The J-Hawk Experience Thanksgiving!
Info you need to know for week of November 20-21!
Message from the principal
Living in the Urbandale community and central Iowa in general, we have a great deal to be thankful for as we enter the Thanksgiving holiday week. To honor this time to give thanks, we will be having school only on Monday and Tuesday this week then having no school on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, to take extra time to be with family and friends to give thanks and celebrate our gratitude.
In that same spirit, I would like to share some of those things we as a community are thankful for as it relates to hope, engagement, and learning at UHS and share those with people and include some in next week's newsletter. Special thanks to all the people who sent in messages and notes with words of thanks for our team at UHS and recognize the work we are doing and connections that are being made. Below are excerpts from some of those emails shared with me:
In that same spirit, I would like to share some of those things we as a community are thankful for as it relates to hope, engagement, and learning at UHS and share those with people and include some in next week's newsletter. Special thanks to all the people who sent in messages and notes with words of thanks for our team at UHS and recognize the work we are doing and connections that are being made. Below are excerpts from some of those emails shared with me:
- We participated in student teacher conferences this past week and sat down with 13 different teachers. We are extremely thankful to have such high quality, professional teachers at UHS. In talking with them it became obvious how many of them (in only
about two months!) really understand our two children's personalities and learning styles. They were able to tell us not just what the grades were, but could comment how our children contributed to the class, how they tackled difficult tasks, and how they might improve on their learning. These were not general comments, but tailored specifically to our kids. - I would like to call out Mrs. Hale, Mrs. Bunce, Mr. Sonntag and Mrs. Veenstra for their professionalism and enthusiasm, plus their spot on assessments of our kids!
- It also made us feel good to hear several of the freshman house teachers ask how our older daughter was doing. We know that our kids are supported both inside and outside the classroom at UHS and we do not take that for granted but appreciate it deeply.
- I am thankful for teachers who challenge my children and allow their creative talents to shine.
- I am thankful for the willingness and positive attitude of all of the teachers I have been working with this fall to provide interventions, document interventions, and give input for the students in problem-solving/evaluation process.
- I am thankful for your guidance staff especially Mrs. Duffield who have been a source of support for my children. Mrs. Duffield has been a consistent and compassionate advocate for our daughter. She has talked her through some
exceptionally bad days and recognized when things were just too tough and she needed to be home. She has seen her grow and become her own advocate. - We are thankful for Brenda Ness. As a school nurse keeping tabs on the health of over a thousand students, she's a rock star! Our son has had a couple of unfortunate sports injuries so far this year. But through both injuries, Brenda was a bright light of hope and caring. Her positive attitude, warmth, experience, and calmness in stressful situations has been an incredible help to our son (and us).
- I am thankful for teachers like Mr. Parrott who have known our daughter since middle school. He has been dedicated to helping her be successful and has attended every 504 meeting held for the sake of making sure she has the supports needed as she has struggled with her anxiety. He has praised us for raising a great daughter and also shared how confident he is in her ability to take on the world after high school. Teachers like Mr. Parrott make the difference not only for his students but for their families.
- I am grateful for the office, custodial, associate, maintenance, and food service staff members, who do some many of the behind the scenes things to make our school a safe, clean, and supportive environment for all.
We have so much to be thankful for here at Urbandale High School! I am grateful for our amazing team of teachers and staff members as well as our students working each day to learn and grow so we can change the world! I hope everyone has a restful and relaxing Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
Tim Carver
Principal
#UHSpride
#UHSwillChangeTheWorld!
Attendance.
Be Present. UHS attendance rate for the past week.
UHS attendance - 95%
This is a reminder that if a student has an unexcused absence for any period, our automated system will be sending out a call as well as an email as means to notifying you of the absence. If you feel it is in error, please contact Mrs. Chavez in our attendance office at 457-6805.
UHS attendance - 95%
This is a reminder that if a student has an unexcused absence for any period, our automated system will be sending out a call as well as an email as means to notifying you of the absence. If you feel it is in error, please contact Mrs. Chavez in our attendance office at 457-6805.
Student Announcements and Day 1/ Day 2 for the week
Stay updated on daily student announcements for the past week by clicking here.
This week Monday, November 20th, is a Day 2. Tuesday is a Day 1.
This week Monday, November 20th, is a Day 2. Tuesday is a Day 1.
Junior Conferences with Counselors on November 21st
Counselors will be meeting with juniors in small groups to talk about the things they should know as they plan for life after high school.
Remind your student to check out the bulletin board by the counseling office or see their American History teacher for the schedule and more info. All groups will meet sometime during Tuesday, November 21st in room 127 of the Media Center.
Remind your student to check out the bulletin board by the counseling office or see their American History teacher for the schedule and more info. All groups will meet sometime during Tuesday, November 21st in room 127 of the Media Center.
ACT testing
Students are encouraged to sign up upcoming ACT testing at UHS on or more of the following dates: December 9th, February 10th, April 14th, June 9th, and July 14th. See your students' school counselor for more details or visit our counseling website at the following link.
http://www.uhsguidance.com/index.html
http://www.uhsguidance.com/index.html
Students attend ISU Linguistics Challenge!
A team of UHS students attended Iowa State University for a Linguistics Challenge this past week. They worked in groups of about 8 - they each had an Urbandale partner in their group, but they got to meet and work with lots of kids from different schools. They worked in groups to solve different language puzzles. Other puzzles were much harder, but they generally persevered until time was up. They got to practice a couple tongue twisters (videos on Twitter!) in Turkish and Mandarin, which were really fun!
UHS Writing Lab open!
The English Department has created a writing lab for students who need a little assistance, encouragement, or time with the completion of any writing assignment. This includes essays or writings from any classes around UHS, not just English classes.
The lab is open Monday afternoons from 3:15-4:00pm; Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 7:00-7:45am; and Thursday afternoons from 2:15-3:00 in the English Pod on the 2nd floor.
All students are encouraged to come. There will be at least one English teacher there.
The lab is open Monday afternoons from 3:15-4:00pm; Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 7:00-7:45am; and Thursday afternoons from 2:15-3:00 in the English Pod on the 2nd floor.
All students are encouraged to come. There will be at least one English teacher there.
UHS Student Clubs & Organizations...get involved! Two new clubs on the way!
The UHS Counseling Office recently released the list of Student Clubs & Organizations for the 2017-18 school year. Here is the link to the list All students are encouraged to get involved one or more club/organization that aligns with a passion or interest.
Listen to announcements and keep an eye out for a new Math Club and Chess Club coming to UHS soon!
Listen to announcements and keep an eye out for a new Math Club and Chess Club coming to UHS soon!
UHS Athletics and Activities for the week! Go J-Hawks!!
Click here for link to www.j-hawks.com for upcoming events this week. Go J-Hawks!!
Shout Outs
J-Hawk girls basketball kicks off the winter sports!
With winter sports practices in full swing, our UHS girls varsity basketball team kicks off winter sports competitions with their opening game at Des Moines North High School at 7:45pm. Good luck, Coach Birdwell and the J-Hawks!
J-Hawks participate in All-State Festival over the weekend in Ames!
Members of the UHS Vocal Music and Instrumental programs participated in the All-State Music Festival this weekend at Iowa State University. It is an honor to be selected for this event! Pictured to the right are vocal selections: Jenna Booth, Lauryn Fraaken, Claire Weihs, Sarah Madison, Abby Carver, Joe Jackowski, Jack Pearson, Riley Vander Hart, Tyler Gajewsky, and Aditya Kotla. Great job to all!
DeDoncker named Academic All-State!
Senior, Emily DeDoncker was named Academic All-State by the Iowa Girls Coaches Association for her play on the court and work in the classroom. The minimum requirements for the award are: ACT Composite of 27 or higher or SAT of 1200
or higher, Cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher.
DeDoncker helped lead the J-Hawks to the 2017 Class 5A State Volleyball Tournament. Great job, Emily!
or higher, Cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher.
DeDoncker helped lead the J-Hawks to the 2017 Class 5A State Volleyball Tournament. Great job, Emily!
UHS Special Olympics Team competes at State Bowling!
Members from the UHS Special Olympics Team competed at the State Bowling meet over the weekend with their general education peers. The J-Hawks did a great job, had fun, and brought home some medals, too. Great job, J-Hawks!
J-Hawk team takes 1st place at Start Up Storm event at Simpson College!
A team of five UHS students attended the first ever Start Up Storm event at Simpson College where teams of students had to invent something then pitch their idea to a team of judges (similar to the Shark Tank tv show). UHS students, April Czarnecki, John Meyer, Tanner Teem, Channing Parkhill, and Matt Moran, took home five of the 17 overall awards, including 1st place overall for their invention. Great job, Team U!
Learning around UHS
Connections Cup - Family Feud in action!
Connections Cup - Family Feud in action!
Connections Cup - Family Feud in action!
Students present in Mrs. Alaniz' English class
Student work from Lang & Lit
Mr. Hammerand's Chemistry class balances equations
Follow us...UHS Twitter!
For updates, news, and info, about Urbandale High School, follow our new Twitter account @UHS_UCSD
Event Information
Write Out Loud
Students and teachers from the UHS Creative Writing classes will be sharing their voice through written language as well as song at their second offering of Write Out Loud at the Friedrichs Coffee on 86th St in Urbandale.
When?
Thursday, Nov 30, 2017, 06:30 PM
Where?
Friedrichs Coffee, Northwest 86th Street, Urbandale, IA, United States
Event Information
Make your Mark on Parks - Urbandale Park & Rec Public forum
Urbandale Parks & Recreation needs your help envisioning the future of our parks
system. Join us November 30 at 7pm for a community public input session at the Giovannetti Community Shelter (8900 Douglas Ave.) as we gather input in developing a master plan for the parks system! It would cover aquatics and other recreation needs as well.
system. Join us November 30 at 7pm for a community public input session at the Giovannetti Community Shelter (8900 Douglas Ave.) as we gather input in developing a master plan for the parks system! It would cover aquatics and other recreation needs as well.
When?
Thursday, Nov 30, 2017, 07:00 PM
Where?
Giovannetti Shelter, Douglas Avenue, Urbandale, IA, United States
Urbandale High School
Website: http://www.urbandaleschools.com/schools/urbandale-high-school/
Location: 7111 Aurora Avenue, Urbandale, IA, United States
Phone: (515) 457-6800
Twitter: @UHS_UCSD
Tim Carver, Principal
Email: carvert@urbandaleschools.com
Website: http://www.urbandaleschools.com/directory/tim-carver/
Location: 7111 Aurora Avenue, Urbandale, IA, United States
Phone: 515-457-6801
Twitter: @TimPCarver