University School Weekly Update

Student design contest t-shirts are available for purchase in the front office for $20. Limited quantities so grab one while supplies last!

A BIG thank you to everyone who bid on items in this year's auction! It was a huge success and funded the Foundation's work for the next year. Thank you for helping us to support our teachers, students and school families! Winning items can be picked up in front of school Monday, April 20th from 2:30-3:30.

The track and field team participated this past week in the Big 11 Conference meet held at Dobyns-Bennett, with several area schools competing.

University School had many impressive results lead by an outstanding performance from senior and Lipscomb University bound athlete, Dalencia Kittrell. Dalencia, who won the 100, 200 and 400 meter races, breaking all three meet records.

The track and field team returns to competition on Friday, April 24th, where they will be competing in the Trojan Timing Track Meet, held at Science Hill.

The State Board has begun the 2026-28 Tennessee K-12 Math Standards Review process.

The State Board of Education is charged under Tennessee statute (T.C.A. §§ 49-1-311-313) and State Board Policy (Standards Review Policy 3.209) to review and approve the English Language Arts (ELA), math, science, and social studies standards at least every eight years. Each standards review process follows the same multi-year, rigorous, legislatively directed process to promote collaboration and transparency. This process entails significant public feedback and coordination across educators, state government, and appointed representatives.

The first-round public feedback survey marks the first step in a rigorous review process. Public feedback collected on the existing TN Math Standards will help inform the review by multiple committees of expert Tennessee educators. All Tennessee residents are invited to participate in the survey. The survey is open from April 1 through April 30 and is available at the following link: First-Round Public Feedback Survey.

Thursday, April 23rd will be a remote learning day for students in grades 7-12 except those scheduled for an Algebra I, Geometry, or Algebra II EOC. 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. Tested students will go to their normally scheduled classes at the end of testing.

All 7-12 students not scheduled to test on Thursday, April 23rd will learn at home via Canvas. Assignments and remote learning expectations will be communicated with students.

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 have started and will end on 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.

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.

Congratulations to the following Morning Mile Club Runners:

• 5 Mile Club - Evelyn Tish (K) & Liam Kilgore (6)
• 10 Mile Club - Harrison Braswell (3)
• 15 Mile Club - Chyler Mullins (2)
• 30 Mile Club - Theo Carter (3) & James Adams (6)
• 45 Mile Club - Dominic Morrey (5)
• 60 Mile Club - Lindell Hanson
• 65 Mile Club - Lindell Hanson (6)

Congratulations to 6th Grade Art Students for winning one of the grand prizes in this year’s STEM + Art Contest! Students researched endangered species of Tennessee with the guidance of Mrs. Pratt and worked together to create their animals.

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!

Seniors: Each year on honors night, we award the Military Recognition to some students. The Military Recognition is designed to recognize the sacrifices graduating seniors who are military dependents have made when one or both of their parents have been away serving in uniform. The Youth Action Council paved the way to recognize these sacrifices. Since 2019, graduating seniors have had the option to wear a purple cord with their graduation regalia.

Please email Mrs. Destiny McRee (mcreed@estu.edu) with any questions or to be added to the recognition list.

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.

Forever Fest—a free festival featuring over 65 local vendors, food trucks, live music, a kids’ corner, and so much more. It’s going to be a great event!

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 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.

Club & Activities - APRIL/MAY:

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

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

22 - Math Help Club

22 - HS Girls Soccer Players/Parents Interest Meeting (5:30 PM - Library)

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

24 - 24 - Forever Fest @ The Model Mill (4:30 - 9:00 PM)

25 - Junior-Senior Prom

27 - 6th grade class to Steele Creek Park

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

28 - New University School 9th/10th student orientation

29 - 3-4th Grade Field Trip to Warrior's Path State Park

29 - Math Help Club

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

29 - MS Girls Soccer Player/Parent Interest Meeting

May 1 - K-2nd Grade Field Trip Hands on Museum/Gray Fossil Site

May 1 - GOTR/Heart & Soul 5K (Whites Creek Park - Bristol, TN @ 6:00 PM)

Athletics - APRIL/MAY:

Middle School Softball:

20 - MS Softball @ Ridgeview

21 - MS Softball @ Providence

High School Track:

24 - Track @ Trojan Timing (Science Hill)

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

May 2 - Track @ Sectional Meet (Maryville, Time TBD)

High School Baseball:

20 - HS Baseball @ Chuckey Doak (AWAY) JV After

21 - HS Baseball VS Greeneville (HOME at Thomas) JV After

25 - HS Baseball @ Madison Co. NC

High School Tennis:

20 - Tennis @ Sullivan East

21 - Tennis VS South Greene (Home)

23 - Tennis VS. West Greene (HOME)

High School Boys' Soccer:

21 - HS Boys Soccer VS. Chuckey-Doak (HOME)

23 - HS Boys Soccer @ Elizabethton

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:

20 - HS Softball VS. Chuckey Doak (HOME)

21 - HS Softball @ Hampton

23 - HS Softball @ Cloudland

24 - HS Softball VS Hancock Co. (HOME) SENIOR NIGHT

27 - HS Softball @ Chuckey Doak

28 - HS Softball @ Cherokee

29 - HS Softball @ Happy Valley

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