Uplifting Urbandale
UCSD Newsletter 5.06.22 #upliftingU
UHS Student Presents Global Food Security Solutions During World Food Prize Iowa Youth Institute
Congratulations to UHS student, Peter Hildreth, for being named a Borlaug Scholar and earning a $1,000 scholarship to Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture & Life Science for his participation in the World Food Prize Iowa Youth Institute on April 22, 2022. Peter wrote a research paper about solving food security challenges in Kenya and presented his work to a panel to earn this distinction.
The Iowa Youth Institute is a life-changing experience at Iowa State University where high school students engage with leading experts on critical global challenges, participate in hands-on activities, and explore exciting ways to make a difference in Iowa and around the world. Since 1994, over 2,000 Iowa high school students and 400 teachers from across the state have participated in the Global Youth Institute. In addition, more than 200 Iowa high school students have traveled to Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East through the Borlaug-Ruan International Internship program to work alongside renowned scientists at leading research centers.
UCSD congratulates Peter for earning this exceptional recognition and scholarship. Incredibly well-done! We are #proudofU! This opportunity is open to any student; if you’d like to participate next year, contact Mrs. Forristall at bairdforristallc@urbandaleschools.com.
Urbandale Middle School Students Surprise Guest Teachers With Special Welcome
Urbandale Middle School (UMS) students are sharing their gratitude and appreciation for substitute teachers with a ‘sweet’ surprise. Each morning, 6th and 7th grade students meet in Mrs. Choudhury’s room before school begins in order to review the list of guest teachers who will be substituting in various classrooms that day. Then, with building map in hand, students proceed to each classroom to welcome the substitute teacher by reading aloud a prepared script and giving each guest teacher chocolates and bottled water. In the script, students share a warm welcome and express their appreciation for the substitute teacher joining them at UMS. This special project was made possible with the help of the UMS Parent Teacher Organization.
What a fantastic way to create a warm and welcoming school community. Incredibly well-done! #UMSpride More photos
Join Us In Celebrating School Lunch Hero Day Friday, May 6
Between preparing healthy food, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile, our UCSD Nutrition Services Team goes above and beyond each and every day. In recognition of their hard work and commitment, join us in celebrating School Lunch Hero Day on Friday, May 6.
This day, celebrated annually since 2013, was designated by The School Nutrition Association and Jarrett Krosoczka, author of the “Lunch Lady” graphic novel series. School Lunch Hero Day provides an opportunity for parents, students, school staff, and communities to thank those who provide healthy meals for students. Be sure to give a shout out to the Nutrition Services Team members in your school! We are #thankful4U!
Adventuretime Before & After School Program Registration For The 2022-23 School Year Begins May 11
UCSD Certificate of Recognition: Gretta Richardson
Feedback Requested — Elementary Boundaries
Urbandale Community School District is seeking community feedback as we embark on a process to create new elementary school attendance boundaries for the 2023-24 school year, which will coincide with the opening of our second new elementary school. On May 23, the school board will continue its work with RSP to define the priorities that the boundary committee will use in creating a recommendation for these changes. Please complete the following survey to give your input on this process. Results will be shared with the school board and with the boundary committee members. The survey should be completed by noon on May 11.
This will not be the only opportunity the public will have to provide feedback to the school district. There will be an opportunity in July to view boundary sketches and give feedback regarding the options being considered. More information will be provided closer to the events.
English: https://metroquestsurvey.com/mh6o6t
Bosnian: https://metroquestsurvey.com/uk1r1x
Burmese: https://metroquestsurvey.com/dq8f8x
Hakha Chin: https://metroquestsurvey.com/jil73
Spanish: https://metroquestsurvey.com/wo2f2s
Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week
Throughout Teacher Appreciation Week, May 2 – May 6, we’ve been sharing videos of our students giving ‘shout outs’ to teachers! Videos have been posted on the District site as well as on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. Thank you to our students for sharing such kind and heartfelt words. We are incredibly thankful for the tremendous dedication and compassion of our UCSD teachers. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! #weappreciateU
Celebrating Asian American And Pacific Islander Heritage Month
During the month of May, we celebrate the outstanding achievements of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. We welcome you to view, read, and listen to the following resources about Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Resources:
History.com: Learn about the origins and reasons we celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month through a multitude of resources.
Smithsonian Institution: A host of readings, lesson plans, student activities, collection guides and research aids.
OWHL: A list of readings, podcasts, videos, and websites to help understand and act against anti-Asian racism in American society.
PBS: Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: A host of articles, videos, documentaries, etc. celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
UCSD Certificates of Recognition: Trevor James and Cody Reseland
We Celebrate Our Nurses And Health Associates On National School Nurse Day: May 11
UCSD School Nurses and Health Associates not only provide a wealth of medical expertise for our students and staff, but they continually go above and beyond by responding to social, emotional, and physical needs of students, connecting families with community resources, and ensuring that students know they have a health advocate to turn to in order to receive answers to questions. Our Health Team places the utmost priority on building strong relationships with students, staff, and families.
We have been incredibly fortunate to work alongside our School Nurses and Health Associates throughout the pandemic. They have provided guidance, clarification, and immeasurable support for students, staff, and families.
Save the Date! Join Us May 23 In Celebration Of Our 2022 UCSD Retirees
May Is Mental Health Awareness Month — Resources And Support
Please remember, you are not alone; we are here to help.
Student Assistance Program (see info below).
Urbandale High School & Metro West Learning Academy Graduation Events
- Urbandale High School Class of 2022 Commencement Ceremony Thursday, May 26th at 7:00 p.m. at the Knapp Center, Drake University. If interested in viewing the livestream, please take a moment to login or sign up to create an account to view the UHS Graduation livestream through the NFHS Network. Congratulations to the Class of 2022! We are #proudofU!
- Metro West Learning Academy Class of 2022 Graduation Celebration Wednesday, May 18th from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the Lion’s Park Gazebo (please bring your own chair for an outdoor ceremony). To help us ensure we have enough space, please RSVP to Jamie Evans evansj@urbandaleschools.com or (515) 727-6301 if you are planning to attend. Congratulations to the Class of 2022! We are #proudofU!
We Celebrate Our UCSD Board Of Directors During School Board Recognition Month
As May is School Board Recognition Month, sponsored by the Iowa Association of School Boards, we celebrate the contributions of board members to Iowa public education. Urbandale Community School District is celebrating the work of school board members who are Launching Iowa’s Next Generation through their commitment to our students, schools, and community
As citizen leaders, UCSD board members face complex and demanding challenges. Yet few people fully understand the scope and far-reaching implications of board members’ responsibilities. Board members contribute thousands of hours each year leading their districts. Whether it be crafting policies, listening to staff and student concerns, or advocating with legislators, board members always keep their eyes on the goal of student achievement. The time spent in board meetings represents just a small fraction of the hours school board members spend leading in their districts. They attend seminars and training sessions to keep current on the latest trends in educational leadership; are deeply involved in community and school activities; and they create, read and study countless reports, agendas, proposals and other information to guide difficult decisions. Their love for learning and their commitment to the students, staff, and community served by UCSD drives board members’ desire to help students take flight.
Board of Directors Photo: Jenny Meade, Rachel Kent, Vice President Brianna Sayre Geiser, President Katherine Howsare, Jason Menke, Judy Downs (resigned March 2022), and Ashley Anderson.
School Board Special Election July 12, 2022
During the April 25 School Board Meeting, the Board of Directors approved setting Tuesday, July 12, 2022, as the Special Election date to fill the board vacancy of Judy Downs. This means a new board member will be elected through the voting process.
As there is a regular election in June 2022, no special elections are allowed during the first four Tuesdays preceding the regular election and the four Tuesdays following the regular election. Additionally, the July 4th holiday does not allow for early voting. Therefore, July 12 is the earliest possible date that the special election may be held.
The last date for board candidates to file nomination papers with the UCSD Board Secretary, Mary Beth Fast, is June 17, 2022. Once the deadline closes for nomination papers, the District will share the names of candidates who will appear on the Special Election ballot.
Free Meals for All Students Ends With the 2021-2022 School Year
When the 2021-2022 school year ends, so do free meals for every student. While the federal government funded a program that allowed all students access to free meals during the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress recently declined to continue funding this program. This means all families will need to carry a positive balance in their children’s school meal accounts when school begins next fall. If your student qualifies for free or reduced meals, they can still receive them next year, here is how to make it happen.
Complete an Application for Free and Reduced Meals
Complete the 2021-2022 online application before the end of this school year if you have not already filled out an application for the 2021-2022 school year. This will give you a 30-day grace period at the start of the 2022-2023 school year to complete another application for next year.
Then, fill out the 2022-2023 online application which will be available on the District’s website after July 1, 2022. Even if you complete the 2021-2022 application, you will still need to complete the 2022-2023 application, as well.
Fee Waiver Program For Families Who Qualify For Free & Reduced Meals
Please note: The application and waiver forms need to be completed each school year. The current application and waiver forms are for this school year (2021-22). At the end of this school year, we will close both forms and re-activate them in July for the 2022-23 school year.
UEF Alumni Golf Tournament: June 27 at Hyperion
The Urbandale Education Foundation and Urbandale Alumni Association are excited to announce that this year’s UEF Alumni Golf Tournament is slated for Monday, June 27, 2022, at Hyperion Field Club.
This event is an annual fundraiser that raises money to support student scholarships and classroom grants throughout the Urbandale Community School District, providing funds for projects and initiatives not supported within existing school budgets. Last year’s golf tournament raised over $24,000 thanks to generous donations by participants and community members and through sponsorships from businesses and professionals. UEF awarded $16,000 for classroom grants in 2021 to Urbandale educators and $26,000 for scholarships to Urbandale students.
“The UEF Alumni Golf Tournament is one of our biggest fundraising events, and it is one I look forward to every year,” said Marty Trepp, board member of the Urbandale Education Foundation and director of the UEF and Alumni Golf Tournament. “This tournament is a great opportunity for our community to come together and make a difference in the lives of Urbandale students, teachers and staff and experience so much fun in the process.”
As the UEF Alumni Golf Tournament draws closer, please check UrbandaleEducationFoundation.com and UrbandaleAlumni.com often for the latest updates and information regarding this year’s event. RSVP on Facebook!
Reminder: ‘No School’ Dates In May 2022
Please make note of the following dates in May 2022 when school will not be in session:
District-Wide
Memorial Day: Monday, May 30 (no school; no Adventuretime; District Administration Office closed)
School resumes for all UCSD students except Rolling Green: Tuesday, May 31
Last day of school for all UCSD students except Rolling Green: Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Rolling Green Elementary (only)
Intersession: Monday, May 2 – Friday, May 6 (no school)
May Break: Thursday, May 26 – Tuesday, May 31 (no school)
School resumes for Rolling Green students: Wednesday, June 1
Last day of school for Rolling Green students: Friday, June 17, 2022
Metro West Academy (only)
Metro West Professional Development: Friday, May 13 (no PM session; AM session will take place as scheduled)
Last Day Of School: 2021-22 School Year
As of today, May 6, UCSD does not have any weather-related ‘make-up’ days.
The last day of school for all students (except Rolling Green) remains Wednesday, June 1, 2022.
The last day of school for Rolling Green remains Friday, June 17, 2022.
Please note: any additional weather-related delays or cancellations would require making up that time which would take place at the end of the school year. Review calendars here.
Register Today! Student Registration For The 2022-23 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) for the 2022-23 school year.
Student Registration:
Returning Students—if your student(s) is registered in UCSD this school year (2021–2022), click here for specific information about registering your returning student.
Preschool Students—if your child will be 3 years old or 4 years old by September 15, 2022, click here for specific information about registering your preschool student.
Kindergarten Students—if your child will be 5 years old by September 15, 2022, click here for specific information about registering your kindergarten student.
New Students—if your student(s) is new to UCSD, click here for specific information about registering your new student.
Urbandale Community Invited To Attend U-Fest On August 5
The Urbandale Education Foundation and Urbandale Alumni Association are excited to announce that the third annual U-Fest is set for Friday, August 5, 2022 at the Walker Johnston Softball Diamonds. The event will start at 4:30 p.m. and end at 9:30 p.m.
U-Fest is a fun, family-friendly event featuring food trucks, beverages, live music performed by Faculty Lounge and bounce houses among other activities. Proceeds from the event will support student scholarships and classroom grants throughout the Urbandale Community School District, providing funds for projects and initiatives not supported within existing school budgets. At last year’s U-Fest, roughly $5,000 was raised as part of the $16,000 awarded for classroom grants for Urbandale educators and $26,000 for scholarships for Urbandale students.
“We are looking forward to hosting another festive U-Fest event in support of our mission to enhance educational opportunities for Urbandale Community School District students, teachers and staff,” said Meribeth Haynes, president of the Urbandale Education Foundation and co-chair of Urbandale Alumni Association. “U-Fest is a great opportunity for the community to enjoy a casual social environment together and alumni to reconnect.”
Admission to U-Fest is $10 for adults 18 and over and $3 for individuals age 13-18. Children 12 and younger will receive free entrance. Admission may be purchased at the event’s gates with cash or card. Entrance fees also include one free drink ticket. Parking will be available off of Douglas Avenue at Walker Johnston Softball Diamonds, and attendees are welcome to bring portable chairs or a blanket to relax and enjoy all of the festivities.
As U-Fest draws closer, please check UrbandaleEducationFoundation.com and UrbandaleAlumni.com often for the latest updates and information regarding this year’s event. RSVP on Facebook!
Adventuretime Associate Positions Still Available For This School Year
Register Today! Urbandale Community Education Summer Camp Series
The Urbandale Community Education Summer Camp Series is now open for registration.
Choose one of three convenient ways to register:
Online at UrbandaleCommunityEd.com (click on “Register” located in the top navigation on the UCE website)
In person at Urbandale High School (East entrance near stadium)
Mail to Urbandale Community Ed, 7111 Aurora Ave, Urbandale, IA 50322
Be sure to register in a timely manner as classes do have capacity limits. We’re looking forward to a great summer!
2022-2023 School Year Calendars & First Day of School Dates
Please make note of the following dates for the 2022-23 school year:
Rolling Green (year-round calendar)
The first day of school for Rolling Green K-5 students is Thursday, July 28, 2022
The first day of school for Rolling Green preschool students is Monday, August 1, 2022
UCSD (except Rolling Green)
The first day of school for UCSD K-12 students (except Rolling Green) is Tuesday, August 23, 2022 (Note: UHS “early out” days will be replaced with a “late start” every Monday beginning in the 2022-23 school year. All UCSD schools, preschool–12th grades, will have a late start every Monday.)
The first day of school for Olmsted and Webster preschool students is Thursday, August 25, 2022
Gift Giving
Register Today! Adventuretime Summer Program
Rolling Green Kindergarten Registration Still Available – Register Now!
One of the many things that makes Urbandale unique is the year-round elementary school found right in the heart of the Urbandale Community School District. Rolling Green Elementary is a school of choice which means families choose to attend Rolling Green school no matter where they live in the district. This is in contrast to other schools where students are assigned a school based on the proximity of their home to their neighborhood school.
“Year-round” means that Rolling Green is able to provide even more learning opportunities throughout the year, but it does not mean that students go to school every day of the year. Rolling Green is in session the same number of days as elementary schools on the traditional year calendar. Rolling Green’s summer break is a full six weeks long and the schedule provides more frequent breaks throughout the year which gives everyone the chance to reset and refresh! On most breaks, Rolling Green offers optional, theme-based programming for a small fee. This provides families additional childcare and gives kids fun, hands-on learning experiences that include fantastic field trips.
Rolling Green welcomes families to register for preschool and/or kindergarten for the 2022-23 school year:
Register your kindergarten student for the 2022-23 school year.
Register your preschool student (4-year-old) for the 2022-23 school.
Open Enrollment is available for kindergarten students who live outside the District.
We would love the opportunity to share more about Rolling Green with you and all our school has to offer your child and family. Please reach out to Principal Dania Wilson to learn more. We hope to welcome your family to our preschool and/or kindergarten program this fall!
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 which include the following:
Starting this Summer:
Data Management Specialist
Adventuretime Childcare Associates for Summer Programming
Custodians
Looking Ahead for 2022-23 School Year:
Various High School and Middle School Coaching positions
Various Certified Teacher positions
Learn more about available positions. For questions or additional information, please contact UCSD HR Manager Kate Johnson johnsonk@urbandaleschools.com We look forward to hearing from you!
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#upliftingU
Dr. Carol Seid! Wow! She has been the most amazing interim Principal and I'll be sad to see her go at years end. She has brought a kind, caring and empathetic vibe that beautifully coincides with strong, firm and fair decision making! She listens to you and takes action when needed appropriately. She is trustworthy and holds a high standard for confidentiality. Thank you, Dr. Seid, for your leadership.
Jennifer Foy
Special Education Associate, Olmsted Elementary
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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: facebook.com/UrbandaleCSD/
Twitter: @UrbandaleCSD