Embedded Files
Announcements & Frequent Needs
Curriculum Night - September 15, 2026
Mark your calendars for Lower School’s Curriculum Night on September 15th from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. Your child’s homeroom teacher will share a look into how your child spends their day, introducing the objectives of each scheduled block and the learning targets for the year, along with our curriculum and instructional framework. Teachers will also share how you can support your child at home.
To support families with more than one lower school student, we will have two thirty-minute sessions (6:00 – 6:30 PM and 6:30 – 7:00 PM). This way, you can attend the presentation for each child.
Schoolwide Reading Initiative
I don't want a single Gryphon to miss out on the fun. We are reading a book together as a whole school. Please make sure that your Gryphon has a copy of the book The Wild Robot. You can purchase copies on Amazon, access a PDF version on Scribd, or listen to the audio version on YouTube. Students are required to read this book with their families as nightly homework. Here is the expected nightly reading schedule.
Please email me a picture of your child reading the book and they will receive a special gift from me on Friday, September 18th.
Benchmark Testing Begins Week of September 21
Three times a year we take benchmark assessments. All grade levels will take the NWEA MAP Growth assessment during the week of September 21st. Here is the Family Toolkit that provides many answers to frequently asked questions. https://www.nwea.org/family-toolkit/.
We use the data from the assessments to gauge a student's current knowledge in reading foundational and comprehension skills and math skills. The scores serve as a starting point for monitoring progress throughout the year. We also use this data to determine student needs for intervention and enrichment services. Kindergarten through second-grade students must have their headphones. A majority of the test will be read aloud.he morning of the test, and arrives on time.
UDS FALL FESTIVAL IS COMING! - September 25
Get ready for an evening of fall fun, family, and Gryphon spirit!; Friday, September 25th
Location: Hall Family Farm; Time: 4:00–7:30 PM Tickets: Families will purchase their own tickets directly from Hall Family Farm. UDS Gathering Area: We will have a covered pavilion reserved for UDS families to gather, relax, and enjoy the evening together!
Bring the whole family and join us for a fun-filled night of fall activities, family time, and school spirit!
We can’t wait to see our UDS families there!
Book Fair Kickoff - September 26
The Book Fair kickoff is September 26th. Join us for family shopping at 10:00 AM. Students will be able to shop throughout the week.
Agendas
Agendas are required for all grade levels. You can buy them through the PTO using the following link: https://uniondaypto.membershiptoolkit.com/home. Student may also use ones purchased from any Walmart, Target or an office supply store.
Important Dates
Important Dates
Sept. 15: Lower School Curriculum Night (6pm to 7pm)
Sept. 21: Lower School MAP assessments begin
Sept. 23: Progress Reports
Sept. 25: Fall Festival
Sept. 26: Book Fair Begins
To inspire a love of reading...We are launching One School, One Book on Tuesday, September 8th. Our entire community—from kindergarten through high school—will read The Wild Robot together. Families read a chapter at night, and students dive into related activities and discussions at school. See the Announcement section above for more information.
Help Us Fuel Our Amazing Staff!
Our Staff Coffee Cart has been such a special treat for our teachers and staff each month — and we need your help to keep it going strong through the end of the school year!
You can sponsor an entire month with a $350 donation, or donate any amount to help contribute toward a month of the Coffee Cart. Every dollar makes a difference and is so appreciated!
Let’s show our staff how much we value all they do for our students every single day.
Please go to the PTO website in the comments to donate.
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Event Committee Requests:
Help Us Decorate & Stretch Our PTO Budget!
Our PTO Events Committee is gearing up for an incredible lineup of events this year—from homecoming and themed dances to holiday celebrations.
To maximize our budget for student activities, we are looking to gather recycled, gently used, or loaned decorations before purchasing new supplies.
If you have any of the following items sitting in attics or closets, please consider donating or loaning them to our PTO:
1920s / Roaring Twenties: Gold, black, and silver metallic decor, faux pearl strands, feather accents, art deco signage, and photo booth props.
Vintage & Wedding Items: White/neutral tablecloths, faux greenery, battery-operated fairy lights, lanterns, wooden crates, and glass vases.
ALL Holiday Decor: Artificial trees or wreaths, menorahs, LED string lights and candles, , oversized bows, winter greenery, and all seasonal tabletop displays.
Drop-Off Details:
Where: Main front office collection bin.
When: Weekdays during normal school hours.
Loaning an item?
Please label it securely with your name, phone number, and student’s homeroom so we can return it promptly after the event!
Please contact Crystal Durham with any questions.
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In an effort to keep carline safe and orderly, UDS uses the School Dismissal Manager app. Whoever picks your child up must have Dismissal Manager downloaded to their phone. Once on campus, you will let us know that you are there for pick up by following the prompts on the app. Your child's teacher will be alerted to dismiss your students. Attached are the directions on how set up your account.
Carline. At the start of the school year, we are all getting accustomed to drop-off and pick-up. Please be patient and carefully follow the directions of carline attendants. Parents, please refrain from getting out of your cars. We will get your child to you as quickly as we can. Here are details on where to drop your children off and pick them up. For families with only Lower School students, any children remaining at 3:45 p.m. will be sent to aftercare.
Quick Links To: Links To:
Speciala & Student Support, Kinder, First Grade, Second Grade,
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