Opt-In To Receive Notifications Via Text Messaging
Just a reminder: In order to receive text message communication from the school or district you must opt-in.
In addition to email and/or phone call notifications, parents, guardians, and staff can opt-in at any time to receive text message notifications by texting “Y” or “YES” to 67587. The “67587” number is the “short code” that connects to our notification provider, School Messenger.
CultureALL Day Student Lunch
On Friday, May 5th, all of Valerius will be participating in a Culture Day presented by CulutreALL. CultureALL connects students of all ages with a variety of interactive programs designed to expand their understanding and appreciation for the different cultures, religions, beliefs, and preferences that can add meaning to their own lives.
Students will eat lunch in the classroom that day. Due to time restraints we are asking students to either bring a lunch from HOME or sign up for SCHOOL Sack Lunch. Last week students brought home a form to designate which option they want that day. Please select a lunch option for that day and return this letter to school by April 12, 2023!
Iowa Statewide Assessment of Academic Progress
The Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) is an assessment that must be administered to all Iowa students in grades three through eleven. To comply with the state of Iowa law requiring all school districts to conduct this test during the last quarter of the school year, Urbandale students in grades three through eleven will take the ISASP assessments from April 17-28, 2023. Specific schedules for each school building have been developed and will be shared by the school principal prior to the start of testing. Below is a table showing the ISASP assessments students in UCSD will take:
ISASP Test Name & Grade Levels
- Reading: 3rd - 11th
- Language & Writing: 3rd - 11th
- Mathematics: 3rd - 11th
- Science: 5th, 8th, & 10th
More information regarding the ISASP assessments, including practice tests, may be found by visiting the following website: https://iowa.pearsonaccess.com/test-prep/
Student Assistance Program (SAP)
23-24 Online Registration
Families with students in kindergarten through 11th grade currently enrolled in the district will receive an email between May 1 – May 14, 2023, with instructions for online registration.
23-24 Bus Transportation
To be on a bus route for the first day of school, UCSD needs to receive your completed bus request form no later than August 1st.
23-24 Valerius PTO
The Valerius PTO is planning for the 23/24 school year and we need your help. Our PTO board will have several openings next year as we join with Karen Acres. The board meets approximately every other month with a majority of business happening through email. Meetings are typically an hour or 90 minutes long.
The PTO is responsible for fundraising and planning many events throughout the school year that directly benefit our kids and teachers! But that’s not the only reason to become involved with the PTO. The relationships and insight that you will gain with other parents and teachers is amazing and totally worth the time.
There are several positions available, finding one to fit your schedule and passion is possible. We have several officer positions, Co-Pres, Co-Secretary, Co-Treasurer, as well as the Member at Large position. The M.A.L. position is a great way to dip your foot in as there are NO expectations beyond attending meetings and helping when you can. It is a great way to ease into the PTO and we would LOVE to see several new faces fill this role.
If you are interested please reach out to us at valeriuspto@gmail.com
Conditions for Learning Survey
On April 21, 2023, if your child is in grades 3-5, they will be invited to complete a brief Conditions for Learning Survey (Survey) online. Student participation in the Survey is highly encouraged, but is voluntary and no student is required to fill out the Survey. If you do not want your student to participate please notify your school principal. The Survey will take about 20 minutes to complete. The purpose of the Survey is to obtain information about how students feel about the culture and climate of their school and teachers, as well as the safety of their school. The information collected will help the state, our schools, and local community improve the school. It is important to ask children to tell us what is good and working about their experience in school, and what needs to be improved, in their eyes. The Survey questions are available using the links below, or you may request copies from your school:
Elementary Boundaries NEXT SCHOOL YEAR!
Meal Payments & Waiver Application
Funds can be loaded onto student accounts electronically through TITAN, or by bringing cash or check to your student's building. For more information on meal pricing, and how to build a complete meal, please check our menus page.
Video tutorials (with translations) - How to Use TITAN
2022-2023 Application for Waiver of Confidentiality and School Fees
VALERIUS ELEMENTARY
Principal: Lara Justmann; justmannl@urbandaleschools.com
Dean of Students: Derek Wilkins; wilkinsd@urbandaleschools.com
Guidance Counselor: Elizabeth Donner; donnere@urbandaleschools.com
Principal Secretary: Angie Jones; jonesa1@urbandaleschools.com
Nurse: Jenny Villegas; villegasj@urbandaleschools.com
FFO: Madison Punsalan; punsalanm@urbandaleschools.com
Website: https://www.urbandaleschools.com/schools/valerius-elementary/
Location: 6301 Aurora Avenue, Urbandale, IA, USA
Phone: 515-457-6500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valeriuselementary
