University School Weekly Update

All students will report back to school on Tuesday, January 6th from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

Thursday, January 8th will be an asynchronous learning day for all students in 11th and 12th grade due to PreACT testing. Juniors and seniors will complete assignments at home through Canvas.

There have been a few updates to the student handbook on page 35 regarding High School Awards and Honors. These changes can be found in the handbook attached copy below or in the copy located on the school website.

All students in Grades 8-10 will take the PreACT on Thursday, January 8th. Testing will begin at 8:00 am and students should report directly to their testing location. Room assignments will be shared with students on the Canvas Counseling course for their grade level. Students testing in other locations will receive an email from Dr. Campbell in early January.

Students will need to bring the following items on test day:

• ACT Approved Calculator (calculators will not be provided)

• (https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/ACT-calculator-policy.pdf)

• #2 Pencils

• All electronic devices and backpacks must be stored in lockers or student vehicles. These items will not be allowed in the testing rooms. Examples of prohibited items are cell phones, Air Pods, Smart/Meta Glasses, and smart watches.

Note: University School policies regarding electronic devices and cell phones will apply during testing.

Schedule after Testing - Students will resume their normal class schedule after testing is finished.

Lunch Information - Testing for standard time rooms will finish prior to lunch. Students who receive testing accommodations should bring a bagged lunch since testing may run past lunchtime and the cafeteria will be closed.

Individual student score reports from the second quarter benchmarks will be sent home with students on Friday, January, 9th. Students will receive a score report for each tested subject. These reports contain projected achievement levels for the spring TCAP/EOC tests as well as information regarding how students performed on test domains/assessed standards. Parents and guardians are encouraged to discuss the reports with their children. Should you have questions regarding your child’s performance, please reach out to their teacher for additional information.

Students, we are looking for your help in creating our next design for a spirit wear t-shirt to be sold through the front office.

Designs must be submitted by January 16th, either on paper (turned into the office) or by email to usfoundation.president@gmail.com.

The winning design will be printed on our next round of spirit wear t-shirts!

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.

🎉 DRUMROLL, PLEASE… 🎉

We are thrilled to announce the winners of our Jeremiah School Donation Drive!
🍩☕ CONGRATULATIONS to Mrs. Pierce's 1st Grade Class!

Your generosity and teamwork earned you 1st place—and the well-deserved Donut & Hot Chocolate Party! Enjoy every sprinkle and sip!

We also want to give a HUGE shout-out to our amazing runners-up:
⭐ Mrs. Hughes’s 3rd Grade Class
⭐ Mrs. Pratt’s 6th Grade Class

Thank you for your kindness, enthusiasm, and support of such a meaningful cause. We are so proud of all our students for making a difference! 💛 Together, we make U-School shine! 💛

Congratulations to University School 8th-grader Malachi Fine for being named Daniel Boone middle school football team’s Defensive Player of the Year!

University school students can participate with Daniel Boone High School and Middle School through a cooperative agreement, allowing our students to experience school-sponsored athletics in sports that University School doesn’t offer.

Way to go Malachi - we are proud of you for making the most of this opportunity!

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.

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.

Statewide Spotlight - Lady Bucs Edition!

Congrats to Becca Ford, Brooklyn Brothers, and Charlotte Williams on being named to the Tennessee High School Soccer Coaches All-State Team!

Their impact all season helped lead the Lady Bucs to a Final Four state semifinal appearance.

Congrats, ladies!

Congratulations to Kalani Nabalta and Julia Maylock for recently completing the fall 2025 high school golf season.

Following the completion of the season, both Kalani and Julia were recognized by being named to the TSSAA District 1A All-Conference team.

Way to go Lady Bucs!

University School follows the same menu schedule as the Washington County School system when our school calendars align.

January

5 - Faculty Professional Development Day

5 - MS Basketball @ Hampton (AWAY)

5 - HS Basketball VS. Unicoi Co. (HOME)

6 - Students Return

6 - HS Basketball @ Sullivan East (AWAY)

6 - MS Basketball @ Fall Branch (AWAY)

7 - Math Help Club

7 - Chess Club

8 - Grade 8-10 PreACT

8 - Parent Foundation Meeting in Library @ 8:30 AM

8 - MS Basketball VS. Happy Valley (HOME - 8th Grade Night)

9 - HS Basketball VS. Unaka (HOME)

10 - HS Basketball VS. Hancock Co. (HOME)

12 - MS Basketball @ Providence (AWAY)

13 - HS Basketball @ North Greene (AWAY)

13 - MS Basketball VS. Fall Branch (HOME)

14 - Math Help Club

15 - HS Basketball VS. South Greene (HOME)

15 - MS Basketball VS. Gray (HOME)

16 - 8th Grade Chick-fil-A Spirit Night

17 - HS Basketball @ Hancock Co. (AWAY)

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