USC April Newsletter

Our warm weather trend continues as April brings us some sunshine and some rain. As we work through the school year, we often wish for the sunshine each day. We desire the warmth and brightness that finally arrives after our long winter. We are encouraged at the site of the first robin, followed soon by the emergence of small green leaves. Is it important to remember that the beautiful indicators of spring need a little rain to grow and thrive. As much as we love our sunshine, we need the rain to keep our world beautiful.

This bears resemblance to the lives of our students. It is great when our days are filled with good things that make our days feel warm and sunny. But, often we have to go through some rain in the form of struggling to learn something new, having determination and grit through testing, and working through relationship struggles. We would not know the true joy of the sunshine (success) without experiencing the rain (struggle) on occasion. For our students, success would not be as fulfilling without some struggles. Help your student to take some time to celebrate the rain and maybe even find ways to dance in the rain because we know sunshine and joy are just around the corner.

Enjoy the rest of your month and find things to be grateful for each day.

Jen Bye

High School Principal

jbye@unitedsouthcentral.org

USC Students in Mrs. Schwartz's English class took time last week to read their novels outside on a warm sunny day. Becoming better readers is one of the goals all students are striving to achieve at USC. By reading each day, students are growing their comprehension level and gaining knowledge about the world they live in.

Contributed by Sheila Rame

The Choir and Band trip was a wonderful experience!

We left late Friday afternoon on March 8th. We arrived at the University of Memphis Saturday morning, to spend time with a Band and Choir Clinician. It was fun watching the students as they listened to another music person and hear feedback on how to make our band and choir become even better.

We then went to Graceland for a tour. We had the opportunity to see the mansion, the "grounds", and the Museum. All of this was very impressive. We then went to Sun Records for a tour and saw how recordings were made "back in the day". We spent some time at the Bass Pro Shop at the Pyramid to do some shopping and take in the sights. Next, we went to dinner at Alfred's on Beale Street to enjoy a southern meal.

Sunday, we drove to New Orleans. We had a tour of the City and Cemetery. The tour guide was full of information about the cemetery, the cement vaults, Jazz funerals, areas affected by Katrina, and how New Orleans is still "in repair" after 10 years. After that, we went to Palm Court Jazz Dinner Club and had a wonderful southern supper. We listened to a Jazz Band and were able to have a question and answer time with the group members.

Monday, we boarded Riverboat City of New Orleans cruise ship, had lunch, and saw the sights along the river, while listening to Jazz music. We also had some shopping time at Jackson Square. After that, we went to the Mardi Gras World to see where floats are made for the parades. This was very interesting.

Tuesday, we went to the Oak Alley Plantation. We toured a mansion and the slave quarters that were once used years ago. The tour guide shared the story about how this plantation originated and how the entire operation worked. We also went to the Cajun Swamp Tour where we saw alligators in their natural environment. Students and adults even had the opportunity to hold a baby alligator.

The students did a great job of representing USC during our trip. They were respectful and polite to everyone we met. Thank you to the School Board and the Education Foundation for helping to support this experience for our USC students. It was much appreciated.

During Spring Week at USC, students played trivia in the Commons. Teams worked together to strive for the highest score. Students enjoyed celebrating together during this fun week.

Students in Ms. Meyer's Biology class studied a simulation of supply and demand in ecosystems that rely on predators and food sources. Students used the data collected to make predictions. Hands-on learning is one way that students use a variety of skills as they learn and process new information.

USC is proud to recognize the 8th grade winners of the local VFW Patriot Pen Essay Awards!

"Conducted nationwide, this VFW-sponsored youth essay competition encourages students to use their minds and knowledge of America's society to write essays expressing their views on an annual patriotic theme." Source: www.vfwar.org.

4th place and $25 - Kylee K

3rd place and $50 - Harrison C

2nd place and $100 - Josie C

1st place and $200 - Alivia B

Thank you to Mr. Gorski for encouraging our students to enter the competition.

USC Track and Field students took part in bowling as part of the USC service inItiative at the Shepherd's Inn this month. Teams competed during this fun activity.

Thank you to Laura Foley and Mr. Kuechenmeister for scheduling fun activities with student groups and residents. It has been a great way for students to connect with members of the Shepherd's Inn community.

This month the USC School Board recognized USC National Honor Society Inductees with the “United South Central Proud” award. Our 2023-24 National Honor Society inductees are extraordinary examples of Character, Scholarship, Leadership, and Service at USC. The individuals that received the award were Emma Heggen, Eleny Korn, Mariah Anderson, Jake Cassens, Jaiden Gossen, Carissa Hanson, Chavelle Olsen, Jaelyn Stangler, and Alyssa Winkle.

Come on down! You could be the next contestant on the USC Price Is Right on Saturday, April 20th. Doors open at 4:30 PM for bidding on silent auction items. The show begins at 6:30 PM. The USC Education Foundation sponsors this fundraiser to support USC academic initiatives. This fun evening is filled with the show, prizes, and drawings. You won't want to miss it. Adults and students grade 9 and up can participate in the on-stage activities. There will also be fun drawings for younger students as well along with a great show.

All Seniors who plan on attending any type of schooling after graduation should apply for the FAFSA. Each student, along with a parent/guardian will need a FSA ID to sign in and electronically sign. This will take 3-5 business days to verify, so please complete this as soon as possible.

FSA ID: https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch

FAFSA: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

Senior Scholarships Many local scholarships have upcoming due dates. Any opportunities that come through the counseling office will be emailed to Seniors, as well as updated on the counseling website. Seniors should be checking their email at least once every day for information from teachers, as well as any announcements from the counseling office. Counseling Website