About the Foundation

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Dear University School Alumni and Parents,

 


My name is Dan VanZant and I have the honor of being the University School Foundation President for 2022 - 2023. I am writing today to let you know of an opportunity that you have to make a huge difference for the faculty and students at University School.

As many of you know, the Foundation typically holds multiple annual events including a Fall Festival, a Spring Gala, and family engagement nights. The purpose of these events is to come together as a community to support the students, teachers, and staff of University School.

While it is easy to see our Foundation in action – helping to build and support community within the University School, it may be difficult to see the day-to-day impact that the Foundation has on the University School and our children. I wanted to take a moment to highlight some of those items to help you understand the importance of your continued support.

Because of your generosity last year, the Foundation has been able to support our school with the following needs:


    • Registration for our Robotics Club to compete in this season’s Spin Up Robotics Event
    • The entrance fee and van rental for our team to compete in the TNPBS Scholastic Bowl
    • The Middle School Mixer at Splash at Wetlands
    • Mobile scanners for kindergarten and 1st grades
    • A percussion instrument (vibraphone) for our band
    • Books for fifth grade teachers
    • Sensory bins for kindergarten
    • Several hospitality events for our faculty and staff
    • And so much more!

This year, the foundation is working with the University School to help upgrade the aging playground equipment.


This Thursday, October 27th we will have our first major fundraising event of the year, the Fall Festival (Burton Bash). Our goal is to raise $10,000 in order to support the growing needs of our school.


Want to get involved? Become a Sponsor for the Fall Fest or sign-up to attend. You can also contribute your tax- deductible donation to University school directly on our website. And stay up-to-date with the University School Foundation’s news and events by following our Facebook page. If you have an idea for a fundraiser that you would like to facilitate, please get in touch with me directly. Your support and participation with this event will ensure that the Foundation continues to meet the needs of University School now and in the future.


University School is one of the premier schools in the state of Tennessee. Because of you, I know we can carry on this proud tradition. Thank you for continuing to support the University School Foundation.

With Gratitude,


Dan VanZant

 


vanzantd@etsu.edu 
Foundation President 2022-2023
https://www.etsu.edu/uschool/parents/foundation.php 

The best way to get your questions answered and learn more about the Foundation is to ask a current board member or join us at our next meeting - all are welcome!

 

That said, here are a list of common questions we're asked:

  • What does the University School Foundation do?
    The primary mission of the University School Foundation is to support the children, students, and faculty and staff that attend and are employed by University School, to assist in providing an enriched physical and intellectual environment so that each individual has a positive place to learn and/or work, to operate exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary, physical, and educational purposes and more specifically for the support, improvement, and perpetuation of the University School of East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Washington County, Tennessee.
  • How does the University School Foundation raise money?
    The primary mission of the University School Foundation is to support the children, students, and faculty and staff that attend and are employed by University School, to assist in providing an enriched physical and intellectual environment so that each individual has a positive place to learn and/or work, to operate exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary, physical, and educational purposes and more specifically for the support, improvement, and perpetuation of the University School of East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Washington County, Tennessee.
  • What does the Foundation do with money that is raised?
    We fund requests from teachers which may include tools and materials, curriculum (educational materials), and technology.
  • Who can be a member of the Foundation?
    Any parent/guardian of a University School Student who subscribes to the purposes of the Foundation.
  • What are some of the Volunteer opportunities?

    Volunteer Committee
    Using these completed forms the coordinator and this committee will plug volunteers into various events throughout the year via telephone calls or emails. This is a great way to meet people.

    Box Tops Committee
    You know those box top labels you see on products in the grocery store? Well, they can add up to a lot $ for our school. Our coordinator could use one or two committee members to help collect, count, and mail box tops throughout the year. These committee members will collect box tops twice a year (Spring and Fall) and total time necessary is about 5 hours.

    Field Day Committee
    Everyone loves Field Day! If you choose this, you'll work one on one with Coach Cradic to coordinate volunteers for the special day. Committee members will spend 1-2 hours pre field day and can spend up to 7 hours on field day.

    Hospitality Committee
    Let's make our teachers feel special with some hospitality. As a member you will work along side the coordinator, to help with school wide teacher appreciation projects (i.e. breakfasts/lunches), teacher appreciation week, and other special events your group may decide upon together. Committee members will help with these special events throughout the year, total time necessary is 1-2 hours per event.

    Spring Fundraiser Committee
    Every spring, around Mothers Day, University School sponsors a plant sale. Our Fundraising Coordinator could use several committee members to help with the planning and coordination of the plant sale. Committee members will help with this once a year event for several weeks before with planning and during the event; total time necessary is 5-10 hours.

    Fall Fundraiser and Committee
    Work with Fundraising Coordinator and the University School Foundation board to plan and execute the fall fundraiser, collection of money, and distribution of materials. Time needed 4-5 hours planning, 4-5 hours collecting and tallying monies, 12+ hours distributing. (This committee needs several members)

    Community Service Committee
    If you like to help others than this is for you. Team up with the coordinator and University School faculty and help with Drives. Canned food drives, coat drives, clothing drives, etc. Time needed varies with each drive.

    Special Events Committee
    Volunteers in this area will help with school special events like Pickin in the School Yard, Annual Musical Productions, School Beautification Days, Middle School Mixer, etc. The Special Events Coordinator and you will work with the University School Faculty member or foundation representative for each grade level. Time needed varies with each event.

 

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