Updates for December 14-18

 Families, 

New Bus Riders that are In-Person this Spring-  If you rode the bus during the 2019-2020 school year and did not decline transportation, your child should be able to get on the bus on January 20.  If you did decline transportation are new to transportation or totally unsure of what you did in the spring, please fill out this form. 

Additionally, all bus rider will need to have the attestation form filled out prior to riding the bus.  

 

Science Olympiad Sign ups!

Does your Third, Fourth or Fifth grade student want more Science and STEM learning? We are offering 7 classes That are 4 sessions each. Classes include 321 Blast Off, Bridgeroni, ProGamers, Marshmallow Catapult, Ramp & Roll, Code Busters and Describe it Build it! 

 

First session begins January 9th. Second session Feb 20th. Sign up here to reserve your spot! https://bit.ly/3qMzED5  

What happens if my child is sick? Click on the link that shows how we would support your child if they are out for a day or two and if they are out for an extended period of time - Students absence flow chart. If you have questions, feel free to email tshillings@wcpss.net 

Why iStation and Dreambox...How are we supplement classwork - Ms. Kronen shared a presentation last Wednesday night on how to support your child with their Math (Dreambox) and Reading (iStation) and how to access your child’s performance. Here is that presentation - Why iStation and Dreambox and how can it help my child  . 

Second Semester Learning Environment 

Virtual Academy emails for spring semester were sent on Sunday, if you didn’t receive one and feel that this is an error, please contact me (tshillings@wcpss.net ). 

Wishing you well!

Travis Shillings,

Principal of Underwood GT Elementary

December 8th Updates

 Families, 

Why iStation and Dreambox...How are we supplement classwork - Ms. Kronen shared a presentation last Wednesday night on how to support your child with their Math (Dreambox) and Reading (iStation) and how to access your child’s performance. Here is that presentation - Why iStation and Dreambox and how can it help my child  . 

Reminders: Wind Down Wednesday book clubs this week: The Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline Parent Bookstudy will be meeting for our monthly Wind Down Wednesday meeting this week on December 9th at 8:30pm.  We will be focusing on Chapters 4 and 5.  Google meet code:  meet.google.com/dri-vghr-bwi. Let’s Talk about Race link is in the Google Classroom. 

Asynchronous Day is on Friday December 11th. 

 2020 Book Fair!

Underwood Families, your mission if you choose to accept it is . . . . to get ready for the 2020 Mission Possible Book Fair! Our first ever virtual book fair will begin Monday, November 30th. Be on the lookout for information on how to set up your family account, book fair themed events and ways to donate. -- https://sites.google.com/wcpss.net/ugtm-elementary-school-media/book-fair 

Second Semester Learning Environment 

The Virtual Academy and In-Person registration period for Spring Semester opens on December 2.  This flow chart will help you understand the options and the action you need to take based on your family situation. WCPSS Virtual Academy Spring Registration for Elementary Schools is Dec. 2-9 The registration window for the WCPSS Virtual Academy for elementary students for the spring semester will be Dec. 2-9. The window for middle and high school students has closed.

Wishing you well!

November 30th - December 4th

 Families, 

I hope that you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving (fall) break. Here are updates for this week, be sure to check with your classroom teacher for more information along with our PTA weekly newsletter. 

Spring Semester 

The Virtual Academy and In-Person registration period for Spring Semester opens on December 2.  This flow chart will help you understand the options and the action you need to take based on your family situation. WCPSS Virtual Academy Spring Registration for Elementary Schools is Dec. 2-9 The registration window for the WCPSS Virtual Academy for elementary students for the spring semester will be Dec. 2-9. The window for middle and high school students has closed.

Curriculum Updates (Dreambox and iStation) Info Wind Down Wednesday: Ms. Kronen, will lead a presentation discussing the changes to our curriculums to meet the challenges of last spring and this school year. She will also discuss how iStation and Dreambox fit into this curriculum plan to support our students. WDW can be accessed at -https://meet.google.com/pfo-rwpi-umu -- A recording of the presentation will be available later in the week. 

Foundation - We will be showcasing Underwood’s 35 year magnet history as we set our intentions on raising $10,000 between now and Giving Tuesday on the Underwood Foundation Page.  All donations are tax deductible as the Foundation is a 501c3.  The funds raised go directly to Underwood and provide flexibility in hiring/retaining needed staffing positions that aren’t provided by state and local funds.  Visit UnderwoodGives.givesmart.com to donate!

 2020 Book Fair!

Underwood Families, your mission if you choose to accept it is . . . . to get ready for the 2020 Mission Possible Book Fair! Our first ever virtual book fair will begin Monday, November 30th. Be on the lookout for information on how to set up your family account, book fair themed events and ways to donate. 

Elective Updates/Supply Pick up for electives:

Teachers will be sharing elective placements for our next round of electives that begin on Monday, December 7th.  There will be a supply pickup on Wednesday, December 2nd from 1-3pm for VA students in the following electives: Making Rainbows, Drawing and Painting, Birds (3-5 only), Geometry Journeys, See the USA, African Americans in US History, I Love a Mystery AIG, Beginning Spanish (K-2 and 3-5),  Measuring Madness and Beginning French.  Additionally, 4th grade VA students please return the Love that Dog book (in a plastic bag) during supply pickup if possible.  Cars will pull through the carpool loop, tell us the name of your child and we will bring materials out to you! If you have any questions, contact Ashley Cooper (acooper4@wcpss.net)

Asynchronous Day 

This week on Wednesday will another district asynchronous day. Teachers will be taking attendance three times: morning meeting, Math (students are to do Dreambox for at least 30 minutes) and Reading (iStation for at least 30 minutes). Teachers have created a schedule for the day that could be followed, but for them to be counted at school these three things will need to be completed for attendance for the day. We use this data to make instructional changes and plans to support your child in ELA and math.  November 23 and 24 will be the next two days for your child(ren). 

Reminder: WCPSS is Turning Pink THIS WEEK!

WCPSS is turning pink THIS WEEK (Nov 30-Dec 4) in the fight against cancer! Use the hashtag #WCPSSTurnsPink to share how your school is participating. Here are some ideas: 

 

With spirit! Plan a “Wear Pink” on Friday at school or your remote learning environment. 

With stories! Who is your school fighting for? Your school can raise awareness by celebrating and encouraging those who have fought or are fighting cancer.  Share your story with others using #WCPSSTurnsPink. 

PTA -- Thank you to all those that have donated to the PTA. Some of the funds raised by this event (and other donations) will be used to provide additional PPE for in-person, additional technology tools to be used for in-person and Virtual Academy, and additional items for individual use. To donate or find out more information about the PTA -- https://underwood.new.memberhub.store/.

Wishing you well! 

Mr. Shillings 

November 23rd

 Families, 

I continued to be thankful to serve a school community that supports each other, is helpful and looks for the best in all people. I wish you all the very best this week and hope that you take a few moments and share with those that you are thankful for having in your lives! 

VA/Plan A In-person and Asynchronous Info Wind Down Wednesday: Ms. Kronen, Mrs. Judge-Lenkeit, and I did a presentation about Asynchronous days, Virtual Academy and Plan A (in-person) to provide information about both options. Recordings found at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OES4Ad4kC9GN_nGFc3Fhp-g3XlkXfp4H/view?usp=sharing 

WCPSS Wellness Training --- Open to all families, caretakers, and students - What? Supporting educators, parents, and caretakers by exploring the concept of resiliency and how to utilize wellness skills to restore balance to the mind and body. Wellness Training days and times.  

2020 Book Fair!

Underwood Families, your mission if you choose to accept it is . . . . to get ready for the 2020 Mission Possible Book Fair! Our first ever virtual book fair will begin Monday, November 30th. Be on the lookout for information on how to set up your family account, book fair themed events and ways to donate. 

Asynchronous Day 

This week on Wednesday will be our first district asynchronous day. Teachers will be taking attendance three times: morning meeting, Math (students are to do Dreambox for at least 30 minutes) and Reading (iStation for at least 30 minutes). Teachers have created a schedule for the day that could be followed, but for them to be counted at school these three things will need to be completed for attendance for the day. We use this data to make instructional changes and plans to support your child in ELA and math.  November 23 and 24 will be the next two days for your child(ren). 

Foundation - Be sure to connect on Facebook:  Underwood GT Magnet Elementary Foundation for a surprise announcement to come! We will be showcasing Underwood’s 35 year magnet history as we set our intentions on raising $10,000 between now and Giving Tuesday.  All donations are tax deductible as the Foundation is a 501c3.  The funds raised go directly to Underwood and provide flexibility in hiring/retaining needed staffing positions that aren’t provided by state and local funds.  VisitUnderwoodGives.givesmart.com to donate! 

PTA -- Thank you to all those that have donated to the PTA. Some of the funds raised by this event (and other donations) will be used to provide additional PPE for in-person, additional technology tools to be used for in-person and Virtual Academy, and additional items for individual use. To donate or find out more information about the PTA -- https://underwood.new.memberhub.store/.

Wishing you well!

Travis Shillings, Principal

November 17th

 Asynchronous Day 

This week on Wednesday will be our first district asynchronous day. Teachers will be taking attendance three times: morning meeting, Math (students are to do Dreambox for at least 30 minutes) and Reading (iStation for at least 30 minutes). Teachers have created a schedule for the day that could be followed, but for them to be counted at school these three things will need to be completed. 

Parent Checklist-  Are you having a hard time keeping track of what your child has or has not completed?  Review this weekly checklist with your child to ensure his/her success.  

 

In-person Dismissal starting on 11/16

All Carpoolers, Walkers or  YMCA will start loading at 3:40 

Wind Down Wednesday: Mr. Shillings will be doing a presentation about Virtual Academy and Plan A (in-person) to provide information about both options. Meet code is: https://meet.google.com/iox-tsbr-akn 

WCPSS School Board Meeting is today at 5:30 (work session is from 1-5) via https://www.youtube.com/user/WakeCountySchools. 

Foundation - Be sure to connect on Facebook:  Underwood GT Magnet Elementary Foundation for a surprise announcement to come! We will be showcasing Underwood’s 35 year magnet history as we set our intentions on raising $10,000 between now and Giving Tuesday.  All donations are tax deductible as the Foundation is a 501c3.  The funds raised go directly to Underwood and provide flexibility in hiring/retaining needed staffing positions that aren’t provided by state and local funds.  Visit UnderwoodGives.givesmart.com

to donate! 

PTA -- Thank you to all those that have donated to the PTA. Some of the funds raised by this event (and other donations) will be used to provide additional PPE for in-person, additional technology tools to be used for in-person and Virtual Academy, and additional items for individual use. To donate or find out more information about the PTA -- https://underwood.new.memberhub.store/.

Wishing you well! 

Travis Shillings, Principal

November 3rd

Underwood Families,

Here are some general updates for this week. I will continue to send out emails to families based on your learning settings. This email is for all Underwood Families: 

Report Cards - All students will be receiving their report cards for quarter one via email on Tuesday November 3rd by 5:00pm. You will notice that report cards look a little different than they usually do.  For the first quarter, your child will have comments only and no grades.  The comments should reflect how your child is progressing towards meeting the standards for the first quarter.  Additional information about your child's progress will also be shared at their Fall Conference.  Elective report cards will not be going home until the end of electives, December 8th.

2nd Elective Sign-up:  Elective registration is "live" and the form should be completed by Friday, November 6th.  Our second rotation of electives will be December 4th through February 26th.  Please read the google form information section thoroughly.  You will need to complete one form for each student.  All students, K-5, will have one elective (and continue with one special daily as well).  Electives are available to all students, whether in person or in virtual academy (with the exception of Trumpet, which is virtual academy only).  Sign up for electives here 

Wind Down Wednesday: Our interim school counselor, Brett Pesce, will be sharing a presentation titled: Life is Like Driving Down Wade Avenue --  No matter what you have going on these days, life is very much like driving up and down Wade Avenue!  Learn some parental coping skills and enjoy a bit of humor amidst all that is going on. Mrs. Pesce will be doing a brief PowerPoint and answering questions from parents. Join via Google Meet: on Wednesday night at 8:30pm:  https://meet.google.com/ced-ziui-ysj 

Virtual Academy/In-Person/Remote Learning - We have completed the first six days of in-person learning for our plan B students. We have procedures and processes in place to support the safety of students and staff. In the event that student(s) are in need to quarantine based on exposure or presumptive positive Covid Case may change in the temporary makeup of the remote learning and Virtual Academy classes to continue to provide all students with access to the standard course study for their grade level. This change may impact individual teacher schedules, if so, then the teacher will communicate to the families. 

**Bus Routes - Reminder that you are REQUIRED to submit a health attestation form for each child who plans to ride a yellow bus this school year. Students can't ride the bus until the form is submitted. Find online forms in English & Spanish at ]wcpss.net/busform.These are located on the WCPSS website http://webarchive.wcpss.net/school-directory/bus-routes/572.html 

Magnet Updates:

• Virtual Magnet Fair is this Saturday, November 7th from 9:00am-12:00pm.  A great way to explore the WCPSS Magnet Schools, especially for our 5th grade students going to Middle School next year.  Register here by clicking the Guest Registration button. 

• The Magnet Application window is October 15th-January 28th.  If you have a rising Kindergarten student, you will need to complete the application.  All 5th graders who want to continue in the GT (or any magnet) pathway, will also need to complete the application.   Contact Ashley Cooper, acooper4@wcpss.net, with any questions.

Spirit Night is November 11th from 12-9pm at Two Roosters Ice Cream Shop (215 E Franklin St #120, Raleigh, NC 27604).  Be sure to mention Underwood so our school can receive 20% of the sales proceeds that day.  

** YMCA - Afterschool - The Alexander YMCA has you covered after the bell rings!  Caring, trained counselors lead the program that complies with all state and local safety protocols.  Learn more about program changes and COVID pre-screenings to ensure the safety of your child.  Register today at: https://www.ymcatriangle.org/schools/underwood-elementary-after-school

Foundation - Please consider donating to the Underwood Foundation - http://www.underwoodfoundation.org/. The purpose of the foundation is to provide funds to close gaps in funding to ensure Underwood can maintain our staff and dynamic instructional programming. 

PTA -- Thank you to all those that have donated to the PTA. Some of the funds raised by this event (and other donations) will be used to provide additional PPE for in-person, additional technology tools to be used for in-person and Virtual Academy, and additional items for individual use. To donate or find out more information about the PTA -- https://underwood.new.memberhub.store/.

Wishing you well, 

Travis Shillings, Principal

October 6th

 Families,

I hope that your first full week of October is off to a good start and we have adjusted to remote learning. Based on the WCPSS Board of Education, students in k-8 (and regional programs) will be returning to an in-person model, this email will provide some details about this process. More information will be coming in the next couple of weeks.

Wind Down Wednesday -- this Wednesday will be focused on our return in-person plan at Underwood. The Google Meet Link -- https://meet.google.com/aqv-jkpm-avt. We will be meeting at 8:30 pm. 

Cohorts - In-person attendance for k-3 students and regional programs will begin on October 26th. Families that have chosen Plan B will receive their Cohort assignment. WCPSS BOE has determined that k-3 and regional programs will do three week rotations one time and would have all plan b students in school on November 16th.  Starting on November 16th 4-5 students would be going on the three week rotation for the remainder of the semester. The WCPSS website will be updated to include Fall 2020 semester calendars that reflect when each cohort will attend school in person. For in-person Plan B students, this email will be sent by 5:00 via School Messenger from Mr. Shillings.  Most students will remain in their same homerooms, only changes would be based on virtual academy students. At this time, I am not able to make changes to the Virtual Academy or Plan B learning environments. WCPSS will be sending out an opportunity to change to Virtual Academy or In-person in November for the second semester. 

Asynchronous Day - Schools are free to schedule up to one remote learning (asynchronous) day of instruction per week between now and October 23.  Underwood will have 1 Asynchronous day for the week of October 12th and October 22nd grade level weekly guides will reflect this and have  activities/assignments for those times/days. 

Starting with the week of October 26 through the end of the Fall 2020 semester, we will operate district-wide remote learning (asynchronous) days. At this point, schools will be expected to align any existing school structure for asynchronous days to the district structure. There will be a remote learning day on each week where there is not already an interruption to the week across all calendars. The calendar from WCPSS website will reflect these district asynchronous days. 

Wishing you well, 

Travis Shillings, Principal

September 15th

 Families,

Happy Tuesday to all families! 

Student Work and assessment for learning

Families, please continue to allow your child to do their best work, but not give them answers and correct all items for them. Teachers will need to know how to support your child to build their learning independently. 

Supply Pick up:

Tomorrow from 9:30-12 and 1-3 at the school. Supply bags are from First-Fifth Grade students and are individualized for the students based on grade level and elective that they are taken starting on the 21st. 

Electives

Be sure to check your child's Google Classroom to "join" the elective that they will have starting on the 21st. If you have questions please contact your classroom teacher. 

Watch Board Work Session and Meeting Today

The work session begins at 4 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. Both will be live streamed on the WCPSS YouTube channel at the link above.

Wishing you well, 

Travis Shillings, Principal

Week of September 8th

 Check out our weekly updates at https://www.smore.com/7db3m - Make it GREAT week!! 

August 28

 Underwood Families,

Congratulations, we have completed our two orientation weeks and will be starting our live instruction schedule on Monday! Please note that we will not be expecting our students to be online and learning for 2 ½ hours quite yet, we will be building up to the district's expectations. Live lessons will begin at the scheduled time but may not take up the entire block and at times students will have assignments after the live lessons. Please continue to communicate with classroom teachers as we navigate through this remote learning environment together. We will be working on building our routines and independence in our remote learning environments with our students. 

Wind Down Wednesday Recap 

Here is the recording and presentation from this past Wednesday’s session which focused on supporting your child’s technology needs to access during remote learning.

Recording: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LQSMvJDux5mCRLzycnUhxyHhCOhRZ81F/view?usp=sharing 

Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1TLzmoJAIMJgCW3lr8CyLdXkAVsszbvUd0UOIO8v5IBk/edit?usp=sharing 

Wishing you well! 

Travis Shillings, Principal

August 19

Underwood Families,

In lieu of Wind Down Wednesday we felt like sharing a couple of updates and will continue the Wind Down Wednesdays next week. Here are a couple of updates that I was going to share with families. 

Daily Message  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtCPSndS2as

Roles for K-12 Students and Families for Online Instruction
As we enter into the 2020-2021 school year, we recognize the many challenges that online and blended instruction bring to students, families and caregivers.  Below are roles and expectations for students and their families/ caregivers when participating in online instruction. Also, the teacher, as the facilitator of learning, will partner with students and families to ensure that they communicate regularly, plan instruction effectively, and offer support and feedback when needed. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1j6LG19lfiv-rEJaw0Iw5zmx5lZBEbkHxcr7xYeOODAY/edit#heading=h.jxeub8p8de7v 

 

School Day Expectations 

August 17th-21st:  First Week of Orientation.  Teachers will work on connecting with students and families during this week.  There will be a Grade Level “Meet the Team” meeting held for parents during this week that will cover the following information:  review of the grade specific daily schedule, turning in class assignments, communication, and other grade/class information.  Teachers will be communicating via Memberhub, emails, and phone calls. Teachers will be sharing their schedules and specifics for their classes/grade levels during Meet the Teacher/Open House.  Here is an overview of the schedules for all of the grade levels.  

August 24th-28th:  Second Week of Orientation.  Our goal is to help students transition into their day by having them attend their “live” instructional times during their daily schedule.  Here are schedules by grade level that will be shared and provided expectations starting on the week of the 24th - Overview of the Schedules for All Grade Levels . On Friday of every week, grade levels will be sharing a “Week at a Glance” that will have the plan for the week as a reference. This will provide support to those assisting with virtual learning on a weekly basis. Students will need to access their Google Classrooms for assignments. 

Supply Pick up 

In an effort to accommodate social distancing and honor concerns we have decided to do a first round of materials pick up at the school. Grade levels will give more specifics on the materials that are included in the bags that you will pick up at school during your scheduled time below. IF the time doesn’t work please contact your homeroom teacher or Ms. Kronen (jkronen@wcpss.net) to assist with material pick up.

 

Kindergarten	September 3rd (10-11:30) - this is to provide an additional week of orientation for students
First Grade	August 20th (9-10:30)
Second Grade	August 20th (1-2:30)
Third Grade	August 21st (9-10:30)
Fourth Grade	August 19th (9-10:30)
Fifth Grade	August 21st (1-2:30)
ECS 1 / 2	ECS 1 - August 19th (10:00-11:30) ECS 2 - August 21st (1-2:30)

Supporting Underwood ES through the PTA and Foundation 

Here is how you can support our school through the PTA and Foundation - joint effort. We continue to be thankful to these parent organizations as they help us each and every day! 

Wishing you well! 

Travis Shillings, Principal