The Underwood Way

It has been a great first 2 ½ weeks of school! In the elementary, our students have been getting to know their new teachers, our teachers have been learning about how their students learn best, and together we’ve been building strong routines. Each classroom has also begun using new reading and writing curriculum this year.

Last year, we began implementing interventions (extra teaching) at every grade level to help students meet the required standards. This year, we are excited to take this a step further by introducing WIN Time.

What is WIN Time?
WIN stands for “What I Need.” During this time, students receive targeted support based on their individual learning needs. For example, if a student is working on mastering addition or needs more practice with reading comprehension, their WIN Time will focus on those skills. The goal is to meet each student where they are and help them grow from there.

It’s important to know that WIN Time is not special education—it’s something every student participates in, and much of this teaching happens right in the classroom. It simply gives all students the chance to practice exactly what they need to grow.

It has been a joy getting to see all of your children again this year, and I can’t wait to see where this year takes us! I’ll be sharing more details about WIN Time throughout the school year, but we are very excited about the impact it will have on our students’ learning.

#GoBeGreat!

Hope Rush

1. Missed Lessons = Falling Behind: Even one day can mean missing critical instructions and activities, making it harder for your child to catch up.
2. Impact on Future Success: Consistent attendance is a strong predictor of academic achievement and future opportunities.
3. Building Resilience: Regular attendance teaches your child the value of perseverance and responsibility—essential skills for success in life.
4. Stronger Friendships: Daily presence helps your child develop and sustain friendships, which are crucial for emotional and social development.
5. Healthy Routine: Attending school every day establishes a stable routine, promoting better mental and physical health.

• Who to contact if your child doesn't want to come to school: Your child's teacher via email or Rooms.

Our new cell phone policy at the elementary level has been going so well! Students have quickly developed a routine of dropping their phone off in the morning, choosing their number in the lock box, and picking it up again at the end of the day.

We have had a couple of questions about how to contact your child if there is a change in how they are to get home. You have several options:

• Reach out to your child’s teacher through Rooms

• Call the school office

• Send a text to your child’s phone, which they will see at the end of the day

We want you to feel confident knowing that your child will always get the information they need. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns about this process.

We are excited to celebrate Homecoming with all of Central McLean Cougars! Here are the things to come for out Elementary Students:

Monday, Sept. 8th -- Coronation

Monday-Friday -- Dress up Days (see days below)

Friday, Sept. 12th -- Parade and Pep Rally

Monday, 9.8.25

• Homecoming Dress up week starts
• Coronation 2:00pm

Tuesday, 9.9.25-Thursday 9.11.25

• Homecoming Dress up days

Thursday, 9.11.25

• Basketball: Girls Elementary @ Turtle Lake-Mercer-McClusky 4:00pm

Friday, 9.12.25

• Parade 1:00pm
• Pep Rally following parade

Monday, 9.15.25-Friday, 9.19.25

• Star testing in Math and ELA (Kinder-6)

Monday, 9.15.25

• Basketball: Girls Elementary @ Max 4:00pm

Tuesday, 9.16.25

• Basketball: Girls Elementary @ Wilton-Wing 4:30pm

Thursday, 9.18.25

• Basketball: Girls Elementary @ Garrison 4:00pm

Thursday, 9.18.25

• Bookmobile

Monday, 9.22.25

• Basketball: Girls Elementary vs. Max 4:00pm

Thursday, 9.25.25

• Basketball: Girls Elementary vs. Turtle Lake-Mercer-McClusky 4:00pm

Monday, 9.29.25

• Basketball: Girls Elementary vs. Garrison 4:00pm

Have a question, comment, concern, or compliment about our school? Submit a Let’s Talk message at https://forms.gle/3k3b47r8YmNWiJrb6 24 hours a day, seven days a week from any computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Newsletters for the Month of...

August 2025