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1.8 UNI TRADITIONS

Home > About Uni > School Policies > Student Handbook > 1.8

       n New Student Orientation — Upper class students known as Subbie Buddies and Transfer Buddies work with faculty, counselors, and the administration to help the transition of new students into Uni High. During the orientation, new students receive survival kits, move into their lockers, learn their daily class routine, tour campus town, and hear advice about joining the Uni community.

       n Orientation Picnic — The Parent-Faculty Organization (PFO) kicks off the school year with an all-school potluck. Everyone is welcome.

       n Book Bar — During registration prior to the beginning of the school year, PFO organizes the Book Bar. At the Book Bar, students can sell their old textbooks to other students and buy books that they will need.

       n Subbie Retreat & Advisory Program — Subbies celebrate the end of their first week at Uni by going on a retreat planned for them by their Subbie Buddies and advisers. Subbies continue to meet weekly during 1st quarter in advisory groups that help with adjustment to Uni’s academic expectations and social life.

       n Student Lounge — The lounge promises an inviting atmosphere in which to sleep, talk, study or listen to music in a place where students are welcome. Use of the lounge is a great privilege and plays an integral role in the daily lives of a large percentage of the student body. Historically, only students in grades 9-12 have been allowed to use the lounge.

       n Dances and Social Events — All Uni High dances (excluding Prom) are open to all students of the school. A nominal fee is charged for admission to many dances. This fee is used as either a fund raiser for a class/organization, or to help offset the cost of organizing the dance.

       n Dances Guests — Uni students must accompany and sign in guest to a Uni Dance.  Invited guests must be in 7-12^th grades.  No one 19 years or older will be admitted as a guest.  Invited guests may be asked to show a school ID.

Below are some of the main dances held each year at Uni High, the sponsoring group, and the times.

• Howdy Hop: The Howdy Hop is the first official dance of the year. It provides an opportunity for students to get better acquainted. (Student Council, 8-11 p.m.)

•  Winter Formal: The Winter Formal is the first major dance of the year, and is often held off campus. It is often a semi-formal dance. (Sophomores, 8:30-11:45 p.m.)

•  Spring Fling: The Spring Fling is a major social event at Uni High. Sometimes it is a formal dance, other times it is semi-formal or informal. (Freshmen, 8:30-11:30 p.m.)

•  Prom: Prom, held at the end of the year, is sponsored by the junior class in honor of the departing senior class. It is a formal/semi-formal affair and is open to juniors and seniors and their guests only. It should be noted that school sponsorship of Prom ends with the conclusion of the dance. (8:30-11:45 p.m.)

•  Other Dances: Other dances occur throughout the school year. These dances are held as fund raisers and are sponsored by classes or clubs within Uni High. Some examples in past years have been the Halloween Dance, the Turkey Trot, a Salsa Dance, the Valentine’s Dance, and a Charity Ball. Parent(s)/guardian(s) are notified of these dances in the monthly calendar.

      n Winter Party — Just before winter break, the PFO and school host the “surprise” winter party. The madrigal singers serenade the school community, passing through each hallway to lead students and teachers to the party.

      n Spirit Week — Student Council designates a week each year to build school spirit. In the past, activities have included theme dress days, music in the hallways, and an assembly.

      n Agora Days — During a week in the spring the regular Uni high curriculum is replaced with courses generated and taught by students, teachers, parent(s)/guardian(s), and community professionals. These courses, submitted in outline form between September and January and approved by the Agora Committee, are categorized as Academic, Cooking, Games, Sports, Fine Arts, Movies, or Miscellaneous; they range from Chaos Theory and Koine Greek to volleyball and Medieval cooking. Classes begin on the hour and last fifty minutes. Students must take at least two academic classes out of the six required (300 minutes per day). The Agora tradition introduces new topics and experiences, socialization across grade levels, and the opportunity to exercise and appreciate good teaching skills.

      n X-Week and Big Show — X-Week activities raise money for a designated charitable cause. Each class contributes to the fund-raising effort. In the past, X-Week activities have included raffles, bake sales, contests, auctions, and Big Show. Big Show is Uni High’s student-run comedy/talent show, which in the past has consisted of everything from rock bands to comedy skits. Co-chairpersons are chosen by Student Council. Big Show is the major fundraising activity for X-Week.

      n Student Awards Program — The Annual Student Academic Awards Program is held near the end of the school year. The program features the recognition of notable student achievements, and the presentation of prizes and academic awards.

      n Senior Supper — Before graduation, the seniors’ rite of passage to “alumnihood” begins with a candlelight supper. Seniors exchange their Last Words in a souvenir publication and leave their mark on the school with hand printing in the student lounge.

      n Disorientation Picnic — The Disorientation Picnic is sponsored by Student Council and is the last social event of the year. It is a great way to remember the year.

      n Graduation — Uni’s commencement ceremony is planned by and for the seniors in conjunction with their class sponsor and the school administration. The unique choice of music and the format provide a memorable event for all.

      n Reunions — The Uni High Alumni Association is an ad hoc collection of all Uni High student attendees and graduates and all current and former faculty members. No annual dues are charged. Occasionally, all-alumni gatherings such as the Uni High Grand Reunion in 1985 and Re•Uni•on 75 held in 1996 are planned for the purposes of engendering fellowship, renewing acquaintances and building links between alumni and current students. In addition, classes of Uni High Alumni are encouraged to hold reunions in five-year intervals.