Uplifting Urbandale
UCSD Newsletter 11.03.23 #upliftingU
Drake University Football Team Welcomes Valerius Students
Join Us In Celebrating! 2023 Iowa All-State Chorus
All-State Chorus auditions were held October 21st, at Le Mars, Hampton, Independence, Atlantic, Indianola, and Washington. 17 students from Urbandale High School auditioned. The selection process is very competitive, with approximately 17% of auditionees being selected for membership in the 600-member ensemble. It is the highest individual honor a student can receive from the Iowa High School Music Association. This year’s All-State Music Festival takes place in Ames November 16th-18th.
Urbandale students who audition for the Iowa All-State Chorus undertake a rigorous process of small group rehearsals, study with private teachers, multiple mock auditions, and hours of individual practice time. The following 17 Urbandale students should be applauded for their dedication and exceptional representation of themselves and their community.
Auditionees: Lyla Anderson, Malley Brimeyer, Braeden Cox, Owen Hamann, Jenny Hong, Carter Menke, Carys Nelson, Sidney Shide, Natalie Tekippe, and Din Terzic
Selected:
Kaeden Black, bass, 1st year
Kiki Ibsais, alto, 2nd year
Floramaria Juliano, soprano, 1st year
Sam Pawlowski, tenor, 1st year
Dylan Rains, baritone, 2nd year
Ben Schmidt, baritone, 1st year
Sam Veeder, tenor, 1st year
The 2023 Festival Concert will celebrate the 77th anniversary of this prestigious event. The selected students will perform in the 600-voice ensemble Saturday, November 18th at 7:30 PM in Hilton Coliseum on the Iowa State University Campus. The performance will be broadcast on Iowa PBS Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 23rd) evening and Sunday afternoon, November 26th. UCSD congratulates all of these outstanding students! We are #proudofU!
Pictured: Front row from left: Floramaria Juliano, Dylan Rains, Kiki Ibsais. Back row from left: Sam Veeder, Ben Schmidt, Kaeden Black, Sam Pawlowski
Metro West Invited To Present Innovative Solution During National Conference
In mid-October, Metro West Learning Academy Director Mike Moran and Instructional Coach Lance McConnell were invited to speak at the 29th Annual National Alternative Education Association (NAEA) Conference in Tampa, Florida. They presented on "The Lightning Project" which is an innovation Director Moran developed several years ago to help track students’ core standards.
The Lightning Project has allowed Metro West students to track their own growth and it allows teachers to focus on standards and skills that students are still working on in their respective courses and subject areas. This innovation has streamlined the way Metro West students achieve standard proficiency as they work their way toward their diplomas. Director Moran has consulted on the Lightning Project with schools across the state, region, and even an entire state’s department of education in order to help them with implementation and increase their state’s graduation rate.
This marks the third time McConnell has presented at the national conference and the fourth time for Moran. They shared what an honor it is to be chosen to present at the national level where they can highlight the great things going on at Metro West Academy and UCSD. Director Moran shared how instrumental McConnell has been in the implementation and instructional components of the Lightning Project which continues to help students achieve their best possible outcomes. They had a great time learning and sharing with some of the best alternative schools in the country. UCSD is proud to be among them thanks to the outstanding leadership of the Metro West team, the dedication of Metro West students, and the support of Metro West families. Well-done! #MWpride
UHS National Honor Society Students Trick-or-Treat For A Cause
Olmsted PTO Bingo & Books Event
Urbandale Spirit Wear presented by Webster Elementary PTO: Orders Due November 5
Welcome UCSD School Board Student Representatives
Reminder: No School Dates November 2023
Please make note of the following dates in November 2023 when school will not be in session.
District-Wide
Wednesday, November 22 through Friday, November 24: No school due to Thanksgiving Holiday
Learn more about the All-Day Adventuretime Program for Preschool–5th Grade students taking place on November 22
Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24: District Administration Office closed due to Thanksgiving Holiday
Karen Acres Elementary (only)
Monday, November 20 and Tuesday, November 21: No school due to Intersession
Secondary Science Curriculum Review Team Attends NSTA Conference
Algebra and the Illustrative Math Classroom
American Literature and Writing Course at UHS
2023 Winter Apparel: Orders Due November 7
The 2023 Winter Apparel Order is now available for purchase! Please visit this link to place an order. All orders must be placed by 11:59 p.m. on November 7, 2023. Orders will be filled within four to six weeks of the closing date (November 7). Note that returns are NOT accepted. Orders will be shipped to the address that is provided during checkout. Questions may be directed to Adam Fraher at adam.fraher@j-hawks.com
November is Gratitude Month!
November is National Gratitude Month! Gratitude has been thought of as a feeling we have when we find value in something or someone. It has also been described as a state of being thankful.
There have been many studies over the last twenty years that have demonstrated positive effects for people who practice gratitude. These positive effects include: stronger relationships with others, greater confidence, increased motivation, joy, and in some cases, gratitude practices have shown a positive effect on the physical body, such as feeling fewer symptoms of illness, and experiencing better sleep. With the cold and flu season heading our way, let’s boost our students' vitamin C and D with a dose of gratitude!
Ideas for practicing gratitude with your student:
Gratitude Jar
With your student(s) write gratitudes on small slips of paper and put them in an empty jar over the month and see how they add up!
On days that are hard you could encourage your student to pull out a couple and read them.
Gratitude Tag
Write a note to someone in your home about something you appreciate about them, include a blank note as well. That person is then “it” and will use the blank note to pass gratitude on to someone else within your home or a close friend or relative, that person is then “it” and should continue to pass to another!
Three Things
At the end of the week share three things you were grateful for.
Join Our Team! We’re hiring for various positions and we’d like to hear from you!
We are currently looking for more substitute nurses! Click here to share or apply for this position.
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Curriculum Reviews & Opportunities For Feedback
The following content areas are under curriculum review and we will be welcoming parent/guardian and community feedback during the upcoming weeks. A table will be set up in each building on the below dates and if your school has conferences we invite you to stop by the table and review the materials under consideration to provide feedback.
Content Area Under Review
6-12 Science
Instructional Materials Being Considered:
9-12 Savvas Science:
Weeks Available for Review/Feedback:
October 23-November 2
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9-12 Social Studies
Instructional Materials Being Considered:
Cultural Geography:
Contemporary Human Geography (Pearson)
World/Euro History:
World History: Beginnings of World History through Present (HMH)
U.S. History:
Age of American Imperialism/America
Becomes a World Power (McGraw Hill)
American History: Reconstruction to the Present (HMH)
American Government:
U.S. Government and Civics (McGraw Hill)
United States Government (HMH)
Economics:
Economics Alive: The Power to Choose (TCI)
Weeks Available for Review/Feedback:
October 23-November 2
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PreK-12 Social, Emotional, & Character Education
Instructional Materials Being Considered:
PreK-12 Character Strong:
PreK-12
Preview Access
PreK Only:
K-5 Only:
6-12 Only:
Weeks Available for Review/Feedback:
PreK-5: November 6-November 17
6-12 Buildings: October 23-November 2
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Leadership teams made of teachers have been engaged in learning, narrowed down the materials under consideration and will be field testing two sets of instructional materials with students within our system prior to Winter Break.
All staff that would use any of the above instructional materials will be able to review samples of materials and provide feedback as part of the curriculum review process.
From January through May of 2024 professional learning will be provided to prepare for implementation of the new instructional materials with the intent of having these materials in teachers’ hands by April of 2024 to prepare for initial implementation in August of 2024.
Get To Know Our UCSD School Board Candidates: School Board Election Day 11/07/23
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. 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!
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
Voter-Approved Physical Plant & Equipment Levy: Vote November 7
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
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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
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Twitter: @UrbandaleCSD