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Uplifting Urbandale

UCSD Newsletter 9.08.23 #upliftingU

Uplifting Urbandale UCSD Newsletter 9.08.23 #upliftingU
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We invite you to read the UCSD bi-weekly newsletter, “Uplifting Urbandale." Newsletters are archived on the Newsletter section of the District website. Please make note of the accessibility options which can be used to enlarge the text and/or translate this email. Mah hi Hakha holh in don na duh ahcun, Zaangfahnak tein Dar Lian ah peh tlai te.

Thank U Ramsey Subaru!

Many thanks to the Ramsey Subaru of Des Moines team who donated school supplies to ensure our classrooms are equipped with essential materials and tools this school year. The supplies will directly support classrooms throughout the district so students can focus on learning and thrive throughout the year. In addition, the Subaru Loves Learning corporate program donated classroom supplies for new teachers at Valerius. Thank you, Ramsey Subaru, for the incredibly generous donations. We are #thankful4U!

Open Interviews For Special Education Associates: September 23

On Saturday, September 23 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Olmsted Elementary we will be hosting open interviews for candidates interested in applying for a Special Education Associate position. Applicants will have the opportunity to complete an application and background check on site and have an interview with a small team. If you would enjoy making a positive difference in the lives of UCSD students, working within a school-day schedule, and being a member of IPERS (the state’s largest public retirement system), then we’d love to meet with you! No appointment needed; stop by Olmsted Elementary (7110 Prairie Avenue) between 9-11 a.m. on September 23 to visit with us. If you have questions, please reach out to HR Specialist Kate Johnson at johnsonk@urbandaleschools.com. We look forward to meeting you!
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Urbandale Homecoming Week: September 18–23 Go J-Hawks!

Come support your J-Hawks and celebrate our Urbandale community spirit during Urbandale High School Homecoming 2023! We’ll be celebrating with a variety of activities the week of September 18th. We look forward to welcoming you! Learn More
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Celebrating National Payroll Week

During National Payroll Week we want to celebrate Robin VanRoekel in her new position as Payroll Specialist at UCSD. Robin is responsible for all of our nearly 800 UCSD employees being paid accurately, consistently, and on time. Thank you, Robin, for all that you do in this very important position! We are #thankful4U
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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

Upcoming Road Closure / Detour

The Urbandale Water Utility has informed us of an upcoming water main improvement project that will impact portions of Aurora Avenue and 70th Street. We’ve informed our bus transportation provider, Durham, and also wanted you to have this same information so you could make any necessary adjustments in the route(s) you take to and from school. You’re welcome to review Activities-related specifics regarding the road closure/detour. In addition, please review the following information provided by the Urbandale Water Utility.


The Urbandale Water Utility will begin water main improvements on 70th Street from Madison Avenue to Aurora Avenue. This project will include installing approximately 2,200 feet of water main in the west right-of-way of 70th Street. The new water main will replace the smaller deteriorating water main, mitigate future breaks, and improve firefighting capabilities.


In an effort to minimize the disruption of school traffic, Urbandale Water Utility will be starting the project on Saturday, September 9, 2023. The contractor will begin installing new water main across Aurora Avenue, resulting in a complete closure of the west leg of the 70th Street and Aurora Avenue intersection. This full closure is expected from September 9th to September 12th. Traffic will be detoured around the project site utilizing 71st Street and Prairie Avenue. We apologize in advance for the inconvenience to the traffic flow while the Urbandale Water Utility completes this project.


Following the completion of the water main installation at the 70th Street and Aurora Avenue intersection, water main installation will continue to progress south along 70th Street to Madison Avenue. The new water main will be installed in the west right-of-way of 70th Street. The outside southbound lane will be closed in one block increments to complete this work. The cross streets will also be closed periodically while the contractor is performing the necessary connections. The entire project is expected to be completed by June 1, 2024.

Voter-Approved Physical Plant & Equipment Levy: Vote November 7

On November 7, 2023, eligible voters living within the Urbandale Community School District (UCSD) boundaries will have an opportunity to vote on the renewal of the Voter-Approved Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (VPPEL). The VPPEL is a voter-approved levy that serves as one of the most important revenue sources for Iowa school districts. VPPEL funds can be used to enhance school safety and security, upgrade technology equipment, improve school buildings and grounds, and purchase items such as playground equipment and musical instruments.


The VPPEL has been in place since 2015 at a rate of $1.34 per $1,000 of assessed property valuation. The VPPEL is an annual property tax levy, not a bond referendum. The authorization for UCSD to levy this tax must be renewed by public vote every 10 years. The current authorization expires June 2025. Voters will be asked to consider the renewal of the voter-approved PPEL at the same rate of $1.34 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. The VPPEL is projected to provide $15 million to $20 million over its 10-year span. Renewing the VPPEL will NOT increase the property tax rate. Learn More
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“The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band Performing At UHS October 12

For the first time in five years, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band returns to the Midwest on tour, performing a free 7:30 p.m. concert on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at Urbandale High School Performing Arts Center. Organizers from Urbandale High School have helped bring the ensemble from the nation’s capital to Urbandale, Iowa, for this community event. Free tickets are available online starting September 12 (limit 4 per request). Seating is general admission and ticket holders must be seated by 7:15 p.m.; remaining seats will be released to the standby line at that time. Learn More
"The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band Performing At UHS October 12, 2023

PreK-12 Social Emotional Behavior Curriculum Review Underway

Preschool through 12th grade teachers have gathered to engage in initial learning around social emotional learning specific to brain development and the Iowa Social Emotional Competencies. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) refers to the process through which individuals, particularly children and adolescents, develop and acquire essential skills and competencies related to understanding and managing their own emotions, establishing positive relationships, and effectively handling social situations. Later this fall, our entire learning community will have the opportunity to provide feedback on instructional materials selected for field testing.

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Learn More About Becoming A UCSD School Board Candidate: Nomination Papers Due Sept 21

Every two years we hold School Board elections and this year Urbandale Community School District will have four open seats on the ballot. All four seats are four-year terms. School Board volunteers are highly valued leaders in our district as they are elected to represent what is best for students, families, and staff. Board members volunteer their time by attending, collaborating, and leading semi-monthly work sessions and board meetings that focus on developing effective policies, establishing efficient budgets, and advocating for high-quality public education that prepares students for success. Learn More
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UCSD Educators: Apply For A ‘Making A Difference Grant’ By September 22, 2023

The Making A Difference Grant is intended to provide educators the opportunity to receive funds from the Urbandale Schools and Alumni Foundation (formerly known as the Urbandale Education Foundation) to assist you in a project to “bring learning to life” in the classroom. Historically, funding for grants has ranged between $100 and $1,500 per grant. Please review the grant criteria on Page 2 of the application, complete the following information and submit your application by September 22, 2023; grants will be awarded in October 2023. If you have questions, please email Aaron Young at younga@urbsaf.org or call 515-412-4284. Here is a link to this year’s application: 2023-24 UEF Making a Difference Grant Application
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Save the Date! UHS Distinguished Alumnus Award and Celebration September 23

The Urbandale Alumni Association is proud to present the UHS Distinguished Alumnus Award and Celebration taking place at the Stoney Creek Hotel in Johnston on Saturday, September 23, 2023. Please join us in presenting Michelle Wright (Class of ‘75) with the UHS Distinguished Alumnus Award, enjoy a great buffet style meal, bid on amazing class, family and business auction baskets, Live Dessert auction with delicious bakery items from local bakeries and family and receive your very own “U” gift bag! Tickets are $50.00 per person and can be purchased here. Proceeds go toward supporting scholarships for the Urbandale High School Class of 2024. Last year, over $6,000 were awarded in scholarships. Thank you for your support. Go J-Hawks!
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Join Our Team! We’re hiring for various positions and we’d like to hear from you!

Are you interested in making a positive difference in the lives of Urbandale students? Do you like building relationships and helping others reach their potential? Would you enjoy hours within a school-day schedule while being a member of IPERS (the state’s largest public retirement system)? If you’ve answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, we’d like to hear from you! We’re currently seeking team members for a variety of positions, including several associate openings, working closely with individual students. If you’d like to learn more about specific positions, please reach out to Kate Johnson or building principals!
Our newly posted positions include: Full-Time Substitute Teacher and UMS Math/Science Teacher Learn More
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Student Meal Pricing And Payments

UCSD Nutrition Services recognizes the important connection between a healthy lifestyle and a student’s ability to learn effectively which is why we ensure all students have access to a healthy breakfast and lunch on a daily basis. Families will need to carry a positive balance in their children’s school meal accounts in order for children to access breakfast and lunch while at school. Learn more about meal prices, payments, the Iowa Eligibility Application, and the Student Fee Waiver Program.

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New Class Offerings With Urbandale Community Education

Urbandale Community Ed is excited to offer new classes in Science, Engineering, and Robotics. Your student can also learn Spanish, Chess, and Art in fun and engaging classes offered at UCSD elementary schools. Check out urbandalecommunityed.com for all of our new classes for any age. Don't forget to come back in March when the Summer Camp Series is released for all of the fun camps and clinics offered here in Urbandale!
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Come On Out & Support Your J-Hawks!

You can find information about all activities to include athletics, the performing arts, and the Booster Club right at your fingertips. Be sure to visit j-hawks.com for all of the latest information, upcoming events, and highlights. Plus, purchase your fan gear online at the J-Hawk Shop. Let’s go J-Hawks!
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Check Out What’s New In The Flyer Hub

The UCSD Flyer Hub is a great resource for finding information about community activities, opportunities, and services. We post flyers from our district, community education, and organizations within our community. Flyers are frequently updated so be sure to check back often.

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This email is sent to UCSD parents/guardians and staff on a bi-weekly basis. If someone you know would like to receive this weekly newsletter, please invite them to Opt-In here. Thank you!

Educational Equity Statement

It is the policy of the Urbandale Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, religion, marital status (for program), ethnic background, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, age (for employment), or socio-economic background (for program) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact the District office at 11152 Aurora Avenue, Urbandale, IA or call 515-457-5000. The District’s Equity Coordinator is Stephanie Davis, daviss@urbandaleschools.com.
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