Meet our Bloggers: Margaret '15

Name: Margaret
Grade: 12
Hometown: Elm Grove, WI
Activities: Volleyball, baton twirling, Senior Prefect

Hi, my name is Margaret Bodalski, and I’m a senior at University School of Milwaukee. I decided to come to USM as a freshman because my older sister came two years earlier, and loved it. The volleyball program really helped me transition into high school and it allowed me to make friends before the school year even started. This is my fourth year playing volleyball for USM, and I am excited to be one of the captains for the team. In addition to playing volleyball, I have also been a baton twirler since I was five years old for the Daley Debutantes Baton and Drum Corps. I’m honored to be on student council this year as a Senior Prefect, where I am leading the Student Wellness Committee. On student council, we organize school dances, the blood drive, and other events. My favorite thing about USM is the round tables in the English classrooms used for discussion. I used to be the shy English student that hid in the back without sharing my opinion. The round tables have pushed me out of my comfort zone, and caused me to be a more confident student. I am looking forward to sharing my experiences with you!

Meet our Bloggers: Arvind '16

Name: Arvind

Grade: 11

Hometown: Brookfield, Wisconsin

Activities: Student Council Representative, French Honors Society Officer, Our Next Generation Tutoring, Global Scholars, Admissions Student Ambassador, Winter Musical

Hi! My name is Arvind, and I am a junior at University School of Milwaukee. I came to USM in 7^th grade and I can with great confidence that it is the best decision that I have ever made! I initially moved to USM because I was not challenged or motivated at my old school and my parents felt that the small class sizes would be beneficial for me. While at first it was somewhat daunting to move to a huge school where I knew no one, I immediately felt welcome.  My move was extremely easy because everyone was so friendly and welcoming.  As the year moved along, I quickly assimilated into the community and it became clear to me that I had come to the right place.

One of my favorite parts about USM is the small class sizes and everything that comes with it. Thanks to having small classes, we have more time to interact with our teachers, and they are always available for extra help. Because each grade is small, we have the chance to really get to know all of our classmates. Through the advising program we get to know many of the students in our own grade, and through the house program and assigned lunch tables we get to know many students in other grades. The great sense of community that is formed by these programs is what makes me excited to go to school each day!

Meet our Bloggers: Lexie '16

Name: Lexie

Grade: 11

Hometown: Green Bay, Wisconsin (Now I live in Mequon. Go Packers!)

Activities: Varsity Field Hockey, Global Scholars, Ledger House Captain, Milwaukee Field Hockey Club, Student Council, & Admissions Ambassador

Hello welcome to our blog! My name is Lexie and I am a junior at University School of Milwaukee. I have attended USM since third grade. I am simultaneously excited and nervous for my junior year. I am excited because I am house captain for Ledger and it is my goal to promote Ledger House spirit; also, I am pumped to spend a year meeting new people (could be you!), taking classes that I am VERY excited for (i.e. Moral Philosophy and Social Justice), and playing field hockey everyday after school. Plus the back to school dance is next week and who can turn down the opportunity to dress up as famous family, watch football, and "dance the night away" (technically not all night, but I was really feeling like tossing in an allusion here.) 

I am elated that you are interested in University School. I love the opportunity that I have been given to study at such an academically challenging, yet rewarding, school. From the kind teachers who always have their doors open to the hard working students that surround you everyday, I know I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Enjoy our blog, and I highly recommend keeping USM an option as you narrow down your choices for high school. :)

U@USM: Your Insider's Perspective to Life at USM

Greetings prospective students and families!

The school year has started and that means that it is time for new blogs from our Upper School Student Ambassadors. Our ambassadors will provide their insights and perspectives on their various experiences at USM including the House System, school traditions, student retreats, extra-curricular activities and much more!

This year is especially significant because USM is celebrating its 50th anniversary so there will be plenty to share. Also, we will welcome several new bloggers from the Upper School so be on the look out for new faces in our introduction blogs. These students are eager to share their experiences with you, but consider what your experience may be as a student in the Upper School...

We look forward to providing you some good reads as you explore what makes the USM experience unique!

Sign Off

As we wrap up the 2014-2015 school year we are officially signing off for the summer. Don't worry, we plan to bring you new, exciting blogs next school and introduce our new bloggers!

Until then, have a great summer!

- Upper School Bloggers

Graduation@USM

On May 18, 2014 we celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2014!

As we said goodbye to the class, we also said goodbye to three of our bloggers: Harriette, Jack, and Ben. We would like to thank them for their work this past school year bringing you an insider's perspective of life at USM.

They have some advice for all the new students coming to the Upper School in the Fall:

• Savor every moment you have at USM, it goes by quickly.
• Support your classmates. Attend a as many school events as you can.
• Do your best, be kind, and get involved. You will get out of it what you put into it. 

Best wishes and good luck!

 

Understanding your Schedule

Background:

The schedule at USM is drastically changing in the 2014-2015 school year. The reason the schedule is being changed is because the USM administration wanted to decrease the homework load for the students without decreasing how much we learn. After we completed a survey at the beginning of the year, the administration has been working hard to improve the academic and social lives of their students. 

How to Read Your Schedule:

1. Currently (2013-2014), we have a six day cycle with eight classes a day. Next year, we are going to have an eight day cycle with a maximum of five classes everyday.
2. Classes do not meet at the same time everyday. For example, your first period class on A-day (highlighted in yellow) will not meet at first period on B-day, but rather it meets after lunch.
3. We will have “Flex/conference” periods (first white box on schedule above). These periods are where all students and teachers are free. Therefore, you have the opportunity to go in and talk to a teacher, hang out with friends, or do your homework.
4. The schedule reads as A-H days or 1-8 days of the cycle.

- Lexie