USC High School May Newsletter

Events and Celebrations in Rebel Country

May News

Hello USC Parents and Guardians,

As we approach the end of the school year, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support in helping our students grow and learn each day. Your guidance and encouragement play a vital role in helping your child become the best citizen they can be, and it truly reflects the strength and shared purpose of our USC community.

There are several exciting events coming up in the next few weeks. On Tuesday, May 13 at 9:00 AM in the USC Auditorium, we will hold our annual Honors Program. During this event, students will be recognized for their academic accomplishments, seniors will receive scholarships, and top academic performers will be awarded medals to wear at graduation. Parents are welcome to attend and celebrate these important achievements alongside their students.

On Saturday, May 17 at 4:00 PM in the Auditorium, we will host the National Honor Society Induction Ceremony. This special event honors students who exemplify the four pillars of NHS: Scholarship, Leadership, Character, and Service. These inductees are strong role models within our school—students who lead by example, consistently make good choices, and give back to the community through service. Congratulations to all our new members for embodying what it means to be a USC Rebel and an National Honor Society member.

Seniors are also invited to attend the Baccalaureate ceremony on Sunday, May 18 at 6:30 PM in the Auditorium. This event, organized by local churches, offers a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the graduating class and provide with an encouraging message as they prepare for their next chapter in life.

Middle school students have two major events coming up as well. On Tuesday, May 20 at 7:00 PM, the 7th through 8th grade choir and band, along with students in grades 5 through 6, will perform in the Spring Concert. This performance highlights the musical development and hard work of our students under the direction of Mrs. Rame and Mr. Haug. Then, on Wednesday, May 21, students in grades 7 and 8 who earn the quarter 4 reward will attend a Minnesota Twins game. This event celebrates students who consistently follow USC’s Rebel Rights of being respectful, responsible, and safe.

A USC tradition, the Pops and Pie Concert will take place on Friday, May 23 at 7:00 PM in the Auditorium. This event features outstanding performances from our high school band and choir students and serves as the capstone of the fine arts year. After the concert, guests are invited to enjoy pie served by our fine arts students.

As seniors wrap up their high school careers, a few key dates are quickly approaching. Senior final exams and the last day of school for seniors will be on Friday, May 23. Graduation practice will be held on Wednesday, May 28 from 9:15 to 11:00 AM. The graduation ceremony will take place on Friday, May 30 at 7:00 PM in the USC Auditorium. We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2025.

Finally, on Wednesday, May 28 at 6:30 PM in the Commons and Auditorium, the Wells Area Lion’s Club will host the annual Lion’s Athletic Banquet. This event honors student-athletes for their dedication and accomplishments, with special recognition given to three-sport athletes and outstanding athletic performers.

Thank you once again for your continued support and partnership throughout the year. We look forward to finishing strong and celebrating all that our students have achieved.

With Gratitude,

Jen Bye

High School Principal

jbye@unitedsouthcentral.org

Did You Know?

May is host to several important holidays, including May Day (Workers' Day or International Workers' Day), Mother's Day, and Memorial Day

Senior Trip to the State Capitol

The senior class recently took an educational trip to the State Capitol in St. Paul, Minnesota, where they had the opportunity to explore the historic Capitol building with a guided tour. Students learned about Minnesota’s legislative process, state history, and the architectural significance of the Capitol itself. Special thanks to Mr. Neel for organizing this valuable experience, and to Mrs. Strobel and Mrs. Fiorentino for serving as chaperones and helping ensure a safe and successful trip. It was a memorable and enriching day for all involved.

NHS Sponsors Red Cross Blood Drive

The USC National Honor Society proudly hosted an American Red Cross blood drive on Wednesday, May 7th, collecting an impressive 31 units of blood to support those in need. This successful event not only provided a critical resource for patients but also encouraged the development of life-long blood donors among our community. The drive was coordinated by NHS Advisor Mr. Gorski, with on-site supervision by Mrs. Dalton and assistance from dedicated NHS student volunteers. Among the generous donors was Kallie, whose contribution helped make the day a success. The commitment of all participants highlights the National Honor Society's ongoing dedication to service and making a positive impact.

May Student of the Month

Congratulations to Nathan, the May Renaissance Student of the Month. Nathan will enjoy a reserved parking spot and first in the lunch line privileges for the month of May. His dedication to his studies, involvement in USC activities along with his hard work is a positive example for our students. USC is proud to celebrate Nathan!

Health Science Mobile Lab

USC eighth grade students recently participated in the South Central Perkins Consortia’s Health Science Mobile Lab experience which supports career exploration in health science pathways. This interactive lab held in the USC Auditorium, provided middle and high school students with hands-on opportunities to explore a variety of medical careers using real equipment and industry-relevant information. The experience was further enriched by the involvement of local healthcare employers, who help tailor the program to the needs and interests of our school. Additionally, faculty and students from South Central College participated in the event, offering valuable insights into educational pathways and the skills required for success in health science careers.

Josh Brooks Advances to Sate Speech

Josh Brooks advanced to the State Speech competition, marking an exciting milestone in his speech journey. Under the guidance of advisor Amanda Fiorentino, Josh's achievement is especially noteworthy as this is the first year speech has returned to USC after being absent for many years. His hard work, commitment, and passion for public speaking have set a strong foundation for the program’s revival and future success. Congratulations to Josh on this outstanding accomplishment!

April Renaissance Student of the Month

Congratulations to Clare, who was the April Renaissance Student of the Month.
Clare was awarded this honor in recognition of her exceptional dedication to academic excellence, active participation in USC activities, and exemplary work ethic. As part of this recognition, she received a reserved parking space and priority access in the lunch line throughout the month of April. Clare serves as a commendable role model for her peers, and USC is proud to acknowledge and celebrate her accomplishments.

Mrs. Feist's Family and Consumer Science Class

Grade 9 Family and Consumer Science Projects

In Grade 9 Family and Consumer Science with Mrs. Feist, students recently completed a sewing unit where they learned the fundamentals of hand sewing. After building their skills through guided instruction, each student selected a personal project to demonstrate their sewing abilities and creativity. These self-directed projects allowed students to apply what they learned in a meaningful and hands-on way, fostering both confidence and independence in their work.

Mr. Huiras' Classroom Poster Project

Mr. Hurias' students recently completed a poster project focused on World War II, exploring how wartime posters influenced public perception and morale. Through this assignment, students analyzed the powerful role of propaganda in shaping opinions, encouraging support for the war effort, and uniting the home front. By creating their own posters inspired by historical examples, students gained a deeper understanding of the impact of visual messaging during times of conflict.

Mr. Neel's History Class

Mr. Neel’s students gave presentations on the Treaty of Versailles, examining the key agreements outlined in the treaty and their historical context. Through their research and presentations, students explored how the treaty’s terms shaped the post-World War I world and laid the groundwork for future global conflicts. This project provided students with a deeper understanding of the treaty’s lasting impact and its role in shaping modern international relations.

Physics Experiments in Grade 9

In Grade 9 Physics, students conduct experiments to explore the relationship between distance, time, and motion by measuring how far an object travels down an inclined plane. These hands-on activities help students understand fundamental concepts such as acceleration, gravity, and friction. By recording the distance traveled at various time intervals, students can analyze patterns of motion and calculate average speed or acceleration. This experiment serves as a practical application of physics principles and enhances students’ understanding of how forces influence the movement of objects.

Middle School Activity

Mr. Scruggs’ students actively collaborate in small groups at the interactive board to solve real-world problems through critical thinking and teamwork. By applying academic concepts to practical scenarios, students deepen their understanding of the material and develop essential life skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. These activities not only reinforce classroom content but also help students see the relevance of their learning in everyday life, preparing them for future academic and career challenges.

Important Upcoming Dates for High School Students

Tues. May 13. USC Honors Program 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM.

Weds. May 14. Grade 9-12 activity pictures. Time TBD.

May 15-16. Speech National Competition

Thurs. May 15. Transportation Careers mobile trailer at USC

Sat. May 17. NHS Induction Ceremony at 4:00 PM in the Auditorium

Sun. May 18. Baccalaureate at 6:30 PM in the Auditorium

Tues. May 20th. 7th-8th grade Choir and Band grades 5-8 concert 7:00 PM

Weds. May 21st. Grade 7 & 8 quarter 4 reward to MN Twins game

Fri. May 23. 9-12 Pops and Pie Choir/Band concert 7:00 PM

Fri. May 23. Senior Final Exams. Senior Class Last Day of School.

Mon. May 26. No School. Memorial Day.

Weds. May 28. Graduation Practice 9:15 AM - 11:00 AM.

Weds. May 28. Lion's Athletic Banquet at 6:30 PM in the Commons and Auditorium

Fri. May 30. Last day of School.

Fri. May 30. Graduation ceremony at 7:00 PM.

Visit the USC Website

The USC website is a great resource for parents and students. Please visit www.unitedsouthcetral.org to find important information about United South Central School.