Last school year significant work was carried out to both understand the current state of math instruction and student performance within our system and to understand the current landscape and best practices in math instruction. This year, a leadership team of PreK-12 teachers have been engaged in learning and will be field testing two sets of instructional materials with students within our system. The two curriculum materials that are being field tested are: Illustrative Mathematics and Eureka Math² During fall conferences, all staff and parents/guardians will be able to review samples of materials and provide feedback as part of the curriculum review process. Learn More

With the opening of the new Valerius Elementary School in the fall of 2023, Urbandale Community School District is implementing new elementary school boundaries beginning in the 2023–24 school year. Elementary school assignments are based on a family’s home address. School assignment letters were mailed to kindergarten through 4th grade families the week of October 3. To help with the transition to the new elementary boundaries, the school board approved the opportunity for current kindergarten through 4th grade students to stay in their current school, even if their home address is located within a different elementary school zone. As mentioned in the letter, if your kindergarten through 4th grade student is assigned a different school next year and you would like them to stay in their current school, please complete this request form by October 18, 2022. (Note: If you did not receive your elementary school assignment letter, please contact Dr. Keri Schlueter schlueterk@urbandaleschools.com or 515-457-5004.)

Olmsted Elementary PTO is excited to offer Urbandale Spirit Wear to community members who are interested in placing an online order. The deadline to order is 11:59 p.m. on October 17, 2022. At the time of check-out, there is an option to have your order shipped directly to you. There is also a “pay it forward” option should you feel compelled to help put a shirt on the back of an Olmsted student. Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to OlmstedPTOUrbandale@gmail.com. We look forward to helping fill your closet with fantastic J-Hawk gear! Order today!

On October 12, the UCSD Nutrition Services team enjoyed welcoming the Iowa Department of Education and representatives from the Midwest Regional United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for breakfast at the high school. Principal Tim Carver, Director of Nutrition Services Jessy Sadler, and Nutrition Services team members shared about meal programs, students served, and how valuable the free meals program was for families during the pandemic. Learn More

Join us in celebrating National School Lunch Week (NSLW) October 10–October 14! This year’s NSLW theme, “Peace, Love & School Lunch,” highlights the importance of a healthy school lunch to a student’s success both in and out of the classroom. We thank our Nutrition Services Team for their dedication to ensuring all students have access to healthy meals. The time, energy, and focus they put into creating menus that are nutritionally balanced and appetizing is nothing short of exceptional. When you see our Nutrition Services team members, please thank them for all they do in support of our students and schools. We are most definitely #betterwithU! #NSLW2022

On October 13, the UCSD Nutrition Services team helped UCSD administrators kick off National Farm to School Month with the Great Apple Crunch, an annual celebration of crunching into fresh, local apples. Apples shown here were from Hall's Orchard in Madrid, Iowa. Every student who ate school lunch on October 13 also had the chance to crunch into them as well.

Interested in learning more about grading, bullying, social media, social emotional learning, technology, or how to apply for scholarships and financial aid for college? How about talking directly with the Superintendent and School Board members? Then register today for Parent University on October 18. All UCSD parents/guardians are welcome to attend these free sessions. Learn More

The Polk County Health Department will offer Flu Vaccine Clinics for Urbandale students, staff, parents, siblings, and community members. Flu Vaccine Clinic is scheduled from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on October 26, 2022, at Urbandale High School Commons (cafeteria) (Note: Please enter the high school through the main entrance and turn right to walk toward the Commons.) Reserve your flu vaccine appointment online. Learn More

During National Principals Month, we celebrate our Principals and Associate Principals for their outstanding support of students, families, teachers, and staff. When you see these leaders in your building, please extend a heartfelt 'thank you' for the countless hours they have dedicated, and continue to dedicate, to planning, preparing, and leading learning environments that are welcoming and inclusive for all students. We are grateful to have such outstanding leaders, partners, and advocates in education throughout all of our schools. Our schools are stronger because of their leadership. #ThankAPrincipal

When UCSD needs to delay, dismiss early, or cancel school due to inclement weather or emergency situations, UCSD will notify families directly via email, phone, and text*, post an alert on the district website, district Facebook, district Twitter, and communicate with media outlets (WHO 13, KCCI 8, WOI 5). Please make note of the following two-hour delay, early dismissal and cancellation information. Be sure to keep your contact information updated with your school in order to stay aware, updated, and informed. *SMS (text): Parents/guardians can opt-in at any time to receive text messages by texting “Y” or “YES” to 67587. The “67587” number is the “short code” that connects to our notification provider, School Messenger.

Join us in celebrating our Hispanic and Latinx students, families, staff, and community members during National Hispanic Heritage Month! There are many great resources to learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month including this collection of documentaries and programs on PBS. We’d like to take time to recognize and honor our students and staff of Latinx descent. We’d also like to empower and educate our non Latinx students and staff surrounding the contributions and impact Latinx people made and continue to make in our community, state, nation, and world. We are #strongerwithU! Learn More

Please make note of the following dates in October 2022 when school will not be in session.

Rolling Green Elementary

• October 11 – October 14: No school due to Intersession

• October 17 – October 21: No school due to Intersession

The federal waiver for free school meals was not extended to the 2022-23 school year; thus, families will need to carry a positive balance in their children’s school meal accounts in order for children to access breakfast and lunch while at school. Funds can be loaded onto student accounts electronically through TITAN or by bringing cash/check to your student’s building (please place in an envelope and include your student’s first and last name so the money is credited to the correct account). Online payments are preferred because they happen instantaneously. You can also add payments through the Titan app available on the App Store (for iPhone) or Google Play Store (for Android). Learn More

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. Our newly posted positions include: Community Education Coordinator and General Maintenance Learn More

Students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 must remain home for at least 5 full days (day 0 is the first day of symptoms or the date of the day of the positive viral test for asymptomatic persons). Individuals may return to school on day 6 if they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication AND other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving. It is highly recommended that individuals wear a mask when around others at home and in public for an additional 5 days. Learn More

You can find information about all activities to include athletics, the performing arts, and the Booster Club right at your fingertips. Be sure to visit j-hawks.com for all of the latest information, upcoming events, and highlights. Plus, purchase your fan gear online at the J-Hawk Shop. Let’s go J-Hawks!

The UCSD Flyer Hub is a great resource for finding information about community activities, opportunities, and services. We post flyers from our district, community education, and organizations within our community. Flyers are frequently updated so be sure to check back often.