October 30th

Celebrations

• Shout out to Amy, Pat Kellie, Mallory and Donna for completing our Magnet Snapshot survey.  This allows us to evaluate our program, celebrate our areas of strength and provide information on ways to improve!
• Mary Ellen, Cheryl, Jenny, Heather, Julie, and Amy for their continued efforts to ensure that we are compliant with our IEPs and 504s. 
• Tanya for helping to coordinate the organization system for the new magnet laptops available for checkout.  If you teach an elective in the future and want to utilize them, email Ashley and/or Tanya.
• The fourth grade team wants to celebrate the fifth grade team for letting us borrow some of their students to help out our kids in math for about fifteen minutes two days a week. This has allowed the afternoon scholars to work in smaller groups and they are making progress. The kids are getting more reps, staying focused and gaining confidence. We greatly appreciate their help. 
• Holly, Karen and Alexandria for helping to prep materials for hallway displays!
• Myrtle Underwood’s 136th birthday is November 2nd - Tar Heel Jr. Historians will be singing Happy Birthday for her on the intercom that day.

Collaboration

Health Room Form -- Please be sure to complete the Health Room Form  when sending a student up to the front office. It is helpful for us to keep data on number of occurrences, patterns, and other information to assist in problem solving. 

Accommodations for testing (IEP, 504, LEP) - Classroom teachers will need to review accommodations for students if - Testing accommodations --- submit settings form to secure a staff member that can administer the assessment in the appropriate setting per their plan.

Critical Thinking

CD Cohort feedback needed-Please complete the quick google survey found here to help us identify our focus for this year's CD Staff cohort!  

EVAAS -- The 2016-17 Teacher Value-Added reports will be available to teachers on the evening of November 2. School users with Value-Added reports will be notified by email when these are released. To better understand these reports, refer to the resources on the EVAAS login page. The What's New document describes new features, such as new composites for teachers, additional reporting for K-2 and teacher reports. 

Feedback -- If you have more feedback (things that have worked or things that could be better throughout the school year) you would like for us to consider, please feel free to email, discuss or fill out this form. https://goo.gl/forms/XNwhdAo6gU8lOfck1

PTA Stipend:  Just a reminder to spend your $100 PTA Stipend for instructional materials by December.  Provide a copy of your receipt attached to the reimbursement form found in the PTA Treasurer's mailbox.  

Communication 

Q1 Elective Updates:  Electives end Wednesday, November 1st.  Report Cards go home Tuesday, November 7th.  So elective report cards needs to be completed on Tuesday, October 31st to allow teachers time to print them prior to Tuesday.  2nd quarter electives begin Monday, November 6th. 

Q2 Elective Needs: 

•  Due to the quick turn around of electives, please complete your elective sign found here by Friday, November 3rd.  Ashley will print/laminate/cut and put sign in your mailbox to be hung up by your door. Course descriptions can be found here if needed.
• Q2 elective letters can be added to the elective letter website.  If you need help, you can watch the screencast here. Be sure CC standards are included that will be covered in your elective that align to the grade level(s) of the students in your elective. 
• Elective curriculums can be taken out of the file cabinet.  Be sure to check the upstairs workroom for additional elective materials.  
• We DO have magnet money to spend for materials that align and enrich the elective content you teach.  Please submit all requests on the Instructional Funds Document (uni-news, forms tab on the left side).  

Teacher and Teacher Assistant of the Year Award Procedure:

-Vote with paper ballot on October 30/31 and turn in at the front desk ballot box

Magnet Fair!  If you are willing to attend the Magnet Fair at Southeast Raleigh High School on November 4th, please sign up on the workroom supply closet door for a shift between 9:00-12:00.  Parents really enjoy speaking directly to teachers to learn more about our magnet program!  Thank you to those teachers who have already signed up to help.  We still need help during the 10-11am time slot.

How to ensure we are all supporting the 5th grade Science EOG

Please be sure you all are using the unpacking documents provided by the state.  Some things have been updated and you may be surprised by some of the changes.  The fifth grade EOG is overall a cumulative assessment of the standards taught K-5... the curriculum is cyclical like math and literacy (standards build on previous standards taught)   If you are looking for a great parent resource, you may use this link:  WCPSS K-5 Science Strands and Standards

Creativity 

Friends and Family Board:  We will be creating a staff Friends and Family Board in the workroom.  Add your friends/family photo to the google folder here. .  Encourage your students to send in a picture of their friends/family to be displayed in your room on a bulletin board, book within your Safe Place, etc.  The Friends and Family Board builds community and connection, and links the home family with the School Family.

           

Calendar:1

October 30th - End of Quarter 

October 31st - Workday - No scheduled PD or Staff meetings (but a day of treats and surprises for staff!)  Elective report cards also due.
November 2nd- Elective Share (9:30am for K-2 and 10:30am for 3-5)

November 7th-Business Meeting, Report Cards go home 

November 10th - Holiday 
November 16th-Conscious Discipline Staff Cohort 7:45am, Media Center
November 17th-School Family Assembly 9:30
November 21st - Early Release 

November 22nd - 24th - Vacation Day and Holidays 

November 27th - Book Fair 

November 28th - Media By Moonlight 

*Staff attended events listed here

October 23rd

Celebrations

• 2nd Grade team for welcoming four new students this week, three were previous Underwood students last year.
• Underwood Students and Staff for the amazing video that reinforces my work!  -- Video for Principal Appreciation month
• Karen, Rachel and Ashley for leading the Conscious Discipline Staff Cohort!
• Megan Hill for leading the third grade EL Powerpoints to assist in teaching for third grade.
• Alexandria, Pat and Mallory for their willingness to teach ESL electives on Thursday's since Sheree is at her other school 50%.
• Star and Heather Burton met with an incoming K family to provide information as parents are looking for the best placement for their child next year.
• The PTA, staff, parent and student effort to make the Unicorn Trot a success, raising over $22,000 for our school!
• Alexandria for leading the staff development to help deepen our understanding of Unpacking the Standards.   
• The PTA (and hospitality chair Melissa Hayes) for providing a delicious lunch for staff on our ER day!
• Dawn Vinson for successful renewing her National Boards! 
• Halloween Workday of treats for staff.....see poster on the supply closet in the workroom.

Communication 

Complete the feedback survey in regards to Friday's ER professional development here. 

Elective Updates:  Electives end Wednesday, November 1st.  Report Cards go home Tuesday, November 7th.  So elective report cards needs to be completed on Tuesday, October 31st to allow teachers time to print them prior to Tuesday.  2nd quarter electives begin Monday, November 6th. 

Teacher and Teacher Assistant of the Year Award Procedure:
-Complete google doc nomination form between October 23-27 - Form
-Vote with paper ballot on October 30/31 and turn in at the front desk ballot box

NC Ties -- The Call for Proposals

closes on October 27, 2017.  There is still time to submit and share the great things you are doing.  

The following applications are open until November 30, 2017

Student Showcase applications

Awards, grants and scholarship applications

Magnet Fair!  If you are willing to attend the Magnet Fair at Southeast Raleigh High School on November 4th, please sign up on the workroom supply closet door for a shift between 9:00-12:00.  Parents really enjoy speaking directly to teachers to learn more about our magnet program!  Thank you to those teachers who have already signed up to help.

PTA Stipend:  Just a reminder to spend your $100 PTA Stipend for instructional materials by December.  Provide a copy of your receipt attached to the reimbursement form found in the PTA Treasurer's mailbox.  

How to ensure we are all supporting the 5th grade Science EOG
Please be sure you all are using the unpacking documents provided by the state.  Some things have been updated and you may be surprised by some of the changes.  The fifth grade EOG is overall a cumulative assessment of the standards taught K-5... the curriculum is cyclical like math and literacy (standards build on previous standards taught)   If you are looking for a great parent resource, you may use this link:  WCPSS K-5 Science Strands and Standards

Collaboration

Accommodations for testing (IEP, 504, LEP) - Classroom teachers will need to review accommodations for students if - Testing accommodations --- submit settings form to secure a staff member that can administer the assessment in the appropriate setting per their plan.

Social Studies Curriculum Writers in WCPSS: Looking for 4th and 5th grade Social Studies curriculum writers.  If you are interested or know someone that may be interested please fill out this google form.

Critical Thinking

Feedback -- If you have more feedback (things that have worked or things that could be better throughout the school year) you would like for us to consider, please feel free to email, discuss or fill out this form. https://goo.gl/forms/XNwhdAo6gU8lOfck1

Open Benefits Enrollment - 

Open Enrollment started Saturday, September 30, and runs through October 31.

Weekday hours have been extended until 10 p.m. throughout Open Enrollment, and Saturday hours are 8 a.m.-noon. During Open Enrollment, all employees will be automatically enrolled in the 70/30 Plan, but employees MUST TAKE ACTION to reduce their premium. If they prefer the 80/20 Plan, employees MUST TAKE ACTION! If they want to reduce their monthly premium on either plan, employees MUST TAKE ACTION by completing the tobacco attestation! If employees fail to take action during Open Enrollment, their monthly premiums will be considerably higher in 2018!

For more information please check out the resources below, including the Decision Guide, which was mailed to employees’ homes. Additional information can be found on the State Health Plan’s website at www.shpnc.org.

Yearbooks - Yearbook would love to receive photos from your Classrooms and elective activities!  There are several ways to submit photos that you take this school year:

1.       Email photos in full original resolution size to Sharon Cole  sharoncole@carolina.rr.com   (Yearbook software requires the original, full resolution file size);

2.       Copy original-resolution size photos to a CD or flash drive and deliver it to the “Yearbook” mailbox;

3.       Upload images directly to the Yearbook site using these instructions: Yearbook Uploading info 

Creativity 


Friends and Family Board:  Below are examples of different ways the Friends and Family structure can look.  Encourage your students to send in a picture of their friends/family to be displayed in your room on a bulletin board, book within your Safe Place etc.  The Friends and Family Board builds community and connection, and links the home family with the School Family.


We will be creating a Friends and Family Board in the workroom.  Add your friends/family photo to the google folder here.  

           

Online Course:  Visual Literacy-Making Connections with Works of Art: Telling Folktales through Shadow Puppetry  (October 17-November 20, 2017)

Don't miss your chance to earn literacy credits!  This five-week, self-paced course explores visual literacy in the classroom and its connection to the North Carolina Essential Standards. Participants learn strategies to guide discussions about works of art and create a portfolio of visual literacy activities based on the NCMA’s permanent collection. Learn more.

Free Arts Integration Workshop: Telling Folktales through Shadow Puppetry
Combining storytelling with shadow puppetry brings a variety of cultures to life in the classroom through folktales. During this workshop, teachers become familiar with folktales from many cultures. Participants learn shadow puppetry performance techniques and how to construct their own shadow puppets. Internationally renowned and award-winning artist Hobey Ford discusses the construction of a shadow puppet theater, scripting a folktale into a play, and organizing a performance with students.
When: Saturday, November 18, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Where: MJH Gallery at the United Arts Council, 410 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh
Who: Open to any Wake County elementary educator with any level of arts experience
Cost: Free, but you do need to register by emailing full name, position, school, and email address to rcarlile@unitedarts.org

Elective Share: Elective Share is coming up on Thursday, November 2. The performance for K-2 audience will be at 9:30 and last about 30 minutes. The performance for 3-5 will be at 10:30 and last about 45 minutes. Performances will take place in the multipurpose room. Kellie will send out a form via email, please indicate if your elective will be sharing on the second. 

Calendar:

October 30th - End of Quarter 

October 31st - Workday - No scheduled PD or Staff meetings (but a day of treats and surprises for staff!)
                      -Elective report cards due
November 2nd- Elective Share (9:30am for K-2 and 10:30am for 3-5)

November 6th - Foundation Golf Event
November 7th-Business Meeting, Report Cards go home 

November 10th - Holiday 
November 17th-School Family Assembly 9:30

November 22nd - 24th - Vacation Day and Holidays 

November 27th - Book Fair 

November 28th - Media By Moonlight 

*Staff attended events listed here

October 16

Celebration -- 

Grounds day --- Thank you to Ashley, Lauren, Holly, and all of the parents and students for helping with our grounds day. 

Alexandria for helping teams with planning days and organizing our Unpacking Standards! 

Christine and Charlotte -- Thank you for leading our ILT (Instructional Leadership Team), it is a continued process. 

Alexandria and Heather -- Leading and facilitating our School Improvement Team data reviews. 

Spirit Day models on Friday! Hope you all participate this week. It is good for students to see us having fun. 

Third grade team for continued to work together to provide EL instruction even with CogAt assessments. 

Sunshine Squad - for providing positiveness throughout the building! 

Communication 

Magnet Fair!  If you are willing to attend the Magnet Fair at Southeast Raleigh High School on November 4th, please sign up on the workroom supply closet door for a shift between 9:00-12:00.  Parents really enjoy speaking directly to teachers to learn more about our magnet program!  

Spirit Days this week:
Monday 16th : Crazy Hair/Crazy Socks. 
Tuesday 17th: Favorite Sports Team Day
Wednesday 18th: Hat Day
Thursday 19th: Pajama Day
Friday 20th: Underwood Shirt day (All students and Staff will receive their Unicorn Trot Shirts) 

PTA Stipend:  Just a reminder to spend your $100 PTA Stipend for instructional materials by December.  Provide a copy of your receipt attached to the reimbursement form found in the PTA Treasurer's mailbox.  

Science Updates from WCPSS:  Want to be sure you are privy to all the new science information.  Enroll in the Canvas course and sign up for announcements to receive it in your email.  

District Wide Data:  The district wide 5th grade Science EOG data shows that 75.6% of students were proficient in Life Science standards.  69.2% of students were proficient in Physical Science Standards and 51.4% were proficient in Earth Science standards.  According to the NC statewide achievement levels, WCPSS 5th grade students achieved at a Level 4.  

How to ensure we are all supporting the 5th grade Science EOG
Please be sure you all are using the unpacking documents provided by the state.  Some things have been updated and you may be surprised by some of the changes.  The fifth grade EOG is overall a cumulative assessment of the standards taught K-5... the curriculum is cyclical like math and literacy (athe standards build on previous standards taught)   If you are looking for a great parent resource, you may use this link:  WCPSS K-5 Science Strands and Standards

Collaboration 

Conscious Discipline Cohort:  Come join us on Thursday, October 19th at 7:45am in the Media Center.  We will be discussing the Safe Place to ensure this structure is being utilized with fidelity.  We also will have time for a make and take portable safe place too!

Accommodations for testing (IEP, 504, LEP) - Classroom teachers will need to review accommodations for students if - Testing accommodations --- submit settings form to secure a staff member that can administer the assessment in the appropriate setting per their plan.

Social Studies Curriculum Writers in WCPSS: Looking for 4th and 5th grade Social Studies curriculum writers.  If you are interested or know someone that may be interested please fill out this google form.

Critical Thinking

Feedback -- If you have more feedback (things that have worked or things that could be better throughout the school year) you would like for us to consider, please feel free to email, discuss or fill out this form. https://goo.gl/forms/XNwhdAo6gU8lOfck1

Open Benefits Enrollment - 

Open Enrollment started Saturday, September 30, and runs through October 31.

Weekday hours have been extended until 10 p.m. throughout Open Enrollment, and Saturday hours are 8 a.m.-noon. During Open Enrollment, all employees will be automatically enrolled in the 70/30 Plan, but employees MUST TAKE ACTION to reduce their premium. If they prefer the 80/20 Plan, employees MUST TAKE ACTION! If they want to reduce their monthly premium on either plan, employees MUST TAKE ACTION by completing the tobacco attestation! If employees fail to take action during Open Enrollment, their monthly premiums will be considerably higher in 2018!

For more information please check out the resources below, including the Decision Guide, which was mailed to employees’ homes. Additional information can be found on the State Health Plan’s website at www.shpnc.org.

The Eligibility and Enrollment Support Center is offering extended hours during Open Enrollment:

• Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
• Saturdays, 8 a.m. - noon
• 855-859-0966

Creativity 

Online Course:  Visual Literacy-Making Connections with Works of Art: Telling Folktales through Shadow Puppetry  (October 17-November 20, 2017)

Don't miss your chance to earn literacy credits!  This five-week, self-paced course explores visual literacy in the classroom and its connection to the North Carolina Essential Standards. Participants learn strategies to guide discussions about works of art and create a portfolio of visual literacy activities based on the NCMA’s permanent collection. Learn more.

Free Arts Integration Workshop: Telling Folktales through Shadow Puppetry
Combining storytelling with shadow puppetry brings a variety of cultures to life in the classroom through folktales. During this workshop, teachers become familiar with folktales from many cultures. Participants learn shadow puppetry performance techniques and how to construct their own shadow puppets. Internationally renowned and award-winning artist Hobey Ford discusses the construction of a shadow puppet theater, scripting a folktale into a play, and organizing a performance with students.
When: Saturday, November 18, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Where: MJH Gallery at the United Arts Council, 410 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh
Who: Open to any Wake County elementary educator with any level of arts experience
Cost: Free, but you do need to register by emailing full name, position, school, and email address to rcarlile@unitedarts.org

Elective Share: Elective Share is coming up on Thursday, November 2. The performance for K-2 audience will be at 9:30 and last about 30 minutes. The performance for 3-5 will be at 10:30 and last about 45 minutes. Performances will take place in the multipurpose room. Kellie will send out a form via email, please indicate if your elective will be sharing on the second. 

Calendar:

October 19th-CD Staff Cohort 7:45am

October 20th - Early Release 

October 20th - Unicorn Trot 

October 30th - End of Quarter 

October 31st - Workday - No scheduled PD or Staff meetings (but a day of treats and surprises for staff!)

November 6th - Foundation Golf Event 

November 10th - Holiday 

November 22nd - 24th - Vacation Day and Holidays 

November 27th - Book Fair 

November 28th - Media By Moonlight 

*Staff attended events listed here

October 9

Communication 

Magnet Fair!  If you are willing to attend the Magnet Fair at Southeast Raleigh High School on November 4th, please sign up on the workroom supply closet door for a shift between 9:00-12:00.  Parents really enjoy speaking directly to teachers to learn more about our magnet program!  

Media Center Laptops: There are 16 laptops available for checkout in the Media Center.  Priority will go to K, 1, and Specialists since they don't have laptops (utilize the google calendar) but grades 2-5 can request through Tanya/Andrea as needed.

Unicorn Trot Pep Rally- We will have our Unicorn Trot Pep Rally on Friday the 13th:
K-2 at 2:15 and 3-5 at 3:00. 

Spirit Days --- 
Monday 16th : Crazy Hair/Crazy Socks. 
Tuesday 17th: Favorite Sports Team Day
Wednesday 18th: Hat Day
Thursday 19th: Pajama Day
Friday 20th: Underwood Shirt day (All students and Staff will receive their Unicorn Trot Shirts) 

Collaboration 

Accommodations for testing (IEP, 504, LEP) - Classroom teachers will need to review accommodations for students if - Testing accommodations --- submit settings form to secure a staff member that can administer the assessment in the appropriate setting per their plan.

Grounds Day is Saturday! Come out on Saturday anytime between 8:30-12:00 and help us spruce up the grounds! We will be picking up trash, debris, cutting limbs, etc. and working with a landscaper (parent) to remove shrubs, etc.

Conscious Discipline Podcasts-During your next commute to work or leisurely run around the neighborhood, subscribe to the podcast Real Talk for Real Teachers and listen to Dr. Becky Bailey and guests discuss the latest in social-emotional learning. For more information click here.

Critical Thinking

Feedback -- If you have more feedback (things that have worked or things that could be better throughout the school year) you would like for us to consider, please feel free to email, discuss or fill out this form. https://goo.gl/forms/XNwhdAo6gU8lOfck1

Open Benefits Enrollment - 

Open Enrollment started Saturday, September 30, and runs through October 31.

Weekday hours have been extended until 10 p.m. throughout Open Enrollment, and Saturday hours are 8 a.m.-noon. During Open Enrollment, all employees will be automatically enrolled in the 70/30 Plan, but employees MUST TAKE ACTION to reduce their premium. If they prefer the 80/20 Plan, employees MUST TAKE ACTION! If they want to reduce their monthly premium on either plan, employees MUST TAKE ACTION by completing the tobacco attestation! If employees fail to take action during Open Enrollment, their monthly premiums will be considerably higher in 2018!

For more information please check out the resources below, including the Decision Guide, which was mailed to employees’ homes. Additional information can be found on the State Health Plan’s website at www.shpnc.org.

The Eligibility and Enrollment Support Center is offering extended hours during Open Enrollment:

• Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
• Saturdays, 8 a.m. - noon
• 855-859-0966

Creativity 
Unicorn Trot Pep Rally -- There is a sign up in the teacher work room this morning for teachers who would like to participate in the relay race and model spirit days. Please consider being a part of one of these (or both) on Friday October 13th. 

Elective Share: Elective Share is coming up on Thursday, November 2. The performance for K-2 audience will be at 9:30 and last about 30 minutes. The performance for 3-5 will be at 10:30 and last about 45 minutes. Performances will take place in the multipurpose room. Kellie will send out a form via email, please indicate if your elective will be sharing on the second. 


Elective Letters - Check out our first quarter elective letters -- https://sites.google.com/a/wcpss.net/elective-communication/. Keep up the great work and think about how you would like your second quarter letter to look like as you look at others. 

Calendar:
October 10th - Leadership Meeting (7:45am)
October 13th - Unicorn Trot Pep Rally
October 14th - Grounds day (8:30-12:00)  
October 20th - Early Release 
October 20th - Unicorn Trot 
October 30th - End of Quarter 
October 31st - Workday - No scheduled PD or Staff meetings (but a day of treats and surprises for staff!)
November 6th - Foundation Golf Event 
November 10th - Holiday 
November 22nd - 24th - Vacation Day and Holidays 
November 27th - Book Fair 
November 28th - Media By Moonlight 
*Staff attended events listed here

October 2nd

Communication 

Email Migration --- WCPSS will be getting new email service (Outlook 365) for all employees. In the near future the district will be migrating Underwood's staff accounts. Here is some things to think about from Tanya, Andrea, and Holly who have had their accounts migrated to Outlook - Slide Presentation

• Your e-mail address will not change.

• Your Lotus Notes content will be transferred to Outlook.

• Your Lotus Notes e-mail account will become read only. See email from Dawn Castonguay for more details.

Media Center Laptops: There are 16 laptops available for checkout in the Media Center.  Priority will go to K, 1, and Specialists since they don't have laptops (utilize the google calendar) but grades 2-5 can request through Tanya/Andrea as needed.

Collaboration 

Accommodations for testing (IEP, 504, LEP) - Classroom teachers will need to review accommodations for students if - Testing accommodations --- submit settings form to secure a staff member that can administer the assessment in the appropriate setting per their plan.

Critical Thinking

Feedback -- If you have more feedback (things that have worked or things that could be better throughout the school year) you would like for us to consider, please feel free to email, discuss or fill out this form. https://goo.gl/forms/XNwhdAo6gU8lOfck1

Crisis Plan-The fire drill was a success!  Thank you for utilizing your red/green signs to communicate during the drill.  A couple other reminders:  Our meeting spot during a real lock down drill if you are outside is Hayes Barton Church.  The gate code is 0572.  During a lock down, the red card is only used for imminent danger.  If you have a medical emergency, text Holly (919-607-7316) or Karen (919-395-1207)

Computer Sharing-Grades 2-5:  Just a reminder that your grade level has the flexibility to share the 12 laptops/9 cords.  The computers  are intended to be mobile and your team can devise a system to share to ensure everyone's needs are met.   

Creativity 
PD --- Breathe...we are going to continue to work together on diving into our standards which is hard work. Continue to put to build our relationships with our students, without relationships and trust there will be little growth. 
Calendar:
October 3rd - Business Meeting - Benefits representative, Coffee Chat about school-wide behavior
October 4th - Instructional Leadership Team Meeting off campus
October 6th - Fall Pictures 
October 10th - Leadership Meeting (7:45am)
October 13th - Unicorn Trot Pep Rally
October 14th - Grounds day (8:30-12:00)  
October 20th - Early Release 
October 20th - Unicorn Trot 
October 30th - End of Quarter 
October 31st - Workday - No scheduled PD or Staff meetings (but a day of treats and surprises for staff!)
November 6th - Foundation Golf Event 
November 10th - Holiday 
November 22nd - 24th - Vacation Day and Holidays 
November 27th - Book Fair 
November 28th - Media By Moonlight