Uplifting Urbandale

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.

Urbandale High School Special Education Teacher Kindra Black and the UHS Best Buddies chapter have been nominated as Champions by the state-wide Best Buddies program. UHS received this special designation due to the exciting and influential activities and programs being offered by the UHS chapter. Be sure to tune into WHO 13 on October 16 as Megan Salois highlights the UHS Best Buddies program during the Scholastic Spotlight! Learn More

Every two years we hold School Board Elections and this year UCSD has four open seats on the ballot. All four seats are four-year terms. We requested our six school board candidates respond to the following three questions:

1. How will your experiences as a leader support your work on the UCSD Board?

2. What do you believe are the most pressing issues facing the District?

3. How will the UCSD Mission and Vision guide your work as a leader in the District?

Enjoy learning more about each candidate by reviewing this article and save the date to VOTE in the upcoming School Board Election on November 7!

On Monday, October 2, 2023, we celebrate the dedication, determination, and professionalism of our UCSD Custodial Teams on National Custodial Appreciation Day. Please give our Custodial Teams a HUGE shout out for their time and dedication in responding to many custodial needs throughout the entire District. We’d like to encourage our students, teachers, staff members, and families to extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to these outstanding team members. Our buildings are most definitely better #becauseofU! Learn More

Join us in celebrating our UCSD teachers on #WorldTeachersDay! We're grateful to work alongside such outstanding educators. The support, guidance & inspiration they provide students is remarkable. Please share a word of thanks with your child's teacher today!

Many thanks to our exceptional Instructional Coaches on National Instructional Coach Day! We also want to recognize our entire TLC Team including our Facilitators of Curriculum & Professional Learning & Model Teachers! #thankU for your #leadership! Learn More

During National Principals Month, we celebrate our Principals and Associate 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 Learn More

Join us in celebrating National School Lunch Week (NSLW) October 9–October 13! This year’s NSLW theme, “Level Up with School Lunch,” highlights the importance of a healthy school lunch to a student’s success both in and out of the classroom.

We thank our Nutrition Services Team for their dedication to ensuring all students have access to healthy meals. The time, energy, and focus they put into creating menus that are nutritionally balanced and appetizing is nothing short of exceptional. When you see our Nutrition Services team members, please thank them for all they do in support of our students and schools. We are most definitely #betterwithU! #NSLW2023 #UBELONG Learn More

Save the date for the 6th Annual Fall Festival on Saturday, October 14, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Valerius Elementary. This FREE family event supports the students of Valerius Elementary and is OPEN to the public. Enjoy free inflatables, spin art, vendors and crafters, Princess and Superhero meet and greets, and more. Concessions and raffle tickets are available for a minimal fee. Join the event page and watch for updates at: www.facebook.com/kafallfest

The following areas are under curriculum review and we will be welcoming parent feedback during the following weeks. If your school has conferences a table will be set up to visit, review the materials under consideration and provide feedback.

6-12 Social Emotional & Character Development Skills - October 23-November 2

6-12 Science - October 23-November 2

9-12 Social Studies - October 23-November 2

PreK-5 Social Emotional & Character Development Skills - November 6-November 17

Students Kindergarten through Algebra II are thinking mathematically as they do math. Last January following a comprehensive curriculum review in the area of mathematics which included opportunities for our staff, students, and community to provide feedback Illustrative Math was the high quality instructional material identified to support math instruction. All math teachers received training throughout the spring and during the summer to support the transition to new instructional materials. The video below walks through the structure of a secondary math lesson.

Urbandale Digital Learning Teacher Librarians had the opportunity to participate in a Tiny Techies workshop. The Tiny Techies Curriculum and resources focus on understanding computational thinking and problem solving skills that can be practiced and learned with students in preK-2nd grade through creativity and practice working together. The Digital Learning Teacher Librarians have been incorporating fun, engaging activities and mini educational lessons into their lessons K-5 to get kids asking “why” and digging deeper into computer science concepts.

Per Board Regulation Policy 0631C-R(1)-R(1) the board appoints annually members of the community to be part of the Instructional & Library Reconsideration Committee. This committee meets as needed when materials are under reconsideration. We are looking for interested individuals that would like to be part of this committee. The Board of Directors will then determine the four individuals from the community to be part of this committee should it need to meet to reconsider instructional or library materials. If you would like to be considered for this committee please fill out the form below.

Instructional & Library Reconsideration Committee Application

The Polk County Health Department will offer Flu Vaccine Clinics for Urbandale students, staff, parents, siblings, and community members.

Date: October 25, 2023
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Urbandale High School Commons (cafeteria) (Note: Please enter the high school through the main entrance and turn right to walk toward the Commons.)

Reserve Your Flu Vaccine Appointment Online
It is highly recommended that you visit the website and pre-register to make your visit quicker – thank you!

• October 25 Flu Vaccine Appointments

Please make note:

• Most major insurance plans accepted.

• Please bring your insurance card.

• Flu vaccine for uninsured is $25 or what you can pay.

• Parent/guardian of students under 18 must be present and sign consent.

Do your part to stop the flu!

• WASH your hands

• COVER your cough

• STAY home if you’re sick

• GET vaccinated

Please join us in celebrating the completion of Valerius Elementary during our Community Open House from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. Attendees will have an opportunity to take self-guided tours of the new building. A short program will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the Valerius Commons (lunchroom area). We look forward to welcoming you!

Please make note of the following dates in October 2023 when school will not be in session.

District-Wide

• Monday, October 23: No school due to a teacher in-service/professional development day

Karen Acres Elementary

• October 9 – October 13: No school due to Intersession
• October 16 – October 20: No school due to Intersession

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

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.

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!

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

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.