University School Weekly Update

1. During drop off and pick up please remember to pull all the way up in the car line.

2. Based on safety concerns and recent observations, all K-5 students being picked up must have a parent, or older sibling, cross with them at the crosswalk in front of the school. Otherwise we ask that you please use the elementary pick-up line or the right-hand lane if picking up in the front of the school.

3. In the mornings, please Do Not drop off from the left side of the road, it causes traffic to back up and it is dangerous for kids getting out of the car into traffic.

4. Be patient when waiting in line and Do Not drive on the sidewalks or grass areas to get to an open parking space.
5. Please refrain from being on your phones while waiting in line. This could result in a fine if you are ticketed and it can delay traffic flow.
6. If walking, please use the crosswalk at all times, so we can avoid any pedestrian accidents.

Optional PSAT/NMSQT for 11th Grade Students - Registration Due August 5th

The PSAT/NMSQT is an OPTIONAL test given to students in 11th grade. Students who are potential National Merit Scholars must take PSAT/NMSQT during their junior year to qualify. Students in 10th grade may register but will be added to the waitlist and are not guaranteed a testing spot as the number of seats is limited. See the registration form for additional info.

University School will offer the PSAT/NMSQT to current students on Tuesday, October 14th at 8:00 a.m. This is a school day administration and students will be responsible for making up any missed assignments. The cost for the PSAT is $18. Due to online test registration requirements and deadlines set by College Board, students will not be allowed to sign up for the PSAT/NMSQT after the August 5th deadline. Students who have questions may email Dr. Campbell (campbellhe@etsu.edu).

PSAT/NMSQT Registration Form - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOv_n_t0yU0xIDuyK3ydA-gJPBXnx1ABQ9leOGi_xvaRJZsg/viewform?usp=header

Information about PSAT/NMSQT content and format can be found on the College Board website. (https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt)

University School will be undergoing our Cognia accreditation five year review in January 2026. Accreditation is important to our work as a model laboratory school and as a part of our continuous school improvement. The accreditation process involves all stakeholders in the school—students, parents/guardians, faculty, and staff. Parents and guardians are asked to complete the family survey linked below by July 31st.

Family Survey - https://eprovesurveys.advanc-ed.org/surveys/#/action/285193/9516

University School will offer Math Olympiad to 4th and 5th grade students this school year. All 4th and 5th grade students are invited to attend. There will be an informational meeting for parents on Monday, July 28th at 3:30 in the cafeteria. If you have any questions, please contact Destiny McRee at (423) 439-5925 or mcreed@etsu.edu.

We are excited to share an incredible opportunity for middle school, high school, and early college students across East Tennessee! The Tennessee Center for Health Workforce Development invites you to join us for the TCWD East TN Discovery Summit on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 8am – 1pm, hosted by Roane State Community College and sponsored by TN HOSA.

The East Tennessee Discovery Summit is more than an event—it’s a launchpad for the future of healthcare. This free, interactive experience is designed to spark curiosity, build connections, and illuminate the many career paths in this vital field.

What’s in store:

• Network with healthcare professionals, educators, and peers.
• Explore real medical and nursing simulation labs.
• Experience healthcare first-hand through engaging simulations and hands-on activities.
• Learn in breakout sessions focused on career pathways, success strategies, and industry insights.

Whether students are curious about healthcare or ready to pursue it, this event offers inspiration, guidance, and hands-on discovery.

The 2025 Track & Field Awards Banquet is scheduled for Tuesday, August 5th at the Food City on Statue of Franklin from 5:45-7:30 PM. Please let Coach Dan or Kristen Johnson know who is coming. We will need a headcount for the entire family attending.

We’re thrilled to launch senior year with Senior Sunrise on Friday, August 1st—a morning full of spirit, celebration, and sunshine!

🌄 Event Highlights: Join your fellow seniors for a memorable morning as we kick off your final year by watching the sunrise together. Enjoy breakfast bites, lawn games, and a chance to relax and connect before heading off to Roan Mountain. Important Note: Please dress comfortably and bring a blanket or lawn chair if you’d like to sit down during the festivities.

To help us plan, we ask families to complete a few quick action items:

✅ What to Do:

• Make sure your senior is registered for the event (especially if they have dietary restrictions): https://forms.gle/v9mHs2pEwdL1aqvg7
• Order a Senior T-shirt (optional): https://forms.gle/yeN6gbdQdvN22Po38 – Triblend, $20, printed by Boomtown & Co.
• View event details & volunteer/item sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0B44AEA92CAAFF2-57516987-senior

📢 Stay Connected! Want real-time updates, event announcements, and fundraising tips?

• Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uhclassof2026/
• Join our Senior Parent GroupMe: https://groupme.com/join_group/108671718/0FUxhxn9
• Be on the lookout for fundraising information coming soon 💰

Your involvement helps make this year meaningful from the very first sunrise to graduation day —thanks for making it special!

Welcome back to school! The Foundation is gearing up for another great year of supporting our teachers, students and families. Do you want to be part of it or have ideas? We have some open positions on the Foundation board and committees and would love your help! If you have an interest, please reach out to Kathryn Comerford at usfoundation.president@gmail.com.

If you would like to help your student's teacher start the new school year off right, please check out these wish lists on Amazon and send them something for their classroom!

Ms. Leah Darnell (Grades 7/8 ELA):

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/15NYYJN8GHN0N?ref_=wl_share

Ms. Erin Doran (Grade 2)

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/38UNRLBLAS55J?ref_=wl_share

Ms. Kristin Colson (K-8 Art & HS Yearbook/AP Art History)

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/36KR3BLCP2395?ref_=wl_share

Dr. Holley Ziglar (K-12 Intervention Teacher)

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/13H2NJTIRODJP?ref_=wl_share

Ms. India Barrett (K-8 Counseling & HS Cheer)

Dr. Aleeta Shaw (Counseling)

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/ZS7IW54F9QD5?ref_=wl_share

Ms. Lindsay Lester (K-12 Library Media Specialist)

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/K1WKCHG2K9KH/ref=cm_go_nav_hz

Congratulations to the following Morning Mile Runners:

5 Mile Club:

• First Grade: Ewen Carter
• Third Grade: Theo Carter
• Fourth Grade: Theo Burton, Seymour Harker, & Israel Hildenbrand

10 Mile Club:

• Fifth Grade: Levon Hanson & Dominic Morrey
• Sixth Grade: Lindall Hanson

Congratulations to Amelia Davis, Elliott Price, and Abram Helton who will all be performing in Jonesborough Repertory Theatre's upcoming showing of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. All three are excited to be a part of this musical twist on the classic fairytale and would love for you to come see them Thursday through Sunday, August 1st through August 24th .

If you are interested in purchasing tickets or would like more information about the production, you may visit the following site: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/jonesboroughrepertorytheatre

Tryouts/Practices Coming Up:

• HS Cheer – Currently underway; late fall/winter season (For more information contact: India Barrett (barretti@etsu.edu)
• MS Cheer – Currently underway; late fall/winter season (For more information contact: Taelyn Henderson (hendersontk@etsu.edu)
• HS Cross Country – Currently underway; late summer/fall season (For more information contact: Dan Lawson (lwsndn@comcast.net)
• HS and MS Dance (boys & girls) – Currently underway; late fall/winter season (For more information contact: Taelyn Henderson (hendersontk@etsu.edu)
• MS Baseball (boys) – For more information contact: Taylor Stevenson (tpsteven11@gmail.com)

• MS Girls Soccer – July 28, 3:30pm, ETSU CPA; late summer/fall season (For more information contact: Carlos Campos (carloscampos62@yahoo.com)

• HS Girls Soccer – July 28, Winged Deer Ellis Field E (turf fields), 6-8pm; late summer/fall season (For more information contact: Morgan Richards (morgan.richards@coxautoinc.com)

• HS Softball (girls) – July 28-30, Winged Deer Park, Huff Field 4, 3:30-5:30pm; spring season (For more information contact: Johnny Bolton, boltonj@etsu.edu)
• HS Golf – July 29 & 31, Pine Oaks GC, 3:30-5:30pm; late summer/fall season (For more information contact: Justin Penley, penleyj@etsu.edu)
• MS Boys Basketball – July 31 & Aug 1, School Gym, 3:30-5:30pm; late fall/winter season (For more information contact: Jeremy Gouge - gougeja@etsu.edu)

• MS Cross Country (boys & girls) – first date: August 5, 5:30-6:30pm, meet at Pavilion on far end of ETSU campus near ropes course. Practices Tuesdays & Thursdays. (For more information contact: David Smith, smithdm8@etsu.edu, or Leslie Smith, leslieburrell@gmail.com)

Later in the school year, we will also offer:

• HS Baseball (boys)
• HS Basketball (boys)
• HS & MS Basketball (girls)
• HS & MS Softball (girls)
• HS Track (boys & girls)
• HS Soccer (boys)
• HS Tennis (boys & girls)
• MS Soccer (boys)
• Additionally, we offer “co-ops” in:
• MS – wrestling (Jonesborough MS), golf (Unicoi County MS), football (Daniel Boone Middle); volleyball (Lamar).
• HS – Wrestling (Crockett), football (Daniel Boone), volleyball (Crockett)
• In co-ops, our students can play on other school’s teams. Parents are responsible for getting their students(s) to all practices and games. E-mail Coach Penley (penleyj@etsu.edu) for more information

Please note that BEFORE trying out, all athletes must have:

- an updated physical signed by a medical professional (AFTER April 15, 2025)

- current SCA document for the 2025-26 school year

- current concussion document for the 2025-26 school year.

Blank physical/SCA/concussion forms can be found on our website (https://www.etsu.edu/uschool/athletics/default.php). Once completed, the documents should be uploaded by parents to Final Forms.

After-school care will be provided by University School for the 2025-2026 school year. The program is open to students in Kindergarten through 8th grade and will operate daily from 3:15 - 5:30 PM in our school building on full school days. All school rules will still be in place during after-school.

In the event that school closes early or is not in session, after school care will not be offered.
After school care will not be open on half days. In the event that the school dismisses using a
controlled release due to a threat in the area, after school care will be cancelled unless otherwise
announced.

The daily cost of the program is $15 per day, with a $60 maximum charge per week, for students who use the program. Payment is only expected for the days your child attends after school care.

Payments should be made to University School.

The site for online payments can be accessed here:

University School Online Payments

Registration for after-school will be submitted online using the following link:

2025-2026 University School After School Registration

Case Benchmark Quarter 1 Testing Window - Sept. 4 - Sept 12
Senior ACT Retake - October 7
Optional PSAT/NMSQT for 11th Grade Students - October 14

University School Testing Calendar - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1BApkbePIr6L_ZSNp2xid_2_8GCLx0PMzVtlCpVlNyjM/edit?usp=sharing

Please Note: This is the menu published by Washington County Schools and may vary slightly since we operate on a different academic calendar.

July

28 - Math Olympiad Parent Meeting in Cafeteria @ 3:30 for Grades 4 & 5

28 - HS Girls Soccer, Winged Deer Ellis Field E (turf fields), 6-8pm

28-30 - HS Girls' Softball Tryouts, Winged Deer Park - Huff Field 4 (3:30-5:30 PM)

30 - Playground Ribbon Cutting & Opening

August

1 - Senior Sunrise & Retreat to Roan Mountain

5 - HS Club Expo on the Front Lawn (12:00-1:00 PM)

9 - 2025 XC Kick-off Party & HS Track & Field Awards Banquet (Contact Coaches Lawson, Lillycrop or Mrs. Johnson for more information)

20 - Dismissal @ 1:00 PM for all students

Please note the following changes to our schedule this fall:

• August 20th - Early Dismissal Day for all students; students will be dismissed at 1:00PM on this day due to a University Meeting for the College of Education and Human Development that our faculty will need to attend.

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