Welcome Back to School
Let's Get Rolling, 2026-2027!
Welcome Back, Underwood Families!
Welcome back, families! We are so glad to have your child(ren) back at school with us! It is hard to believe how quickly the school year is already moving. Our year has gotten off to a quick start, and there is already so much happening at Underwood Public School!
As with any new school year, we have welcomed some new faces and experienced some changes within our staff. At the elementary level, we are excited to welcome Mrs. Pamela Birrenkott, our new full-time special education teacher, and Mr. Tyler Krueger, our new music teacher. We are also fortunate to have staff members who have stepped into new roles to help meet the needs of our students. With our Title I teacher leaving this summer, Mrs. Schantz and Mrs. VonEschen have taken on Title I teaching responsibilities. Other staff members have also adjusted their roles and schedules to help ensure that we can continue providing the support and services our students need.
At the district level, we are grateful to have Mr. Brandt Dick and Dr. Mike Bitz from CREA supporting our school as superintendents this year. We appreciate the experience, leadership, and support they bring to our district.
We have also experienced some changes with transportation. With Doug's retirement, we now have two bus routes and currently have one full-time bus driver. We know that changes in routes and schedules can be challenging for families, and we sincerely appreciate everyone's patience, flexibility, and understanding as we have worked to reconfigure our routes and find solutions. I have been incredibly thankful for the community members and school staff who have stepped up and been willing to help wherever they can. That support truly makes a difference.
As you look through this newsletter, one thing becomes very clear: it takes a village to educate a child. A successful school is not built by teachers and administrators alone. It takes families, staff, community members, and students working together to create a safe, healthy, caring, and supportive environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.
My hope is that Underwood can truly be that village—a community that lifts up our students, supports our school and staff, celebrates our successes, and stands together when challenges arise. We may experience changes and challenges throughout the year, but when we work together and remain strong and supportive, there is so much we can accomplish for our children.
Thank you for trusting us with your children and for being an important part of the Underwood Public School family. I am excited about the year ahead and all that we will accomplish together!
Have a great year!
Did you know...? Why Daily Attendance Matters:
Missed Lessons = Falling Behind: Even one day can mean missing critical instructions and activities, making it harder for your child to catch up.
Impact on Future Success: Consistent attendance is a strong predictor of academic achievement and future opportunities.
Building Resilience: Regular attendance teaches your child the value of perseverance and responsibility—essential skills for success in life.
Stronger Friendships: Daily presence helps your child develop and sustain friendships, which are crucial for emotional and social development.
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 or Mrs. Heger, school counselor.
Remind App
Please be on the lookout for an invite for the Remind App. This will be our mode of communication for all things busing. So this is how the school will communicate if the bus is running late, and this is how you will communicate if your child is NOT riding the bus that day.
IF you do not receive an invite by next Tuesday morning, please reach out to the school so you can be a part of the group.
Calling All Parents & Community Members!
We are excited to announce that we are forming a new Parent-Teacher-Community Organization (PTCO) at Underwood Public School—and we would love for YOU to be a part of it!
Our first meeting will be held at the end of September or beginning of October, with the exact date and time to be announced soon.
This organization is an opportunity for parents, teachers, staff, and community members to come together to support our students, strengthen our school, and grow our community. We want to create a group that works together to provide opportunities, encourage our students and staff, and make Underwood a place where every child can learn, grow, and thrive.
You don't need to have a lot of time or a specific skill to be involved. Whether you can volunteer occasionally, help with an event, share an idea, or simply lend your support, your involvement matters!
We truly believe that it takes a village to raise and educate our children. When our families, school, and community work together, our students benefit.
💜 Please consider being part of this exciting new organization! Think about how you can support our students, teachers, and community as we work together to build a stronger future for the children of Underwood.
We hope to see you at our first meeting! More information will be coming soon.