UNIVERSITY SCHOOL ALMA MATER
Revised by Dr. Joe Borden
Through the years we’ll grow together
Standing all as one
Friendships built will last forever,
Memories begun
Blue and Gold will be our guide, bright
Shining as a jewel.
Season change, our dreams beginning:
Hail University School!
* To the tune “Above Cayuga’s Waters”
FOREW0RD
This handbook is
designed to help students and parents understand the policies and procedures
of University School. We encourage you to read it carefully and call the
school if you have any questions.
University School
consists of grades kindergarten through 12 and has three distinct levels:
the elementary school (K-5), the middle school (6-8), and high school
(9-12). One of the many strengths of our school is the fact that it
includes all grades. Most of the time students engage in activities within
their age groups. However, when appropriate, our students have the
opportunity to interact with multi-levels.
Because we are located
on the campus of East Tennessee State University, we enjoy many unique
advantages that most public schools do not have. At the same time, we also
must accept the responsibilities that accompany those benefits. Therefore,
we need to work together to promote a positive image of our school and to
demonstrate to university personnel and students the value of our inclusion
on campus.
A task force comprised
of administrators, teachers, parents and students has approved all policies
presented in this book. This is an abbreviated version that offers an
overview of rules and regulations for students and parents. For more
complete information, the University School Policy and Procedure Manual
can be found in the Media Center at the University School.
UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL
A
Math/Science Signature School
Mission Statement
“As a model K-12
school, we are committed to an integrated academic curriculum emphasizing
science and mathematics, which prepares all students and future educators to
contribute to and succeed in a technologically oriented and global society.”
Strategic
Initiatives
1)
Develop a set of guiding
principles for a model K-12 educational program that crosses traditional
barriers in teaching/learning through a challenging curriculum in an
environment that encourages innovation, engagement and interaction.
2)
Create and implement a
development plan that enables the creation and ongoing support of a model
K-12 school.
3) Determine the number and characteristics
of the students the school will serve, including abilities, interests and
educational objectives, and develop a strategy to recruit and admit those
students.
4) Develop and implement mechanisms and
strategies for enhancing student and faculty knowledge and experiences so
that they contribute to and succeed in a global society.
5) Construct a seamless integration of
curriculum (K-12 post) using benchmarks that will foster scientific and
mathematical innovation through technology.
6) Create a plan to recruit, retain, and
develop highly qualified instructors (faculty) who reflect our philosophy
and prepare students to achieve our school's mission.
Guiding Principles
In order to enhance
mathematics and science education, University School encourages and supports
sound educational practices. In accordance with the National Science
Education Standards and the National Council of Teachers of
Mathematics’ Curriculum and Educational Standards and Professional
Standards, University School believes that:
- science and mathematics
be taught in context with other academic areas and real world
experiences and not in isolation
- excellence in
mathematics and science education requires equity—high expectations and
strong support for all students
- inquiry and hands-on,
minds-on mathematics and science education is a natural vehicle for the
development of students’ reasoning and problem solving skills
- a curriculum is more
important than a collection of activities; It must be coherent, focused
on important mathematics and science, and well articulated across the
grades
- students should learn
mathematics and science with understanding, activity building new
knowledge from experience and prior knowledge
- the use of appropriate
technology and teacher pedagogy must be promoted to allow students to
take an active role in the learning process; it influences the
mathematics and science that are taught and enhances students’ learning
- solutions for the future
will require, more than ever before, groups of people working together
to solve problems
- it is imperative for
students and teachers to become life-long learners as well as active
contributors to an increasingly scientific and technological world
- effective mathematics
and science teaching requires understanding what students know and need
to learn and then challenging and supporting them to lean it well
- assessment should
support the learning of important mathematics and science and furnish
useful information to both teachers and students
WELCOME LETTER
Dear Students and
Parents:
Welcome to the 2008-2009
school year. University School ranks among the top schools in Tennessee.
Academically, University School students continuously score significantly
above state and national norms on mandated tests. While University School's
emphasis is on academics, many students choose to test their athletic
abilities on the field of competition as well. The academic and athletic
successes come through personal commitment to hard work, dedication
and responsible action by students, parents, and teachers.
University School
welcomes many new students this year. I encourage each of you to make a
personal commitment also. There is no magic formula. To be successful, you
must accept the challenges you will face. Your teachers will provide extra
help if you ask.
University School
continues to exceed Average Yearly Progress (AYP) as determined by the
Tennessee State Board of Education. This year we will complete our
five-year evaluation cycle to remain accredited with the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). We look forward to the visit
from the SACS Review Team in April. Congratulations to our elementary and
middle schools for receiving the TVAAS achievement award.
University School has an
exceptional faculty that focuses on student growth. The faculty boasts of
several National Board Certified teachers. The majority of the faculty has
advanced degrees including one doctorate.
Parents have the
opportunity to help us in our endeavors to maximize educational excellence
at University School. Several parent organizations such as the US
Foundation, University School Advisory Committee, and Boosters, all exist to
support the University School programs. This year University School and the
College of Education plan to continue to focus on our vision for the future.
The University School Advisory Committee will be the forum along with the
monthly newsletter to bring you updates on our progress as a Math/Science
Signature School. We will be calling on volunteers from parents and the
community to help us continue to develop our vision.
East Tennessee State
University School is a great place to work and learn. Our school has a
tradition of excellence that dates back to its beginning in 1911. In July
of 1996, University School added another chapter to its rich history by
implementing a year-round calendar. In doing so, we became the first K-12
laboratory school in the nation to take this innovative step.
The faculty,
administration, and staff of University School are committed to providing a
learning environment that nurtures the academic, social, and emotional
growth of every student. We also recognize the importance of our role as a
laboratory school. We have a special responsibility to model exemplary
instructional practices to education students at East Tennessee State
University and public practitioners in the region and nation. As we work
preparing students in the 21st century, we are committed to achieving these
important and complementary aims.
Educators in
contemporary schools encounter new challenges every day. Unfortunately,
yesterday's solutions are not always effective in solving today's problems.
It is important that we as a community of parents, teachers, support
personnel, administrators, and students embrace together the opportunity to
face these educational challenges. The faculty, administration, and staff
of University School welcome your participation. We hope you will
communicate with us openly and will become actively involved in your
children’s education.
PHILOSOPHY AND PURPOSE
University School of
East Tennessee State University serves a dual function.
1. The primary function of the school is to
help the College of Education at East Tennessee State University achieve its
mission of preparing professional educators by:
·
Providing university students
with opportunities to observe innovative instructional practices;
·
Providing university students
opportunities to work with and teach K-12 pupils under the direction of
skilled mentor teachers;
·
Serving as a research
laboratory for the advancement of programs and new ideas in the field of
education
·
Serving in a leadership role
for the educational community by developing and
2. The second function is to provide a rich
and varied curriculum that promotes the continuous academic, social, and
emotional growth of each child in grades K-12.
University School and
College of Education faculty and administration believe that the two broad
functions described above are complementary. When teachers, professors,
administrators, and students work collaboratively in the interests of
educational excellence, all stakeholders benefit.
HISTORY OF UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL
The present University
School has been a part of ETSU since it began in 1911 as a two-year normal
school. The program and scope of University School has expanded
significantly since those early days when the school was a department of the
college and held classes in a section of the administration building.
Originally, the school
provided for the first seven grades under the direction of four teachers.
By 1914, the 8th grade had been added, and a few years later the terminal
year was changed to the 10th grade.
The first move occurred
in 1915 when classes were transferred to a building known as the "Model
School". In 1929 this building was replaced by the present structure
(Alexander Hall) and the name was changed to "Training School". This name
was derived from the fact that the program was designed to provide training
for college students who were preparing to enter the teaching profession.
After a program of
advanced planning, grade 11 was established in 1947; and a grade 12
curricula was prepared in 1948. In the spring of 1949 the first class was
graduated from the Training School, and those students became charter
members of an alumni association. The name "Training School" was officially
changed to the present "University School" by the General Assembly on the
recommendation of the State Board of Education.
The number of
University
School faculty has grown from four teachers in 1911 to more than forty
faculty members. The student enrollment is approximately 540.
|
Administration
|
|
Dr. Paul Stanton |
President, East
Tennessee State University |
|
Dr. W. Hal
Knight |
Dean, Clemmer
College of Education |
|
|
Director |
|
Ms. Patricia
Jungkeit (NBCT) |
Assistant
Director |
|
Mike Roberts |
Attendance
Officer, ISS, MS Health, Anatomy/Physiology |
|
Elementary Faculty (K-5)
|
|
Mary Myron
(NBCT) |
Kindergarten |
|
Noell Brickell |
First Grade
|
|
Kelli Barnett |
Second Grade |
|
Michael Brickell |
Third Grade |
|
Susan Ellwanger
|
Fourth Grade
|
|
Debbie Goehring |
Fifth Grade
|
|
Middle School
Faculty (6-8)
|
|
April Blakely
(NBCT) |
Language Arts –
7th, 8th, Exploratory |
|
Nicole Sleusloff |
Math – 7th,
8th, Exploratory |
|
Amy Horton
(NBCT) |
Middle School
Coordinator
Language Arts –
6th, Social Studies – 6th, 8th |
|
Pam Cromie |
Math, Science –
6th, Social Studies – 7th, Exploratory |
|
Justin Penley |
Science – 7th,
8th, Exploratory |
FACULTY/STAFF DIRECTORY
|
High School Faculty
|
|
Jill Macleod |
English 9,
Honors English, Women’s Literature |
|
Whitney Bolden |
English 10,
Honors English, Journalism |
|
Gina Bailiff |
English 11,
Honors English, Media Literature |
|
Carol Ann Bevan |
English 12, AP
English, Creative Writing/World Religions |
|
Jennie Case |
Spanish I, II,
III |
|
Ariane Day |
French I, II,
III, German I |
|
Regina Solomon |
Algebra II,
Advanced Algebra |
|
Kimberly Summey |
Geometry, Math
Foundations |
|
Lee Wells |
Algebra I,
Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus |
|
Richard Rollins |
Biology, AP
Biology |
|
Rayne Price |
Ecology,
Physical Science |
|
Mahua
Chakraborty |
AP Chemistry,
Chemistry, ACT Prep |
|
Gene Cahill |
World History,
U.S. Government, AP US History |
|
Starlet Williams |
Twentieth
Century Issues, U.S. History, Economics |
|
Josh Petty |
World Geography,
U.S. History, Technology I |
|
Kevin Ellis |
Wellness, Weight
Lifting |
|
Special Area Faculty
|
|
Sharon Squibb |
Art I, II, III,
Elementary Art, MS Art |
|
Sharon Cradic |
Elementary ,
Middle School Physical Education |
|
Tim Erwin |
Technology I,
Web Page/Graphics |
|
Dr. Joe Borden |
Theatre,
Beginner/Advanced Instrumental Music, Vocal Music |
|
|
Elementary
Music, Middle School Vocal Music |
|
Terri Knight
(NBCT) |
Media Center
|
|
Christy Lawrence |
Resource |
|
Julie Cantrell |
Speech
|
|
Aleeta Shaw / BK
Walker |
School Counselor |
|
Support Personnel
|
|
Cliff Hudson |
School Resource
Officer |
|
Rosemary Lowe |
Executive Aide |
|
Tracy Lagerblade |
Bookkeeper |
|
|
|
|
Instructional Aides
|
|
Sandra Elkins |
Main Office |
|
Warren Fureman |
Resource |
|
Myra McGhee |
Elementary |
|
Sandy Robinson |
Counseling
Office |
|
Sharon Bradshaw |
Elementary |
|
|
|
|
Food Services
|
|
|
Angie Tipton |
Manager |
|
Ronnie Tipton |
|
|
Kim Garrett |
|
|
Karen Gaspard |
|
|
Physical
Plant Staff |
|
|
David
McCrackin |
Custodian |
|
Hank Williams |
Custodian |
|
Laura Morin |
Custodian |
CLASS SPONSORS/MEETING
SITES
9th grade meets in
010 10th grade meets
in Brooks Gym
Jill MacLeod Whitney Bolden
Regina Solomon
Starlet Williams
Jennie Case Richard Rollins
Gene Cahill Tim
Erwin
Mahua Chakraborty Joe Borden
11th grade meets
in Cafeteria 12th
grade meets in Media Center
Gina Bailiff Carol Ann Bevan
Ariane Day Kevin
Ellis
Lee Wells Kimberly Summey
Christy
Lawrence Aleeta Shaw / BK Walker
Josh Petty Rayne Price
Sharon Squibb
Class sponsor responsibilities
·
Each sponsor must chaperone at
least one dance and be game administrator for at least one sporting activity
·
Attend called class meetings
·
Assure that class elections,
meetings and other school/class-related activities are organized and
properly managed on a timely basis
·
Assure that class-sponsored
activities (i.e., Prom) are functional and properly organized
·
Assure that class officer
nominees meet the minimum requirements to hold office
·
Maintain an inventory of
meeting minutes
·
Maintain class records of
consequence for reference and posterity
·
Collaborate and coordinate
intra-class activities with other grade-level sponsors
ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS
University School is
academically oriented and college preparatory focused. Potential students
and their parents should be committed to academic excellence. A
vocational curriculum is not available at University School. Due to this,
students will be counseled to attend their “attendance area school” when a
vocational curriculum is educationally beneficial to the student.
ACADEMIC FEES (To be paid by July 25th)
Fees will be paid to the
bookkeeper, (room 109) and must be paid for the following:
- $1 for any class changed
after the 3-day drop/add period with administrative approval. (High
School)
- $20 science fee for each
science class to cover consumable lab materials. (High School)
- $20 art fee to cover
materials cost. (High School only)
- Advanced Placement exam
registration (all students taking advanced placement courses are
required to take the exam)
- The cost of the AP
English test prep workbook – information will be provided by the
teacher.
- $20 music fee (High
School and Middle School Band and Chorus, Theatre Arts)
- $20 High School class
fee for grades 9,10,11,12 (defrays the cost of prom , senior picnic)
- $5 ID fee for 10th
graders and all new students in grades 10, 11, 12.
- $20 athletic fee for
each sports participation to defray the cost of replacing uniforms.
(Middle and High School athletes) Athletic fees are due to the coach
prior to first practice for each specific sport. A student cannot play
in a scheduled scrimmage or game until fees are paid. Athletic fees
will be capped at a $100 maximum per family.
- $200 Drivers Education
fee Driver’s Education fees are due, as the instructor designates, at
the time of registration for the class.
ADMINISTERING MEDICINE TO
STUDENTS
If under exceptional
circumstances a student is required to take oral medication during school
hours and the parent or guardian cannot be at school to administer the
medicine, only the principal or his designee will administer the medication
with doctors written directions. Written doctor’s orders are required
for any prescription medications brought to school. Authorizations to
administer medication forms are available at the front office. Please see
Ms. Lowe, the administrative aide, for these forms.
Nonprescription
medication, such as aspirin, will not be administered without written
permission from the parent or guardian. The parent or guardian must furnish
medication.
ADMISSIONS POLICY
University School has one section each for
grades K-6. The kindergarten enrolls 18 students. Grades 1, 2, and 3 each
have 20 students. Grades 4, 5, and 6 each enroll 25 students. Grades 7 and
8 have 50 students each. Grades 9-12 have no more than 75 students per
grade level.
University School is a
"school of choice". In January and February each year an advertisement
containing enrollment information is run in the local newspapers. This
advertisement is run twice each month. The Dean of the College of Education
and the East Tennessee State University Office of University Relations will
approve the advertisement.
A drawing is held each
March to fill vacancies for the next school year. Applications are accepted
between January 1st and the end of February for the
term beginning in July. Students selected through the lottery will be
eligible for an interview. University School reserves the right to
screen applicants for past attendance, academic, and discipline problems.
No admissions are final until after the interview process is complete,
including the director’s signature. A letter of acceptance or
non-admittance will be mailed in a timely manner following the interview.
University School
students are subject to all public school laws, the policies and regulations
of the Tennessee State Board of Education as stated in the Tennessee Code
Annotated (TCA), and the policies and regulations of the State University
and Community College System of Tennessee as administered through the
President of ETSU.
All applications
received after the cutoff date and time will not be included in the pool.
These applications will be stamped and dated recording when they were
received and will be added to the waiting list. As openings become
available, eligible students will be called for the interview process in the
order of their placement on the waiting list.
In compliance with
University School's contractual agreement with Washington County [1],
the following priorities, by order, will exist in filling vacancies:
- Children whose
parent/guardian is a full-time University School faculty or staff
member.
- Siblings of current
University School students for grades K-11. Siblings of graduating
seniors will not be under the sibling policy for admission.
- Washington County
residents (including Jonesborough and Johnson City).
- Residents from counties
other than Washington County.
- Out-of-state residents.
A tuition fee is required for out-of-state residents. (Determined by the
state per pupil allotment.)
Dates are set according
to the calendar, however they follow this procedure:
1.
The executive aide (school
secretary) will need a minimum of one week to alphabetize and organize the
received applications.
2.
The drawing date will occur as
was posted in the newspaper advertisements.
3.
All applicants will be notified
by the end of March to attend an interview.
4.
Applications are accepted each
school day until 4:00 p.m. on February 27.
Once students have been
notified that they have been accepted for an interview to University School,
the executive aide will provide the following forms to the family. These
forms are to be completed, appropriately signed and returned in no less than
three (3) school days prior to the interview. Applicants who are eligible
for services under 504, IDEA, or ESL must have their prior school's service
plan included. Any false representation(s) on required documents may result
in admission refusal/dismissal from University School. All forms can also
be found on the school web site in PDF form.
http://www.etsu.edu/coe/uschool/
- Application form*
- Properly signed “Records
Release Form”*
- Student Enrollment Form*
- Athletic Records (if
applicable)*
- Special Education
Records (if applicable)*
- Immunization record*
- Birth certificate*
- Social Security Card*
- Materials Fee Paid
- Final Report card from
previous school*
- Copy of legal
documentation certifying physical custody* (does not require entire
divorce/separation document)
- Green card
- Civil Rights Grievance
Procedure (Federal requirements)
- Internet Access Form
- Applications for Free
and Reduced Lunch (optional)
- Persons Authorized to
Sign out your child*
- Student Accident
Insurance Form
- Contract of
Understanding (if applicable)
- Standardized tests *
- Girls Inc. (after school
care for grades K-5)
* Documentation with
asterisk must be completed and in possession of the administration before
enrollment interview.
International
exchange students
International exchange
students must follow all admission policy procedures
Continued
enrollment
Parent/Student Code of
Conduct: Attending University School is your choice. Please note that
University School also has the choice at anytime to convene a committee to
discuss options which may include withdrawal when academic progress,
behavior or attendance becomes a concern. Withdrawal may also result when
the conduct of any student or parent is determined to interfere with the
operation of University School or ETSU.
In early January
parents/guardians of currently enrolled students are mailed a letter to
re-enroll their child. Parents must return this enrollment form and
materials fee by the specified date or the child's position in the school
will be considered open. This child will then be placed at the bottom of
the waiting list; not on the sibling list.
Applicants who are
not admitted will have to reapply January 1 through February 28 to be
considered for the next school year.
Reapplications
Students, who have
previously withdrawn, must reenter the lottery for admission, or be placed
on the waiting list for the first available opening.
Following dismissal, an
applicant who chooses to reapply should present documentation of a minimum
of one semester of acceptable behavior, attendance and academic progress
prior to the readmission interview. A probationary contract between the
student, the parents/guardians, and University School will be signed prior
to readmission.
APPEAL PROCESS
The appeal process
should adhere to the following sequence:
1.
A staff member or a committee
2.
Director of University School
3.
Dean of the College of Education
4.
President of ETSU
All appeals to the Dean
and President should be submitted in writing, listing speci