The Bobcat Den
April 17, 2026
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Spring Energy in Full Bloom at UCS!
Spring Energy in Full Bloom at UCS!
The past two weeks at UCS have been filled with excitement as we’ve watched the snow disappear, temperatures rise, and the joy of spring take hold across our school. With the change in season has come a renewed sense of energy and students have been eager to get outside, reconnect with nature, and bring that same enthusiasm back into their classrooms.
One of the highlights of the past week has been our Abenaki Artists in Residency. We were fortunate to welcome artists Charlie and Abena, who worked with students to create beautiful artwork that will be displayed in the UCS garden. In addition to creating these meaningful pieces, students learned about Abenaki heritage, deepening their understanding of culture, history, and community. It was a truly enriching experience for all involved.
As we head into vacation next week, I hope you all have the opportunity to rest, relax, and enjoy time together. When we return, we will be entering the final six weeks of the school year, a time that is always filled with growth, celebration, and memorable experiences.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership. We look forward to a strong and joyful finish to the school year together.
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
May 1st: My Child As A Learner Form deadline
May 6th: Student 2-hour Early Release Day
May 8th: All-School Morning Meeting (Poor's Class)
May 21st: BRMS Music VIsit & UCS Art & Music Show
May 22nd: 3-4 Community Sailing Center (Danis)
May 25th: NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
May 26th: 3-4 Community Sailing Center (Melone/Bernier)
May 29th: 4th Grade Move-Up Day at BRMS
UCS Happenings
All-School Fundraisers
Hello Parents,
Today, your child is bringing home a Book Buddy Lanyard letting you know about a safe and easy way for our school to raise funds for essential tools our students and teachers need to succeed.
The SchoolStore Program is 100% online so there is NO face-to-face selling, handling money, or delivering products. Your participation will take less than 12 minutes, and there are exciting prizes to make it fun for the students.
Here is all you need to do to participate:
Go to https://www.schoolstore.net/sid.t?0000082854 to sign up.
Send form emails inviting family, friends and co-workers to support your child.
Return the Book Buddy Lanyard with the Student Prize Code to school for your child to get their fun participation prize.
Be sure to ask your child for the Book Buddy Lanyard. Your participation will make a difference for our school and teachers! Any questions, please ask. THANKS for your continued support!
Here is the ticket link and flyer for the
UCS Lake Monsters fundraiser
Part2 Info
Dear Part 2 Families,
We’re excited to begin planning for the 2026–27 school year!
Registration for current families will be open from 12:00 pm (noon) through 6:00 pm on Tuesday, May 5th and Wednesday, May 6th. During this initial window, current families may register their currently enrolled children, as well as siblings.
At several of our programs demand continues to grow and we are no longer able to guarantee spots for all returning families. If your family will need care next year, it is essential that you log in and register as close to 12:00 pm (noon) on May 5 as possible to give yourself the best chance of securing a spot.
Registration will remain open for the two days from 12:00 pm (noon) until 6:00 pm, but days may waitlist if they reach capacity. We will be actively monitoring enrollment and will waitlist days as soon as we reach our predetermined thresholds, which are based on: Licensed capacity; Available staffing; Usable space within each school.
We also ask for your partnership in registering thoughtfully. In some cases, families enroll for five days initially and later reduce their schedule just before the school year begins. While we understand that needs can change, this can limit access for other families who need care. If possible, please register only for the days you anticipate needing.
We know how important reliable afterschool care is for your family, and we are committed to building the strongest, most sustainable programs we can within the constraints we have.
The link to register will be sent out shortly before registration opens on May 5th at noon.
Warmly,
The Part 2 Team
You can find the link to ALL Part2 Summer Camps here: https://part2kids.com/summer-camps/
FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE
Help Our Kids Grow Strong Through Positive Language
Is your language helping grow confident kids? The words kids hear every day—from parents, caregivers, teachers, coaches, and other adults—help shape the ideas they develop about food, their bodies, and themselves. Research shows these ideas begin as early as preschool, and exposure to messages that suggest certain bodies are “better” or more acceptable than others can lead to body dissatisfaction and self-criticism. The good news: you can make a difference. The Vermont Department of Health and other partners developed a campaign with tips and resources to help adults use positive language about food and bodies. Check it out and learn more at HealthVermont.gov/ConfidentKids
FREE Bike Helmets
Richmond Rescue has given away more than 700 bike helmets since we started our annual bike helmet giveaway in 2012. Please help spread the word to kids and families who may be in need of a new helmet. We're open for helmets Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Richmond Rescue
216 Railroad St.
Richmond, VT 05477
Food Allergy Safe School Information
Food Allergy Safe School Information for Celebrations
The Mount Mansfield Unified Union School District elementary schools are “Food Allergy Aware / Safe Schools” and have adopted a food-free birthday celebration model. Please do not send in food to celebrate your student’s birthday. For classroom or whole school celebrations involving food, all food will be provided by the teacher, school administration, or parent-teacher organization, in accordance with our food safety procedures.
Stay Home When Sick
Refer to the MMUUSD District Illness Guidelines to determine if your child should stay home from school.
Please feel free to contact the health office if you have questions about sending your child to school after an illness.
You can contact us at 802-858-6316 or ucshealthoffice@mmuusd.org
NEWS FROM THE PTO
Teacher and Staff Appreciation is NEXT WEEK (May 4-May 8)! We have a lovely line up of activities and treats for our UCS team and still need some last minute help to make the week a success. Families can participate in a number of ways, including:
Donate store-bought snacks, treats, or needed items using this link.
Make a financial donation to the PTO by giving online at this link or dropping off cash or a check (made out to UCS PTO) at the Main Office.
Volunteer your time on Monday or Thursday morning to help set-up or clean-up an activity. Email ucspto@mmuusd.org to find out more!
We also need your student(s) to share their love and appreciation. Please have students make a card, create some artwork, write a letter, or share a story about why they love UCS, their teacher, or the school staff. Any kind of paper, any kind of creativity is welcome! We will display all contributions in the main hallway. Submissions are due to the Main Office by Wednesday, May 6.
There is more information on our flyer and at the links above. Thank you for supporting the PTO and helping us create a special Teacher + Staff Appreciation Week!
Buying labels for your family's gear? Use our school's name to help support the PTO's fundraising efforts for opportunities such as Math through Art, visiting authors and artists and more. All families need to do is click the link, under support, type in our school (Underhill Central School) in the search bar in the middle of the screen, and start buying!
UCS PTO will receive 20% of each sale.
ONLINE SCHOOL STORE
GET YOUR BOBCAT GEAR!!!
GET YOUR BOBCAT GEAR!!!
Welcome to the UCS Bobcats Online Sideline Store, the place to score personalized Bobcat Swag and accessories from all your favorite brands 24/7/365. Get ready for the summer with new styles and brands
**Profits do go back to the UCS** Happy Shopping!!!
FREE FAMILY SUPPORT/EDUCATION PROGRAMS & INFO
We want to ensure our families have the resources they need. Please utilize our UCS Resource Sheet, which includes helpful information for families.
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Changes coming from 3SquaresVT
Please help us spread the word to make sure 3,000 of our friends and neighbors keep 3SquaresVT by reporting information that meets the work reporting rules. 3,000 people could lose benefits on March 1st if they do not report information in time.
We have developed a number of resources to support information-sharing and hope you will share these resources broadly, all housed in this link.
We have information for community partners to understand how to support people with reporting information, including completing the "Personal Obstacle or Barrier to Work" exemption. DCF has produced a community partner guide that explicitly talks about this exemption.
We have information to share generally with people (on social media, Front Porch Forum sample posts, newsletters, county-specific paper flyers)
We will be uploading the recordings of our 3SquaresVT Work Reporting Rules Training series on Tuesday to that link above.
The more we can share information about this BEFORE March 1st, the better chance that people who are otherwise eligible for 3SquaresVT will be able to keep their benefits. 3SquaresVT helps workers–both to supplement wages and provide support between jobs. Most people who can work, do work. For the small share of folks who can’t work or face barriers to work, 3SquaresVT is a crucial support.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Track is Back! The Mt. Mansfield Summer Track Program returns for our 32nd year. We are a program open to all athletes from beginners to those looking to specialize in certain events. Athletes will practice and compete based on age groups from 5-6 years old up to the 13-15 age group. It is a great way for younger kids to learn a new sport and helps the middle school athletes prepare for high school.
Practices are Monday and Wednesday from 5:30-6:30 at the MMU track. The program starts on Wednesday, June 17th and wraps up on Wednesday, July 15. We have 2-3 meets with other teams from Chittenden County and there is the option of competing at the Vermont Recreation and Parks state meet at the end of the season. Registration is $40 for the first child in a family, $30 for the second, and $20 for each additional child and includes a team t-shirt.
The program is run by Mt. Mansfield Track Coach Bill Eschholz and members of the 2025 MMU Track Team. For additional information or to request a registration form please email Bill Eschholz at MMSTXC@gmail.com.
STAY CONNECTED with WHAT'S HAPPENING @ UCS
Underhill Central School
Underhill Central School
Email: ucsoffice@mmuusd.org
Location: 6 Irish Settlement Rd, Underhill, VT 05489
Phone: 802.899.4676
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