Upcoming Iowa Statewide Assessment for Student Progress (ISASP)
As we approach the Iowa Statewide Assessment for Student Progress, we want to remind you this standardized test is a tool for evaluating student progress and guiding school improvement. To help your child succeed, we've compiled some tips and reminders for the upcoming assessment.
1. Arrive on Time:
Punctuality is vital on test days. Plan to arrive at school a little earlier than usual to avoid any last-minute rush. Late arrivals can cause unnecessary stress and disrupt the focus needed for the assessment. Ensure that your child has all the necessary materials, such as pencils and erasers, packed and ready to go the night before.
2. Attendance Matters:
Attendance during the assessment period is crucial. Make every effort to ensure your child attends school on test days. Missing a testing session can impact their overall performance, and we want to give every student the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and knowledge.
3. Stay Positive and Relaxed:
Encourage your child to approach the assessment with a positive mindset. Remind them that they have been preparing for this and that they are well-prepared. Encourage deep breaths and moments of relaxation before and during the test to help manage stress.
4. Follow Test Instructions:
During the assessment, it's essential for students to carefully read and follow all instructions. Remind them to pace themselves, allocate time wisely, and review their work if time allows. Stress the importance of answering every question to the best of their ability.
By following these tips, we believe your child will be well-prepared and ready to tackle the Iowa Statewide Assessment for Student Progress. Our dedicated teachers and staff are here to support and guide each student through this process, and we appreciate your partnership in ensuring their success.
TESTING SCHEDULE
Monday, Aug. 15th: Science
Grade 5 Only 1:00 - 2:10
Tuesday, Aug. 16th: Reading
Grade 3: 9:10 - 10:20
Grade 4: 9:10 - 10:20
Grade 5: 10:00 - 11:10
Wednesday, Aug. 17: Math
Grade 3: 9:10 - 10:20
Grade 4: 9:10 - 10:20
Grade 5: 10:00 - 11:10
Thursday, Aug. 18: Language and Writing
Grade 3: 9:10 - 9:40, then 11:10 - 12:00
Grade 4: 9:10 - 9:40, then 9:45 - 10:35
Grade 5: 10:00 - 10:30, then 10:35 - 11:20
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.
Log Into Your Powerschool Parent Portal and Register Today!
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 for the 24-25 school year. 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!
Log into your Powerschool Parent Portal to get started: https://powerschool.urbandale.k12.ia.us/public/home.html
**Don't forget that you must also register for the bus every year as well. You can find the 24-25 Bus Request form in your Powerschool Parent Portal under FORMS.
SAVE THE DATE - May 4th from 8am-12pm
The Valerius PTO Plant Sale will be held May 4th from 8am to 12pm outside the main entrance to Valerius. This will run in conjunction with the Polk County Master Gardeners' Spring Sale at the Demonstration Garden, so it's a great time to take care of all of your gardening needs. Houseplants, perennials, vegetables, herbs, gift baskets, and more will be available, along with a student-run lemonade stand!
Outside Recess
Recess will be held outside unless the temperature (including windchill) falls below 10 degrees. Temperature checks will be made 15 minutes before all recesses at www.weather.gov
Dance Camp
Open to 3rd- 8th graders. Register HERE. Registration deadline is July 9th.
Register Your Incoming Kindergartener 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
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!
Pikmykid Dismissal App Registration Information
Menus/ Payments
To access menus and make meal payments, you will need to visit LINQConnect.com and/or download the app in your app store.
Visit the UCSD Website for more information.
Free & Reduced Meal Application
School Fees
Beginning in the 2023–24 school year, we will be collecting payment for books, materials, and bus transportation fees via PowerSchool. We have created the following step-by-step instructions for this new process.
Translated instructions: Bosanski , မြန်မာဘာသာ, Laiholh (ဟားခါး-ချင်း) , Español , Kiswahili
VALERIUS ELEMENTARY
Dean: Derek Wilkins; wilkinsd@urbandaleschools.com
Principal Secretary: Angie Jones; jonesa1@urbandaleschools.com
Office Secretary: Caley Jo Schroeder; schroederc@urbandaleachools.com
Nurse: Katie Scandrett; scandrettk@urbandaleschools.com
Guidance Counselor: Liz Donner; donnere@urbandaleschools.com
FFO: Maddy Punsalan; punsalanm@urbandaleschools.com
Website: https://www.urbandaleschools.com/schools/valerius-elementary/
Location: 3305 92nd St, Urbandale, IA, USA
Phone: 515-457-6500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valeriuselementary