Skip To Main Content

Menu Toggle

Mobile Main Nav

History & Traditions

Each year USJ students have the opportunity to participate in traditions that shape our community culture. These events allow our students and families to engage with one another in celebration and community growth.

National Anthem Project

The National Anthem Project, a former nationwide initiative, began in 2005 with the goal to instill a stronger sense of patriotism in Americans by educating them on the words of the national anthem and its history.  Each year at USJ, the Lower School classes assemble by grade level as they face the front of the school to sing the “Star-Spangled Banner” together to commemorate the anniversary of the penning of the words written by Francis Scott Key.

Daddy Daughter Dance

The Daddy Daughter Dance is a special night for dads and father figures to spend a special evening with their daughters. Traditionally hosted by the sophomore class, the Lower School girls love getting all dressed up for an evening of fun and special memories.

 

ArtsattheU

Arts at the U

Arts at the U is an annual event that showcases all facets of the arts across the three divisions here at the University School of Jackson. Artwork created by students in Jr Kindergarten to AP Art are on display throughout the upper school. Our guests are entertained by our US band, USJ Jr Bruin Choir and our US Choir as they walk through the elegant art exhibit. Towards the end of the event, students from our theatre department perform a variety of musical selections.  This is a free event sponsored by our Fine Arts Guild that really highlights all avenues of the arts throughout our lower, middle and upper school divisions.

Senior Golden Day

Hosted by the USJ Office of Alumni Relations, the Senior Golden Day is a chance for the graduating senior class to have a final lunch together before heading to graduation rehearsal.

 

RIFA Food Drive

One of the important aspects of our founding principles is service.  Every year during the month of September, we are honored to work together with other area schools to collect canned food for RIFA to help fight hunger in our community.

Commencement

The University School of Jackson holds commencement on the Kirkland Field at Carlock Stadium (weather permitting), during the month of May. Graduation is such an exciting time for students, parents, teachers and faculty. 

holiday-mart

Holiday Mart

USJ’s annual Holiday Mart is the school’s largest fundraiser. This multi-day Merchandise Mart features gifts, clothing and accessories, holiday and home decorative items, and much, much more. It is sponsored by the USJ Parents’ Club and many local businesses in the Jackson community. Traditionally held the weekend before Thanksgiving, the Holiday Mart attracts approximately 10,000 people to the Carl Perkins Civic Center to shop, enjoy a variety of foods, and get in the holiday spirit. Learn More >

Turkey Trot

The annual Turkey Trot is an opportunity to teach our youngest students about thankfulness, mathematics and counting money, giving to others, and enjoying exercise outdoors before the holiday season begins. Students bring in collected pennies from home for a Penny Drop as a way to give back to the community. Our students from Cubs to Fifth Grade run, skip and jump their way outside around the campus to complete this exciting race.

Bruin Booster Classic

The Bruin Booster Golf Classic has become a Spring tradition for USJ Sports Boosters, including current and alumni parents, alumni and friends. The foursome that wins the event, held annually on the last Monday in April, is presented with the coveted USJ Fleece, a tradition not unlike the green jacket at The Masters. The funds raised from the Tournament support USJ athletics, ensuring that our coaches and athletes have the best resources available. 

Senior Breakfast and Senior Walk

Also called the "Last First Day'' for the Senior class, it is a special opportunity to gather as a class and to celebrate the kick off of the Senior year. Students walk through the school as a reminder of all the fun times, life-long friends, and amazing teachers who have helped them along the way.

Lower School Halftime Show

The Lower School music education faculty organizes a large-scale musical halftime show on the field during a football game each year with all Kindergarten through Fifth grade students.  The students learn a choreographed dance to perform on Kirkland Field at Carlock Stadium.  Beginning in 2002, this is a time-honored tradition at USJ that so many of our students happily remember.

 

St. Jude Math-A-Thon

Every other year, students in the Lower School at USJ raise funds for patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with a Math-A-Thon campaign. In recent years, USJ has been one of the top donors in the nation, breaking the all-time Math-A-Thon fundraising record. Students in Kindergarten - 5th grade collect donations in person and online through personalized websites they create at school.

Homecoming Spirit Week

Homecoming Spirit Week is composed of themed dress-up days and fun-filled activities throughout the week to show Bruin pride.  A spirited pep rally is held on Friday and includes the introduction of the Homecoming Court. A cheer 
performance by the Bruin cheerleaders and various games among the classes are included in the pep rally.  After the Bruin football game on Friday night, a Homecoming Dance is held on Saturday evening.

 

Senior Moms Luncheon

Senior Moms Luncheon is a special time for celebrating with other Senior Moms before graduation. The luncheon is hosted by the USJ Parents' Club and is held at the Jackson Country Club. Senior Moms enjoy a delicious lunch,  and a  time for reflection and celebration. 

College T-Shirt Day

After searching their best-fit college, USJ seniors look forward to showing off their school choice at USJ's annual College T-shirt Day. On this day in late April, seniors wear the shirt of the school to which they committed.  Our seniors, teachers, and underclassmen look forward to celebrating where members of the graduating class will study in fall.

 

100th Day of School

The celebration of the 100th day of school is always a fun milestone to celebrate during the school year.  Our Lower School classes love celebrating by dressing up in 100th day themed outfits and participating in various 100th day activities. 

New Family Tailgate

New Family Tailgate

The New Family Tailgate is held every year right before the first home football game. All new families to USJ are invited to come eat and visit before the game. This gives our families the chance to meet other new families. It is a fun night to kick off the football season!