First Day of School Information
Dear New Underwood School Families,
We are excited to welcome our students back to school tomorrow! As we prepare for the first day, we want to share a few important reminders about morning arrival, construction around the school, and picture day.
Morning Arrival
To help us maintain a safe and orderly start to the school day, please note the following arrival times:
7:20 a.m. – School breakfast begins. Only students who are participating in school breakfast may enter the building at 7:20 a.m.
7:30 a.m. – Students may arrive on school grounds. Students who are not eating breakfast should not enter the building before this time.
When students arrive at 7:30 a.m., they should report to the following locations:
Grades K-2: Playground behind the school on the north side
Grades 3-5: Southeast lawn near the library
Grades 6-12: Main gym
Staff will be available to help students find their appropriate location.
Construction Around the School
Construction will continue on Madison Avenue tomorrow morning. The city has assured us that the roads around the school will be passible but not completely open with two lane traffic. Please refer to the map for traffic flow information. Parking on Madison Avenue will not be possible as it will still be under construction. We also had a delay in the installation of the flagpole. This is expected to be installed after school hours tomorrow. Thank you for your patience with these projects. The much-needed rain has contributed to the delays in these projects. We are thankful for the rain nonetheless!
Please use extra caution when driving near the school. Drive slowly, remain alert, and be fully aware of construction activity and changing traffic patterns. There may be some temporary detours as crews finish their work around the school.
We appreciate everyone's patience and cooperation as this work continues.
Picture Day
Tomorrow is also Picture Day! 📸
We will call classes down throughout the morning to have their pictures taken as we work our way through the classes. Students do not need to report anywhere specifically for pictures—we will make sure each class gets their turn.
Thank you for helping us make the first day of school a safe, smooth, and positive start for everyone. We are looking forward to seeing our students back in the building!
Go Tigers! 💜💛
Katie Albers
Superintendent
New Underwood School District 51-3
Meal
Today
Breakfast: Yogurt parfait, string cheese, fruit
Lunch: Orange chicken, steamed broccoli, rice, fruit
Weekly Activities
August 21st – Football at Persho 6:00pm (MT) Bus Time 1:45pm
Meal
Today – Breakfast: Muffin, string cheese, fruit, juice
Lunch: Tacos, refried beans, corn, fruit
8/20/2026:
Breakfast: Yogurt parfait, string cheese, fruit
Lunch: Orange chicken, steamed broccoli, rice, fruit
Weekly Activities
August 19th – BOE
August 21st – Football at Persho 6:00 pm (MT) Bus Time 1:45 pm
Daily Announcements
All laptop paperwork must be turned in before Middle school & High School Student can receive paperwork.
It’s time to get your Tiger gear! The BSN Sports stores are officially OPEN for:
🏈 Football
🏐 Volleyball
🏃 Cross Country
There are tons of options for the whole family—T-shirts, hoodies, Nike gear, joggers, quarter-zips, backpacks, and more!
Shop now and show your Tiger pride!
All three stores close on September 8, 2026 — no orders will be accepted after the deadline.
GO TIGERS!
https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/cY4cRxCZbg
https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/7QnJv7vbcc
https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/CZDAfnMaCS
Hello New Underwood School District Families!
Today is OPEN HOUSE for New Underwood School District. Please plan to join us sometime between 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the main office before going to classrooms. We will help you navigate! A couple of notes about getting here today: Our flagpole is getting some much needed repairs and will be down. Additionally, the city water project has currently enforced a road closure from 1416 to Ash Street on Madison Ave. You may need to take an alternative route while they continue their project.
We are looking forward to seeing you this afternoon/evening!
I hope your summer was filled with rest, fun, and quality time with family and friends. While summer always seems to fly by, our staff has been hard at work preparing for another exciting school year, and we can't wait to welcome our Tigers back!
As our district continues to grow, we are excited to welcome several new members to the New Underwood School District family. Their experience and enthusiasm will help us continue providing outstanding opportunities for our students.
New to New Underwood School District:
• Katie Bruce, Business Manager
• Ed Malone, Head of Maintenance
• Anaela Drewitz, Administrative/School Secretary
• Sierra Stuwe, Kindergarten
• Sydney Nein, 4th Grade
• Jennifer Grover, High School English
• Rickkie Martinmaas, High School Math/Business
• Nicole Sharff, Special Education Paraprofessional
• Benjamin VanderMay, Special Education Paraprofessional
Starting a New Role:
• Brandie Merchen, Technology and Student Data Coordinator
Please join us in welcoming these outstanding individuals and extending grace as everyone settles into new roles and responsibilities.
This year also brings several exciting changes for our students. Some early elementary students will begin implementing WIN ("What I Need") intervention groups to provide more targeted instruction. Our middle school will pilot a block schedule designed to maximize instructional time, and our high school students will enjoy learning in our newly completed classrooms across the street.
As with any year that includes new staff, new schedules, and new learning spaces, we appreciate your patience and flexibility during the first few weeks of school. Together, we'll make this transition a successful one.
A few important reminders as we prepare for the start of school:
• Open House: Thursday, August 13, from 2:00–6:00 p.m.
• First Day of School AND Picture Day: Tuesday, August 18. Everyone looks their best on the first day of school! Seniors will take pictures this day, but photos for banners will be scheduled on another day.
• School Supply Lists: Available on the front page of our desktop website or under Applications & Forms in the NU Tigers App.
• Stay Connected: Watch for updates throughout the year on our website and through the NU Tigers App. We have a new Facebook page being established soon as well.
Thank you for entrusting us with your children. We are honored to partner with you in their education and are looking forward to a fantastic year of learning, growth, and success.
We can't wait to see everyone on Tuesday, August 18 at 7:45 am.
Go Tigers!
Warmly and with Tiger Pride,
Katie R. Albers
Superintendent
New Underwood School District
New Underwood School has an immediate opening for an administrative/school secretary. This is a full time position with benefits starting at $18/hour. Applications can be found at: https://www.newunderwood.k12.sd.us/page/employment
We are hiring for the positions listed here! Inquire online at https://www.newunderwood.k12.sd.us/page/employment or reach out directly (605)754-6485 or Katie.Albers@k12.sd.us.
We are proud to welcome new staff members to our district as well as a current staff member in a new role for the 2026-2027 school year!
Summer Office Hours
We are hiring!
Our district is looking for dedicated individuals to join our team. Apply today!
Please go to https://www.newunderwood.k12.sd.us/page/employment for details.
For questions call Katie Albers 605-754-6485
Representing the Tigers at the state level are Olivia Carmichael in the 1600 Meter Run and Emmalee Scott in the Long Jump, Triple Jump, and High Jump. Their dedication, hard work, and determination throughout the season have earned them the opportunity to compete among the best athletes in the state.
We are incredibly proud of Olivia and Emmalee for their accomplishments and for representing New Underwood with excellence both on and off the track.
Fans who would like to watch the state meet can tune in through SDPB for livestream coverage of the events.
Good luck, Olivia and Emmalee!!
School is officially dismissed for summer break! Thank you for allowing our school to be a part of your family this year. We are already looking forward to fall when we can welcome students and staff back!
We would also like to thank Mrs. Selchert for her years of dedication and service to New Underwood Elementary. The kindness, patience, and love you have shared with your students over the years have made a lasting impact on so many young lives. Your former students will always look back on their kindergarten year with fond memories and remember the love and care they felt while in your classroom.
Congratulations to the kindergarten class, and thank you, Mrs. Selchert, for the difference you have made in the lives of children and families throughout the years! Mr. O
