March 9th – Underwood-Ward Task Force Updates Moving forward, all updates will be posted on the Underwood-Ward Task Force Website. February 14, 2020 – Underwood Parent Representatives The Underwood Parent Representatives on the Task Force are: Laura Vaughn, Daniel Scales, and Ethan Solomon. February 14, 2020 – Update Dear Underwood and Ward families, We write to you to provide an update on the Underwood-Ward Taskforce following the recent meetings at both schools. Excellent questions were asked at both meetings and we appreciated the discussion. The taskforce will begin meeting in early March. Over the next few months, the group will meet several times to identify options for the future of the two schools. The work of the taskforce will conclude with a presentation to the School Committee in early June in which those options will be presented. To stay informed READ MORE
The Hoot
Creative Arts & Sciences: Rock Detectives Recap
On Tuesday January 7th, Underwood 4th graders became Rock Detectives. The Museum of Science brought their Geology curriculum to life by transforming our students into geologists and utilizing six different tests to find out the differences between different types of rocks. See some photos from the presentation below. Ms. Hull’s Class Ms. Bardin’s Class
5th Grade Graduation – Donation Request
Dear Fifth Grade Families, As you know, our 5th Graders are graduating this year from Underwood and plans are well underway to prepare for this huge milestone. 5th Grade families are responsible for raising funds for these important right-of-passage events: The Moving On Ceremony The 5th Grade class gift to the school The final class gifts to the 5th Grade teachers The 5th Grade year-end party for our kids to celebrate together Everyone is busy, so instead of having several fundraisers, we now request direct donations from families to cover the expenses associated with making this such a fun and memorable part of your child’s last year of elementary school. We hope to receive donations from at least half of our 5th Grade families. We know families have other financial obligations, but we hope you will consider the 5th Grade Moving READ MORE
Underwood Math Update
Dear Underwood Families, I am Andy Guttell, the math coach here at Underwood School. This is my seventh year in this role. I am also the math coach at Ward School. Previously I was a classroom teacher in first and second grade at Bowen School for 19 years. I have also taught in international schools in Ecuador and Japan. This is the first full year that our school will be using the Investigations math curriculum in all grades, K-5. Two years ago, Investigations was successfully launched in Grades 3 and 4. Last year Grades 1, 2, and 5 all began using the curriculum. This year Kindergarten is fully implementing the curriculum. Investigations is a focused, coherent, and rigorous K-5 mathematics curriculum. It is fully aligned to the content and practice standards of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), deep and READ MORE
Principal Hiring Process
March 23, 2020 – Announcing Underwood’s New Principal… Dear Underwood Community, It has been a great pleasure working with the Underwood community on the principal search process. The Selection Advisory Committee did a terrific job and I am grateful for their commitment to finding a highly capable leader for the school. I am also appreciative of all of the Underwood staff and parents who participated in the finalist interview using Google Meet. I am delighted to announce that Suzie Talukdar, currently the principal of the Michael Driscoll School in Brookline, will be the next principal at Underwood. Throughout the search process, Suzie impressed us with her passion for excellent teaching, her commitment to developing a positive school culture, and her track record of community building. She has a proven capacity for leadership as a principal that has been defined by trust, READ MORE
Creative Arts & Sciences: Eyes On Owls Recap
It was Owl day in 5th grade on Tuesday, November 19th. Eyes On Owls brought some of their lovelies to spend the morning with us at Underwood. Children were face to face with different species of Owls where they learned calls and habits unique to these birds of prey. Learning more about local wildlife helps students connect to the world around them.
Creative Arts & Sciences: Kindergarten Bubbles Workshop Recap
On Wednesday, November 13, the Kindergarten classes hosted the Discovery Museum’s Bubbles Workshop. Students had the chance to explore the science of bubbles answering questions such as: How long does a bubble really last? What color is a bubble? What shape is a bubble? Can you predict when a bubble will pop? Students watched a bubbles demonstration followed by hands-on learning – blowing, stretching, poking and popping bubbles. They learned that bubbles are made of a combination of soap, water and air, bubbles are transparent, no matter how you blow bubbles they are always a sphere, and much more! Ms. Fucarile’s Class Mr. Solof’s Class Learn More About Creative Arts & Sciences (CAS)
AuthorFest 2019 – presented by Creative Arts & Sciences
AuthorFest 2019 at Underwood was a huge success! Students and Teachers had the best time and everyone learned something about expressing their creativity. Students in grades 1-5 were inspired to create and tell their own stories. Here’s a note from one 2nd grade parent on AuthorFest: “The author that came in (Susan Tan) to speak with the school had a such a positive impact on Penny. After the presentation Penny was even inspired to write her own book! Just wanted to let you know your efforts are making an impact and are appreciated.” *CAS AuthorFest was made possible by a grant from the Newton Schools Foundation, a contribution from The Village Bank in Auburndale, and your generous contributions to our PTO. Thank you! Learn More About Creative Arts & Sciences (CAS)
The Underwood PTO Presents: Social @ THE SOCIAL
On Saturday, December 7th at 7:00 PM we are hosting an adult night out and gift card drive at the Social Restaurant & Bar located in the Crowne Plaza Hotel complex in Newton Corner. Come on out and let’s get together! We will have a semi-private room and appetizers donated by The Social. There will be a comedian and a cash bar & menu available, as well. Book your babysitter as you won’t want to miss this night. There is a $10 cover charge per person and 100 percent of the cover will go to the Underwood Gift Card Drive. The gift cards are distributed by school staff to Underwood families who may be experiencing financial challenges at this time. This is one of the many ways our community cares for one another. Oh, and did you know Social offers free validated parking in READ MORE
Mystery Dinner: Postponed for 2020-21
The 2019 Mystery Dinner was a great success and offered the irresistible combination of great company, delicious food and fun! A big thank you to all who attended the event. A giant thanks and much admiration goes to Carolyn Gillespie & Katie Williams, our event co-chairs. Much appreciation also goes to the hosts and chefs, who opened their homes and/or cooked wonderful meals for our community. We wish to personally thank each of the following people who helped make the event happen. The money raised benefits the entire Underwood School community and goes toward programs including Creative Arts and Sciences and Understanding our Differences. Mystery Dinner Co-ChairsCarolyn GillespieKatie Williams Appetizer HostCarolyn Gillespie & Ryan McGlothlin Dinner Hosts & CooksAnn & Chris LabracheAparna & Alex RolfeBecca & David ConnorsElizabeth & Jim GagnonJessica & Michael SingerJoel & Lucia KammJulie & Daniel LandesmanKatie READ MORE
Bertucci’s Dining for Dollars – November 20th
On November 20, 2019, please come down to Bertucci’s to stay, eat, and build the Underwood community! Up to 25 percent of sales at Bertucci’s all day on November 20th will go to the Underwood School. You can dine-in, take-out, or get delivery from Bertucci’s – a pre-order form is provided below! All you have to do is present our flyer (below or available here). Or look for it in your student’s folder as the date approaches.