The Hoot

We are reaching out to keep you in the loop about the current budget situation facing Newton Public Schools (“NPS”). There is currently a major discrepancy between the budget proposal Superintendent Nolin recommends and the amount Mayor Fuller has allocated for NPS in the next fiscal year. Mayor Fuller’s allocation would require major cuts to staff and programming throughout the district. The good news is that the city *does* have additional funding that could be allocated towards NPS but it’s going to require our voices and engagement to make it happen.  Please see the image below which highlights the differences between five different budget models put forward by Superintendent Nolin. The Superintendent’s proposed “Level Service Plus” Model is in yellow and the budget reflecting the Mayor’s current allocation, or the “Cuts” budget, is in red. This is a critical time to READ MORE

 Superintendent Anna Nolin will be at Underwood on April 8th at 8:30 a.m. for a PTO Meeting at 8:30AM in the gymnasium along with two School Committee Members. This opportunity comes at a critical time for Underwood to make our voice heard prior to the Mayor’s presentation of the city budget in mid-April.  In advance of this meeting, we are collecting topics and questions. Please leave your questions for Dr. Nolin and the School Committee HERE

The Underwood PTO is excited to welcome back the Science Fair! Students in all grades are invited to participate. Participating in the Science Fair is easy and fun! Simply decide on your project, register, and get busy experimenting. Everything you need to get started is below. Projects will be shared in person on Thursday, February 27 in the Underwood Gymnasium from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED: To reserve space for your project to be displayed at the Science Fair, you must register between January 8 and January 24. Parents and guardians will be contacted by e-mail to confirm registration. REGISTER HERE For questions, email underwoodscienceday@gmail.com. Join us for an information session during the PTO Community Meeting on Monday, January 13 at 7:30pm.Join Zoom Meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9373352198?pwd=N3B1ekIzT011elNEdjJHZUxycFFQUT09&omn=85818157043 Meeting ID: 937 335 2198Passcode: 956516 GET STARTED!!💡Project Ideas📝 Register📋 FAQs

The first day of school is September 3, 2024! To streamline the back to school process, and support our equity values, the PTO will be supplying the majority of school supplies requested by teachers. Each grade specific list is below (note: 1st grade has slightly different lists by class, class lists will be available at the end of the month). Items highlighted in yellow are to be supplied by individual families (if providing any of these items is a hardship please email us and the PTO can supply those as well!). Items marked with a green line will be provided directly to each classroom by the PTO. The PTO is providing these supplies at no cost to families. If you have any questions please let us know!

The Underwood PTO has several open board and volunteer positions for the 2024-25 school year. OPEN PTO BOARD ROLESThese roles meet monthly from Sept. – June:  OPEN CHAIRS These roles are event/activity specific and do not require an ongoing commitment. Note:  These roles cannot take place without dedicated volunteers: Please email us at underwoodpto@gmail.com for more information or if you are interested in any of these roles.

The Underwood PTO has several open board and volunteer positions for the 2024-25 school year. OPEN PTO BOARD ROLES These roles meet monthly from Sept. – June:   OPEN CHAIRS These roles are event/activity specific and do not require an ongoing commitment. Note:  These roles cannot take place without dedicated volunteers: Please email us at underwoodpto@gmail.com for more information or if you are interested in any of these roles.

Monday, March 11 – Mismatch DayTuesday, March 12 – Accessory DayWednesday, March 13 – GREEN DAYThursday, March 14 – Silly Hair/Hat DayFriday, March 15 – Pajama Day As always, Spirit Week is totally optional for all students!