Hello, United South Central Parents and Community Members,
As we near the middle of April, we are certainly in the homestretch of the school year. We are currently in the middle of MCA testing and will soon be looking at the final few weeks of classes for the semester. As the excitement of the end of the school year nears, it is important to encourage our students to continue the final push toward the end of the year with effort and dedication.
Spring Testing - With the final months of the school year come several sessions of state-mandated testing, including the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (Grades 3-8 and 9-11) and the ACT (11th Grade). These assessments are important for us as a school as they are a critical measure we use to ensure we are best supporting our students and their educational needs. One simple goal we hope to see with each of our students is growth. Rather than the pressure of a specific score or result, we hope to see each student growing their academic abilities from one year to the next. Please encourage your student(s) to put forth their best effort as testing continues and help encourage healthy habits (getting a full night’s sleep, having a good breakfast, etc.) over the next few weeks.
2024-2025 School Year Calendar - Linked here is our academic calendar for the 2024-2025 school year. The major change in the calendar is a 1-hour early release on Wednesdays throughout the upcoming school year (except for the first and last Wednesday of the school year, which will be normal-length days). This schedule creates time for our teachers and support staff to participate in valuable professional development to help them be at their best for our students. Please keep this change in mind as you look ahead to the upcoming school year.
Ed Foundation “Price is Right” Event - Our students are fortunate to receive extraordinary support from the USC Education Foundation. Each year this organization provides funding and support for innovative and unique experiences as our students receive their education here. The Ed Foundation annual fundraiser is coming up on the evening of April 20th and is always a very enjoyable event with incredible benefits to our students and school.
Help Wanted, Bus Drivers - With a few retirements on the horizon, we are continually on the lookout for individuals to help get students to and from school. USC will sponsor interested individuals as they work toward the required licensure, and also increased compensation for drivers this year to $100 a day. If you know of anyone who may be interested in helping in this area (or perhaps if are interested yourself) please reach out to our district office.
Upcoming Projects - The summer months present a great window of time to keep our school facilities in great condition. We are currently finalizing plans for a new PreK playground area, as well as some major enhancements to our elementary playground. Our stadium is also scheduled to have new seating installed mid-summer, and we are grateful to work with the Booster Club on removing the current seating before the start of this project. Between our larger projects and the routine maintenance of the building over the summer, you will see a fair amount of activity throughout our campus over the summer.
Stay Connected - Remember to follow USC on Facebook, Instagram, and X to stay in the loop on the exciting things happening at school. Also, download the USC app on the Apple Store or Google Play.
Interesting Fact - There are over 95 post-secondary degrees represented in our staff at USC. With 66 bachelor’s degrees, 30 master’s degrees, and 3 specialist-level degrees we are fortunate to have an incredible staff to support our students at USC.
Upcoming Events -
May 4, Prom
May 1, Two-Hour Early Dismissal
May 27, Memorial Day - No School
May 31, End of 4th Quarter/Last Day of School
May 31, Graduation - 7:00 PM
Thank you for partnering with USC in your child’s education. Have a great Spring!
Go Rebels!
Taylor Topinka,
USC Superintendent
ttopinka@unitedsouthcentral.org