of 2026 Winter Social at Sugar Mountain on February 5. Students will enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or tubing, with ski/board rentals included + boots, lift tickets, hot chocolate, and snacks all covered.

All participants must complete the registration form and waiver by February 2. If your student is under 18, a parent signature is required on the waiver.

Look for additional details in your email, and check the link below to register.

https://forms.gle/zsmJJNsPPza9Dsdw7

Seniors - if you have not completed your FAFSA yet, you will want to follow the steps below:

The ETSU American Marketing Association and the School of Marketing and Media invite your students to participate in our focused, half-day professional development event designed to accelerate their college and career readiness: the Level Up Marketing & Media Summit.

Expert Keynote Insights: Students will gain exposure to current industry trends and essential career skills from regional leaders, including members of the Cumberland Marketing team.
Skill-Based Breakout Sessions: Interactive, practical sessions will be led by successful alumni, such as Content Associate/Producer at ESPN, Anthony Salas. These sessions bridge academic knowledge with professional application.

When: 01.30.2026 | 8:30 – 11:15 AM
Where: East Tennessee State University - D.P. Culp Center Ballroom

Due to the specialized nature of this event, capacity is strictly limited. We encourage early registration to secure placement for your interested students.

REGISTER HERE. If you have any questions, please reach out to blacksm1@etsu.edu.

Mark your calendars for the 2026 Mary B. Martin School of the Arts Showcase on Saturday, January 31, at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts. The theme of the showcase is inspired by the ETSU Common Read and is titled: “The Anthropocene Reviewed Through Art: Stories of what we love, what we've lost, and what we choose to remember.”

Representing the programs of Art and Design, Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music, Creative Writing, Storytelling, Theatre and Dance, Film and Media Studies, and Music, this showcase highlights the expanding reach and collaborative strength of the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts.

An immersive gallery opens at 3 p.m. in the Tindall Lobby, followed by a 4 p.m. concert at the ETSU Foundation Grand Hall. Last year’s showcase was outstanding, and I encourage you all to attend the event this year.

The ETSU Office of Professional Development is offering the Pharmacy Technician Certification Training Course from February 24, 2026 through May 21, 2026.

Details about the Training:

• The class will be on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00-9:00 p.m.
• The class has a limited enrollment.
• The course may be used for individuals working in a retail, or a hospital pharmacy, or to prepare for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam, or to improve their job skills.
• Pharmacy technicians work in community, or hospital pharmacies, assisting pharmacists in handling medications and serving patients.
• Many students thinking of going into the Pharmacy School take this course.
• This course provides an overview of skills and knowledge required to function successfully as a pharmacy technician.
• The course is PTCB approved and students completing the program may sit for the PTCB exam.
• ETSU’s Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy is collaborating with the Office of Professional Development in offering this course.

Graphic Novel Club meets Monday, January 12 at 6 p.m. in the Library's Jones Meeting Center. Ages 8-12 hear about specific graphic novels and learn about the literary format. Registration is required at jcpl.org/events.

READing Paws is held Saturday, January 17 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Ages 5-10 register for a private 15-minute time slot to read to a trained listening dog in the Library's Storytime Room. Registration is required at jcpl.org/events.

Roll For Adventure: RPG Day is held Saturday, January 24 from 1-5 p.m. in the Jones Meeting Center and the Polly Peterson Room. Join us for an afternoon dedicated to tabletop role-playing games. No registration.

Pokémon Trading Card Day is held Saturday, January 31 from 2-3 p.m. in the Jones Meeting Center. Kids of all ages bring Pokémon or other types of cards to trade. No registration.

Visit jcpl.org/events to find more upcoming events.

January

12 - MS Basketball @ Providence (AWAY)

13 - HS Basketball @ North Greene (AWAY)

13 - MS Basketball VS. Fall Branch (AWAY)

14 - Math Help Club

14 - MS Softball Interest/Parent Meeting

15 - HS Basketball VS. South Greene (HOME)

16 - 8th Grade Chick Fil A, Fundraiser

16 - MS Basketball VS. Gray (HOME)

17 - HS Basketball @ Hancock Co. (AWAY)

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