The Underwood Way

November 2024

In Town Bussing

We appreciate your ongoing feedback regarding in-town bussing. We’ve received suggestions from members of our community and are actively exploring options to provide this service during the winter months.

Currently, we do not have a bus driver for this route, and we’ve been advertising for a position since before the school year began. Mr. Benson is reaching out to local contacts who may be able to assist, and we’re also inquiring with neighboring communities about their bussing services.

Your input is invaluable to us, and we ask for your continued support and understanding as we work through this challenge. If you have any suggestions or concerns, please use the feedback button at the bottom of the newsletter. This feedback is anonymous; however, if you would like a response, please include your name and contact information.

I also want to give a 'shout-out' to Doug Wolf, who is our one-and-only bus driver right now. He has been doing a wonderful job communicating with families and being flexible in all he does. So, the next time you see Doug, say "Thank You" and let him know that we appreciate him!

Sincerely,

Hope Rush

Parent Teacher Conferences

Here are the results of our Parent survey regarding PT Conferences. We had 26 responses with 10 elementary, 11 secondary, & 5 both levels responses for a total of 26. Our attendance overall was down and we want to work with families to improve this in the future.

Attendance

We had 84% of people responded attended conferences. We took from this we need to be more cognizant of extra-curricular activity schedules.

Student Progress

84% of people who responded felt like they better understood their student's progress.

Communication

28% of responses tell us that we need to improve our communication with families outside of just Parent-teacher conferences.

Home Support

50% of respondents don't need support at home, but did get several ideas of topics to share out.

Teaching Materials

Only 41% of those responding feel like the school has the materials it needs to teach effectively. This is an area of need moving forward.

Next Conferences

84% of respondents would like to know how their child(ren) are doing socially/emotionally at school.

Library Lines 📖 with Mrs. Nagel

Accelerated Readers!

For our Accelerated Reader program this year, I am selecting “AR Stars of the Month.” These will be either the student in each grade earning the most points for the month or a student who has made significant improvement. They will be posted in the hallway outside the Library. October’s “AR Stars” are: Penelope - 2nd, Nova - 3rd, Kaylee - 4th, Macy - 5th, and Timothy - 6th. Way to read!

💡A reminder also of our 100 AR Points Field Trip that takes place in May - students will have until the end of April or shortly after to make it to 100 points. A great goal is to earn at least 30 points by the end of this semester.

In Elementary Library for grades PreK-1, we read fall and Halloween-themed stories during October. Kindergarten and 1st grade students also were able to complete witch’s broom and ghost crafts. For November, I am looking for 3-4 parents/guardians from each class to come in and share what they’re thankful for along with reading a favorite picture book. The book does not necessarily have to be related to what you’re thankful for, and I can provide a book if you would prefer. PreK dates are November 7, 14, & 21 at 1:20. Kindergarten dates are November 6, 13, 20, & 27 at 1:25. 1st grade dates are November 5, 19, and 26 at 12:45. Please contact me if you are interested - we’d love to have you!

In Elementary Library for grades 2-6, we tried out centers in October. The first week, we learned about the Dewey Decimal System - how most libraries organize the books on their shelves. The following weeks, there were center activities based on the lesson topic, such as: creating a labeled book spine, listening to the “Dewey Decimal Rap,” playing a book organization game called “Shelver,” completing Dewey subject book mini-puzzles, folding a parts of a book “cootie catcher,” and competing in a Dewey Dash book scavenger hunt contest. Overall, the students seemed to do well and enjoy the variety of activities. We are going to continue centers in November, with “Finding Information” as our focus topic. Students will learn and explore how to find accurate information in books and online.

🚐The Bookmobile will be here on Tuesday, November 12th. Please help remind students to return Bookmobile items if they haven’t already. Thank you!

Please reach out to angie.nagle@underwoodschool.org with any questions, ideas, or concerns.