USC May Newsletter

We are quickly approaching the end of the school year. Summer plans are being made and vacations are scheduled. Students are dreaming about their summer days and refining work schedules. Families are working to fill their calendars with activities, family fun, and events.

Students are also finishing up projects, wrapping up assignments, and preparing for final exams. They are working hard to complete their learning goals for the school year. The seniors will have final exams on Friday, May 24th. Senior students have been emailed the final exam schedule. There are several Senior events happening in May. Please see the end of the newsletter for a list of the upcoming events.

The students in grades 9-11 will have final exams on May 30th and 31st. Students will be emailed the schedule later next week. They will have some great learning opportunities in the upcoming days. I'm excited to have the students experience the year-end lessons that their teachers have planned for them.

At USC, we want all our students to have a great learning experience and to be successful. Please help your student find value in finishing the year strong with a commitment to doing their work to the best of their ability. Their teachers want to help them be successful and continue their learning progress as we finish up the important goals for the school year.

Enjoy the rest of your month and enjoy the moments that make you smile. It will go by quickly.

Jen Bye

High School Principal

jbye@unitedsouthcentral.org

USC celebrated the senior class of 2024 with the annual Honors Program on May 14th. Over 20 scholarships were awarded to USC students along with students being recognized for their accomplishments on the WorkKeys test. The WorkKeys test measures students' readiness to perform skills in their future jobs. At the program, students also received medals for their academic achievement of silver, gold, and top 10 percent. We are proud of the class of 2024 and all they have accomplished!

USC staff and students participated in presentations from members of the Faribault County Justice system regarding posting on social media. The presentation fulfilled our goal to educate students on how some types of items posted on social media could cause students problems including legal actions when posting sensitive material on social media platforms.

The presentation allowed students to learn in an interactive format about the dangers of posting sensitive information on social media. During the presentation, the presenters shared the possible legal charges that could result when some types of social media posts are made. Students were also given time to ask questions to help them understand their responsibility in taking careful consideration about the types of information posted on their social media accounts.

The USC Drama Department shared their humor and fun as they showcased their talents in improv at the Spring Drama Show. Student teams played improv games sharing laughter and fun throughout the evening. The audience enjoyed participating by voting for the winners of the rounds of competition. The audience members also had the chance to contribute towards the details of the games by suggesting phrases and scenarios that were submitted prior to the show's start.

Congratulations to Braxton O'Rourke, the May Renaissance Student of the Month. Braxton 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 Mock Trial, FFA, and Clay Target League, and hard work is a positive example for our students. USC is proud to celebrate Braxton!

On Wednesday, May 1st, USC celebrated spring with a community clean up day. Students helped the USC communities in many ways, including road-side ditch clean up, removing garbage from school grounds, working with elementary students, and picking up branches and garbage in yards and parks.

The USC communities offer their gratitude to all the students who participated in the community service day. A special thank you to Laura Foley for coordinating the day and sites for the community service day.

Students enjoyed a hands-on learning experience in physics class. Students used the scientific method, made conjectures, and calculated results of their experiment.

The USC music department and students are preparing for the spring music concerts. Please join us for entertainment that highlights the skills that our music students have been practicing.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This month, we raise awareness of the many struggles individuals may face with their mental health and celebrate overcoming these challenges and increasing mental wellness. About half of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their lives, with symptoms starting by age 14 for the majority of people. Therefore, it’s especially important to raise mental health awareness in school and to support each student with their mental and emotional health. USC has a variety of activities planned throughout this month to raise mental health awareness and promote positive coping and wellbeing as this school year ends. Activities include, but are not limited to: stretching and gratitude breaks, “Be Seen in Green” day, socioemotional classroom lessons, shred your stress event, and mindfulness stations. If your student is struggling with their mental health, encourage them to reach out to their school social workers and counselors for help. If you need more information or resources about mental health, please check out the following links:

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/

https://www.fmchs.com/

https://adaa.org/

https://namimn.org/support/information-and-resources/

https://www.acfsmankato.org/

Jennifer Murphey, MSW, LICSW

United South Central Social Worker

jmurphey@unitedsouthcentral.org

Melissa Haugh, MSW, LGSW

United South Central Social Worker

mhaugh@unitedsouthcentral.org

Kayt Klemek, M.A. M.P.H

United South Central School Counselor

kklemek@unitedsouthcentral.org

Charissa Wischnack

School Counseling Intern

United South Central Tier 1 School Counselor

cwhishnack@unitedsouthcentral.org

On April 24th, the USC administrative assistants were treated to lunch at the Wells Community Center. USC is fortunate to have a great group of administrative assistants that ensure smooth operations of our building and processes. Thank you to Shannon, Laura, Stacie, Deb L, Deb A, Kathryn, Michelle, and Ashley for all they do for the students and staff at USC.

USC community members, students, and staff enjoyed a fun night of fundraising on Saturday, April 20th. The evening was filled with the show, prizes, and raffle drawings. This annual fundraiser helps supply needed items and learning experiences to the students at United South Central School. A warm thank you is extended to the USC Education Foundation for organizing this wonderful fundraiser.

Students were mixing Teacher Appreciation Week with some of our mental health awareness to focus on gratitude. Students in grades 7-12 were able to send a note of gratitude to a teacher who they appreciate. They were able to take a sticker with a positive message to keep spreading the awareness in May.

Juniors

USC juniors will benefit from the Direct Admissions Minnesota program this fall! Direct Admissions offers seniors a look at the many college options they have after high school by proactively notifying them of which Minnesota colleges and universities they are accepted to - before they even apply! Check out this video to learn more: https://youtu.be/3sNb7vIxzAI?si=IjprsXnRk2l5u-ai

Seniors

Graduating Seniors will need to have their high school transcripts requested on Parchment to be sent to the College/University they are planning on attending this fall. www.parchment.com

Seniors who have earned college credits at USC or through PSEO must request their college transcript directly through the college and have it sent to the school they will attend this fall. Students should go to the college's website that they earned credit through, search "transcript request" and follow the instructions. Students who are attending a Minnesota State College or University DO NOT need to do this, but need to tell their advisor they have credits from another school.

Fri. May 17. USC Career Fair with local businesses in the gym

Mon. May 20. Big Rebel/Little Rebel end of year party at 2:30 PM

Tues. May 21. Grade 5 - 8 Band Concert

Weds. May 22. Senior Class Trip

Fri. May 24. Senior Final Exams and Last Day of School for Seniors

Fri. May 24. Pops and Pie Concert 7:00 PM

Mon. May 27. No School. Memorial Day

Tues. May 28. Graduation Practice 9:15 AM. Students invited to breakfast sponsored by Farmers Trust and Savings Bank at 8:50 AM

Weds. May 29. 4th Quarter Reward for grade 7 & 8

Weds. May 29. Lions Athletic Banquet 6:30 PM

May 30-31. Final Exams for grades 9-11

May 31. Last day of school

May 31. Graduation ceremony 7:00 PM