Celebrations
- Celebrating and connecting with our new staff members: Dawn Spiggle
My name is Dawn Spiggle and I am thrilled to be a part of the
Underwood family as the new music teacher. While most of my
experience is at the elementary level, I also have experience
teaching instrumental and choral music. Elementary music is my
favorite subject to teach.
This year is my first year teaching in a magnet school. I love
being surrounded by talented and inspiring educators and students
at Underwood. I am having a great time building relationships, and I
am learning so much every day. It is rewarding to see student
creativity, energy, and engagement in a positive, nurturing school environment.
I am originally from Morganton, NC, in the western part of the state.
My primary instruments are piano and French horn. I enjoy playing
French horn as a part of the Raleigh Community Band.
Other interests include reading, hiking, spending time with friends and
family, and travel. Some of my favorite travel destinations include Ocracoke,
Asheville, and New Orleans. I have a sweet cat named Zoe, and I am lucky
to have four loving and adventurous nieces and nephews who live in Arlington, VA.
I am grateful for this new beginning in my life, and I couldn’t be happier to be
a part of the UGTM community.
Unicorn Trot!! PTA planned a successful event that the students thoroughly enjoyed!
They also exceeded their goal!!!
Wish Well
Deby Jacobs, her family and her daughter Molly.Critical Thinking
Challenging behaviors have you stressed? Do you have a behavior 9-1-1? Are you
looking for support or ideas for tackling tricky behavior situations? If so, the CDAT team
is here to help! We want to be a support system for all staff members looking for help or
ideas for managing classroom behaviors. If you're interested in getting feedback from the
team, or need help problem solving a situation, reach out to Mary English Hand
(mhand@wcpss.net), our CDAT staff contact. We're here to support you and your students!
(We will also be hosting an open session for any staff member to come and then collectively
we all share strategies to problem solve. Look for the November date coming soon!
Refreshments will be provided)
Readvolution- Readvolution- You all are still rocking it! The county’s
goal for each school is to read 2020 books!! We have already read
1,871 books! Keep pushing your students to read. If anyone has l
et you know their account is not working, please let me know. I have
answers and will be notifying the parents on Monday.
Please remind parents to have their children read.
Quarterly Planning Days- Quarterly Planning Days will start next week. We will have
several updates in regards to curriculum. We also will have our ITF visit most of your
planning days. They are there to support you as you plan and will give you ideas and/or
support your planning. Alexandria will be sending out agendas by Friday.
Creativity
Writing Continuum Training- The county is seeking teams of teachers who are
interested in focusing on writing across the content areas within their school and
growing students as writers. If you are interested, please see the following information
Collaboration
Magnet Fair is Saturday, November 3rd from 9-12pm. If you can attend, sign up in
the workroom (working in shifts). Prospective parents love to hear from staff! If you
have any artifacts (student created work/projects from an arts elective or academic
elective) that Ashley could take to display, please let me know.
There are a number of afterschool clubs going on: Fitness Club on Monday’s,
Partners Read Each Friday morning we are happy to welcome 6 community partners that
come to read with a few of our 1st graders. The first graders get to keep the book that they
read with their community partner! Thank you to the first grade team, Andrea, Elizabeth and
Jen P. for their help with this initiative.
K-2 Foundational Training If you have been notified by Christine about participating in the
the 7 modules. You do not have attend the same cohort each time (but you will need to do
all 7 modules).
Communication:
NC Check-In- NC Check-Ins will start this Friday. Thank you for being flexible and willing
to either cover an accommodation or lend your computers.
Elective Updates:
Wednesday, October 31-Elective Share. Regular elective day. You’re welcome to attend
Wednesday, October 31-Elective Share. Regular elective day. You’re welcome to attend
any of the elective shares below with your (elective or homeroom) class.
- 1st Period Performances 9:30 - 9:50
Orchestra
Robotics
Theater Production
- 2nd Period Performances 10:10 - 10:35
Dance Ensemble
Chorus
Band
- 3rd Period Performances 10:50 - 11:10
Ballet
Hall of Fame
Thursday, November 1st: Quarter 1 ends
Monday, November 5th: Quarter 2 electives begin
Monday, November 5th: Quarter 2 electives begin
for you.
*We have 12 magnet laptops available for use during electives. Please contact
Ashley if you would like access.
Wednesday, November 7th: Elective report cards need to be completed in OASIS
Access Rapid Identity->Wake Connect->Apps and tools->Company apps->OASIS
Username: wcpss+employee number
Password: email password
If you don't know how to enter comments and/or print your elective report cards, come
Username: wcpss+employee number
Password: email password
If you don't know how to enter comments and/or print your elective report cards, come
see Ashley. Comments need to be specific to the objectives taught in your elective.
Any area receiving a "1" or "2" should be explained in more the comments as well.
Tuesday, November 13th: Report cards go home
Active Learning Grant The library will be closed Monday morning as we receive/organize
the furniture from our active learning grant funds. We are excited to finally receive the
furniture!! Thanks for being flexible!
Y Learning
Y Learning can accept a few more students. The recommendations forms come from the
YMCA. If you have a student that you think could benefit (level 2 or 3 student that needs
extra support and practice in ELA and math) please let Mallory know so she can contact
the YMCA for a form. Thank you!
PTA Stipend Please ensure you are spending your PTA stipend. The deadline for first
semester will be prior to the new year (December 21st)
Conscious Discipline Corner
Quote of the week: “When children are overwhelmed by big emotions, it is our job to share
our calm not join their chaos.”
CD Resource of the week: Listen as Kindergarten teacher
Tiffany Taylor and 5th grade teacher Kristin Abel share helpful
ways they prepare themselves and their students for active
(Note: there are also other podcasts around these drills from
a student, administrator and parent perspective, as well as a
16, 18, 19)
Important Dates Document- Please double check this against the school calendar.
October 31st - Make up day (elective schedule; staff breakfast provided by admin)
October 31st-Quarter 1 Elective Share
November 1st-Last day of Q1 electives
November 1st - Flexible Benefits Info Session 8:15
