Uplifting Urbandale
UCSD Newsletter 02.02.24 #upliftingU
Start of Metro West CultureAll
Tuesday, January 23 was the start of Metro West Learning Academy’s six week CultureAll events. Every Tuesday for six weeks, Metro West students will attend sessions with CultureAll Ambassadors who will teach them about various cultures from around the world. The first two sessions were presented about Japan and Mexico.
Metro West students learned about some of the geography and weather in Japan, by Takeshi Hayasaka and Yoko Tanaka from the Japan America Society of Iowa. They also got the opportunity to learn common words such as Konnichiwa (Hello) and Arigatou (Thank you). The hands-on portion of the lesson gave the students the chance to learn the origin and process of Origami. They then spent the rest of their time with the CultureAll Ambassadors making Origami hearts, Kabutos (samurai helmets), and penguins.
The second week saw Metro West students learning about traditional Mexican cooking from R.J. Hernandez. R.J. learned how to cook as a child watching his mother and then growing up helping in his family’s restaurant. The students got the opportunity to learn how to roll tortilla dough balls before R.J. used a machine his dad fashioned in the 60’s to flatten out the ball into a tortilla. The students then worked on making quesadillas and enchiladas with R.J.s homemade ingredients.
What a unique and fun way to learn about and experience new cultures. We can’t wait to see what the rest of CultureAll brings for Metro West students! See more pictures here: https://bit.ly/495bSaZ
Karen Acres Choir Performance at Iowa Wild Game
On the evening of January 26th at Wells Fargo Arena, 27 students from the fourth and fifth grade chorus at year-round school Karen Acres, had the unique opportunity to perform The National Anthem at the Iowa Wild Game. They were directed by music teacher Lauren Voss. What a fun experience!
UHS Academic Decathlon Takes Fifth Place
The Urbandale High School Academic Decathlon team earned Fifth Place at the Central Iowa Regional competition held on January 25-26, where they competed in academic events related to the theme Technology and Humanity. The Regional teams studied very challenging materials to test their academic strength in Art, Music, Literature, Economics, Science, Social Science, Math, Speech, and Interviews. UHS students will move on to compete at the State level, hosted at Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School on March 1-2. Any student can participate next year by enrolling in Academic Decathlon Class or joining the Academic Decathlon Club. If you are interested in being on next year’s team, contact Carrie Baird-Forristall. See more: https://bit.ly/42jKT9v
Black History Month 2024
Black History Month is an annual celebration and recognition of the extraordinary accomplishments of Black Americans. Black History Month began in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a renowned Black American historian, scholar, educator, and publisher, and was originally referred to as “Negro History Week.” It became a month-long annual celebration first acknowledged by the U.S. Government in 1976 under the leadership of President Gerald Ford. Since 1976, every U.S. President has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. The celebration is held in February in order to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln; both men having made positive and lasting contributions to the lives of Black Americans. (Source: History.com, Black History Month, January 2010)
Join us in celebrating #BlackHistory throughout February. We encourage you to set aside time to learn more about our collective American History by viewing, reading, and listening to these resources. We honor, support, and lift up Black voices everywhere.
Celebrating Professional School Counselors
National School Counseling Week will be celebrated February 5-9, 2024. This year's message is "School Counseling: Standards-Based, Student-Focused." National School Counseling Week highlights the huge impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.
School counselors work with administrators, teachers, staff, and families to ensure all students have the opportunity to build a relevant academic and career program. “School counselors work with all students to remove barriers to learning by addressing students’ academic concerns, career options and social/emotional skills,” said Jill Cook, ASCA executive director. “School counselors are integral to student success.” Read more about some of the amazing things school counselors can help with on the DoDEA’s website: https://bit.ly/3vUwAfc You can also reach out to your school’s counselor(s) to learn more about the important role they have played in your life or your child’s life.
If you have the opportunity to see any of these smiling faces during this week of celebration, make sure to express your gratitude! We know that as a District, we are absolutely better #becauseofU! #thankaschoolcounselor #NSCW24
Parent University Online Hub
Initially launched in 2022, the Parent University program consisted of numerous evenings throughout the school year where parents/guardians could attend in-person sessions to learn more about key information and resources in the Urbandale Community School District. Attendee feedback following those sessions prompted the development of this Parent University online resource hub which enables parents/guardians the ability to access content at their convenience. Through this hub, you’ll find videos of key information and resources to help you support your child in their learning experience. Content will be updated on an ongoing basis. We appreciate your partnership as we work together to support all students in their journey of lifelong learning! Learn More
ParentSquare: February Launch
Our target timeframe of launching ParentSquare at the end of January is needing to be moved back a bit due to delays related to publishing our custom branded app. Once the delays are resolved, we’ll provide an exact date for when you can expect to receive the ParentSquare invitation as well as steps to set up your account. We anticipate launching in February. To learn more about ParentSquare in UCSD, please review this summary of previously shared information.
Karen Acres: Year-Round Learning Means Year-Round Fun
One of the many things that makes Urbandale unique is the year-round elementary school found right in the heart of UCSD. Any family living within UCSD boundaries, or outside UCSD boundaries, can choose to attend our year-round elementary school located at Karen Acres Elementary. Bus transportation is available anywhere within district boundaries outside of the Karen Acres walk zone. Learn more about our year-round program!
District-wide Social Emotional and Character Education
In a significant district-wide initiative, Urbandale Schools is placing a spotlight on the holistic development of its students and staff. This is being done by launching a comprehensive focus on social-emotional learning, character education, and staff well-being. The dedicated teaching and administrative staff at Urbandale Schools is actively engaging in professional learning opportunities to enhance their skills and strategies in these crucial areas. The aim is to create an educational environment that not only nurtures academic growth but also fosters emotional intelligence, strong character, and the overall well-being of both students and educators.
This district-wide commitment reflects Urbandale Schools' dedication to providing a supportive and enriching experience for everyone within the school community. As the staff collaborates to further these initiatives, the hope is to cultivate an inclusive, empathetic, and thriving school culture that positively impacts every facet of student and staff life. See more pictures here: https://bit.ly/3SeroKU
Unlocking Learning Adventures: The Breakout EDU Experience at Urbandale Schools!
BreakoutEDU is a way to turn any space into an escape room! Students solve clues tied to content knowledge in order to unlock locks to open a box. Fifth grade students at Valerius participated in a BreakoutEDU which focused on critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to adapt and collaborate in a changing environment. Third grade students at Webster engaged in a BreakoutEDU that applied math concepts from Illustrative Math. The goal for this class was twofold: solving clues in a different context and connecting to the productive struggle cycle in learning new math concepts. This fostered a mindset shift for use in the regular math block. UCSD has several BreakoutEDU boxes across the district for teacher use. If you are looking to learn more about BreakoutEDU or use BreakoutEDU in your teaching and learning, connect with Elizabeth Whitver, Facilitator of Curriculum & Professional Learning of PreK-12 Technology Integration.
District Technology Team
Urbandale School is taking a proactive approach to enhance its educational technology framework by assembling a dedicated team comprising members from preschool through 12th grade. This collaborative effort aims to revise and articulate a comprehensive technology plan that will effectively support instructional methods across all grade levels. Recognizing the crucial role of technology in modern education, the team is committed to ensuring that students at every stage of their academic journey have access to innovative and impactful tools. By fostering a dynamic and inclusive approach, Urbandale School seeks to harness the full potential of technology to create a learning environment that is both engaging and aligned with the evolving needs of students in today's digital age.
Birth to Grade 3 Comprehensive Literacy Plan
The Preschool-3rd Grade Comprehensive Literacy Plan Team at Urbandale Schools has been meeting monthly since September of 2023. The team unites community members, dedicated teachers, and seasoned experts in the field of literacy. Together, in a commitment for equity, they are embarking on a mission to craft a comprehensive literacy plan that spans from preschool through third grade. This ensures a seamless and enriching educational journey for young learners. This multidisciplinary team pools their collective insights, draws from community perspectives, classroom experiences, and expert knowledge to shape a literacy framework that not only instills fundamental reading and writing skills but also nurtures a love for learning. This collaborative endeavor lays the foundation for lifelong literacy proficiency and fosters a vibrant learning community for the youngest members of the school district.
Teacher Professional Growth Work Group
A team of preschool-12th grade teachers and administrators, the Teaching and Learning Department, and the Human Resource Department have assembled to review current practices that support teacher professional growth and learning. They will also be reviewing the evaluation of instructional frameworks to support the process. The outcome of this team will be improvements and revisions to the teacher professional growth and evaluation process. These improvements are anticipated to be implemented in the Fall of 2024. This collaborative effort signifies the district's proactive approach to staying ahead of the curve, ensuring that the professional development and evaluation procedures align with the ever-evolving landscape of education.
Curriculum Reviews Underway
Exciting developments are underway at Urbandale Schools as we embark on comprehensive curriculum reviews to enhance the educational experience for our students. Our dedicated educators are currently focusing on elective English and Math courses, ensuring that the curriculum aligns with the latest educational standards and provides a stimulating learning journey for our students. Additionally, we are proud to announce a thorough review of our K-12 Library Program, aiming to create a dynamic and inclusive resource hub for all students across grade levels. These initiatives underscore our commitment to delivering a curriculum and programs that not only meets academic benchmarks but also fosters a love for learning and exploration. We look forward to the positive impact these reviews will have on the educational journey of our students, shaping well-rounded individuals prepared for success in an ever-evolving world. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to elevate the educational experience at Urbandale Schools!
U Belong Here: Attendance Matters
At Urbandale Schools, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment for all UCSD students and emphasize the importance of regular school attendance. UCSD is making strides in adopting grade level curriculums that are engaging, affirming, and meaningful. This will spark students creativity, problem-solving, and challenge them academically. Our implementation of district-wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) further seeks to create consistent routines and physical environments for our students, promoting a sense of safety.
Research demonstrates that consistent attendance not only contributes to academic success but also enables students to build strong relationships with peers and adults while developing essential life, college and career ready skills. While we prioritize the health and well-being of our students and encourage them to stay home when sick, it's crucial to highlight the numerous benefits of attending school consistently. Regular school attendance can:
Build consistent routines, helping to reduce stress and creates a sense of safety
Connect with peers and adults, building trusting relationships and a strong personal community
Access to resources
Engage in enriching activities in and out of the classroom
Practice and develop employability skills
Chronic absenteeism is a predictor of learning difficulties and dropping out of school. At UCSD we aim to create spaces that allow our students to thrive and become active participants in our Urbandale Community and beyond. We love seeing your student(s) in our classrooms, hallways, and engaging in the many learning activities, clubs, extra-curricular activities, and sports UCSD has to offer. Each student is an essential and important part of our school community and we are not the same when any of our students are absent, the knowledge each individual student brings to the classroom is vital for the collaborative and engaging learning that happens within our walls!
To learn more about the impacts of attendance on student achievement and well-being, visit the https://www.attendanceworks.org/ website!
Family and Staff Wellness: “Move Well”
Let's focus on nurturing our well-being with the theme "Move Well." Physical activity plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle for both our families and staff. Here are some wellness tips to inspire everyone to incorporate movement into their daily routines:
- Family Fitness Fun: Turn exercise into a family affair! Plan outdoor activities like nature walks, bike rides, or a weekend hike. We would love to see your photos!
- Staff Step Challenge: Let's step it up together! Launch a friendly step challenge among staff members. Set daily or weekly step goals and track progress.
- Remember, wellness is a journey, not a destination. Let's support each other on this path to well-being.
Reminder: No School Dates In February
Please make note of the following dates in February 2024 when school will not be in session and when school resumes:
District-Wide
- Monday, February 19: No school and No Adventuretime due to a Teacher Professional Development Day
Karen Acres Elementary (only)
- Friday, February 16: No school due to a Recess Day (Note: Karen Acres does not have school February 16 – February 19)
- Learn more about our year-round elementary school
School resumes for all UCSD students on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Enjoy the long weekend!
PREVIOUS NEWSLETTER CONTENT
Register Today! Preschool Pre-Registration Opened January 30
Register Today! Preschool Pre-Registration opened January 30, 2024. Click here to review detailed Preschool Pre-Registration Information for the 2024–2025 school year. Please Note: Preschool Pre-Registration will not only pre-register your student, but will play a key role in determining facility and programming needs for the 2024–2025 school year. Pre-registering your student does not guarantee your student a spot in the Urbandale Preschool Program. Once all facility and programming decisions are confirmed, you will be contacted regarding your acceptance into the Urbandale Preschool Program by April 12, 2024. urbandaleschools.com/learn
Kindergarten – 12th Grade Registration Opens March 1, 2024
Save the Date! Kindergarten through 12th grade student registration for the 2024–25 school year begins online March 1, 2024. We’re excited to share our new online school registration system as it will make registration more efficient and convenient. Students must be residents of the Urbandale Community School District or file the appropriate paperwork. Please see the section of our website about Open Enrollment if you do not live within district boundaries. You’re welcome to view the UCSD elementary boundary map. To be eligible for kindergarten a child must be 5 years old by September 15, 2024. Plus, learn more about our year-round school located at Karen Acres Elementary. Any family can choose to attend Karen Acres. urbandaleschools.com/learn
Reminder—Free and Reduced Price Meal Availability
If you have already completed the Iowa Eligibility Application for this school year, you do not need to reapply. Federal law requires that School Food Authorities provide information regarding the availability of free and reduced price meals two times a year. To learn more, please visit UCSD Nutrition Services. If you believe you may qualify for free and reduced price meals but have not applied, you can visit LINQ Connect to complete an application. No login is required. Video and written instructions are available online. For questions, please contact Cassie Mayrose at mayrosec@urbandaleschools.com or 515-457-6911.
Safe + Sound Iowa: Anonymous Reporting Tool
The Iowa Governor’s School Safety Bureau developed Safe+Sound Iowa—an anonymous reporting tool for students, teachers, parents, and community members to help identify and provide intervention for students in crisis before they harm themselves or others. The school safety reporting tool is available state-wide to help prevent violence, unlawful possession of weapons, self-harm, and other forms of victimization and threatening behaviors in schools.
Reports of safety concerns can be made securely and anonymously three ways:
Download the free Safe+Sound Iowa mobile app
Call 800-224-6018
By reaching out anonymously about something you’ve seen or heard, you could help someone before they harm themselves or others. Safe+Sound Iowa will make sure the right people are notified of your report within seconds. Learn more at SafeandSoundIowa.gov
Seal of Biliteracy
On April 17, 2018, Iowa became one of 34 states to offer a Seal of Biliteracy for students who show proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation. The Seal of Biliteracy appears on a student’s transcript. Iowa legislators recognize the increasing need for biliterate citizens in our workforce. Thus, the Seal of Biliteracy was approved to showcase the biliteracy of students to colleges and potential employers.
Urbandale High School is excited to offer the opportunity for seniors to earn a Seal of Biliteracy. Each year seniors will have the option to demonstrate their proficiency through a series of tests. Students need to demonstrate proficiency in two languages to earn the Seal of Biliteracy. Proficiency may be demonstrated on a series of English and non-English assessments. Specific assessments will be determined based on student needs and language(s) desired.
Seniors wishing to apply for the Seal of Biliteracy need to fill out this application by February 23, 2024. Applications should be submitted to the student’s counselor. The exam to demonstrate proficiency in languages other than English will be held the week of March 25, 2024.
Be Prepared: Weather Delay Start Times, Early Dismissal Times & Cancellation
Review 2-hour delay start times, early dismissal times, cancellation, and inclement weather decision-making protocols here. Please be sure to keep your contact information updated with your school in order to stay aware, updated, and informed.
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
Join Our Team! We’re hiring for various positions and we’d like to hear from you!
New Class Offerings With Urbandale Community Education
Come On Out & Support Your J-Hawks!
Check Out What’s New In The Flyer Hub
Opt-In “Uplifting Urbandale” Newsletter
Contact Us
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