Uplifting Urbandale
UCSD Newsletter 02.16.24 #upliftingU
Games And Beading: The Latest From Metro West CultureAll
Tuesday, February 6 and Tuesday, February 13 were the third and fourth sessions of Metro West Learning Academy’s 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. These last two sessions were presented about India and Kenya.
On the 6th, students heard from Mamta Israni about the unique games found in India. Mamta talked about how a lot of games we play in the United States have roots from popular games in India. The game Chutes and Ladders is called Snakes and Ladders in India and the games Sorry! and Trouble find their roots in the popular game Parcheesi. One incredibly popular game, Marbles, draws in many crowds and tournaments are popular in India.
On the 13th, Metro West students learned all about Kenyan traditions and beading from Kenya native, Josie Shaw. Josie came to the US in 1989 to attend Central Missouri State University and has been an advocate of sharing African heritage ever since. Josie talked to the students about the native language Swahili, about how many different tribes and cultures there are in Africa (over 3,000), the culture around school, marriage, and the natural wildlife. Josie also focused on how beading different accessories and jewelry are indicators of a person's tribe and culture.
These events have been so educational and fun for the students of Metro West and are encouraging them to explore more cultures in unique ways! #MWPride #Ubelong
See more pictures of the fun on our District Website!
Best Buddies Magic Show
The evening of Tuesday, February 6th was one to remember for members of the UHS and UMS Best Buddies program. For the first time, the Urbandale Best Buddies Chapter invited other metro Best Buddies chapters to attend a unique magic show put on by Jonathan May, local magician and entertainer. Kindra Black, the Urbandale Best Buddies Advisor, said they had a great time full of fun and magic that evening.
“There was something special in the air last night…magical for sure…but the energy, enthusiasm, and joy that was present was palpable and it was truly a beautiful thing,” said Kindra.
Check out these pictures to see some of the exciting things the students and families got to enjoy! #BestBuddies #UHSPride #UMSPride
Kids Heart Challenge
Friday, February 9th, Valerius Elementary kicked off their American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge in Sara Cullinan’s PE class by wearing red and working on their jump rope skills. For American Heart Month Ms. Cullinan is encouraging her students to complete Finn’s Mission, learn hands-on CPR, and know the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes.
On Thursday, February 15th the students began their Ninja Jump Rope Challenge. For every milestone of jumps per minute the students reach, they will receive a colored bead and sign the wall next to the colored belt they achieved. There are many more challenges and jump rope activities happening throughout the month for students to continue promoting a healthy heart! See more pictures on our district site! #ValeriusPride #KidsHeartChallenge #hearthero
UHS Key Club Roses
For this Valentine’s Day the Urbandale High School Key Club raised money by selling roses for staff and students. They then took some time to prepare and send them off to be delivered and bring some smiles across the school. The rose sale helps provide funding for the adopt-a-family project the Key Club does each fall through West Des Moines Human Services. This year the club was able to buy gifts and provide a food box for a single mother and her two children.
The Key Club also does other service projects throughout the year such as a fall clean up, sponsored by UCAN, running the duck pond at the Homecoming Street Party, making inspirational cards for the Des Moines Food Bank, and volunteering at the EL clothing drive. This spring the Key Club will be hosting a blood drive on Friday, April 5 at UHS.
What a sweet and special way to brighten everyone’s day this Valentine’s! #UHSPride #Ubelonghere
See more pictures of the Key Club here: https://bit.ly/3uya23F
Coding the Way to Cheese
Karen Acres second graders have been learning all about basic coding skills during their library classes. They’ve learned about sequencing, algorithms, and decomposing, the three main skills involved in coding. This week the students got the opportunity to put those skills to the test by using screen-free, interactive robots purchased through a grant from the Urbandale Education Foundation. Botley and a little Mouse robot come with basic directions that the students must program them with in order to reach their end goal– a piece of ‘CHEESE!’
This was such a fun and educational way to learn about coding at a young age. These skills and activities get kids excited about STEM early on. Way to go Karen Acres! #Ubelonghere
A Day of Learning for Technology Integration Leadership Team
A group of educators from Urbandale, representing different grade levels and subjects, embarked on an exciting journey of exploration and discovery. They delved into the realms of educational technology, digital divides, 21st-century learning standards, and the vision for their technology program. Their shared commitment to student success was their guiding force as they worked together to create a roadmap for the future. Their vision was to cultivate a technology-rich environment where every student at UCSD can thrive.
Through insightful discussions and engaging hands-on activities, the members of this team gained a deeper appreciation for the important role that technology plays in modern education. They explored the essential skills and competencies that students need to succeed in the digital age, with a focus on critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and digital literacy. By aligning their practices with these standards, their aim was to develop a program that ensures all UCSD students are prepared to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
For the Technology Integration Leadership Team, their day of learning was just the beginning. It served as a catalyst for ongoing growth, exploration, and innovation for students, staff, and families within the Urbandale community.
Update: Last Day of School
We’d like to provide an update regarding the last day of school. As of February 9, we have missed two days of school due to inclement weather.
Iowa Code requires a minimum of 180 days of instruction or 1,080 hours of instruction per school year. Our district calendar is based on hours of instruction (note: a school day consists of a minimum of six hours of instruction). As we have 1,117 hours of instruction already built into our 2023–24 calendar, we will not need to make up the two canceled days at the end of the school year.
Assuming there are no additional inclement weather days:
Our last day of school for the traditional calendar (all schools except Karen Acres) will remain the same — Friday, May 24, 2024
Our last day of school for the year-round calendar (Karen Acres) will remain the same — Thursday, June 13, 2024
You’re welcome to review school-year calendars here.
Download the Urbandale ParentSquare App
On February 8, ParentSquare invitations were sent to all parents/guardians, staff, and UHS students. We’re using ParentSquare to share news, updates, and alerts. Please take a few minutes to activate and set up your account so you’ll receive news and updates based on your preferred method (email, text, and/or app) and speed of delivery (instant or a daily digest summary arriving nightly at 6:00 p.m.). Your preferences for receiving news/updates will not impact your ability to receive Alerts (e.g. inclement weather). Alerts will still be delivered via email, text, app, and voice depending on the situation. (Note: UHS students will not receive text/voice notifications as student cell numbers are not included in PowerSchool.) Search for 'Urbandale' in the App Store or Google Play & download the Urbandale app.
Review the following written and/or video instructions for setting up your ParentSquare account:
In addition, you can also review this doc that outlines how to set up your account based on various scenarios depending on roles (e.g. UCSD staff member with children in the District, UCSD parent who is a staff member in another District using ParentSquare, etc.). If you have questions or need help with ParentSquare, you’re welcome to complete our UCSD ParentSquare Help form.
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!
Reminder: No School Dates In March
Please make note of the following dates in March 2024 when school will not be in session and when school resumes:
District-Wide
Friday, March 8: No school due to a Recess Day
Monday, March 11- Friday, March 15: Spring Break
Adventuretime Spring Break All-Day Program available March 8, March 11- March 14 (registration due by March 1)
Friday, March 15: No Adventuretime and District Administration Office is closed
School resumes on Monday, March 18 for all UCSD students except Karen Acres. Reminder: Every Monday is a late start.
Karen Acres Elementary (Only)
Monday, March 18- Friday, March 22: No school due to Intersession
School resumes for Karen Acres Elementary students on Monday, March 25. Reminder: Every Monday is a late start.
Enjoy your Spring Break!
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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
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!
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.
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
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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: https://www.facebook.com/UrbandaleCSD
Twitter: @UrbandaleCSD