University School Weekly Update

Just a reminder, ETSU Classes Begin on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, so please plan accordingly to account for the increased traffic that will be on campus.

Get ready, because our Spirit Team has lined up an awesome week of themed dress‑up days, activities, and school traditions—all leading up to a school-wide pep rally this Friday!

Let’s make the halls buzz with excitement, join in the fun, and show everyone what true Buc Pride looks like.

Let’s bring the spirit, the energy, and the unity all week long! Go Bucs!

Join us on Friday, January 23rd @ Brooks Gym for the 2025-2026 Homecoming Games and Ceremony. The games begin with our Junior Varsity Boys playing at 5:00 PM, followed by our Varsity Girls and Boys at 6:30 & 8:00 PM. Homecoming ceremonies will take place around 7:30 PM. All University students (K-12) students will be reduced to $3.00 for this game and adults will be $6.00 unless you an annual sports pass, so wear your favorite Blue and Gold attire and come out and cheer our teams on to victory!

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.

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.

K-8 families are invited to join us at the Johnson City Family Skate Center for a University School Skate Night on Thursday, January 22nd from 5:00-8:00 PM.

The accolades continue for Lady Bucs Soccer! Freshmen Charlotte Williams and Harper Poston (GK) earn Tennessee Sports Writers Association (TSWA) All-State honors, adding to the list of postseason recognition from a historic year. From the field to the goal, their impact helped shape one of the most memorable seasons in program history. Congrats, ladies! ⚽️

AP Art History students will have a collaborative artwork featured in the regional MLK Day of Service, Beloved Community: It Starts with Me, Exhibit at the McKinney Center for the Arts in Jonesborough.

Exhibit Details:

• The exhibit is open Monday, January 19-22, 8am – 5pm.

• Reception—Thursday, January 22, 6- 8pm.

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 - class yard signs are ready to be picked up; please stop by the office this week and see Mrs. Penley to get your sign.

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

Current ETSU Physical Therapy graduate student, Hannah Burkhart, is starting a 6 week group community running program for students in grades K-8. For more information please see 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.

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

19 - No School (MLK, Jr. Holiday)

20 - HS Basketball VS. Hampton (HOME)

21 - Math Help Club

21 - Chess Club

23 - HS Basketball VS. Cloudland (HOMECOMING)

28 - Math Help Club

30 - HS Basketball @ Unaka (AWAY)

30 - University School Presents: The Addams Family Musical @ 7:00 PM (Culp Auditorium)

31 - University School Presents: The Addams Family Musical @ 2:00 & 7:00 PM (Culp Auditorium)

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