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!

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.

During the week of April 27, any high school student enrolled in two math classes or who needs to makeup a missed test will complete their tests this week. All other students will return to their regular schedule.

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.

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.

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.

Any middle school girl interested in representing University School on the soccer pitch next season (beginning in July), join us for an interest and informational meeting this coming Wednesday, 4/29/26 at 5:00 in Coach Stinson's room (next to the library). Any experience or ability level is welcome. We are only looking for a good work ethic, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn. See Coach Stinson with any questions or for more information. Hope to see you out and Go Bucs!

Congratulations to Reece Pippin (5th Grade) and Matilda Kent (4th Grade) on being recognized as the two coloring contest winners during the family engagement ice cream social at The Scoop.

Congratulations to the following Morning Mile Club Runners:

• 5 Mile Club - Ty Bumgarner
• 10 Mile Club - Maverick Crumbley (2), Miles Claytore (2), & Riley Tester (2)
• 15 Mile Club - Cooper Glennon (5)
• 35 Mile Club - Ewen Carter (1)
• 50 Mile Club - Levon Hanson (5)

Congratulations to University School students who competed in the Star Talent Productions dance competition in Sevierville, TN April 17-19. Not only do these girls represent our University High School Dance, University MS Dance and MS Cheer teams, but also display University School spirit in their own dance studios.

We are incredibly proud to share that one of our senior student-athletes, Dalencia Kittrell, once again rose to the occasion at the Trojan Timing Classic on Friday, repeating as the 100-, 200-, and 400-meter champion. Her outstanding performance included setting meet records in the 400 meters with a time of 55.49 and the 200 meters at 24.55, a remarkable achievement that reflects her dedication, discipline, and competitive spirit. In recognition of her excellence, she was named the Most Outstanding Female in the running events, bringing well-earned recognition to herself, her team, her coaches, and our entire school community. Way to go, Dalencia!

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.

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.

All authors and aspiring writers and invited to attend the Local Roots, Global Branches Speaker Series on April 29, 2026 from 3:45-5:00 PM in the Culp Student Center Room 311.

The East Tennessee State University College of Nursing would like to invite any rising 6th-8th (as of fall 2026) graders to a week-long summer camp (June 1-5) to explore healthcare and nursing. Campers will participate in engaging, hands-on activities such as CPR instruction, basic first aid, interactive simulations, a low ropes course, a planetarium visit, and more. Lunch is provided daily, and spots are limited.

This is a free fishing event open to children ages 3-16. The event will take place in Kingsport, TN.

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.

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.

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

Club & Activities - APRIL/MAY:

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:

High School Track:

28 -- Northeast TN A/AA Championship @ Elizabethton

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

May 5 - Track @ Sectional Meet (Maryville, Time TBD)

High School Baseball:

27-May 1 - Open Dates

High School Tennis:

27 - District Tournament @Science Hill

28 - District Tournament (Tentatively) @ Science Hill

30 Regional Tournament (TBA)

High School Boys' Soccer:

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:

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