10/27/15

Weekly Updates and wonders...

Communication

 - Thank you to all that have added Daphne and I to your Memberhub page, it is great to see all the wonderful things going on in your classroom. Currently we have been added to 18 hubs. 

 - Twitter users (non Twitter users - How to Twitter 101) please include @underwoodgtm when tweeting out the great things going on in your classroom. These are visual on our school website (http://wcpss.net/underwoodes) 

 - Please tell your parents, friends, families to vote...also your peer educators. Last election only 25% of teachers/educators voted, strength in numbers.

Critical Thinking 

 - How can we learn from each other to increase vertical conversation and collaboration among staff?

 - How do we integrate the arts in our daily learning and literacy?

Collaboration 

 - This is a focus on our leadership team learning sessions to increase our collaboration in PLTs, ER, etc. 

 - Magnet Fair is November 7th. If you would be able to participate, the sign up is in the mailroom. 

 - 2nd Quarter Planning Days have been set to increase collaboration and dialogue on learning outcomes. See Alex or Ashley on dates. 

Creativity 

 - How do we support our School Improvement Plan?

 - First attempt at a iMovie Trailer to share our story through electives - GT Electives

10/19/15

Fantastic job last week of teaching our students in what I know was a tough time to teach with all of the spirit days and the Unicorn Trot! It was a very fun event and I thought the students had a great time. We will be seeking feedback about the event and the week of, more information to come. 

Tonight - Underwood Foundation "Kick-off" Celebration Monday October 19th 7:30pm

The Foundation Board welcomes your attendance at a Monday Night "Kick-Off" event on October 19th at 7:30pm at the brand new Carolina Ale House on Glenwood South.  Come join fellow parents and alumni in celebrating our past success and the upcoming Fall campaign. The Ale House is providing appetizers for us and a private room to celebrate and watch the game.  If you would like to attend, please RSVP to: underwoodgtf@gmail.com 

Wednesday 21st - Wear Orange - please celebrate respect for diversity, kindness, and unity as a school by wearing ORANGE that day!

Thursday 22nd - Business meeting at 7:45 - 10/22 - Agenda. I will be at a principals meeting all day. 

Next week:

Monday 26th - Teacher Workday (you may take annual leave) - Work on report cards and other responsibilities. 

FYI (Please share with families) Tuesday, October 27 at 5:30 in the media center for our BYOD Kickoff and Parent Meeting.

Powerful message -- https://www.ted.com/talks/lisa_bu_how_books_can_open_your_mind

10/9/15

Unicorn Trot and Spirit Week - We are encouraging all staff and students to participate in the spirit days. The schedule for Friday has been sent out. 
Twitter Fun focused on Underwood Happenings - http://www.tweetbeam.com/show?query=%40underwoodgtm
Learning Cohorts - We will have our first learning cohorts opportunity at our early release next Friday. The purpose of these learning cohorts are to learn together, to collaborate on topics of interest and ask/find answers to questions through sites, articles, and books. We are not expecting presentations and power points. Thank you to all of the facilitators. Also, thank you Alex for sending out a sample agenda to the facilitators of the groups. Here is the cohort sign ups so you can see who you will be working with, if your name is not on the list complete the form.   

Health Care Enrollment 

As required by the IRS regulations, employees will not be allowed to enroll or make changes to their plans after the enrollment period ends unless there is an approved qualifying event.

Also, the effective date of coverage for selected plans begins January 1, 2016, and runs through December 31, 2016. For additional details, please visit the Compensation Services’ website at http://www2.wcpss.net/departments/compservices/.

Health Care Plan - Open Enrollment - October 15, 2015 – November 18, 2015 (NEW DATES) The State Health Plan: (888) 234-2416 or www.shpnc.org

•» Health Care Coverage (70/30, 80/20, or CDH plans)Flexible Benefit Plans - Open Enrollment - September 7, 2015 - November 13, 2015

Ameritas: (877) 647-6683 or www.ameritas.com/group/olbc/WCPSS •» Dental Coverage (Ameritas)

The Pierce Group: (919) 577-0700 or www.piercegroupbenefits.com

FINANCE      

•» Medical Reimbursement Accounts (AmeriFlex)•» Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts (AmeriFlex) •» Disability Supplemental Coverage (Colonial)•» Medical Bridge Indemnity Coverage (Colonial)•» Critical Illness Coverage (Colonial)