Uplifting Urbandale
UCSD Newsletter 05.03.24 #upliftingU
Class of 2024! Urbandale High School & Metro West Learning Academy Graduation Events
Urbandale High School Class of 2024 Commencement Ceremony
Thursday, May 23rd at 7:00 p.m. at the Knapp Center, Drake University
The graduation live stream can be viewed on the District YouTube Channel beginning at 7:00 p.m. on May 23. Congratulations to the Class of 2024! We are #proudofU! (Note: Please use the link above for the most direct access to the livestream.)
Metro West Learning Academy Class of 2024 Graduation Celebration
Wednesday, May 15th at 5:00 p.m. at the new Metro West (3000 100th Street, Urbandale)
To help us ensure we have enough space, please RSVP to Leah Hannah or (515) 727-6301 if you are planning to attend. Congratulations to the Class of 2024! We are #proudofU!
Urbandale High School Teacher Receives 2024 Chamber Educator of the Year Award
On May 3, 2024, the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce presented the Educator of the Year Award to Urbandale High School (UHS) Math Teacher Haley Howell during a surprise presentation at an all-school assembly. Howell sets high standards for her students, leans into challenging situations, models the utmost integrity, and fosters a true sense of community throughout the entire school. Learn More
UHS Hosts BURBS Art Show
April 24-25 was the BURBS Conference Art Show, hosted this year by Urbandale High School at Merle Hay Mall. The districts involved in the art show were: Urbandale, Ankeny Centennial, Waukee Northwest, Dowling Catholic, Johnston, Ankeny, Waukee, and Valley. Each school had three hours to complete a 7ftx7ft mural that will now be displayed at Merle Hay Mall. Urbandale students involved in the conference took home many personal awards! Congratulations and well done! #UHSPride
World Food Prize 2024 Iowa Youth Institute
Congratulations to Lily Childes, Ailie McLaren, Andrew Beeman, and David Mawia, who were named Borlaug Scholars and earned $1,000 scholarships to Iowa State University's College of Agriculture & Life Sciences for their participation in the World Food Prize's Iowa Youth Institute on April 29. These four students wrote research papers about solving food security challenges around the world, presented their work to panels, and learned from global experts to earn this distinction. Join us in congratulating these four students on this exceptional achievement. Great job! We are #proudofU #UBelongHere
Empowering Success In Cybersecurity: A Recap Of Achievements
Our journey in Cybersecurity at UHS begins with a stellar achievement: one of our students emerged as a national cyber finalist.. Their achievement not only reflects personal dedication but also underscores the high caliber of talent nurtured within our cybersecurity program. Building on this success, we are proud to announce that four of our students have been recognized as national cyber scholars. As a result, they have earned invaluable access to this summer’s Cyber Foundations Academy, a prestigious opportunity valued at over $3,000. This recognition not only celebrates their individual prowess but also highlights the comprehensive support and resources available within our program. #UHSPride
2024 Polk County Hazard Mitigation Plan: Public Comments Due May 6
Hazard mitigation planning reduces loss of life and property by minimizing the impact of disasters by identifying natural disaster risks that are common in the area. Afterwards, mitigation plans develop long-term strategies for protecting people and property from similar events.
The 2024 Polk County HMP is available for public review until 5:00 PM CT on May 6th, 2024 and they are interested in your feedback! Please review the draft plan at this website and complete the feedback form, which asks for any proposed changes, concerns, or ideas for how the plan can be improved in the future.
Celebrating Innovation and Creativity: A Recap of Intro to Engineering Design
The past year in UHS’s Introduction to Engineering Design class has been marked by innovation, hands-on experiences, and invaluable industry connections. One of the highlights of our year was the creation of carnival games that were played at the homecoming street party. Learn more about the amazing things these students are working on here.
Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPI)
AANHPI Heritage Month is an annual celebration that recognizes the historical and cultural contributions of individuals and groups of Asian and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander descent to the United States. We are so grateful for our AANHPI community here in the UCSD! We welcome you to view, read, and listen to these resources. #UBelongHere #aanhpihistorymonth #celebrateaanhpi
National Principal's Day
On National Principal’s Day, we celebrate our Principals for their outstanding support of students, families, teachers, and staff. When you see these leaders in your building, please extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ for the countless hours they have dedicated, and continue to dedicate, to planning, preparing, and leading learning environments that are welcoming and inclusive for all students. We are grateful to have such outstanding leaders, partners, and advocates in education throughout all of our schools. Our schools are stronger because of their leadership. #ThankAPrincipal
National School Lunch Hero Day
Our UCSD Nutrition Services Team always goes above and beyond when it comes to serving students with a smile while also navigating how to prepare healthy and nutritious foods, food allergies, and strict nutrition guidelines. So in order to recognize this amazing team, join us in celebrating School Lunch Hero Day on May 3.
If you see any of these smiling faces, be sure to share your appreciation. #UBelongHere #SchoolLunchHeroes https://tinyurl.com/47cjvnfa
Mental Health Awareness Month
This month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month and serves as a great opportunity to bring light to the stigma surrounding Mental Health. This is also a great time to highlight that 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
School Board Recognition Month
The month of May is School Board Recognition Month, sponsored locally by the Iowa Association of School Boards, which gives us the opportunity to celebrate the contributions of board members to Iowa public education. Urbandale Community School District celebrates the work of our school board members who are Propelling Students to New Heights through their commitment to our students, schools, and community. During School Board Recognition month, join us in thanking our UCSD Board of Education for the countless hours they dedicate to supporting students, families, staff, teachers, and administrators. We are #thankful4U! #CelebrateIASchoolBoards
Join the Fun During the Urbandale Color Run
The Urbandale Middle School PTO is hosting the second annual “Urbandale Color Run” on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Participants can choose to walk or run a 3.5K or 5K route around Urbandale. The run will start and end at the Urbandale Middle School parking lot located at 7701 Aurora Avenue, Urbandale. Check-in begins at 9:00 a.m. with the race beginning at 10:00 a.m. Proceeds will support students and teachers at Urbandale Middle School. All are welcome to participate. Come out and join the fun during the 2nd Annual Urbandale Color Run. Don’t delay—register today!
Reminder: Important Dates in May 2024
Traditional Calendar (all schools except KA):
Friday, May 24: Last day of school (Note: Last day of school for Seniors is May 17)
Karen Acres:
Friday, May 24- Tuesday, May 28: No School- Memorial Day
Classroom Communications in ParentSquare
Over the past few months, all school-office, district-office, and baseball coach communications have been sent via the Urbandale app (powered by ParentSquare). As part of our phased implementation, classroom teachers have now received initial ParentSquare training. Before the end of the school year, parents/guardians will receive a minimum of one Post from their child’s classroom teacher(s). Posts in ParentSquare are delivered via email, text, and/or app depending on your preferences. Beginning this fall, we’ll fully onboard all teachers and our entire District (teachers, coaches, school-office, district-office) will use ParentSquare for school-to-home communications.
Activate your account by going to parentsquare.com/signin and enter your email or phone number within the “Register” section. You’ll need to use the same email or phone number that is in PowerSchool. To have all communications in one centralized location, search 'Urbandale' in the App Store or Google Play, download the app, and login on the app. You’re welcome to review this doc that outlines how to set up your account based on various scenarios depending on roles (e.g. UCSD staff member with children in the District, UCSD parent who is a staff member in another District using ParentSquare, etc.). If you have questions or need help, please complete this brief help form.
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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!
2024-25 Bus Transportation Request Form
To be on a bus route the first day of school, UCSD needs to receive your Bus Transportation Request no later than July 1st for Karen Acres and August 1st for all other schools. After that date, UCSD can still add your student for bus transportation, but the bus stop locations will be set; thus, students may have to walk farther to their bus stop and possibly wait several days before they can begin riding the bus.
The Bus Transportation Request form can be found in the PowerSchool parent portal. For information on how to complete a Bus Transportation Request, please review instructions on this page. All bus transportation information can be found here. If you have questions regarding bus fees, or adding your student to a bus route, please call the District Registrar at (515) 457-5011.
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!
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!
Safety City: Register Your Incoming Kindergarten Student By May 24
Safety City is a week-long summer program for children entering kindergarten in the fall of 2024. Children will learn about traffic safety, fire safety, home, playground and other kinds of personal safety in an entertaining, positive environment. To make learning about safety fun, Safety City incorporates songs, story books, films, games, and artwork in addition to riding Big Wheels in a mock city setting. Safety City also provides the experience of riding on a school bus to the Urbandale Police and Fire Departments for tours. Safety City is taught by Urbandale Police Officers and staff who are assisted by a team of student helpers. If you have any questions or need financial assistance, please contact Officer Meagan Cowden at 515-331-6804 or mcowden@urbandle.org at the Urbandale Police Department. Fee includes t-shirt, bike helmet and daily snacks. Registration Deadline: May 24
Reminder—Free and Reduced Price Meal Availability
If you have already completed the Iowa Eligibility Application for this school year, you do not need to reapply. Federal law requires that School Food Authorities provide information regarding the availability of free and reduced price meals two times a year. To learn more, please visit UCSD Nutrition Services. If you believe you may qualify for free and reduced price meals but have not applied, you can visit LINQ Connect to complete an application. No login is required. Video and written instructions are available online. For questions, please contact Cassie Mayrose at mayrosec@urbandaleschools.com or 515-457-6911.
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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