University School Weekly Update

As we prepare for the changing of the seasons, we ask that our families please review our inclement weather policy. Although we have a partnership with Washington County Schools, we do want to remind our families that we follow a different calendar and inclement weather and emergency closure policy, so please be sure to review the information below:

When there is inclement weather:

• University School will close if Johnson City Schools close for inclement weather.
• University School will also close for inclement weather if ETSU closes.
• University School will close if there is need due to an emergency at the school.

We will not make an announcement through the news media due to the fact that saying University School will be closed is confusing to ETSU students. Instead we ask that our students and parents/guardians be aware of the reasons for closure stated above and refer to the University School website and social media sites for updated announcements.

We are aware some students live in areas where the weather may be worse than it is in town. Therefore, if University School is open but road conditions between your home and the school are dangerous, we ask that you please do not put yourself at risk by attempting to drive to school. If this were to occur, please call the school office and inform us of your circumstances. On inclement weather days when Johnson City Schools are not regularly scheduled, announcements will be made through our normal email distribution, website, and social media outlets.

Slocumb Galleries and the Department of Art & Design at ETSU is hosting a Regional Middle/High School Art Showcase, themed “Visualize Your Future: Appalachian Youth Art Showcase" to celebrate the talent and vision of young artists across our region while introducing them to the vibrant creative community at ETSU (see ETSU/Community updates for more information).

A number of artworks from University School students in Ms. Squibb's and Ms. Colson's classes will be included in this exhibit at the ETSU Tipton-Ashe Gallery @ the Courthouse, 401 Ashe Street, Johnson City. The showcase runs from January 23 - February 21. Gallery Hours are Wednesdays and Saturdays: 11am - 3pm; Thursdays and Fridays: 5 to 7pm.

There will be a reception on Friday, February 6th from 6:00-8:00 pm.

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.

There will be a 3rd Grade parent meeting on Thursday, February 5th at 3:20 PM in the school library to discuss the state required promotion and retention law.

We’d like to recognize Grayson, one of our University School Middle students, for the incredible way he gives back to our community. Instead of asking for gifts for his birthday, Grayson chose to organize a food drive to support neighbors facing hunger. This act of kindness isn’t new for him—he has been doing it for several years, raising thousands of dollars’ worth of food and donations through his dedication.

This year, Grayson and his family expanded their efforts by partnering with 12 local businesses across the Tri-Cities to collect food for Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee.

We are extremely proud of Grayson and the meaningful impact he continues to make in our community!

A big THANKS to our parent foundation for organizing a recent skate night for our school - fun was had by Bucky and all of our students who attended!

February 2 to March 6:

Junior Individual Meetings for SCOIR and Registration (sign up link will be posted in CANVAS Counseling Announcements). Only student is required to attend, but parents/guardians are welcome.

February 5- 5:30 to 7:30 (Location TBD):
ETSU New Dual Enrollment Student Meeting- any rising 11 th or 12 th grader who has not previously dual enrolled must attend-All sport practices and games are cancelled for this date.

February 17- 5:30 to 7:30 (Rogers-Stout Auditorium Room 102):
8th Grade Registration for High School- The student and at least one parent/guardian must be present-all middle school sports practices and games are cancelled for this date.

February 18-19- In class- Primarily Social Studies (backup dates 2/23 & 2/24):
Registration presentations for rising 10th and 11th graders along with dual enrollment information for rising 11th graders. PACT score distribution will begin as soon as we receive the reports. All 8th , 9th , and 10th graders will be pulled for an individual meeting with someone in the counseling office to discuss scores. Please keep the materials that students bring home.

Feb/March (TBD) - Make Up sessions for registration

NOTE: Rising 9th , 10th , and 11th graders will need to make registration choices during their designated time period. Individual meetings for students in those grades will not be available until Quarter 4. Changes can still be made in Quarter 4. Junior meetings will be given priority.

We are excited to share that University School Juniors and their parents/guardians will
soon be receiving their invitation via email to Scoir, a modern platform that supports
students—and their families—through the college and career planning process.
The Common App and the Coalition Application are fully integrated into Scoir
creating a streamlined route for tracking applications and documents. Additionally,
most other colleges in the US and many abroad are Scoir connected schools
allowing secure document transmission.

Soon, Juniors will receive an email invitation from Scoir so you can create your free
account. Once you're in, you can:

• Explore colleges and career options

• Build a list of favorites

• Request letters of recommendation and the sending of application materials

• Receive messages, assignments, and helpful resources from your counseling team

Parents/Guardians will receive access to Scoir, and you’ll get an invitation to create
your own account and link to theirs. As a parent or guardian, you’ll be able to:

• View your student’s profile, college list and preferences, and saved careers

• Suggest colleges your student may want to consider

• Explore colleges on your own
• Use financial tools to better understand potential costs across different schools

Scoir is designed to keep both students and families informed and involved throughout this exciting journey, and we’re confident you’ll find it both helpful and easy to use.

Should you have any questions about the program, please reach out to our HS Counselor, Dr. Shaw.

What is ALA Volunteer Girls State?

ALA Volunteer Girls State will convene on the campus of Lipscomb University from Sunday, May 24, 2026 - Saturday, May 30, 2026.

We empower Tennessee’s promising young women to become and remain civically engaged leaders through experiential learning and relevant, inspiring growth opportunities. Since 1947, Volunteer Girls State, a program of the American Legion Auxiliary, has invested in more than 25,000 young women in Tennessee by providing the tools they need to become confident, informed citizens and voters.

The nonpartisan program is offered annually to more than 575 of Tennessee’s rising high school seniors and is centered on citizenship, teamwork, and fostering a love of God and country. Experienced volunteer staff and counselors — each one a program alumna — help guide participants, or “citizens,” through the week as they elect city, county, and state officials, engage in party politics, debate legislation, and collaborate in a host of fun team activities.

Program Highlights

• Practical, engaging citizenship and a dynamic government curriculum
• Respectful debate of real-world issues
• Live sessions of the Tennessee Supreme Court
• Fun competitions, including ALA VGS Olympics
• Musical performances by the ALA VGS Chorus
• Prominent speakers have included Tennessee’s governor, U.S. Senators, and other public officials
• Scholarship is available.

If you are interested in attending the week long program, please stop by to see or email our College & Career Coordinator, Mrs. Destiny McRee (mcreed@etsu.edu).

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:

ETSU Department of Art & Design and Slocumb Galleries in partnership with Bravissima! Women Sponsoring the Arts, Jerry’s Artarama of Knoxville, and the Tennessee Arts Commission proudly present Visualize Your Future Appalachian Youth Exhibition featuring K7-12 students from seven regional schools with opening reception on February 6, First Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. with Guests of Honor Johnson City Jenny Brock, Bravissima’s Belinda Kiener and Scott Manning of Jerry’s Artarama.

The featured schools are Cherokee High School with art teacher Laura Heath; Daniel Boone High School with art mentor Alisa Brandenburg, Elizabethton High School with art teachers Rachel Turbyfill and Lisa Malone; Happy Vallery High School with art teacher Cydney Trent, Liberty Bell Middle School with art teacher Brooke Velsor; and the University School with art mentors Kristin Colson and Sharon Squibb. The exhibition is curated by ETSU Slocumb Galleries Curatorial Fellows Akintayo Akintobi and the Lyn Govette Community Engagement Facilitator Amber Farley.

The Tipton-Ashe Gallery is located at 401 Ashe St. former Courthouse in Downtown Johnson City, Tennessee 37614. Gallery hours are Wednesdays & Saturday from 11am to 3pm; Thursdays & Fridays from 5 to 7pm with extended hours during receptions and by appointments. For more information, schedule a visit or for handicapped accommodations, please email Karlota Contreras-Koterbay via contrera@etsu.edu.

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.

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

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