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The Firefly Flash
Underwood Newsletter
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Mr. A's Update
5/31/24
Good Afternoon,
I hope everyone is doing well and has had a fantastic week! Here are some of the beautiful highlights from last week at Underwood.
- Today we are holding our annual end of the year Carnival please come join us from 4-8 on the Underwood Playground
- This upcoming Tuesday our 5th graders will be going on their end of the year field trip to Sky Zone and participating in their 5th grade promotion on Wednesday evening.
- On Wednesday June 5th I will be presenting the Wauwatosa District administrators' recommendations as they relate to the Tosa 2075 here at Underwood. These will be the recommendations provided to the school board. If you plan on attending this informational session, please RSVP using this link.
Important Reminders
- For everyone's safety, please adhere to designated car lanes and stopping zones during arrival and dismissal. The outer lane is not for student pick-up.
- As a reminder, the City of Wauwatosa began the the long-term construction project that will take place along Potter Rd. This project will impact pick-up and drop-off, and your patience is greatly appreciated. Please see the project flyer that the City of Wauwatosa has developed and provided.
- Our JK Enrollment is now open; if you have students that will be entering JK in the fall please use this link to register them.
- The dismissal time for the last day June 6th will be at 11:20.
Thank you, and I wish everyone a happy and safe weekend!
Staff Spotlight
This week, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of our invaluable team members, Mrs. Domena!
- When Mrs. Domena is not busy being a math instructional coach, she enjoys spending time with her family!
- Some of Mrs. Domena's pastimes include going for long walks, enjoying the warm weather, and reading!
- Mrs. Domena loves to travel! She has been to 40 states and 4 continents!
We wish to shine a spotlight on Mrs. Domena, our incredible math coach and an amazing asset to our school community. Her creative coaching methods and insightful feedback cultivate an empowering atmosphere where every student can thrive in mathematics. Mrs. Domena meticulously tailors her approach to the individual needs of each teacher and learner she supports. With nurturing guidance and engaging, hands-on strategies, she awakens curiosity about math concepts and brings them to life in imaginative ways. Her innovative, data-driven coaching techniques propel student achievement in mathematics, while her dedication to cutting-edge, teacher-centered professional development enriches instruction across the school. Our community is truly fortunate to have a passionate educator like Mrs. Domena whose commitment inspires both students and fellow teachers to realize their full potential in math.
Potter Road Construction/Closure
Initially we were told the Potter Road closure would start March 26th but this has shifted according to the city.
Families will need to use 112th or 115th from Watertown Plank Road or Bluemound Avenue to reach Underwood.
The Potter Road closure will begin Monday March 11th.
Thank you.
Elementary Music Electives Registration for the 2024-2025 School Year
Registration for Music Electives for the 2024-2025 school year is open starting Wednesday, May 1st! View the informational and interactive Google Presentation by clicking HERE.
Options for music electives for next school year are:
Choir - 4th and 5th grade
Orchestra - 4th and 5th grade
Band - 5th grade only
Please fill out this Google Form for registration indicating their choice of participation by Wednesday, May 15th. Students registered after this date can still participate in all music electives, but cannot be guaranteed the chance to try out different instruments with District music staff members. If you have any questions, please contact the school office or the music teachers at your child’s school.
PTO Power-up: Keeping you in the loop!
NEW - 1st Day of School Supplies for 24/25 School Year
New for next school year, the PTO is partnering with the company 1st Day School Supplies to make purchasing your 2024-2025 school supplies easier than ever!
It might seem early, but before you know it, summer will be here. Start the school year with the exact supplies your teacher requested, and give your child the confidence they need to conquer next year!
Order your supplies: https://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/kits.php?sid=116996
Underwood School Carnival - Friday, May 31, 4-8PM
Please join the Underwood PTO in marking your calendars for our annual Underwood School Carnival on Friday, May 31st from 4-8:00PM. This annual event is a community builder and fundraiser put on by the Underwood PTO. Proceeds from this year’s event will go back to our Underwood Outdoor Classroom fund! We look forward to seeing everyone there!
We have a fun line up of activities and carnival games, such as a climbing wall, face painting, tattoos, dunk tank, crazy hair salon, food, drinks, treats & more! Plus, the inflatables are back!
If you have any questions about Carnival, please email ptounderwood@gmail.com
VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
If you are interested in volunteering at Underwood please click here for the volunteer application.
Thank you
Last Day of School ~ Dates & Times
June 5 Last Day of School for JK
June 6 Last Day of School for Elementary grades SK, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Dismissal at 11:20 am
Registration Open for Fall 2024 Right At School ~ Before & After School Programs
Right At School, Wauwatosa District Schools’ trusted provider of Before and After School programs, has opened registration for Fall 2024. We expect demand for programs to be high this year, so we’re encouraging families to register by May 31 to save their child’s spot for the entire 2024-25 school year. Families who register by May 31 will have a chance to win free After School for Life for one child. Learn more and register today!
NAMI Basics
NAMI Basics is a 6-session education program for parents, caregivers and other family who provide care for youth (ages 22 and younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms. This program is free to participants, 99% of whom say they would recommend the program to others.
The in-person course is taught by a trained team with lived experience raising a child with a mental health condition. They know what you’re going through because they've been there too.
More information can be found here: https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Mental-Health-Education/NAMI-Basics
Please click here for the Underwood DEIA Advocate Request.
District Updates for Families + Students
District Updates for Families + Students May 27 - 31, 2024
Please note that this will be the final Weekly Update for the 2023-24 school year. Weekly Updates from the District will commence again at the start of the 2024-25 school year. Have a great summer break!
NEW: Budget Meeting
The District’s community budget meeting was held on Wednesday, May 29. The session was recorded, and a video of the meeting will be published on our YouTube channel within the next 48 hours.
NEW: Monitor Your Child's Internet/Chromebook Usage at Home
The GoGuardian Parent App allows Parents and Guardians to pause their children's internet access, block specific websites, and schedule internet availability on District-issued Chromebooks beginning at 3:45 p.m. and ending at 7:30 a.m. weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday. Beginning June 8th, parents will have access from 1 p.m. to 7:15 a.m. to reflect Summer School hours. See the directions on how to download the app today.
West Side Elementary Schools - NEW: Jr. Trojans Baseball Tryouts
Student-athletes attending grades 2-8 next year are encouraged to try out for the Junior Trojans Baseball team July 20-24, 2024. Please click here for more information.
Tosa 2075 Task Force Final Report
After months of research and discussion, collaboration and conversation, the Tosa 2075 Task Force Final Report has been completed. The report, drafted by facilitator Ms. Paige Richards, can be found here and is also linked on the Tosa 2075 Task Force web page.
The Tosa 2075 Task Force facilitator, Ms. Paige Richards, will present the Task Force’s Final Report to the Board of Education on Monday, June 3, 2024 at 6 pm. The presentation will be made during a Board inservice, so no public comment will be heard.
As a reminder, the Board of Education will review the Task Force’s Final Report, community survey data, a report from the Board listening and engagement sessions, and District administrator recommendations as they make determinations about the District’s path forward.
Health Department Events
180 Skate Jam: The Health Department will be hosting a 180 Skate Jam on Saturday June 22 at Tosa SkatePark from 1 to 3 p.m. There will be free t-shirts, raffles, food, gift cards, and contests. Please view this flyer for more information.
Bike Rodeo: The Wauwatosa Health Department wanted to share that the Tosa Bike-Ped Committee will present a Bike Rodeo that will take place on June 15 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Wauwatosa West Parking Lot. Please view this flyer for additional details.
Wauwatosa Youth Commission
The Wauwatosa Youth Commission is currently recruiting new youth and adult members from diverse backgrounds to serve 2-3 year terms on the current Wauwatosa Youth Commission. The Wauwatosa Youth Commission serves as an advisory body to the Common Council and the office of the Mayor of Wauwatosa. Commission members have an opportunity to provide comments and recommendations on policies and ordinances that affect the youth of Wauwatosa as well as the opportunity to encourage, develop and implement activities and services that promote a positive environment for young people in the community of Wauwatosa. Click here to learn more.
Important Upcoming Dates
Please see below for a list of important upcoming dates.
Monday, June 3 at 6 p.m., Fisher Administration Building, Conf. Room C
Board Inservice, followed by a Regular Board Meeting
At this inservice, the Tosa 2075 Task Force Final Report will be presented to the Board of Education. At the Board meeting, the District will present the proposed 2024-25 budget.
Wednesday, June 5 at 6 p.m., Lincoln Cafeteria (enter via main doors)
Board of Education Listening + Engagement Session
Monday, June 10 at 6 p.m., Fisher Administration Building, Conf. Room C
Regular Board of Education Meeting
At this meeting, District Administrators will present recommendations to the Board of Education.
Monday, June 17 at 6 p.m., Fisher Administration Building, Conf. Room C
Special Board of Education Meeting
At this meeting, the Board of Education will review the listening and engagement session report; the Board of Education will determine if a referendum question or questions will be placed on the November 2024 ballot.
Monday, June 24 at 6 p.m., Fisher Administration Building, Conf. Room C
Regular Board of Education Meeting
Chromebook Insurance
Per the Chromebook Insurance Guidelines, families that did not invest in Chromebook insurance when their student received their device but do so at a later date are subject to a 21-day waiting period before repair claims are covered. Coverage offered by Chromebook insurance is only valid for the 2023-24 school year and does not extend into summer break.
Because there are fewer than 21 days remaining in the school year, the option to invest in Chromebook insurance has been removed from Infinite Campus and school web stores, as investment in insurance will not provide coverage for any damage or repairs that are needed.
Operational Relief Worker Aide Job Opportunity Available
Are you or someone you know a high school or college-aged young adult looking for work this summer? The Buildings and Grounds Department is looking for applicants for a Seasonal ORW Aide position. This is a rewarding opportunity to beautify our school grounds and work as a team while earning a starting salary of $15/hour. Hours are 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. The hours for this role are very flexible and the team will accommodate pre-planned family vacations. Click here to learn more and apply today!
Call for Nominations - Distinguished Service Awards
We are now accepting nominations for the 2024 Distinguished Service Awards! Each year, the Wauwatosa School Board recognizes staff members for exemplary service and dedication, and District administration invites employees, students, families and community members to nominate individuals for this honor. If you’d like to nominate a District employee who has gone above and beyond, please do so before 5 p.m. on Monday, June 10, 2023. To submit a nomination, please use this form.
Multi-Ethnic Parent Association (MEPA) Speaker Series
The Multi-Ethnic Parent Association (MEPA) has one upcoming event in their Speaker Series: MEPA Empowerment Social - June 27: 6-7 p.m. Click here to register!
Summer Reading Recommendations
As the school year is coming to a close, the elementary libraries want to ensure that students keep reading all summer long.