The Bobcat Den
September 27, 2024
Community Building at UCS
Over the last two weeks, we've not only enjoyed the beautiful weather outside, but have had some exciting and enriching experiences at UCS that we have been able to share with our community!
We were honored to have a visit from the UJFD (Underhill-Jericho Fire Department), where they spoke at our all-school meeting about Fire Safety. The students engaged with the important lessons and are now even more prepared for safety both at school and at home.
In celebration of International Peace Day on September 21, the entire school came together to create a beautiful Nature Mandala followed by a Peace Sing-Along. It was a heartwarming and meaningful way to observe this special day with the students.
Looking ahead, we have a few important events to remind you of:
The much-anticipated Zucchini Relay Race is happening on September 24 at 1:45p. This UCS tradition is always a lot of fun for both the students and staff. Spectators are always welcomed!
We invite you to join us for our Open House on Tuesday, September 24th from 6:00-7:00p. It's a great opportunity to meet the teachers, see the classrooms, and get a sense of what your children have been working on so far this year.
The PTO is working with Ms. Aucter and our students to get the float decorated for next weekend's Harvest Market Parade during Enrichment time! Be on the lookout for more details to come next week! Thank you for your continued support!
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
September 27th ~ 3/4 Field Trip to Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
September 28th ~ Harvest Market Parade (9:00a) -- Meet @ BRMS for 8:30a
September 30th ~ October 4th ~ UCS Scholastic Book Fair
October 4th ~ School Picture
October 7th ~ Music with Buddy
October 8th ~ Recycle Rhonda Visits UCS
October 9th ~ Student Early Release Day/Staff PD
October 10-11th ~ NO SCHOOL for Students
Art Room Seeking Willow Branches for Lantern Making
In preparation for our upcoming lantern making project, the art room is seeking fresh willow branches. Third and fourth grade students will be using these as the base for their lanterns. Please connect with Kim Aucter at kim.aucter@mmuusd.org if you have any branches you'd like to donate. Thank you!!
UCS SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR
At School Book Fair Dates: Monday, September 30th through Friday, October 4th
(the book fair will be CLOSED Thursday, October 3rd)
More UCS School specific info from Mr. Baron can be found HERE
SCHOOL PICTURE TIME ... DON'T FORGET TO SMILE!!!
NEWS FROM THE PTO
The PTO hosted its first in-person meeting on September 10th from 6-7p . Here is a link to the meeting minutes: September 10 PTO Meeting Minutes ... This is a wonderful opportunity for you to get involved, meet fellow parents and teachers, and contribute to the success of our school community. We encourage all parents and guardians to attend and bring any ideas or suggestions you may have. Light refreshments will be provided, and children are welcome to join us as well.
We are also looking for volunteers to help organize the UCS Fun Run on October 19th. If interested in helping with this fun event, email ucspto@mmuusd.org ... Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to seeing you there!
The UCS PTO also creates a student directory every year. This is an opportunity to share your contact information with other students in your child's class and around the school to organize play dates, birthday parties, or just create a community. Please only share information you are comfortable sharing with the school community. If you have previously filled out this form (i.e. your child is in an older grade), you do not need to fill out a new form unless you have new contact information or you want to update what is shared. The directory will be updated as needed and shared with you in Dave Marlow's newsletter, so check it out!
Please use this form to submit your information. (Link is: https://forms.gle/FSNBZuTY3N9wnWXH6 ) Thanks!
FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE
Please read the District Illness Guidelines. This will help you to decide whether or not to send your child to 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
EEE
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus that spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. Only a few human cases are reported in the United States each year. The disease also commonly affects horses, but it has been reported in other animals like alpacas, donkeys, pheasants, and emus. Please read this important information from the Vermont Department of Health about EEE.
There are no human vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat EEE. The best way to reduce your risk of infection with EEE virus is by preventing mosquito bites: limit time outdoors at dawn and dusk, use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, treat clothing and gear with permethrin, and control mosquitos indoors and outdoors.
Please read this important flyer from the CDC: How to Protect Against Mosquito Bites. If you wish for your child to use insect repellent, please apply it at home in the morning before school.
Current COVID-19 Guidance
If a person is COVID-positive, they may go back to normal activities after at least one day (24 hours) if:
Symptoms are getting better overall and
No fever for at least 24 hours (and are not using fever-reducing medicines).
In addition, it is recommended to take extra prevention steps for the next 5 days after resuming normal activity: Practice good hygiene. Wear a mask. Keep physical distance. Improve air quality. Any of these prevention steps can help limit the spread of respiratory viruses. The more steps you take, the lower your risk of getting others sick.
The district has a supply of masks and antigen tests (limited supply) if requested.
Please report all positive cases, student or staff, to the school nurse.
District guidelines remain in place - If you are sick, please stay home. Please read this link District Illness Guidelines.
Additional Resources
ONLINE SCHOOL STORE
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. For a limited time, enjoy 20% OFF during your UNDERHILL CENTRAL SCHOOL store’s Grand Opening Sale with code SPIRIT20 ...
**Profits do go back to the UCS** Happy shopping!!!
SCHOOL SAFETY DRILLS
Starting in September, UCS students and staff will be practicing our Emergency Safety Response plans. These drills are evaluated regularly by our UCS Crisis Response Team and follow all state and local guidelines. Here is the UCS Parent/Caregiver School Safety Letter outlining the importance of these drills we conduct throughout the SY.
FREE FAMILY SUPPORT/EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Free VIRTUAL/Online Parent Education Programs to any parent/caregiver in Vermont who wants support and/or to learn new parenting skills. Do you or someone you know want to learn more about the programs offered?
Visit the website at: www.pcavt.org/family-support-programs
Email at familysupport@pcavt.org
Call 1-800-CHILDREN
All programs are 2 hours per week for 14-18 weeks. Want to enroll in any of the programs offered?? Please complete THIS FORM to enroll today!
Upcoming Nurturing Parents Programs Available:
Nurturing Skills™ for Families (14 weeks)
Nurturing Fathers Program (13 weeks)
Nurturing Program for Families in Substance Use Treatment & Recovery (16 weeks)
Prenatal Nurturing Program (9 weeks)
Strengthening Families Program for Families with Teens (14 weeks)
Strengthening Families Program for Families Birth - 5 (14 weeks)
Circle of Parents Support Groups (ongoing)
Y AFTER-SCHOOL SERVICES
The Y provides after-school programming at UCS. HERE is additional information about the program. The director this year is Harrison Griffith (HGriffith@gbymca.org). Harrison will alternate days between UCS and JES as we share such an overlap in the community. When Harrison isn't on site at UCS, Nick Irwin Testa, Assistant Program Director, will be at UCS.
COMMUNITY NEWS
MMYBL Registration is now OPEN
Openings in ReTribe's Fall Forest School & Afterschool in Underhill/Richmond
Would your child enjoy spending time each week connecting with nature through the seasons, learning outdoor skills and crafts, and playing joyfully with a community of friends and mentors? ReTribe is accepting students ages 6-13 for their Forest School and Wild Woods Afterschool programs. Forest School has spaces open on Thursdays in Underhill from 9am-3pm. After- School meets Mondays and Thursdays in Underhill from 3-5:30pm. Learn more at www.retribe.org/the-forest-school. There is after school bus transportation provided by Underhill Central School.
STAY CONNECTED with WHAT'S HAPPENING @ UCS
We will keep our WEBSITE updated on a regular basis. We also invite you to follow us on our two main social media pages: TWITTER (X) and INSTAGRAM. I also encourage you to reach out to the classroom teachers as they all communicate in a variety of different platforms!
Underhill Central School
Email: ucsoffice@mmuusd.org
Location: 6 Irish Settlement Rd, Underhill, VT 05489
Phone: 802.899.4676
