Congratulations to the USC Speech Team that performed Saturday, Jan. 31st at the Wayzata meet with over a thousand competitors!
And a special BRAVO to Cameron Swehla & Wheylan Haney for 3rd Place in Duo Interpretation, Novice
Superintendent Taylor Topinka’s January column is featured in the Faribault County Register. The piece includes reflections on the first semester, updates on planning for the 2026–27 school year, and a look ahead at ongoing facilities and community conversations.
Read the full column here ⬇️ https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4144/United_South_Central_Sd/40846d36-b404-4040-b498-073ab0b8b846/January-2026---Newspaper-Article--3.pdf?disposition=inline
Read the full column here ⬇️ https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4144/United_South_Central_Sd/40846d36-b404-4040-b498-073ab0b8b846/January-2026---Newspaper-Article--3.pdf?disposition=inline
Wow - our Book Blast is off to a great start! Congratulations to Carter for winning our first drawing prize: the Book Blast Treasure Chest! Our quest to level up our readers has never been so much fun! We’re blasting through our mission to earn as many books as possible for our students. Register now and invite 10+ contacts to be entered into the drawings for our Treasure Chests!
📅 February is almost here — and it’s a great month ahead at United South Central!
Check out our printable USC Activities Calendar for all the important dates, school events, and fun happening across our District in February 2026! From activities to school events, we’ve got it all in one place so you can stay organized and in the loop.
https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4144/United_South_Central_Sd/cbbde805-1503-44a6-b134-ea10e9ea142a/Printable-Calendar-Feb26-FINAL.pdf?disposition=inline
Check out our printable USC Activities Calendar for all the important dates, school events, and fun happening across our District in February 2026! From activities to school events, we’ve got it all in one place so you can stay organized and in the loop.
https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4144/United_South_Central_Sd/cbbde805-1503-44a6-b134-ea10e9ea142a/Printable-Calendar-Feb26-FINAL.pdf?disposition=inline
Stop by for some robotics competition on 1/31/26 in the USC gym. Events go from 9:15 to 4:30 with FREE admission!
🚍 NOW HIRING!
USC Schools is looking for substitute bus and van drivers. Training provided—no experience needed!
📧 Contact Mary Smothers: msmothers@unitedsouthcentral.org
💼 Position open until filled
Drive a bus. Make a difference. Join our team today!
USC Schools is looking for substitute bus and van drivers. Training provided—no experience needed!
📧 Contact Mary Smothers: msmothers@unitedsouthcentral.org
💼 Position open until filled
Drive a bus. Make a difference. Join our team today!
The USC FFA Ag Mechanics Team had a great day at Monday’s regional contest at SCC-Mankato. The team placed 2nd out of 14 teams, earning a trip to the State FFA Contest in April. Individually, Noah Todd placed 1st overall out of 57 competitors. Riley Stevermer finished 12th, and Zayden Willette placed 14th. Nathan Glenn and Shaune Peterson round out the team. This is the contest where our hands-on, shop-focused students really get to showcase their skills—congrats to all involved!
Book Blast begins today! All you have to do is invite 10+ friends and family members to earn some awesome prizes and a chance to win one of our Treasure Chests or an Epic Treasure Chest! Visit https://app.booksarefun.com/UnitedSCPS56097 and unlock treasure. It takes just 7 minutes TONIGHT.
The first 144 to register and invite 10+ friends and family members will receive their Treasure Map prizes the very next day! Any student who qualifies after that will still receive their prizes with the book delivery.
#bookblastadventures #booksarefun
The first 144 to register and invite 10+ friends and family members will receive their Treasure Map prizes the very next day! Any student who qualifies after that will still receive their prizes with the book delivery.
#bookblastadventures #booksarefun
MR/USC Wrestling Update (1/22 - 11:45am):
The Gopher Conference Wrestling Match at Kenyon-Wanamingo has now been postponed for tonight. Makeup date TBD.
Stay warm, Longhorns!
The Gopher Conference Wrestling Match at Kenyon-Wanamingo has now been postponed for tonight. Makeup date TBD.
Stay warm, Longhorns!
Weather & Activities Update – Friday, January 23, 2026
Due to extreme cold watches and warnings, United South Central Schools will be closed on Friday, January 23, and we will transition to a virtual learning day. Classes for all students will begin at 10:00 AM, and full daily schedules are available on the District website.
Due to the incoming cold, there have been several time changes and adjustments to activities scheduled for this evening (Thursday). No decisions have been made at this time regarding activities for tomorrow (Friday), and more information will be shared as it becomes available.
Thank you for your flexibility and understanding as we prioritize the safety of our students, staff, and families. Please continue to monitor the District website and communication channels for updates.
MR/USC Wrestling Update (1/22):
Due to the forecasted cold temperature, tonight's Gopher Conference Wrestling Dual at Kenyon-Wanamingo has been moved up an hour. We will now have the following schedule:
4:00pm - Weigh-Ins
5:00pm - JV Matches
5:45pm (approx.) - Varsity Match
Good luck, Longhorns!
Due to the forecasted cold temperature, tonight's Gopher Conference Wrestling Dual at Kenyon-Wanamingo has been moved up an hour. We will now have the following schedule:
4:00pm - Weigh-Ins
5:00pm - JV Matches
5:45pm (approx.) - Varsity Match
Good luck, Longhorns!
📢 USC January Update from Dr. Topinka:
We’re halfway through the 2025–26 school year — and there’s a lot happening! Highlights include final 2026–27 calendar results, progress from our Facilities Task Force as we prepare for a potential fall referendum, updates on winter weather planning (including Virtual Learning), and upcoming board meetings with community Q&A sessions.
Read the full update here
👉 https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4144/United_South_Central_Sd/f2531a74-3e13-4e9a-8968-f42b9201d62c/January-2026-Update-3.pdf?disposition=inline
We’re halfway through the 2025–26 school year — and there’s a lot happening! Highlights include final 2026–27 calendar results, progress from our Facilities Task Force as we prepare for a potential fall referendum, updates on winter weather planning (including Virtual Learning), and upcoming board meetings with community Q&A sessions.
Read the full update here
👉 https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4144/United_South_Central_Sd/f2531a74-3e13-4e9a-8968-f42b9201d62c/January-2026-Update-3.pdf?disposition=inline
Athletics Update (1/22):
There have been some changes to tomorrow's Gopher Conference Basketball games vs. Triton. Please make note of the following time changes due to the frigid temps:
GBB
JH Combo vs. Triton @ 4:30pm (Elem. Gym)
JV vs. Triton @ 4:30pm (HS Gym)
Varsity vs. Triton @ 5:45pm (HS Gym)
BBB @ Triton
7th @ 4:30pm (Elem. Gym)
8th @ 5:30pm (Elem. Gym)
C-Squad @ 4:30pm (West Gym)
JV @ 4:30pm (Competition Gym)
Varsity @ 5:45pm (Competition Gym)
Stay warm! Help spread the word. Go Rebs!
There have been some changes to tomorrow's Gopher Conference Basketball games vs. Triton. Please make note of the following time changes due to the frigid temps:
GBB
JH Combo vs. Triton @ 4:30pm (Elem. Gym)
JV vs. Triton @ 4:30pm (HS Gym)
Varsity vs. Triton @ 5:45pm (HS Gym)
BBB @ Triton
7th @ 4:30pm (Elem. Gym)
8th @ 5:30pm (Elem. Gym)
C-Squad @ 4:30pm (West Gym)
JV @ 4:30pm (Competition Gym)
Varsity @ 5:45pm (Competition Gym)
Stay warm! Help spread the word. Go Rebs!
Due to the Blizzard Warning, United South Central Schools will dismiss early today (Wednesday, January 21) at 12:45 PM, and there will be no afternoon preschool.
Congratulations to United South Central's 2026 Triple A (Academics, Arts, Athletics) Award Winners, Jaelyn Stangler and Kolt Bullerman!
#prideUSC
#prideUSC
United South Central Schools is seeking a High School Physical Education Teacher for the 2026–2027 school year! We’re looking for a passionate educator to join our team and help students stay active, healthy, and engaged. Learn more and apply here: https://www.usc.k12.mn.us/page/phy-ed
United South Central Schools is hiring multiple Elementary Teachers for the 2026–2027 school year! We’re looking for dedicated and inspiring educators to join our school community and support student growth and success. Learn more and apply here: https://www.usc.k12.mn.us/page/elem-teacher
USC Athletic Update (1/20):
There has been a change to the Girls Basketball game tonight vs. T/ML/GHEC. JV has been canceled, and it will be a VARSITY ONLY game at 5:45pm.
Go Rebels!
There has been a change to the Girls Basketball game tonight vs. T/ML/GHEC. JV has been canceled, and it will be a VARSITY ONLY game at 5:45pm.
Go Rebels!
It's Paraprofessional Recognition Week! This week, we celebrate our incredible paraprofessionals! Your dedication, patience, and care make a lasting difference in the lives of our students every single day. Thank you for the support, compassion, and heart you bring to our school—we couldn’t do this without you!
Today we celebrate International Mentoring Day! Huge thanks to our Big Rebels who mentor and inspire our Little Rebels every day. Your leadership, guidance, and kindness make a lasting impact.
