University School Weekly Update

We are proud to announce that University School had three seniors who were recently recognized as National Merit Commended Scholar. Congratulations to Denver Dotterweich, Abram Helton, and Erin Wilson on this outstanding academic achievement!

Our Band Program will be hosting a Barberitos Spirit Night on 10/13/26. If you are dining out that evening, consider going to Barberitos on State of Franklin that evening. A percentage of your purchase will be donated to support our purchases for our band program.

In honor of all school faculty, staff, and families affected by Breast Cancer, we are hosting a "Wear Pink Day" on Friday, October 16th to show our support.

University School Student Influenza Vaccinations will be administered on October 15th or 16th, 2026.

Sign up for your student to receive the vaccination on the attached English and Spanish parent letters, QR code or link and complete before September 30, 2026.

Individual student score reports from the first quarter benchmarks will be sent home with students next week. Students will receive a score report for each tested subject. These reports contain projected achievement levels for the spring TCAP/EOC tests as well as information regarding how students performed on test domains/assessed standards. Parents and guardians are encouraged to discuss the reports with their children. Should you have questions regarding your child’s performance, please reach out to their teacher for additional information.

Our students have created wonderful artwork, and you can now order keepsake items featuring their designs — plus products with the school’s Great Wave project. With 60+ items (many under $20), these make great gifts for family, and nearly 30% of every purchase supports our school.

Personalized order forms went home this week. Go to https://arttoremember.com/school/83F8B9 and enter the online order code shown on your student's order form, search for your student's artwork by name or upload additional artwork. Then, have fun shopping!

Order by October 21 for free shipping to school (items arrive around November 16 - in time for holiday gifting). You may also order anytime and ship directly to your home (shipping fees will apply).

Questions? Contact Kathryn Comerford at usfoundation.president@gmail.com

The University School Fall Spirit Wear Store is officially live, and this year’s designs are exclusive to this shop — once it closes, they’re gone. The store will remain open until Saturday, October 26th at midnight, so grab your gear now and get it in time for Christmas gifting.

Don’t sleep on it — these limited‑edition fall pieces are the perfect way to show your Buc pride all season long.

Shop the collection:

https://stores.inksoft.com/uhspirit26/shop/home

The Foundation is accepting donations of candy for our Fall Festival Trunk or Treat. Please drop off one large bag of individually wrapped candy to your child's teacher or the Front Office.

Our Fall Festival is truly powered by stars, and we are so grateful for the generous families and businesses who help make this cosmic celebration possible. Your support fuels every game, every inflatable, every treat, and every moment of fun our students will remember for light‑years to come.

Slime isn’t just a University School tradition — it’s a legendary rite of passage and the most hilariously messy way we raise money for our school. The aliens are geared up, the teachers are bracing for impact, and your $1 raffle ticket is your chance to send your favorite teacher straight into the slime zone.

Grab your tickets today at https://2026OutOfThisWorld.ourschool.support and let the goo games begin!

The aliens have added a surprise round to the Slime Showdown… and it’s EPIC. That's 4 rounds and 4 times the slime. Slime isn’t just a University School tradition — it’s the most hilariously messy way we raise money for our school. The aliens are geared up, the teachers are bracing for impact, and your $1 raffle ticket is your chance to send your favorite teacher straight into the slime zone. Grab your tickets today at https://2026OutOfThisWorld.ourschool.support and let the goo games begin!

Congratulations to the following Morning Mile Runners:

5 Mile Club: Liam Stinson (K), Carson Cole (1), Lucy Evanshen (2), Evan Sims (2), Kendall Stinson (2), Lily Parker (2), Ty Bumgarner (4), Christian Brady (5), Matilda Kent (5), & Davis Reed (6)

10 Mile Club: Elliot covert (K), Jensen Suhy (1), Mrs. Pierce (1), Everett Andrew (1), Rex Kent(1), Ruby Seehorn (2), LJ Seehorn (3), Maverick Crumly (3), Fritz Burton (3), Camilla Hill (4), Leo Giuliani (4), Ellie Waers (5), Ellie Lunsford (5), Alana Lowe (6), Levon Hanson (6), Charlee Lewis (6) & Abigail Gentry (6)

15 Mile Club: Ewen Carter (2), Theo Carter (4), & Caroline Street (5)

20 Mile Club: Theo Burton (5)

25 Mile Club: Samuel Pennington (5) & Addie Bowling (5)

30 Mile Club: Annie Bowling (5)

35 Mile Club: Steven Kipfer (6)

8th Grade families interested in purchasing an advertisement/acknowledgement page, for your 8th grader, you may purchase one by clicking on the image below.

High School students must complete a minimum of 40 hours of community service for graduation. Seniors who complete 80 hours of community service will be recognized at the Awards Ceremony and will receive a cord to wear at graduation (if the documentation is received by 3/5/27). Documentation of community service should be turned in to the main office.

Please see the two attached documents:

• Community Service Document to document the hours completed.

• Community Service Guidance Documents: what counts and what doesn't count for community service.

Contact Dr. Day or Dr. Shaw if you have any questions about community service hours.

The time to apply for Tennessee Governor’s School 2027 is quickly approaching. The application window will open as we return from fall break. Current 10th and 11th grade students are eligible to attend one of the eleven programs during the summer break earning college credit for the unique experience. You MUST schedule an appointment with Mrs. McRee BEFORE filling out the application.

If you are interested in this fantastic opportunity, please contact Mrs. McRee as soon as possible.
mcreed@etsu.edu (423-439-5925 or 423-431-9252).

We need your school spirit and fun friends' pictures for the yearbook!

Send them to: yearbook@univschool.etsu.edu

TCAT has asked that we start creating student waiting lists several trimesters in advance for the more popular programs. We want to make certain that University School students have access to their program of choice. Several programs are already full for the Spring 2027 term. If you have any interest in attending TCAT as a dual enrollment student in the Spring 2027 or Fall 2027 terms, please contact Destiny McRee as soon as possible (mcreed@etsu.edu or (423) 439-5925).

Senior honor ads available now! Please click the link below for more information regarding senior ads for our yearbook.

October Events for School Age Kids (Ages 5-12)

All Hallows Read is Tuesday, October 13 from 4-6 p.m. in the Library’s Jones Meeting Center. Ages 5-12 celebrate books they love by dressing up as their favorite character. Kids can bring and share a favorite book with others while we enjoy spooktacular games and crafts! This is a drop in program with no registration required.

READing Paws will be held Saturday, October 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.

RPG for Beginners is Monday, October 19 at 6 p.m. in the Jones Meeting Center. Ages 8-12 get creative, collaborate, and problem solve in this one-shot role-playing game for beginners. Registration is required at jcpl.org/events.

Book Lounge is Wednesday, October 21 from 3:30-5 p.m. in the Children’s Library. Ages 8-12 discover new genres and titles, play games, and make friends in a fun, laid-back program. This is a drop in program with no registration required.

Orchestra Lab is Tuesday, October 27 at 4 p.m. in the Library’s Jones Meeting Center. Ages 5-12 join Johnson City Symphony Orchestra members for a fun, interactive music program. Kids will explore a variety of instruments and with opportunities to see, hear, and play them. Registration is required at jcpl.org/events.

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

October

13 - Optional PSAT Testing for Juniors (must have preregistered)

13 - Math Mentoring Program

13 - HS Girls' Soccer @ Winged Deer Park

14 - Chess Club

14 - Sign Language Club

15 - Student Flu Shots

16 - French Class Trip to St. John's & Cafe Lola

17 - Key Club Trip to Dollywood

Email: partinbk@etsu.edu
Website: https://www.usbucs.org
Location: 68 Martha Culp Dr. Johnson City, TN, 37614
Phone: (423)439-4271
Facebook: facebook.com/uschool1911
Twitter: @USBucs