March 26th

Celebrations! 

• We are at 95% on the Teacher Working Conditions survey!! Yay!!  Only 2 more people have to fill it out.  
• Celebrating YOU!  Please complete this two question survey here about the certifications you possess for an upcoming wall display.
• Luz supports our classroom family by stepping in when I am working one on one with a student in crisis ensuring that instruction remains consistent in my absence. She further supports our entire school family by facilitating communication with our Spanish speaking families.  In short, she has been a vital support for our entire school.
• HUGE shout out to Tanya, Andrea, and Elizabeth for stepping up and being just as excited as we are to explore and learn together as a kindergarten team! 

Communication 

NC Check-In/Case 21 Manuals- Manuals have been placed in your box. Please return these when you have finished testing.

What we want our students to learn -- Reminder that our teams (and/or individual classroom teachers) are to share out with our families on a weekly basis the areas of focuses for academics, announcements, and other pertain items. If you are sharing this information outside of Memberhub (Travis is a member of all classroom and specialist hubs), please include Travis and Mallory on the email or the website update.

Behavior Support Team -- Some updates and clarification about how we support our students with our school-wide expectations -- PRIDE / CD at Underwood. This is also what was sent by Travis via email. Please plan to attend the Behavior Support Meeting on April 12th at 7:45am in the Media Center if you would like to provide feedback, solutions and discuss future plans for the behavior efforts at Underwood.

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. This would include concerns and idea for next school year.

Communication:

Elective Updates: 

• Q3 Electives end on Thursday, March 29th.  Q3 elective report cards are due April 12th.  Report cards go home April 17.
• Q4 Elective signs completed by March 29-folder found here.  Q4 Electives begin on Monday, April 9th.  Upload letter to the elective website by April 12th-see screencast here for directions.  The website to upload is here:  https://sites.google.com/a/wcpss.net/elective-communication/   

Resilience --   AHA’s (American Heart Association) gracious partner Marbles Kids Museum continues to host free community screenings; the next one is April 11—tickets here.. If not able to attend at Marbles IMAX, KPJR Films, which produced Resilience, is offering a one-day virtual streaming opportunity on April 3 between 6 am and 11 pm in order to deepen the conversation stemming from national attention to ACEs and childhood trauma from the recent 60 Minutes segment and in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month (April).Register here for the virtual screening.

NCCAT Opportunities-  NCCAT offers several online courses that qualify for Digital Literacy Credits. These high quality courses are all conducted online with the opportunity to earn CEU's, and the courses are FREE! 

For more information, check out http://www.nccat.org/programs/nccat-online

EOG Update-  The EOG's are on the following dates.  We will doing all EOG's in the traditional format except for Science.  Science will be done on the computer.  
May 29-  3rd and 4th ELA
May 30-  3rd and 4th Math
May 31-  Goto/FV Science (computer)/Make-ups
June 1-  Nightingale/Vinson Science (computer)/Make-ups
June 4-  5th Math/Make-ups
June 5-  5th ELA/Make-ups
June 6-  Make-ups
June 7-  Make-ups

Clean School -In an effort to provide a clean and safe school, the custodial team has had on-going meetings to increase their support to make sure that our learning spaces are clean and supporting the students. Click on the link Customer service updates to see the custodial expectations. If you have a maintenance concern or need please email Mr. Marrow.  If you have a cleaning concern please email Ms. Mbalia. Mr. Marrow and Ms. Mbalia will be conducting weekly walkthroughs.

Creativity

Student and Staff Awesomeness - Check out what our team is doing in their classrooms -- via Twitter - @underwoodgtm -- #weareunderwood Keep up the great work! 

Yearbooks -- Yearbook orders received and to deliver orders to the Yearbook Box?  The last day for Yearbook ordering is March 30, 2018

Collaboration

MClass-  Pming Green and Blues -  It's that time of year.. we have to PM the green and blues for all students.  Here is the link for who is helping to support you with this.  Please let us know if you have any questions.  All Progress Monitoring has been extended to April 20th (not March 28th).  :)  

Quarterly Planning Days  -  As a reminder, Quarterly Planning Days are listed below!  Most everyone has their subs submitted on AESOP and their leave request turned into Cindy.  More information in regards to the day will come out next week.  Please see Alexandria if you have any questions. 
April 10-  3rd (AM), 1st (PM)
April 11-  4th (AM), K (PM)
April 12-  5th (AM), 2nd (PM)

Critical Thinking 

Student Teachers - Would you like to host and work with a student teacher next school year? I am compiling a list of teachers. If you would be interested please add your name to sign up. I will send a final list to NC State, if you are chosen to have host a college senior, Keith Walkowiak from NC State will email or contact you. 

Next School Year - Staff we are entering that time of year where we are starting to make plans for next school year. If you are considering a change in locations, be sure to complete the transfer application process - via https://wakeconnect.wcpss.net/sites/transfer-process/SitePage/28515/transfer-process - Please see Travis if this is an opportunity that you would like to explore for next school year. 

Calendar:

March 27th-SIP/Leadership Meeting; 7:45am
March 27th-Artspleasure; 5-8pm
March 29-Q3 electives end
March 30th - April 6 - Holiday and Spring Break 

*Staff attended events listed here

March 19th

First in Fitness Participants

Celebrations!

• Katie Sweeney (previous first grade instructional assistant) had a baby girl, Claire, on March 1!
• We are at 93% on the Teacher Working Conditions survey!! Yay!!  Only 3 more people have to fill it out.  
• 8 classroom teachers have completed the 3:1 webinar!!
• 7 teachers have completed their Q4 elective signs already!

Communication:

Elective Updates: 

• Q3 Electives end on Thursday, March 29th.  Q3 elective report cards are due April 12th.  Report cards go home April 17.
• Q4 Elective signs completed by March 29-folder found here.  Q4 Electives begin on Monday, April 9th.  Upload letter to the elective website by April 12th-see screencast here for directions.  

Google Expedition: Teachers: Don't forget to sign up for a time on the linked form for your Google Expedition Experience.  A Google Expedition is a virtual or augmented reality experience where students will put on a set of viewing goggles and see images moving around in 3D.  The available topics to choose from are found HERE.  Tanya or Andrea can help talk you through what might be acceptable as a simple lesson idea.  See Tanya's email with the subject line "Exciting Opportunity" sent last week for more details.

3:1 Webinar-  Please make sure you are working on the 3:1 webinar.  The devices will arrive at the beginning of May!  8 classroom teachers have completed this and are ready for their carts/devices!!  Here is the link to the overview.  Let Alexandria or Tanya know if you have any questions.  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kQHn6EJiVaj7LFTbur19PemG8E7TDYEmZ6xzmhntMCY/edit?usp=sharing

Lunch and Learn --  Tanya will be hosting Lunch and Learn on a variety of technology tools during lunch times. For more information -- see Lunch and Learn flyer. She will also share at our Business meeting on Tuesday. 

Technology Request -- If you have a technology problem that you would like to be looked at complete the Tech Help request and if on-site staff is unable to fix then they would be submitted to district help desk.  If you are need of a equipment  be sure to complete Funds Request form . This would be for cords, bulbs, ink, batteries, etc.

Clean School -In an effort to provide a clean and safe school, the custodial team has had on-going meetings to increase their support to make sure that our learning spaces are clean and supporting the students. Click on the link Customer service updates to see the custodial expectations. If you have a maintenance concern or need please email Mr. Marrow.  If you have a cleaning concern please email Ms. Mbalia. Mr. Marrow and Ms. Mbalia will be conducting weekly walkthroughs.

Creativity

Student and Staff Awesomeness - Check out what our team is doing in their classrooms -- via Twitter - @underwoodgtm -- #weareunderwood Keep up the great work! 

Yearbooks -- Yearbook orders received and to deliver orders to the Yearbook Box?  The last day for Yearbook ordering is March 30, 2018.

Communication 

Behavior Support Team -- Some updates and clarification about how we support our students with our school-wide expectations -- PRIDE / CD at Underwood. This is also what was sent by Travis via email.   

Foundation Gala-If you would like to attend the annual Spring Gala on March 23rd at CAM, you can sign up here by Tuesday..  Staff tickets are FREE and you may bring one guest at the discounted rate of $35.  Checks can be made out to Underwood Foundation and put in the Foundation mailbox.

Collaboration 

MClass-  Pming Green and Blues -  It's that time of year.. we have to PM the green and blues for all students.  Here is the link for who is helping to support you with this.  Please let us know if you have any questions.  All Progress Monitoring has been extended to April 20th (not March 28th).  :)  

Quarterly Planning Days  -  As a reminder, Quarterly Planning Days are listed below!  Most everyone has their subs submitted on AESOP and their leave request turned into Cindy.  More information in regards to the day will come out next week.  Please see Alexandria if you have any questions. 
April 10-  3rd (AM), 1st (PM)
April 11-  4th (AM), K (PM)
April 12-  5th (AM), 2nd (PM)

Critical Thinking 

Student Teachers - Would you like to host and work with a student teacher next school year? I am compiling a list of teachers. If you would be interested please add your name to sign up. I will send a final list to NC State, if you are chosen to have host a college senior, Keith Walkowiak from NC State will email or contact you. 

Next School Year - Staff we are entering that time of year where we are starting to make plans for next school year. If you are considering a change in locations, be sure to complete the transfer application process - via https://wakeconnect.wcpss.net/sites/transfer-process/SitePage/28515/transfer-process - Please see Travis if this is an opportunity that you would like to explore for next school year. 

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

Calendar:

March 23rd-Foundation Gala at CAM; 7pm
March 27th-SIP/Leadership Meeting; 7:45am
March 27th-Artspleasure; 5-8pm
March 29-Q3 electives end
March 30th - April 6 - Holiday and Spring Break 

*Staff attended events listed here

March 12th

Celebrations!

• Heather Callahan has her baby BOY, Rylan Larre Callahan, 7 lbs 5oz, 19.25 inches...born on March 5th at 3:36 pm! 
• Underwood was selected as an alternate to represent our state for the White House Easter Egg Roll.  Lauren will be designing an Easter Egg that may be replicated on a big egg to represent North Carolina on the White House Lawn.
• TWC-  65% of staff of completed the Teacher Working Conditions Survey!!!!  YAY!!!
• We organized Media Center 4C's Stations for indoor recess today. The Centers consisted of 10 stations using low and high tech. Students chose the station and worked together in groups of four. It was learning on real-life, have to work-together kind of way. Students had choice, focus and fun. We would love to see how this can become a more regular part of all classroom learning!

• Pieces of Gold was a huge success! Congratulations to our performers led by Kellie, Rachel, and Melissa! 

Collaboration

Lunch and Learn --  Tanya will be hosting Lunch and Learn on a variety of technology tools during lunch times. For more information -- see Lunch and Learn flyer. She will also share at our Business meeting on Tuesday. 

Technology Request -- If you have a technology problem that you would like to be looked at complete the Tech Help request and if on-site staff is unable to fix then they would be submitted to district help desk.  If you are need of a equipment  be sure to complete Funds Request form . This would be for cords, bulbs, ink, batteries, etc.

PD -- We at Curriculum Pathways are excited to announce the third Teacher Institute (June 18-August 10)! The application is open and ready for your submission. The deadline for applications is March 30th, 2018, at 11:59 pm EST.2018 Summer Teacher Institute - Pathfinders from Curriculum Pathways’s Tweet . 

Clean School --In an effort to provide a clean and safe school, the custodial team has had on-going meetings to increase their support to make sure that our learning spaces are clean and supporting the students. Click on the link Customer service updates to see the custodial expectations. If you have a maintenance concern or need please email Mr. Marrow.  If you have a cleaning concern please email Ms. Mbalia. Mr. Marrow and Ms. Mbalia will be conducting weekly walkthroughs.

Creativity

Free Arts Integration Workshop:  Stepping Into Character

with Meredyth Pederson Cooper, Director of Education at Raleigh Little Theatre
Add theatre arts to your arts integration teaching toolbox, as you learn how to build dramatic frames so your students can learn and you can teach “in role” as characters. With strong scaffolding and thoughtful facilitation, the elements of character, conflict and storytelling become effective teaching tools in the classroom. This workshop will provide the tools you need to bring role work into your classroom and build effective lessons that engage your students’ imaginations and help them make relevant connections to curriculum.   
When: Saturday, March 24, 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.  CEU credit available.

Student and Staff Awesomeness -- Check out what our team is doing in their classrooms -- via Twitter - @underwoodgtm -- #weareunderwood Keep up the great work! 

Yearbooks -- Yearbook orders received and to deliver orders to the Yearbook Box?  The last day for Yearbook ordering is March 30, 2018.

Google Expedition: Teachers: Don't forget to sign up for a time on the linked form for your Google Expedition Experience.  A Google Expedition is a virtual or augmented reality experience where students will put on a set of viewing goggles and see images moving around in 3D.  The available topics to choose from are found HERE.  Tanya or Andrea can help talk you through what might be acceptable as a simple lesson idea.  See Tanya's email with the subject line "Exciting Opportunity" sent last week for more details.

Communication 

Behavior Support Team -- Some updates and clarification about how we support our students with our school-wide expectations -- PRIDE / CD at Underwood. This is also what was sent by Travis via email. 

Playground Equipment -  PTA has purchased new playground equipment.  SIP team will receive more information tomorrow for the process to follow with the equipment.  Starting Wednesday the equipment will be stored in the cart. Please be sure the students are collecting all the equipment before returning the bag to the cart.   

Foundation Gala-If you would like to attend the annual Spring Gala on March 23rd at CAM, you can sign up here.  Staff tickets are free and you may bring one guest at the discounted rate of $35.  Checks can be made out to Underwood Foundation and put in the Foundation mailbox.  

Teacher Working Conditions Survey-  Last Friday we handed out the Teacher Working Conditions Survey codes to get into the portal.  If you did not receive one, please see Alexandria to get your code.  Once you get your code- the web address -  www.ncteachingconditions.org

We are looking for a 100% participation!  As of now we are at 65% (28/43). 

Reflection from ER day-  Please fill out the reflection from Friday-  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNjzuTezPuJLcGFxq9rwJDp5K8gGA1fEw8l_wD6L3MMOHvaw/viewform?usp=sf_link

3:1 Webinar-  Please make sure you are working on the 3:1 webinar.  Here is the link to the overview.  Let Alexandria or Tanya know if you have any questions.  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kQHn6EJiVaj7LFTbur19PemG8E7TDYEmZ6xzmhntMCY/edit?usp=sharing

Critical Thinking 

Shifts in ELA -- 
- Building Knowledge Informational Text
- Evidence from Text
- Complex Text and academic Vocabulary




ED Pins -- For teachers looking for ways to boost up their global awareness/collaboration piece of their teacher evaluations, this is a GREAT way way to begin! https://sites.google.com/view/edpins/home  NC had no pins so I added one tonight for Underwood :)

Student Teachers - Would you like to host and work with a student teacher next school year? I am compiling a list of teachers. If you would be interested please add your name to sign up. I will send a final list to NC State, if you are chosen to have host a college senior, Keith Walkowiak from NC State will email or contact you. 

Next School Year -- Staff we are entering that time of year where we are starting to make plans for next school year. If you are considering a change in locations, be sure to complete the transfer application process - via https://wakeconnect.wcpss.net/sites/transfer-process/SitePage/28515/transfer-process - Please see Travis if this is an opportunity that you would like to explore for next school year. 

Graduate Literacy Cohort - Please pass along to your faculty information about our Graduate Literacy Cohort Program here at NC State.  Please contact Dr. Hiller Spires directly (haspires@ncsu.edu or 919.210.1301) with any questions.

Have a great Friday and an even better weekend!

Keith

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

Calendar:

March 13th-SIP/Leadership Meeting; 7:45am
March 15th-CD Cohort; 7:45am
March 23rd-Foundation Gala at CAM; 7pm
March 27th-SIP/Leadership Meeting; 7:45am
March 27th-Artspleasure; 5-8pm
March 29-Q3 electives end

*Staff attended events listed here

March 5th

Celebrations!

• Heather Peaden was accepted into the Wake Principal Fellows program!!
• Underwood was selected as an alternate to represent our state for the White House Easter Egg Roll.  Lauren will be designing an Easter Egg that may be replicated on a big egg to represent North Carolina on the White House Lawn.
• Mrs. Bryson-Jacobs elective came in second place at the African American History Bowl!  Way to go!
• Thanks to Travis and Alexandria for their help with the Magnet Meet and Greet Breakfast for newly accepted families and the MSA Certification application!  #teamwork
• The 5th Grade Docents rocked the First Friday Event at CAM!  Thanks to Alexandria, Karen, Ellen, Lauren for attending.
• Shout out to Lauren, Holly, Sherry, Ashley, Alexandria, Travis, Ellen, Mallory (and all the parents who attended) for their help at Grounds Day on Saturday morning.  We were able to spread mulch on the playground and in the garden, clean up trash and debris and paint new stencils on the playground!

Collaboration

Lunch and Learn --  Tanya will be hosting Lunch and Learn on a variety of technology tools during lunch times. For more information -- see Lunch and Learn flyer. She will also share at our Business meeting on Tuesday. 

Technology Request -- If you have a technology problem that you would like to be looked at complete the Tech Help request and if on-site staff is unable to fix then they would be submitted to district help desk.  If you are need of a equipment  be sure to complete Funds Request form . This would be for cords, bulbs, ink, batteries, etc.

PD -- We at Curriculum Pathways are excited to announce the third Teacher Institute (June 18-August 10)! The application is open and ready for your submission. The deadline for applications is March 30th, 2018, at 11:59 pm EST.2018 Summer Teacher Institute - Pathfinders from Curriculum Pathways’s Tweet . 

Creativity

Free Arts Integration Workshop:  Stepping Into Character
with Meredyth Pederson Cooper, Director of Education at Raleigh Little Theatre
Add theatre arts to your arts integration teaching toolbox, as you learn how to build dramatic frames so your students can learn and you can teach “in role” as characters. With strong scaffolding and thoughtful facilitation, the elements of character, conflict and storytelling become effective teaching tools in the classroom. This workshop will provide the tools you need to bring role work into your classroom and build effective lessons that engage your students’ imaginations and help them make relevant connections to curriculum.   
When: Saturday, March 24, 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.  CEU credit available.


Student and Staff Awesomeness -- Check out what our team is doing in their classrooms -- via Twitter - @underwoodgtm -- #weareunderwood Keep up the great work! 

Communication 

Foundation Gala-If you would like to attend the annual Spring Gala on March 23rd at CAM, you can sign up here.  Staff tickets are free and you may bring one guest at the discounted rate of $35.  Checks can be made out to Underwood Foundation and put in the Foundation mailbox.  

Teacher Working Conditions Survey-  Friday we handed out the Teacher Working Conditions Survey codes to get into the portal.  If you did not receive one, please see Alexandria to get your code.  Once you get your code- the web address -  www.ncteachingconditions.org

We are looking for a 100% participation!  

Reflection from ER day-  Please fill out the reflection from Friday-  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNjzuTezPuJLcGFxq9rwJDp5K8gGA1fEw8l_wD6L3MMOHvaw/viewform?usp=sf_link


Severe Weather Drill - We will part in the Statewide Tornado Drill scheduled for Wednesday, March 7, at 9:30 AM EST. Board Policy 2312 R&P states that all schools must complete the severe weather drill annually. In the days leading up to the drill, please examine the routes and shelter safe locations to make sure they are open and free of clutter.

In response to a busy March.....there will be NO Business Meeting on March 6 and NO PLT meeting on March 28.  Enjoy the gift of time!

Reading Credits (or other CEU's)-   Are you in need of Reading or other CEU's? Please check out this link for credits. One of our very own is facilitating a course!!!  https://place.fi.ncsu.edu/

Critical Thinking 

Next School Year -- Staff we are entering that time of year where we are starting to make plans for next school year. If you are considering a change in locations, be sure to complete the transfer application process - via https://wakeconnect.wcpss.net/sites/transfer-process/SitePage/28515/transfer-process - Please see Travis if this is an opportunity that you would like to explore for next school year. 

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

Calendar:

March 13th-SIP/Leadership Meeting; 7:45am
March 15th-CD Cohort; 7:45am
March 23rd-Foundation Gala at CAM; 7pm
March 27th-SIP/Leadership Meeting; 7:45am
March 27th-Artspleasure; 5-8pm
March 29-Q3 electives end

*Staff attended events listed here