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Uplifting Urbandale
UCSD Newsletter 06.14.24 #upliftingU
Karen Acres Third Grade Wax Museum
Third graders at Karen Acres were tasked with the project of researching a famous figure. Then on Tuesday, June 11 the third graders hosted a Wax Museum. Each student dressed and played the part of the person they researched. What a fun and interactive way to learn about some of the most important people in our history by stepping into their shoes!
Juneteenth: July 19, 2024
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration that commemorates the June 19, 1865, announcement of the abolition of slavery in the United States of America. Here in Iowa, The Iowa Juneteenth Observance has been in existence for over 30 years and was founded by Gary Lawson in 1990. On April 11, 2002, the Iowa Juneteenth holiday was made an official holiday, and on June 17, 2021, Congress approved a bill to make Juneteenth an official federal holiday.
The primary mission of the Iowa Juneteenth Observance is to educate Iowans on the history of Juneteenth and to preserve Juneteenth for future generations to come. The theme for Iowa Juneteenth 2024-2025 is to focus on the three R’s, Remembering history, Releasing the past, and Reshaping futures.
2024 Dragon Games Recap
On May 14th students from Johnston Community School District, Dallas Center- Grimes Community School District and Urbandale Community School District got the opportunity to join in the 2024 Dragon Games! Thank you so much to all who helped organize, run, and participated to make this day truly special for everyone! And many thanks to our Johnston neighbors for inviting Urbandale to participate in the 2024 Dragon Games! Huge thanks to Masterson Media for creating this amazing video below!
Don't Forget To Submit 24-25 Bus Requests!
Don’t forget to submit the 24-25 bus request form if you would like your student to ride the bus next year. The request must be submitted at least 3 weeks before the start date of school if you would like the student to ride the bus on the first day of school. You can find step-by-step instructions on how to complete a bus request, bus pricing, how to request a refund, and maps to determine whether you fall into a Free Zone, Walk Zone, or Pay Zone here.
A couple of things to keep in mind when requesting a bus for your student:
If you live in a Pay Zone and submit a bus request for your student, you will be assigned a bus fee to be paid unless a refund is requested before the semester deadline.
If your student does not ride the bus for two consecutive weeks, they will be removed from their route and you will need to submit a new bus request form.
When your student has been assigned a route, you will be able to view the information in your PowerSchool parent portal. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Become a Host Family!
Summer Learning Safari: Parent University
As we wrap up the school year, we're here to help you keep your elementary-aged child engaged academically this summer. From daily reading sessions at the Urbandale Public Library to backyard science experiments in the park, there's something for everyone! Don't forget to sharpen math skills with everyday activities and explore nature together. Check out the Family Math Resources page provided by our local Area Education Agency for additional math fun. Let's make this summer a time of learning and fun for the whole family!
Teacher Professional Learning
After students left for the summer, teachers engaged in a wide variety of professional learning activities. Sixth grade through twelfth grade science teachers engaged in learning around their new instructional materials and K-12 math teachers engaged in learning related to mathematics instruction.
Teacher Leaders & Administrators Engage in Instructional Framework Training
Forty teacher leaders and administrators came together for the first four days of intense training around the Five Dimensions Instructional Framework. The 5D Instructional Framework will be used across the system beginning fall of 2024 to support the professional growth of educators. The five dimensions of instruction include purpose, student engagement, assessment for student learning, curriculum & pedagogy, and classroom environment and culture. This team of leaders engaged in learning around the framework and actions leaders take to support individual educators' professional growth through coaching and feedback. Learn more Here.
K-12 Counseling Program
The UCSD Board of Directors approved the K-12 Counseling Program. The K-12 counseling program articulates the support professional school counselors provide in each of our schools. School counselors support the school climate, student well-being, and future readiness. The purpose of our K-12 School Counseling Program Guide is to provide a comprehensive roadmap aligned with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) standards, ensuring that every student receives equitable access to high-quality counseling services. Take a look at our K-12 Counseling Program Guide
K-12 Library Program
The Digital Learning Teacher Librarians collaborated across the 2023-2024 school year to review the K-12 library program. The focus of this work was on the learning they lead, the management of library collections, and ongoing assessment and improvement. The UCSD Board of Directors approved the program and learning requirements for the K-12 library program. Click here to learn more about K-12 Library Program.
PreK-12 Technology Plan
Throughout the Spring of 2024 we had educators from across the district come together to identify strengths, opportunities, and processes for the PreK-12 Technology Plan. This plan outlines current and future practices in regard to technology integration to support teaching and learning. In addition, the team drafted technology usage guidelines for students PreK-12 . Click here to learn more about PreK-12 Technology Integration.
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Join the UCSD School Improvement Advisory Committee (SIAC)
The Urbandale Community School District School Improvement Advisory Committee (SIAC) consists of students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community members who learn about and discuss student achievement, programs, and practices. Members of the committee collaborate to develop school and district improvement recommendations for consideration by the School Board.
SIAC typically meets on a quarterly basis from 6:00 p.m.– 7:30 p.m. at the Urbandale High School Media Center. If you would like to participate on this voluntary committee, please email Julie Mitchell mitchellj@urbandaleschools.com by September 1, 2024. Thank you!
UCSD 2024 Summer Hours
Administration Office
The UCSD Administration Office is open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. except on the following dates when the office will close at 12:00 p.m. (Noon):
Friday, June 21, 2024
Friday, June 28, 2024
Friday, July 5, 2024
Friday, July 12, 2024
Note: The UCSD Administration Office will be closed July 4, 2024.
Summer Programming In UCSD Buildings
Summer programming in UCSD school buildings will continue as scheduled as the summer hours mentioned above do not apply to scheduled summer programming. Please contact your program leader if you have any program-related questions over the summer.
Contacting Your School During the Summer
Please contact your school principal(s) if you have any school-related questions over the summer. For student registration questions, please contact our District Registrar/Student Data Specialist Aalyshah Kocher or (515) 457-5011.
Activities Office
The Activities Office is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. through the summer. In the event Activities is out of the office on a game field working, they will post a sign with their return time.
2024 Summer Food Program
The Summer Food Service Program was created to ensure that children continue to receive nutritious meals during the summer when they may not have access to school lunch or breakfast. Each year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture partners with local organizations like Urbandale Community Schools to provide free meals to children when school is out for the summer. This year, Summer Meals will be offered June 5th, 2024 through August 15th, 2024. Dates and times vary by location (See below). Visit the UCSD Nutrition Services website or follow them on Facebook or Twitter for updates.
UHS: June 5- August 9 *Closed July 3-5. Breakfast (8:15-9:15) and Lunch (11:00-12:15)
UMS: August 12- August 15. Lunch (11:00-12:15)
Join Our Team! We’re hiring for 2024-25!
We have recently posted the following regular positions for 2024-25: Adventuretime (Before/After School Care) Associate, Special Education Associate (full-time), Special Education Associate (part-time). These positions don’t require a teaching license or any specialized training and are a great way to make a positive difference in the life of Urbandale students.
We have also posted substitute teacher, associate, custodian, Nutrition Services, and nurse positions if you are looking to work at your own availability.
If you’re interested or want to share the positions, please click on the links included. Questions can be sent to Kate Johnson, HR Specialist.
Register Today! School Registration for the 2024–25 School Year
School registration for the 2024–2025 school year is open! Please review the following information for registering your child for school in the Urbandale Community School District. We know this is a busy time of year for students and families. Thank you in advance for taking time to register your student(s). We’re looking forward to welcoming your child(ren) and family this fall!
Preschool Students: Click here to review detailed Preschool Pre-Registration Information and learn more about our Urbandale Preschool Program.
K-12 Returning Students: You’ll find detailed instructions for registering your returning Kindergarten through 12th grade student(s) by visiting urbandaleschools.com/register
K-12 New Students: If your student(s) is new to UCSD, click here for specific information about registering your new student.
- Year-Round Elementary School: Any family can choose to attend our year-round school located at Karen Acres Elementary. Learn more about our year-round program!
Activate Account. Download App. Stay Connected.
We’re using the Urbandale app (powered by ParentSquare) to share news, updates, and alerts. You do not need an invitation to activate your account. You can register by going to parentsquare.com/signin and entering your email or phone number within the “Register” section. You’ll need to use the same email or phone number that is in PowerSchool.
You’re welcome to review this doc that outlines how to set up your account based on various scenarios depending on roles. After you activate your account, download the UCSD app (search 'Urbandale' in the App Store or Google Play) and login on the app. If you have questions or get stuck anywhere in the process, please complete this brief help form. Thank you!
Step 1: Activate Your Account
(sign-in link & QR Code above)
Step 2: Download & Login to the Urbandale App
App Store
Step 2: Download & Login to the Urbandale App
Google Play
2025-2027 Academic Calendar Planning
The Calendar Committee has identified the top priorities from the previously shared options being explored for the 2025-2027 calendars.
Full Day Professional Learning Dates
Day Options for Parent/Teacher Conferences
A) Elements of the Year Round Calendar or B) Early Outs Prior to Breaks
The data from nearly 550 survey responses were taken into account. Read more about the decision process and see the survey results on our website.
UCSD Essential Tools: Quick Guide For Families
The “UCSD Essential Tools: Quick Guide For Families” is a 1-page overview of key tools in use throughout the district. You’ll find the name of each tool (and corresponding logo), grade levels using the tool, the primary purpose of the tool, where to login, and resources for help using the tool. We hope the Guide is a helpful resource for you!
Student Assistance Program—Free, Confidential Counseling
All UCSD students and their household family members (parents, guardians and siblings) have access to the Student Assistance Program (SAP) provided by Employee and Family Resources. The Student Assistance Program is here to help you and your family members manage the concerns in your life through free, confidential counseling. You can count on your SAP for guidance and support when it comes to assessing your concerns and developing strategies for addressing any of the following:
School-life balance
Family or relationship issues
Emotional issues
Alcohol and drug-related issues
Other issues that interfere with your daily living, happiness, and overall well-being
You do not need a referral. The SAP is available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is strictly confidential. You can call the number directly, let them know you are an Urbandale Schools family, and request assistance. Phones answered by a masters-level clinician. Make as many calls as needed (no limit). Call (515) 244-6090 or 800-327-4692 if you’re outside of the Des Moines area. Learn More
Stay Up to Date with Parent University
Discover how Urbandale Schools is dedicated to supporting academics, student safety, well-being, and technology in our online Parent University video series! Each video bank has vital information about varying topics. If you’re ready to register your students for the 2024-2025 school year our “Using District Technology” section has videos to answer all of your questions!
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Contact Us
Email: communications@urbandaleschools.com
Website: www.urbandaleschools.com
Location: 11152 Aurora Avenue, Urbandale, IA, USA
Phone: 515-457-5000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UrbandaleCSD
Twitter: @UrbandaleCSD