The Bobcat Den
August 2025
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TOGETHER AGAIN at UCS!
TOGETHER AGAIN at UCS!
Hello UCS Families,
Welcome back! I hope your summer was filled with laughter, adventure, and plenty of time to recharge. Our team has been busy preparing the school for another incredible year and our halls are ready to buzz again with students.
As I begin my second year as principal here at UCS, I am filled with gratitude for the warmth and support this community continues to show. Last year, we built strong connections, celebrated countless successes, and created a culture where students feel seen, valued, and excited to learn. This year, we’ll continue that momentum together!
The first day of school is always such a special time, full of fresh starts and new possibilities. You can expect:
A strong focus on relationships and social-emotional learning because students are most successful when they feel connected and safe.
Engaging, hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity and creativity.
Partnership and communication between home and school, ensuring that every child thrives.
I can’t wait to see all the smiles, hear the stories, and watch your children continue to grow! I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer and see everyone on the 27th!
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
August 25th ~ Kindergarten Family Welcome Event
August 27th ~ First Student Day of School
September 1st ~ NO SCHOOL -> Labor Day
September 4th ~ PTO Welcome Back Picnic (PTO will have burgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks for sale and will be doing a 50/50 raffle)
September 10th ~ Student Early Release Day (2 hours earlier)
September 25th ~ Student Picture Day
UCS DAILY INFO
ARRIVAL
We will welcome students into the building beginning at 7:30 a.m. Our school day begins at 7:50 a.m. It's important that your child arrives on time so they do not miss any learning opportunities.
Arrival - Bus Drop Off
Staff will greet students arriving off the bus. Students will enter the building using the library entrance and head directly to their classrooms.
Arrival - Parent Drop Off
Vehicles will stop at the sidewalk in front of the main office entrance. Staff will open the vehicle door and greet your child and family. Students will enter the building using the main office entrance and head directly to their classrooms.
DISMISSAL
Dismissal - Parent Pick Up (2:20 pm)
Parents will wait outside as dismissal staff radio teachers, calling students by name, allowing students to exit the school building.
Dismissal - Bus Transportation (2:20 pm)
Students will be dismissed by bus # to load buses.
Dismissal - Part2 Afterschool Program (JES)
Students will be dismissed to the afterschool program by loading an afternoon bus to JES
ATTENDANCE
Consistent and regular attendance is paramount to student development and success. On time arrival provides a student with the most positive start to the day. If your student will be absent or tardy, please notify the main office and classroom teacher by 8:00 am on the day of absence. If your student is absent due to illness, please copy the health office in your communication.
Main Office: 802-899-4676
Connie Arceneaux: connie.arceneaux@mmuusd.org
Health Office: ucsnurse@mmuusd.org
Our first priority is your child’s safety. If we have not been notified of absence or tardy by the family, the main office will begin contacting families at 8:15 am. If a child is not at school, and contact with family members has been unsuccessful, the principal may call the state police. Students are marked absent until they arrive and check in at the main office.
WHAT YOUR CHILD NEEDS for DAY 1
A backpack large enough to carry library books, a lunch box, and any gear that is being transported back and forth
A daily snack and lunch, unless your child is getting meals from school
A labeled water bottle
BUS TRANSPORTATION
Below is transportation information for the upcoming SY. Please contact the bus garage with specific questions regarding bus routes. They can be reached at 899-4840 or their website.
2025-2026 AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM
Part2 will be providing after school programming at UCS. HERE is additional information about the program and be on the lookout for direct communication coming soon from the program director. PartAfter School programming begins on August 27th
FOOD SERVICE
For the 2025-2026 school year, school meals will continue to be free. Even though there is no charge for snack and lunch, we encourage you to fill out this application for free and reduced-price school meals. If many families fill out and return this form, we will get more money from the federal government for free school meals now and in the future. We will also get more money for other school programs. Filling out this form also helps our community provide free summer meals to all kids, and free meals to kids in childcare. HERE is additional information outlining food service, free and reduced lunch, and common questions asked.
FROM THE DISTRICT
2025-2026 SY District Calendar
The district has put out the SY calendar for next year over the weekend. There are minimal changes compared to this year’s school calendar. The First Student Day is back on a Wednesday (August 27th).
You can view the full 2025-26 SY Calendar HERE and it was shared in the District Happenings as well!
FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE
UCS has been recognized as a 2024-2025 GOLD Level Asthma-Friendly School by the VT DOH Asthma Program. The program recognizes schools who demonstrate the commitment to improving & maintaining asthma-friendly policies & practices & promoting good asthma management among students.
We are also pleased to recognize Tara McMahon, our School Nurse, as an Asthma Champion for 2024-2025 for demonstrating exceptional commitment to improving and promoting asthma friendly policies and practices in our school!
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!!!
NEWS FROM THE PTO
We are also looking for a new PTO board member to serve as secretary and lead communications for next year. We also need a new PTO President-Elect! This person will serve alongside the existing board next year in preparation for the 2026-2027 school year. This is a GREAT role for a kindergarten, first or second grade parent. We need you! Please reach out to us at UCSPTO@mmuusd.org to learn more!
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.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Openings in ReTribe's Fall Forest School & Wild Woods Afterschool in Underhill
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 Wednesday and Thursdays in Underhill from 9am-3pm. Wild Woods Afterschool meets Mondays and Thursdays in Underhill from 3-5:30pm. Learn more at www.retribe.org/the-forest-school. & https://www.retribe.org/after-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 will communicate weekly either by newsletter or blog.
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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