WELCOME BACK!

Welcome Back Families!

We are so excited to begin a brand-new school year with you and your children! Our focus continues to be on strengthening Reading and Math skills to ensure that every student has the tools they need to succeed. Last year we made several positive changes, and this year we are continuing that momentum with even more improvements.

This fall, we are launching a brand-new ELA curriculum for PreK–6, and we are proud to be offering two full-time preschool classrooms to give our youngest learners a strong start. We are also beginning the process of exploring a new Math curriculum for next year that will further support our students’ growth.

Over the summer, 22 students joined us for our very first Adventure Academy, an exciting program that will help provide a smooth transition into the new school year. In addition, our teachers dedicated time this summer to professional training, gaining a deeper understanding of our new curriculum and learning new strategies to meet students right where they are in their academic journey.

We are eager to partner with you in making this a year full of learning, growth, and success. Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead!

Go Be Great,

Hope Rush

Principal Underwood Elementary School

All of our Underwood staff have been hard at work getting our school and classrooms ready for our students. Below is some important information for our 1st Day of school on August 19th:

****First Day Drop-Off Reminder

Unfortunately, our parking lot resurfacing is scheduled for the first day of school. Please drop all students off at the front of the building and come through the Commons for the 1st day. If you are a preschool parent, you are allowed to walk your child to breakfast or to the playground for this first day. We will have all students picked up at the front of the building at the end of the day.

The parking lot project should be completed by Tuesday evening, and we will return to our regular drop-off routes on Wednesday.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation—we’re excited to welcome students back!

REGULAR MORNING DROP-OFF AND RECESS LOGISTICS

Morning Recess Start Time: 8:00 am

1. Arrival Before 8:00 am:

   • Students will wait in the main entryway in the Commons.
   • They will be dismissed to go outside to play at 8:00 am.

2. Eating Breakfast at School:

   • Students should enter through the Commons and go to the lunchroom for breakfast.
   • After finishing breakfast, they will be dismissed to go outside to play.

3. Arrival at 8:00 am-8:25 am:

   • Drop off in the drop-off zone on the side of the gym.
   • Students can go directly outside to play.

4. Bus Riders:

   • Students will enter through the Commons entrance.
   • They can either go to breakfast in the lunchroom or go outside to play, depending on their preference.

Note: Ensure your child is aware of these procedures to make their transition smooth and timely. We will have staff available to help learn this new routine as well!

Dear Families,

As you may be aware, a new North Dakota state law now restricts the use of personal electronic devices in schools. The purpose behind this law—and our school’s policy—is to create a learning environment free from distractions, encourage face-to-face social interactions, and keep the focus on academic success.

At our elementary school, the procedure will be as follows:

• When students come inside from morning recess, they will go to the elementary office to check in their phones.

• Phones will be placed in a secure lock box for the day.

• Students may pick up their phones after the dismissal bell.

According to policy, a personal electronic communication device includes: smartphones, cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, Bluetooth-enabled devices (air pods), gaming devices, and other portable devices capable of voice, text, data, or internet connection. This does not include school-owned/approved devices used for learning or medical devices.

Student Expectations & Consequences (Elementary)

The district requires strict compliance with this policy. If students knowingly and willfully violate the policy, administration will respond with disciplinary measures. For elementary students, the following apply:

• First Violation: Device is confiscated, turned over to the principal, and parents/guardians are contacted.

• Second Violation: Device is confiscated, parents/guardians must pick it up, and the student serves detention.

• Third Violation: Device is confiscated, parents/guardians must meet with the principal to pick it up and develop a behavior plan/contract. Student may serve in-school suspension (ISS) and will not be able to participate in school activities for 1 week after the suspension.

• Fourth Violation: Same as the third violation, with continued ISS.

• Fifth Violation: Device is confiscated, parents/guardians must meet with the principal to pick it up and develop a behavior plan/contract. Student will serve out-of-school suspension (OSS) and will not be able to participate in school activities for 1 week after the suspension.

If a student refuses to turn over a device when asked, additional discipline may be given for insubordination.

We want to work with families in making this transition smooth and positive for everyone. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Thank you for your partnership in supporting a safe, respectful, and focused learning environment!

Monday, August 19th

4:00-6:00 pm

Come and Meet your student's teacher,

Bring supplies & see the classroom,

Help to start the year off right!

We believe that effective communication between our staff and families is essential for student success. As we work to keep you informed and engaged, we encourage you to reach out to us with any questions, concerns, or feedback. Your input helps us support your child’s education and ensures we can address any issues promptly. Together, we can create a positive and productive learning environment for our students.

Communication Policy

To ensure effective and respectful communication within our school community, we ask that you follow the established chain of command when addressing any problems or concerns. Here is the recommended process:

1. Class or Activity Concern: Start by bringing your concern to the attention of the teacher or staff member responsible for the class or activity in question. They are often best positioned to address issues directly related to their area.

2. Principal: If the matter is not resolved or if you feel the issue needs further attention, please contact the principal. The principal is available to assist with more complex or unresolved concerns.

3. Superintendent: Should the principal be unable to assist or if the issue remains unresolved, the next step is to reach out to the superintendent. The superintendent can provide additional support and guidance as needed.

We believe that maintaining open, respectful communication is crucial for working together effectively. Following this chain of command helps ensure that your concerns are addressed in a timely and organized manner.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Email: Principal- hope.rush@underwoodschool.org

Website: underwoodschool.org
Location: 123 Summit Street, Underwood, ND 58576
Phone: (701) 442-3201