University School Weekly Update

University School will be administering state-mandated TCAP Assessments to students in grades 3-8 and those enrolled in high school subjects with End of Course exams beginning on Monday, April 13, 2026 and ending Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Contact Dr. Campbell (campbellhe@etsu.edu) with any questions related to spring testing.

Required TCAP Assessments for students in grades 3-8 include: Math, English/Language Arts (ELA), Science, and Social Studies. High School End of Course assessments are required for English I and II, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Biology, and US History.

Remote Learning Days - April 15th and 23rd will be remote learning days for students in grades 7-12. Students in grades K-6 and any student scheduled to take an EOC test are required to attend school on campus from 8:00 - 3:00. Assignments and remote learning expectations will be communicated by your child’s teacher.

Parent request days will not be approved during state testing. Please do not schedule appointments or early dismissals on testing days. Students cannot be released from the testing room once testing has started.

Students are NOT PERMITTED to possess or access any electronic devices while in the testing room. If a student accesses any of these devices during testing, the student's test results in that content area may be invalidated and a score of 0 entered in PowerSchool. Additional disciplinary action may also be taken.

Examples of prohibited devices include cell phones, Air Pods, smart watches, smart/Meta glasses, etc.

Students enrolled in AP courses are required to take AP exams according to the schedule below. More information will be shared with families in late April.

Please review the Spring State Testing Schedule for our school below; we ask that you please avoid scheduling any conflicting appointments on the day your child(rent) are scheduled to test.

The University School Foundation’s Bloom 2026: Growing Our Future online auction opened Thursday, April 11 at 10:00 AM. Bidding will remain open until 9:00 PM on April 17, and we’ll continue adding new items throughout the week.

This year’s lineup includes incredible offerings such as a one‑week Belize Beach House stay, the Carnegie Hotel’s Enhance Your Romance package, an Ozzie Albies autographed photo, a General Shale fire pit, and even a full week of Appalachian Christian Camp. You’ll also find getaways, family attractions, dining favorites, beauty and wellness services, sports tickets, home and auto packages, and so much more.nPlus our K-8 classroom baskets donated by our parents and the always popular K-5 classroom pottery!

Preview items now: https://BLOOM2026.ourschool.auction — but be sure to check back regularly as new items are being added daily.

Congratulations to Mrs. Chelsie Pratt on being selected as this year's University School Innovative Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Pratt was honored this past week during the Clemmer College of Education and Human Development annual awards ceremony on Friday, April 10th.

Congratulations to members of this year's STEM for Kids club for being selected as one of the recipients for this year's TVA/Brightridge STEM grant. The club is co-sponsored by Mrs. Nicole Havert and Dr. Rayne Price. This year's project, University City, is a collaborative project between the club and our K-5 classrooms; presenting club members pictured in the photo are: Abram Helton, Isla Harker, Harrison Harker, and Grace Arguetta.

Thank you to all who participated in celebrating art and traditional music during this year's Pickin' in the School-Yard event! A special thank you to Ms. Kim Greenland, Dr. Hunter Mullins, Ms. Kristin Colson, Ms. Allyson Ross, and all of our student, staff, and community vendors and musicians for making this annual event such a special one!

Congratulations to the following University School students, Darcy McKinney, Kalani Nabalta, Millie Lester, and Izzy Stewart (not pictured) on being selected as finalists in the 2026 First TN Congressional District Art Competition. All finalists for the region were honored at a reception hosted by Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger on the campus of Northeast State Community College on Friday, April 10, 2026.

Congratulations to the following Morning Mile Club Runners:

• 5 Mile Club - Ansel Abikoye (6)
• 10 Mile Club - Everett Andrews (K), Ruby Seehorn (1), & Barrett Turek (2)
• 25 Mile Club - James Adams (6)
• 30 Mile Club - Ewan Carter (1) & Leo Giuliani (3)
• 45 Mile Club - Levon Hanson (5)
• 55 Mile Club - Lindell Hanson (6)

The Junior-Senior Prom will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 7:30-10:30 pm, at the Carnegie Hotel, lower ballroom. Use the back entrance to the hotel for easiest access.

REGISTRATION:
Juniors and Seniors planning to attend prom must complete the prom registration (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScbw3nXiuhVdM_V7B90J5kv4QnfoZ2Hpd9uz1KbAhn__Qei2A/viewform). If you bring a guest who is a 9th or 10th grader at University School, they also need to complete the registration.

Guests: Current University School Juniors and Seniors may bring one guest who is not a current University School Junior or Senior. Guests must be at least a high school student and under 21 years old.
For guests who are not University School students, a guest permission form (attached below and printed forms available in the office) must be turned in by Wednesday 4/22/26 to be reviewed. Approved outside guests must bring an ID to be admitted to prom.
For guests who are University School 9th or 10th grade students: they need to complete the prom registration form.

TICKETS: (https://epay.goldlink.etsu.edu/C20071_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=719&SINGLESTORE=true)
Current University School Seniors do not need to purchase a ticket for themselves. University School Seniors are free, but they still need register. If bringing a guest/date who is not a current senior at University School, a ticket will need to be purchased for the guest.

All other students attending prom must have purchased a ticket by 4/24/26..
TICKETS can be purchased online for $15. - NO TICKET SALES AT THE EVENT.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Day (daya@etsu.edu).

3D Youth Leadership is designed to equip, empower and inspire high school students to become engaged, impactful leaders in their schools and communities. Meeting one Saturday each month from August to May at the Chamber office, the program covers a variety of essential topics, including effective communication, team-building, college/workforce readiness, leadership development and more.

Throughout the year, juniors and seniors from public, private and home high schools develop their skills and confidence needed to lead in diverse settings, learning how to make a positive difference in their environments. The program culminates in a graduation ceremony in May, celebrating the students’ growth and achievements. 3D Youth Leadership not only prepares young people for future success but also helps share the next generation of community leaders.

3D Youth Leadership requires a $100 tuition payment.

Interested in playing Girls High School Soccer? Whether you’re an experienced player or new to the game, we’d love to have you learn more. We’re building a strong, competitive program and are excited to continue growing participation and interest.

An informational meeting will be held to share details about the upcoming season, expectations, schedules, and May tryouts. Students and parents are encouraged to attend.

📅 Wednesday, April 22
⏰ 5:30 PM
📍 School Library

If you have questions or can’t attend but want more information, please contact Morgan Richards at UHbucssoccer@gmail.com.

Come out, get informed, and see if girls soccer is right for you!

Senior Week is right around the corner in May, and we’re excited to celebrate the Class of 2026 with a full lineup of traditions and milestone moments. Events include Senior Sunset, Senior Day at Dollywood, the Holston Presbytery Retreat, rehearsal and picnic, Baccalaureate at Munsey Memorial UMC, and finally Senior Walk, Graduation, and Project Graduation.

RSVPs for the senior trips and Baccalaureate will be coming out soon, so please keep an eye out and respond promptly to help us plan smoothly for each event.

You can always find the most up‑to‑date details here: ourschool.support/UH_ClassOf2026

Class of 2026 families, please take a moment to complete the RSVP for this year’s Baccalaureate Reception, held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church.

Your response helps our committee and caterer prepare for a meaningful evening celebrating our seniors, and we ask that families submit the form as soon as possible.

RSVP here: https://forms.gle/b8ck7bStRwTTrkfn9

Thank you for helping us plan a special night for the Class of 2026.

Project Graduation is set for an unforgettable night of fun, food, and prizes in the CPA following the graduation ceremony. This long‑standing tradition provides seniors with a safe, substance‑free celebration where they can enjoy one last night together as a class — a mission that has made Project Graduation a beloved and meaningful part of the University School experience.

To make this year’s event a success, we need your help. We are seeking businesses willing to donate food and prizes, as well as parents who can help solicit these items from our community.

If you are able to donate or volunteer, please contact Holly Scheller at nurseholly1@gmail.com.

Thank you for helping us create a memorable and safe celebration for the Class of 2026.

Welcome to Ren Camp! We're celebrating our 24th year! Here, your campers can dive into exciting, hands-on STEAM adventures each day, exploring science, technology, engineering, art, and math in fun and meaningful ways.

What's New This Year?

• Two field trips per week (except during our two Kitchistry weeks)
• We're now offering a Drama Camp with an end of the week performance
• Bigger and better end-of-week parties
• Kitchistry now expanded into two full weeks for even more time in the kitchen
• Some new field trips that we've never been on!
• Meet real scientists, artists, and creators through special guest visits and live demos.

Ren Camp's mission is to foster a sense of belonging where teamwork and creativity thrive through engaging, hands-on experiences that empower campers to learn, connect, and grow.

Camp Themes:

• Week 1 - Mythical Creatures Academy- June 1- 5
• Week 2 - Robo World - June 8 - 12
• Week 3 - Kitchistry & Lights, Camera, Action - June 15 - 19
• Week 4 - Once Upon a Fairytale & Kitchistry - June 22 - 26
• Week 5 - Treasure Planet (Space Pirates) - July 6 - 10
• Week 6 - Survivor - July 13 - 17
• Week 7 - Rhythm Around the World - July 20 - 24
• Week 8 - Time Travelers - July 27 - 31

If you have any questions, please call: (423) 439 - 8084 or email: Browderkn@etsu.edu

Applied STEM foundation is a 3-week experiential program that covers various academic majors such as computing, digital media, engineering, and biology. The program is mainly for high school students interested in a STEM major but mature 8th graders are encouraged to attend. The program emphasizes exposure to technological concepts, idea development, and skills that support success within a STEM major using an experiential model. Students will also work with ROTC and complete fun challenges. The opportunity to earn college credit and scholarships may be available. Summer 2026 will have two tracks that students can select from.

• Track 1 -covers, Computing, Digital Media, Engineering, and other STEM concepts.

• Track 2 - covers Biology, Dental Hygiene, Radiologic Science, Environmental Health and Technology

Enrollment is now open.

Enrollment Link: https://www.etsu.edu/coe/summer-camp/applied-stem/

Cost: $75 which includes lunch

Dates: June 1-19 8:30 am – 3:30pm.

Any student interested in taking classes at one of the TCAT locations during the 26/27 school year should complete the Google form below. If you have any questions regarding potential classes or regarding the form, please contact Destiny McRee.

https://forms.gle/pq5TNvfFy4Gbe6NDA

A one-week Art & Museum Teen Camp for 7th graders and up, Mosaic Mountain: Materials of Collaboration, will be in session June 1-5. Campers will create multiple artworks to be exhibited in one of the Reece Museum's three galleries. Collaborating with local artist Amanda Renfrow and museum staff, campers will work together to create individual works of art through collaborative group projects exploring different media. Projects will include wheat paste collage, contact paper window collage, and a large-scale wind-chime mobile. The exhibition will open to the public at the end of the camp and remain on display through September 4. Students will be able to take their work home at the end of the exhibition.

For more information: 2026 Teen Art Camp - 262-9005A-9

• Do you want to be a leader?
• Do you want to shape the future of our nation?
• Do you want to preserve the freedoms we all hold dear?
• Do you want to learn how to become a contributing citizen?
• Do you want to better your community, your nation, and society as a whole?

You can do all of this and more at Tennessee American Legion Boys State, a training
ground for the leaders of tomorrow. This five-day gathering — made up of counselors
and 600 young men representing every county in Tennessee — is designed to offer
hands-on experience in the problems of government.

To accomplish this, participants are tasked with putting into practice the theories of government
through actual participation in city, county, and state governments organized as a “Mythical 51st State,” complete with political parties, an election, and the establishment of judicial, legislative,
and executive branches of government.

If interested, please contact Destiny McRee at mcreed@etsu.edu or 423-439-5925.

Any parent interested in participating in voluntary a research study being conducted by Dr. Wallace Dixon from the ETSU Department of Psychology, please review the information below:

GattonRx Summer Camp
The annual GattonRx Summer Camp will be held June 1-5. The overnight camp is open to high school juniors and seniors interested in learning more about the pharmacy profession. The event will include lots of hands-on activities; opportunities to learn directly from students, faculty and practicing pharmacists about the profession; campus tours; and fun with peers.

An online application for the camp is required. If accepted, the residential camp fee is $400 for a double-occupancy room and $500 for a single-occupancy room. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.

Register at etsu.edu/pharmacycamp.

If you would like additional information, please contact Destiny McRee.
(423) 439-5925
mcreed@etsu.edu

The United States Military Academy at West Point is excited to offer your rising seniors (current juniors) the Summer Leaders Experience (SLE)—a rigorous five-day, overnight immersion led entirely by current West Point cadets.

SLE offers an authentic look at cadet life and challenges students academically, militarily, physically, and socially. Participants will experience:

Hands-on academic workshops:

• Choose from 17 sessions taught by West Point faculty.
• Physical and military training: Army PT workouts, obstacle courses (indoor and outdoor), the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA), and more.
• Leadership and character development: Team-building exercises, the Leader Reaction Course, ethics discussions, and cadet-led activities.

Students can choose between three SLE sessions:

• Session 1: May 30 – June 3

• Session 2: June 5 – June 9

• Session 3: June 11 – June 1

West Point provides scholarships to cover the $495 SLE fee and travel expenses for students with documented financial need.

Any junior interested in this opportunity should contact Destiny McRee as soon as possible.
(423) 439-5925
mcreed@etsu.edu

April Events for Ages 12-18:

• Teen Homework Cafe is held each Monday in April from 3-5 p.m in the Library's Teen Space. Ages 12-18 can bring their homework to complete after school. Library staff is available to help find research materials and resources, and snacks are provided.

• Teen Book Club - Onward: 16 Climate Fiction Short Stories to Inspire Hope is held on Wednesday, April 15 at 6-7 p.m. in the Jones Meeting Center. Explore this collection of powerful stories by notable YA authors, which imagine responses to climate change while emphasizing resilience, creativity, and hope for the future. Register here.

• Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is open to anyone ages 12-18 who is interested in helping make the Teen Space a safe and exciting place. TAB will meet on Wednesday, April 22 at 6:30 p.m. to share ideas for the Teen Space, collection, programming, and vision for the future.

Visit jcpl.org/events to find more upcoming events.

April Club & Activities:

13 - Girls on the Run/Heart and Soul Practice (3:15 PM)

13 - Current 5th Grade Camp Explore Parent Meeting (5:30 PM - Cafeteria)

14 - Current 8th Grade DC Trip Parent Meeting (6:00 PM - Cafeteria)

15 - Chess Club (3:30-4:30 PM)

15 - Math Help Club (3:00-4:15 PM)

16 - Girls on the Run/Heart and Soul Practice (3:15 PM)

20 - Girls on the Run/Heart and Soul Practice (3:15 PM)

21 - Girl Scouts Parent Interest Meeting (6:00 PM - Cafeteria)

Athletics - April:

High School Track:

17 - Track @ Volunteer Classic (4:00 PM - UT Knoxville)

30 - SENIOR NIGHT Recognition @ HS Soccer Game (6PM - ETSU Summers Taylor Stadium)

High School Baseball:

13 - Away @ Mitchell County (NC) - (6:30 PM)

14 - Home vs Unaka (ETSU Thompson Stadium; 5:00 PM - Senior Night)

18 - Home vs Oakdale (Milligan Stadium; 12:00 PM)

High School Tennis:

14 - Home vs. Greeneville (4:00 PM - ETSU CPA Courts)

16 - Home vs Volunteer ( 4:00 PM - ETSU CPA Courts)

High School Boys' Soccer:

14 - Home vs Pigeon Forge (6:30 PM - Winged Deer Park)

28 - HS Boys Soccer @ Cosby

30 - Home vs West Ridge (Senior Night 6:00 PM/Game @ 6:30 PM - ETSU Summers Taylor)

High School Softball:

13 - Home vs Mitchell County (5:30 PM - Winged Deer Park)

14 - Home vs Hampton (5:30 PM - Winged Deer Park)

16 - Away vs Unaka (5:00 PM)

Middle School Boys' Soccer:
13 - Away vs Unicoi County

Middle School Softball:

13 - Away vs Fall Branch (5:00 PM)

15 - Home (8th Grade Night) vs Hampton (5:00 PM - Winged Deer Park)

16 - Away vs Happy Valley (5:30 PM)

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