The Hoot

Back to school supply lists are now available! The PTO is excited to offer CORE supply bundles at a discounted costs. Learn more and purchase yours here. ORDERING ENDS ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 25th at 5PM!

As many of you know a task force has been convened to make recommendations on the future of the Underwood and Ward elementary schools.  Below is a note from the Ward PTO outlining a meeting they had regarding the proposed options and a timeline. To quote a parent in attendance, “I was blindsided by what they are proposing, and the timeline for how fast this could all happen.” A similar meeting will be held at Underwood on June 6th at 7pm and we encourage ALL families with children under 11 to attend (including those of you with kids not yet in school.) THE MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 7-8 in the Underwood Gym and is open ALL COMMUNITY MEMBERS. Proposed changes could take place as early as the Fall of 2024 – impacting all children who are currently in the 3rd grade or younger.  We do READ MORE

In fall 2022, Mayor Fuller allocated $100,000 in ARPA funds to hire a Consultant for an Underwood and Ward Facility and Enrollment Study. Both Underwood and Ward occupy buildings that are nearly 100 years old, and both schools are experiencing enrollment declines that are beginning to impact the educational experience of students. Perkins and Eastman Architects has been selected as the consultant and a task force has been established. The consultant and the task force will work together over the coming months to help the district identify and examine options to address facility, educational, and enrollment challenges at Underwood and Ward. The task force will be meeting monthly and meetings are public. There will also be meetings with the staff and families at both schools, as well as community meetings and opportunities for staff, family and community input. To learn more about READ MORE

Don’t miss the annual 5th Grade vs. Teachers Kickball Game! Friday, May 12th at 3pm! All proceeds go to the 5th Grade Graduation activities! Purchase your tickets via venmo (@underwoodpto) or with cash. You can get tickets in-person afterschool on 5/10 and 5/11 afterschool or the Day of 5/12!

When: Friday, May 19th 6:30-8:30pmWhere: Underwood GymWho: All Underwood Families! Join us for the return of the famous Gillette Stadium Announcer Mike Rileyas he brings a new level of entertainment with a family-friendly music bingo and dance party night! Name that tune meets dance party USA! Participation of all ages is encouraged. Learn more and RVSP: bit.ly/UWD-Bingo

we have several openings for PTO board members next year, including Co-President, Treasurer, Communications VP, Newsletter Chair, and Community Building VP. Treasurer (One Open Role) One-year term.  Communications (Two Open Roles) One-year terms.  Newsletter Chair  Communications VP Community Building (Two Open Roles) One-year terms. This position oversees a variety of programs and activities to build bridges among all families within the Underwood community, including helping Underwood’s Boston families feel welcome. The VP of Community Building recruits volunteers and organizes various family events throughout the year to help families connect to each other. Co-President (One Open Role)Two-year Term The Co-Presidents oversee all PTO Board and Committee responsibilities, including but not limited to: You can find out more here. We are looking to fill these positions by June, so if you have any interest please reach out to underwoodpto@gmail.com. We are always happy to hear from you!

Dear Underwood Families, This morning, Interim Superintendent Kathleen Smith shared the first draft of the budget for the 2023-24 school year. This budget was formed after months of consultation, feedback, and review by principals, department heads, and central staff. No proposal to reduce services and staff was taken lightly. However, with a nearly $5 million budget shortfall, we were forced to look at reductions across the district. Here are the budget documents: As you will see in the slide presentation, the district is experiencing significant financial pressure. Increasing student needs, dramatic increases in operating costs, ongoing use of one-time funds, and the failed operational override are all contributing to our budget challenges. You will see specific reductions in elementary education. For Underwood School in SY2023-24, we anticipate the following as of right now: This initial budget presentation is the start of READ MORE

Our annual online auction to benefit the Underwood Community kicks off on Wednesday, March 29th and features amazing items from local businesses, Underwood Families, and our teachers and staff!

We know everyone can’t join the live meeting this Thursday from 7-8pm at Underwood. If you have a question you’d like us to ask Acting Superintendent Kathleen Smith, J.D. and Newton School Committee members please enter it below.  If you have more than one question please submit this form multiple times. Thank you! We will do our best to ask all questions submitted and report back with answers provided at the meeting.  Submit your questions here.