December 14, 2023

• Compendium Updates
• Campus News & Updates
• Extended Learning
• University Schools Athletics
• Parent Networks
• Mark your calendars!
• UofM Athletics & Events
• Tech Talks
• Helpful Links & Contact Information

University Schools will have a half-day on December 15th, with early dismissal. The schools will dismiss at the following times:

ELRC - 11:00 am

Campus School - 11:15 am

University Middle - 11:00 am

University High School - 11:00 am

Please note that no afterschool activities, extended learning, or YMCA will take place on this date.

Reminder that University Schools will be closed for Winter Break:

• December 16-January 1: Winter Break (NO SCHOOL)

• January 2: Faculty & Staff Administrative Day (NO SCHOOL)

• January 3: Q3 Begins (Students Return)

The University of Memphis released their Holiday Greeting, and it featured our very own University Middle Choir! Click on the link below to checkout this highlight!

Campus School is seeking a Supervising Teacher to teach Art. If you know someone who might be interested in supporting the mission and vision of University Schools, please share the link below.

https://workforum.memphis.edu/postings/38736

Thank you for all you do to recruit new Tiger faculty and staff for our schools!

Reminder that our new student enrollment application closed on December 8th. Notifications of enrollment will go out in January.

Additional enrollment information can be found on University Schools Enrollment Webpage. Questions? Email enrollus@memphis.edu

In partnership with The University of Memphis, the Jay Uiberall Foundation is supporting the University Schools to provide a family engagement program. Through this program, all University Schools families will be invited to participate in ten engagements with University of Memphis researchers and faculty in order to learn more about specific child-related topics.

These nights will either be focused on early childhood & elementary topics (hosted at Porter-Leath University of Memphis Early Learning Academy at 2869 Park Ave) or on middle & high school topics (hosted at University Middle & University High at 330 Fogelman Drive Memphis, TN)

Family engagement nights 1 and 2 held this past Fall featured information on Supporting the growth of Neurodivergent Learners (ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ODD) through School and Community Based Supports.

Quarter 2

Family engagement nights 3 and 4 featured information on Understanding Secondary Post-Traumatic Stress and Strategies for Self Care during the Holiday Season.

Click on the links below to view the presentations and resources from these past events.

Our friends at First Eight Memphis have released a great resource that supports talking to children about the ongoing events taking place in the Middle East and Ukraine. Click on the link below to check out this great resource!

Baby Doll Circle Time

Ms. Young's 2's Classroom

Carol Cordeau Young - Supervising Teacher

The children have embraced an ongoing interest with our classroom baby dolls since the start of the school year. The dolls have been toted, stuck into the oven in the dramatic play area, bickered over, and on rainy days participated in “baby scrubbing’”.

The baby dolls very much started out as play objects. During the past few months, they have become “something more”. With cooperative imaginative play emerging, suddenly cushions and carpet squares turn into beds and blankets for the babies. Our riding carts become strollers. Yet, in the handling of the baby dolls, there was a lack of relationships. Dolls were still discarded face down on the floor, or used as a resource to be guarded from peers.

While exploring the identification and management of their own BIG EMOTIONS, we are ready to embark on a journey called Baby Doll Circle Time, which is apart of a larger journey called “Conscious Discipline.” In the words of Dr. Becky Bailey, “Conscious Discipline is a comprehensive self-regulation program that combines social-emotional learning with discipline and classroom management.

In small groups, the children will be guided through enhancing their relationships with their baby dolls. Attunement, attachment, problem solving and empathy, as well as self regulation of thoughts, feelings and behaviors are part of each 5 part session. The goal is to create awareness and skills that will transfer into how we build meaningful relationships with others in positive ways.

In terms of our Reggio Inspiration, Baby Doll Circle Time is a provocation, intended to scaffold the children’s learning to higher mental models of self and relationships.

First Grade Takes on the Agricenter

As a “being there experience” for first grade, students explored the Agricenter through UT Extensions to go along with Social Studies standards. Students completed a lesson about local vegetables and fruits. They also learned about plant parts and all of the ways plants are used in our communities.

Campus School Computer Science - Balloons Over Broadway

First graders explored the engineering and design process in a special themed lesson. Beginning with the book Balloons Over Broadway, students learned the history of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and puppeteer Tony Sarg. After learning about algorithms, students examined the parade logistics and the challenges the balloon designers face. Then, students designed and built their own balloon parade float. The first graders had their own Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and showed off their hand-crafted balloons to the kindergarteners.

Second Grade Takes on Lichterman

Second graders attended a field trip to Lichterman Nature Center during the month of November, and had the opportunity to learn about the habitats. Students then “met” some wildlife friends from the park! Then, students explores the habitats by going on nature hikes with their classmates.

Discovery Park of America

The 7th graders had the BEST time at Discovery Park of America in Union City, TN for their field experience. They are creating interactive museums for their exhibition night and got inspiration from the many wonderful exhibits they saw on display.

8th Grade Capstone

In 8th grade, students are completing the first draft of their research paper and received visits from their mentors which consists of University of Memphis’ professors, deans of colleges, athletic directors, and more amazing professionals! We’re so happy to partner with them on this year long project!

Pictured below, students are meeting with the Dean of Cecil C Humphreys School of Law, Kate Schaffzin.

Winter Formal

UHS Student Government Association hosted the first dance of the 2023-24 school year earlier this month - The UHS Winter Formal - "Snow in the Tiger's Den." Students celebrated in the University Center Ballroom, with tons of fun and best dressed attire!

Winter Concert

Last week, our high school students put on an incredible performance during the annual Winter Concert. Thank you Mr. Jackson, and all of the performers for all of your hard work!

Extended Learning for Fall 2023 wrapped up this past week. Thank you to our partners, students, and families for an amazing semester! We can't wait to see you all in January!

Please help us fill out this survey so we can improve our programs!

Everything moved forward with the Final Forms registration software, and this week, we are working hard to confirm those registrations with each of you. We will contact you to confirm your activities and provide the opportunity to sign for others in case you went over the cap of a selected activity. Please remember that you can see your registered activities in the University Schools Final Forms!

Please save the Spring 2024 EL Guide so you can come back and address any questions you may have regarding dates, programs, or other details.

• Dec 14th – Spring 2024 Final confirmation emails sent to families

• Jan 16th – EL Spring 2024 starts

• Jan 19th – Spring 2024 First payment deadline (tentative)

• May 16th – EL Spring 2024 finishes

UMS Model UN

Congratulations to the UMS Model UN Club for representing University Schools at their first competition of the year!

National Association for the Education of Young Children- NAEYC

During November 15-18, Mrs. Stacy Adams (Campus School) attended the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) conference in Nashville. The conference was attended by over 8,000 early childhood educators from across the country. Mrs. Adams was able to participate in sessions focused on neuroscience and supporting neurodivergent learners, leadership and coaching support, and playful learning experiences amongst many other personally important and relevant sessions. It was a valuable learning opportunity for her! Additionally, she gained insight and information about programs, PD opportunities, curriculum, SEL, and STEM resources that can be applied to continue to grow our Campus School educational systems! Go Tigers!

Thank you!

Special shoutout and THANK YOU to Mr. Hal Harmon, for organizing and hosting University Schools 3rd Annual Artists and Crafters Market! This event featured more than 25 local vendors, selling all sorts of handmade items, and the participants donated a portion of their sales from the day to support our Visual & Performing Arts Program!

Mr. Harmon serves as the Compliance Coordinator at Orgel Educational Center, but has an intensive background in supporting the arts. Thanks Mr. Harmon for creating this amazing and successful event!

UMS Faculty of the Month

Joanna Orozoco - Spanish Instructor

UHS Faculty of the Month

Erica Hipp - Language Arts Instructor

UMS - Tennessee Educational Technology Association Conference

Congratulations to Mrs. Lynch, Mrs. Gilliam, and Mrs. Patton at University Middle School for presenting at the Tennessee Educational Association Conference (TETA) about finding academic success through project based learning! They also enjoyed the comical and inspirational message by speaker Gerry Brooks! Thank you all for representing University Schools!

The winter sports season is upon us! Our Basketball, Cheer, and Swim teams have been proudly showcasing the spirit of University Schools as they take on competitions across our city and surrounding areas! Our students continually exhibit remarkable growth and resilience with each challenge they face.

Let's not overlook the significance of Interscholastic Athletics in shaping our students holistically. These programs are pivotal in improving overall well-being, nurturing character, boosting academic achievements, fostering social and emotional growth, and engaging with the community. Moreover, they provide invaluable life lessons that go beyond competition and training. Our heartfelt applause goes out to our student athletes and their families for their unwavering support of our athletic programs!

The Girls In Sports Symposium, sponsored by University Schools and the 901 Women's Initiative, achieved great success with over 130 of our University Schools students in attendance. The Symposium aimed to empower girls through sports, with a clear goal of building confidence, breaking barriers, and fostering a supportive community. Thank you to all that helped make this event possible!

Campus School Basketball - Our Campus School basketball season has started! With the support of our amazing coaches, we have been able to form 4 Campus School teams! Our Tigers will be representing the Campus School as they compete all over our city in the coming weeks!

Our Campus School Tigers Cheer teams have been super busy practicing and performing! These Tigers recently came out to support our UMS basketball teams and showcased their skills throughout the games and during halftime! Big shoutout to Coach Lindsey for coordinating this!

Our UMS Basketball teams are nearing the end of their season. Our UMS Girls have shown much improvement under the leadership of Coach G. Our girls have brought home several big wins this season. Our UMS Boys team is currently ranked 3rd in our division with a record of 10-3. We are looking forward to the postseason!

Our Cheer team has done a superb job supporting our basketball teams. They have showcased their hard work at nearly every game this season! Great job UMS Cheer!

Our UMS Swim Team has had a great season thus far. The Middle School competed in the Swim Championships on December 9th! Way to go!

Our UHS Basketball teams have had a great start to their season. Both teams have competed against programs within and outside of our division. Worthy of mention, our teams compute against full varsity (9th-12th grade) teams. This makes their performance even more impressive. Our UHS Girls got a big win against a strong Craigmont team and went shot for shot with Whitehaven, one of the top programs in the city. Our Boys have brought home big wins against Memphis Business Academy and Memphis School of Excellence, Cordova. The competition heats up over the next couple of weeks as we face Raleigh Egypt, Middle College, and Manassas.

UHS Swim has kicked off their season as they compete in the MSCIAA and Shelby County Swim Leagues. Big shout out to our swimmers and to our UHS Swim Team sponsor, Mrs. Lori Patterson.

We appreciate all who lend a hand to support University Schools Athletics, especially the hard work and dedication of our coaches. Without them, none of this would be possible! Coaches are the guiding forces behind the success of athletes and teams in sports. Their role extends beyond teaching skills and strategies; they are mentors, motivators, and leaders. Coaches instill discipline, foster teamwork, and inspire confidence in their athletes. They play a crucial role in developing character, teaching resilience, and imparting life lessons that extend well beyond the playing field. Coaches have a profound impact on the personal and athletic growth of their students, making their role indispensable. Thank you coaches!

Campus School

4th Grade Boys Basketball: Coach Ashley Gordon

5th Grade Girls Basketball: Coach Rachel Gibbons

5th Grade Boys Basketball: Coach Sally Parish, Coach Danny Parish, Coach Tiger Thompson

UMS

Girls Varsity Basketball: Coach Alisha Gigger

Boys Varsity Basketball: Coach Joey Patrick, Coach Terrence Williams

Boys JV Basketball: Coach Brodrick Patton

Cheer: Coach Kyla Davis

Swim (Sponsors): Mrs. Bridgette Flack and Mrs. Lori Patterson

UHS

Girls Varsity Basketball: Coach Cedric Lewis

Boys Varsity Basketball: Coach Donte Pryor

Cheer: Coach Kyla Davis

Swim (Sponsors): Mrs. Lori Patterson and Mrs. Bridgette Flack

Special thanks to our University Schools Athletic Support team:

Aaron Whitmore

Tiger Thompson

As our schools grow, so does our need for athletic facilities to practice and compete. Our partnerships with the University of Memphis, Campus Recreation, Transportation, College of Health Sciences, MSCIAA, Shelby Farms Park, and Memphis Youth Athletics are just a few that have played a major role in our ability to host quality athletic programs. This year we are excited to partner with the Memphis Sports and Events Center (MSEC) and The Blue Line! Our Volleyball programs have been cruising in comfort on the Blue Line and practicing in the amazing MSEC! As basketball season approaches, our hoopers will also be riding the Blue Line and practicing at the MSEC! More to follow on opportunities through our MSEC partnership!

We have great parent networks for our family members to join! Our parent networks support our schools through volunteering, fundraising, and providing other supports. Reach out to them today to get involved!

ELRC: Parent Resource Page (Parent Network re-launching soon)

Campus School: Campus School Parent Network. Venmo @umcspn your gift today! Click here to subscribe to CSPN Newsletter.

University Middle: University Middle Parent Network (UMPN)

University High: Parent Resource Page Email the University High School Parent Network at UHighParentNetwork@gmail.com

• December 14 - UMS 6th & 7th Grade PBL Exhibition
• December 12-14: UHS Quarter 2 CFAs
• December 15: Half Day (Early Dismissal)
• December 16-January 1: Winter Break (NO SCHOOL)
• January 2: In-Service for Faculty & Staff
• January 3: Students Return, Quarter 3 Begins

Click here to view the UofM Athletics & Events for the upcoming month. Support our Tigers, and buy tickets here!

Tech News, Information, and Support for University Schools Families

Friendly reminder to take good care of your device over the break.

• Only charge for 4-6 hours at a time.
• Be mindful of your device in your backpack.
• Put your device and charger away when not in use.
• Restart your device at least once over the break, so updates can apply.
• Bring your device back in January, ready for use!

Please reach out to Mrs. Hernandez if you have any questions jessica.hernandez@memphis.edu

A Tech Ticket station has been setup for student use for UHS students on the 4th floor. It is located on the main hallway by the teacher work room. Students may submit a tech ticket for broken and malfunctioning devices + broken or lost chargers. Students may also visit Mrs. Hernandez during Tech Support Hours. See below for more information.

If you are in need of a device repair, don't wait! Submit a request in person to Mrs. Hernandez during her office hours.

Helpful Links

• Bookmark the University Schools 2023-24 Calendar
• University of Memphis Volunteers Form (complete for field trips, festivals, class parties, etc.)
• Bookmark the University Schools website
• Bookmark the University Schools Technology Hub
• Bookmark the University Schools Policy Manual
• Bookmark the University Schools Student & Family Handbook
• Share the University Schools Student Enrollment 2024-25 Interest Form
• Bookmark the University Schools social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn

Central Team (901.678.4200)

• Dr. Sally G. Parish, Associate Vice President of Educational Initiatives sally.parish@memphis.edu
• Josh Czupryk, Chief Strategy & Operations Officer, University Schools josh.czupryk@memphis.edu
• Mary Tucker, Assistant Director of Policy and Standards mhtucker@memphis.edu
• Marcos Villa, Assistant Director of Extended Learning marcos.villa@memphis.edu
• Teniesha Anderson, Assistant Director of Operations and Finance tdpender@memphis.edu
• Jessica Hernandez, Coordinator of Technology & Communication jessica.hernandez@memphis.edu
• Keith Loupe, Coordinator of Athletic Programs keith.loupe@memphis.edu
• Art McKenzie, Coordinator of Facilities lmcknze1@memphis.edu
• Michael Carter, UofM Information Technology Liaison michael.carter@memphis.edu

Early Learning & Research Center (ELRC) (901.678.2120)

• Brooke Willis, Executive Director of Early Childhood Programs bwillis3@memphis.edu

Campus School (901.678.2285)

• Dr. Rebecca Scott, Executive Director rhscott@memphis.edu

University Middle (901.678.4200)

• Kerrith Griffin, Executive Director kdgriffin@memphis.edu

University High (901.678.4200)

• Dr. Kristle Hodges-Johnson, Executive Director k.hodges.johnson@memphis.edu

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