Hello, Families!

I wanted to give you an update on the Safety Drills at Valerius.

Every day we do things to keep ourselves safe. We put on a helmet before we ride a bike. We look both ways before we cross the street. Another way we stay safe is by practicing for things that probably won’t happen but it is good to be prepared for just in case. One way we do this at school, for instance, is by practicing fire drills and severe weather/tornado drills. Practice helps everyone know what to do just in case of an emergency.

Another kind of situation we prepare for is keeping staff and students safe from other unsafe situations. On Sept. 30 at 9:20, our school will practice an active threat drill (previously called lockdown drill). Prior to the drill, classroom teachers will provide instructions for what students will do during the drill. We will share that if there is an unsafe person or event in the building that there are two steps for students to follow:

1. ​​​​​​​The first step is to get to a safe spot with an adult as quickly as possible.

2. The second step is to follow adult directions.

When we will practice the lockdown drill, students will sit quietly as they do for a fire or a tornado drill. Students will listen to instructions and only talk when your teacher has given the student the okay to do so. Following the drill, the teacher will talk with the class about any questions or concerns that students may have had during the drill in order to make sure everyone feels safe at school.

We are aware this topic and practice can be a cause of anxiety for both children and parents. Please know this drill will be quick and handled with care. We know how important your child(ren) is to you (as they are to us) and it is our goal to make sure our staff and students feel safe and prepared for any and all emergencies.

We practice all drills (fire, severe weather, and active threat) four times a year. I will communicate prior to each active threat drill.

Here is additional information about Urbandale Schools Safety + Security.

Please reach out with any questions.

Lara Justmann, Principal

Please make note of the following dates in October 2022 when school will not be in session.

District-Wide

• Friday, October 7: No school due to a teacher in-service/professional development day
• Monday, October 10: No school due to Fall Break
• Adventuretime All Day Program (PreK–5) on October 7 and 10: Registration must be completed by September 21 at 11:59 p.m. Learn more
  

The 2022 Valerius Elementary Fun Run will be held after lunch on Friday, October 14, 2022 at Frerichs Field. Students will walk to the field, have fun running laps on the track, and enjoy a snack. Families can attend to support our students at this fun event!

This all-school run also serves as a fundraiser for the PTO. Our fundraising goal is $8,000. Funds raised help us provide a t-shirt for each student, funding for field trips, school-wide enrichment programs, running club, and more for students throughout the year.

Flock a Friend is back this year! Select the Flock a Friend $50 donation and send a flock of flamingos to your yard or a friend's yard. Friends and & Families can also make donations of any amount here: https://valeriuspto.square.site/

As we begin to prepare for the opening of the new Valerius next year, we will be working with Karen Acres PTO throughout the year to begin bringing families together. You’ll see us partner on several events throughout the year! This is one event Karen Acres has invited us to join! Mark your calendars now for the 5th Annual Karen Acres and Valerius Elementary Fall Festival! From vendors, crafters, free inflatables, train rides, walking tacos and of course raffle baskets everyone is sure to have a wonderful time!

Saturday, October 22, 2022 from 10am-3pm

Join the event page for important details and share the event with friends! https://www.facebook.com/events/1059163498062005

Interested in having a booth? Email karenacresfallfestival@gmail.com

The Polk County Health Department will offer Flu Vaccine Clinics for Urbandale students, staff, parents, siblings, and community members.

Dates: September 28 and October 26, 2022
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Urbandale High School Commons (cafeteria) (Note: Please enter the high school through the main entrance and turn right to walk toward the Commons.)

Reserve Your Flu Vaccine Appointment Online

• September 28 Flu Vaccine Appointments
• October 26 Flu Vaccine Appointments

For more information about the Flu Vaccine Clinics visit the UCSD website.

School Picture day was on September 13th! You can still order pictures by visiting the website https://www.hrimaging.com/ and choosing 9/13/22 School Portrait. Then enter your student's First and Last Name (you may also need their Student ID).

Cal 815.433.1766 with any questions or to order by phone.

Meal Payments

Funds can be loaded onto student accounts electronically through TITAN, or by bringing cash or check to your student's building. For more information on meal pricing, and how to build a complete meal, please check our menus page.

Video tutorials (with translations) - How to Use TITAN

2022-2023 Application for Waiver of Confidentiality and School Fees

Principal: Lara Justmann; justmannl@urbandaleschools.com

Dean of Students: Derek Wilkins; wilkinsd@urbandaleschools.com

Office Manager: Angie Jones; jonesa1@urbandaleschools.com

Nurse: Jenny Villegas; villegasj@urbandaleschools.com

Guidance Counselor: Charlotte Ellerbee; ellerbeec@urbandaleschools.com

Website: https://www.urbandaleschools.com/schools/valerius-elementary/
Location: 6301 Aurora Avenue, Urbandale, IA, USA
Phone: 515-457-6500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valeriuselementary