Prepare to weather Parents', Grandparents' Days with these details

By Kristian Noden, Head of Lower School

Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day remains one of the most beloved celebrations in our Lower School community. It’s a wonderful moment for students to welcome the special people in their lives—those who nurture, encourage, and inspire them—into their world of learning. The day overflows with warmth, laughter, and connection as generations come together to share stories, celebrate curiosity, and create lasting memories.
 
For our guests, it’s a rare opportunity to step inside the children’s daily experience—seeing how they learn, explore, and grow. Beyond being a school event, this day honors the guidance, affection, and steady support that grandparents and special friends bring to our students’ lives. Their presence fosters belonging, pride, and joy that strengthen the very heart of our community. We are deeply grateful to all who make this occasion so meaningful. Your love and involvement enrich the USN family in countless ways!
 
Performance Schedule
We are delighted to host Lower School families and friends in the Sperling Gym for two joyful performances.
To ensure comfortable seating for everyone:
  • Parents and siblings should plan to attend the Parents’ Day performance at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, November 24.
  • Grandparents and special friends are invited to join us for the 9:30 a.m. performance on Tuesday, November 25.
Parking and Shuttle Information
 
Monday, November 24 — Parents’ Day
Parking for Parents' Day on Monday, November 25, is available at Vanderbilt University Lot No. 82, at the corner of Edgehill and 18th Avenues.
 
Tuesday, November 25 — Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day
To create space for guests who need accessible parking, USN faculty and staff will park off-site. Guests with accessibility needs may use USN’s 19th and 21st Avenue lots. Able-bodied guests should park in Vanderbilt University Lots No. 77, 80, and 82, all off 18th Avenue. Refer to the parking map here. Before and after the Tuesday performance, USN buses will provide shuttle service between Vanderbilt University Lot No. 77 and USN. All shuttles will pick up and drop off in USN's 19th Avenue parking lot.
 
Finding Your Way to Sperling Gym
Elevators are accessible at:
  • The Tibbott Center (from the 21st Avenue lot)
  • The 19th Avenue main entrance
  • The Hassenfeld Library
All elevator locations will be clearly marked, and ushers will be available to assist guests.
 
Arrival and Seating
  • Parents and families may arrive starting at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, November 24.
  • Grandparents and special friends may arrive beginning at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25.
Guests can enjoy coffee and doughnuts in the Sperling Cafeteria, where the USN Spirit Store will also host a pop-up shop featuring new apparel and school gear. If a guest requires floor-level seating due to mobility needs, please email Lower School Administrative Assistant Annie Stewart to reserve a chair. All other guests will be seated in the bleachers. Because this event draws large crowds, please limit your group to four grandparents or special friends per family and attend your designated day’s performance.
Seating will be color-coded with hearts, helping guests find the best viewing section for their child’s performance. Families are encouraged to choose seating based on their youngest child’s class.
 
Color
Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Green
Maciel
Hall
Jones
Hicks
Shyer
Yellow
Reynolds
Land
Terwilliger
Millis
Rosenthal
Blue
Collins
Rosing
Roca
Voehler
Moots
Red
Lefkovitz
Smith
Franklin
Blue
Avington

After the Performance and Dismissal
Parents’ Day — Monday, November 24
Following the performance, students will return to their classrooms. Parents may then sign out their children with the classroom teacher.
  • Kindergarten–3rd Grade: Pick up from classrooms
  • 4th Grade: Pick up in Sperling Gym
Students not enrolled in After School will be dismissed once the 21st Avenue Garage has cleared of traffic.
 
Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day — Tuesday, November 25 
Specific dismissal directions will be announced in Sperling Gym after the performance.
Please note: After School will not operate on this day. All Lower School students should head home immediately following the event.
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USN Mission: 
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.