Uplifting Urbandale
UCSD Newsletter 04.19.24 #upliftingU
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.
Update: UHS Blood Drive Results
On Friday, April 5, Urbandale High School Key Club sponsored a community blood drive with the American Red Cross. Students from Key Club, Leo Club, National Honor Society, CORE, and the UHS Student Senate volunteered their time to help the blood drive run smoothly. Due to all of their hard work the blood drive collected 46 units of whole blood and one (1) power red (= 2 units) during the blood drive. They increased their donations from last year by more than ten units! Each pint of blood collected can help save up to three lives and will touch the lives of so many more. What a great way to pay it forward and make an impact on people in the Urbandale community and across the country! #UHSPride #UBelongHere
Input Wanted: 2025-2027 Parent/Guardian Academic Calendar Survey
We are currently in the early exploration and planning stages for the 2025-2027 Academic Calendars for Urbandale Schools. We are seeking input from stakeholders about ideas you are interested in and priorities you have when thinking of future academic calendars.
Click below to provide feedback:
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!
Announcing Our Olmsted Elementary Principal 2024–25
We’re excited to announce our Olmsted Elementary Principal beginning in the 2024–25 school year. Mrs. Deborah Bordenaro has accepted the position of Olmsted Principal. With nearly 30 years of experience, Mrs. Bordenaro brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this position. Mrs. Bordenaro has been serving as the Assistant Principal at Carlisle Elementary for the past two years. Prior to that Mrs. Bordenaro served as an elementary classroom teacher for 16 years in Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS), a Vice President and President of the St. Anthony School Board of Education for six years, and an elementary classroom teacher for eight years in District 89 located in Illinois. Learn More
UHS Career Con
On Thursday, April 18, Urbandale High School juniors had the opportunity to participate in UHS’s first Career Con to learn more about different careers and jobs available post graduation. Students talked with and listened to presentations from all sorts of businesses including the UCSD Human Resources Department, New View Autism, and the Greater Des Moines Partnership. After the Career Con all UHS students were invited to a Job Fair to talk to local businesses about opportunities during the summer or post graduation. Check out more photos of the fun! #UHSPride #UBelongHere
National Kindergarten Day
Join us on April 21, in wishing a Happy National Kindergarten Day to all of the Kindergarteners at our UCSD Elementary Schools. And a special thanks to our dedicated Kindergarten Teachers! You are all so appreciated! #UBelongHere
Boost Plant Sale
The Boost Program will be hosting a plant sale on Saturday, May 11. The plant sale will be a first come, first serve and a free will donation basis. All proceeds will go to support Boost Program special events. They have tons of plant starters to sell including: Sweet Peppers, Pumpkins, Zucchini, Basil, and so much more! Stop out and support the Boost Program on the 11th and start growing some tomatoes this year! #UBelongHere #UHSPride
National Art Education Association Convention
The National Art Education Association Convention was held April 4-6 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As part of the curriculum review process for UCSD’s K-12 Art program,
seven Urbandale staff members were able to attend and select from hundreds of educational sessions focusing on visual arts instruction. Session topics ranged from assessment, standards, theory, practice, and application in the art classroom. The team was not only able to bring home samples and lesson plans from their participation, but they were also able to benefit through networking, teambuilding, and inspiration.
Updates to the Elementary Building a Better U Learning Requirements
As part of the Social, Emotional, and Character Education curriculum review, the Elementary Building a Better U (BBU) has been updated for the Fall of 2024. These updates will more closely align with the Employability Skills found in the Iowa Core 21st Century Skills Standards and the JHawk Way. Just like the academic grade demonstrates what students know and can do about a specific learning requirement, the life skills score demonstrates how a student is performing on skills that are not directly related to the coure’s content. UCSD defines behavior skills grades as “Life Skills”, in three categories: Safe, Responsible, and Kind. These learning requirements are lifelong skills.
K-5 Literacy Review Underway
Over the past year, a dedicated team of K-5 teachers has been meeting to review and enhance our literacy curriculum. Their collaborative efforts will culminate in the selection of instructional materials that will undergo field testing starting this fall of 2024. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to strive for excellence in our curriculum, empowering students for success in their academic journey.
K-12 Birth to Grade 3 Comprehensive Literacy Plan Drafted
A team has been meeting throughout the school year to draft a Birth to Grade 3 Comprehensive Literacy Plan. This has been a collaborative effort by educators and community members to enhance literacy in our community and schools. Developed by a dedicated team, the plan has been carefully drafted and signals a promising future for literacy education. With a focus on early literacy from birth to third grade, this initiative aims to foster a culture of literacy for lifelong learning. Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this transformative journey, shaping a JHawk future through literacy.
K-12 School Counseling Program Review Draws to an End
We're excited to announce that the K-12 counseling program review is drawing to a close! Throughout this thorough process, we've delved into the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) standards and programming guidelines to ensure alignment with best practices. Our dedicated team has reviewed the supports and programming offered to K-12 students, focusing on enhancing their social, emotional, and academic well-being. As we near the completion of this review, we're eager to implement the insights gained, furthering our commitment to providing comprehensive counseling services that empower students to thrive. Stay tuned for updates on the exciting developments ahead!
9-12 English and Math Electives Curriculum Review
The curriculum review for our English and Math electives is nearing its completion. Over the past several months, educators and curriculum facilitators have been diligently evaluating and refining these essential components of our academic offerings. As we approach the conclusion of this process, we're eager to unveil the enhancements and updates that will enrich the learning experiences of our students in the following courses:
English Electives Reviewed
Creative Writing
Power of Persuasion
AP Lit and Composition
Experiences in Writing I and II
Advanced Composition I and II
Advanced Creative Writing
Mathematics Electives Reviewed
Bridges to Algebra (New Course)
Consumer Math I & II
Technical Math for College & Career (New Course)
College Statistics
Pre-Calculus
AP Calculus
Coming Up 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). The next step in our phased implementation will take place at the end of April when we’ll provide initial training for teachers to begin learning about ParentSquare. Before the end of the school year, parents/guardians will receive a Post from their child’s 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. If you’d like the app on your phone, search 'Urbandale' in the App Store or Google Play. If you have questions or need help, please complete this brief help form.
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! Enjoy this video from last year’s Color Run!
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, April 26- Friday, May 3: Intersession
Friday, May 24- Tuesday, May 28: No School- Memorial Day
Please join us for graduation!
Wednesday, May 15 at 5pm: Metro West Graduation at Metro West Learning Academy
Thursday, May 23 at 7pm: UHS Graduation at the Drake University Knapp Center
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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!
Metro West Learning Academy Community Open House: April 23
Please join us in celebrating the opening of the new Metro West Learning Academy during our Community Open House from 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Attendees will have an opportunity to take self-guided tours of the new space. A short program will take place at 4:30 p.m. Metro West is located at 3000 100th Street in Urbandale. We look forward to welcoming you!
Submit your Thanks for Educator Appreciation Week!
In celebration of Educator Appreciation Week, May 6 – 10, 2024, we’d like to invite UCSD students, parents, guardians, staff, alumni, and community members to share your thoughts about a current UCSD educator(s) who has made a positive difference in your life and/or your child’s life. Statements will be shared online (district website, newsletter, social media) during Educator Appreciation Week. (Note: Statements will be reviewed and anything deemed inappropriate will render the statement unusable in its entirety.)
If you'd like to participate, please complete this brief form. Thank you for sharing a statement as a wonderful way to remind educators how much they are appreciated and valued!
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. You’re welcome to review the Guide as a Google Doc or download the Guide as a PDF. We hope the Guide is a helpful resource for you!
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.
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
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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