We'll have a series of short video links for parents this month about popular social media apps including TikTok, SnapChat, and Instagram. Technology continues to evolve and it is important

as a parent that you stay up to date. A popular

social media application TikTok is used by many

students. Watch this quick video to stay in the

know about this application and how students are

using it! TikTok Safe? (YouTube video from 2018)

Many people ask how they can help teachers. We are creating this volunteer section for opportunities at Valerius:

Mrs. O'Connor would like gathering and organizing science materials (30 min). Please email her at oconnorm@urbandaleschools.com to set up a time.

Mrs. Baack would like help on 'F' days hanging artwork in the hallways. Please contact her at baackr@urbandaleschools.com to work on details.

SURVEY

Every spring parents/families of Valerius students are invited to take a survey to help us check in on your experience of our school. Based on that information the school works to improve what we do to continually improve the experience that students/families have. Here is a short list of the strategic actions we are taking here at Valerius in response to feedback given last spring:

*Positive parent contacts in the first three weeks of school

*Start using BLOOMZ school wide to communicate what is happening in the classrooms and in the school

*Weekly communication from the principal (Valerius Weekly Digest)

*Bi-weekly updates from teachers about what is happening in the classroom

*Continue SOAR assemblies at the end of each month (run by our Kindness Crew)

*SOAR awards given in the classroom on late starts

*Continue Parent Advisory Council (first one in December)

Now, we want to know how we are doing. Your feedback will be shared at our Parent Advisory council on December 16th from 6:30-7:30 to help gather ideas on action steps we can take in the next few months to get better.

Thanks for being positive partners in supporting your student(s) on their educational journey. We are grateful for all of you!

December calendars seem to fill up fast, so be sure to save space for Valerius Pride and Spirit Night at the UHS basketball games on Friday, December 13th. Students will receive a free pass to get into the games.

Girls play at 6:15 and boys play at 7:45. Mrs. Cole plans to attend both games!

If you are interested in supporting the J-Hawks and attending other sporting events the schedules and information can be found at J-Hawks.com .

Monday, December 2nd- Box Tops are Due

Tuesday, December 3rd- Valerius Pump It Up Night- 6-8pm

Wednesday, December 4th - LATE START

Thursday, December 5th- Chorus Rehearsal; PTO from 6-7pm

Principal- Valerius Elementary

Email: colem@urbandaleschools.com
Website: www.urbandaleschools.com
Location: 3305 92nd St. Urbandale, IA 50322
Phone: 515-457-6501
Twitter: @MichelleACole