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