We thank our Olmsted Elementary students this month for sharing their Encouraging Words:

  • "Keep trying, no matter how hard failure whacks you." Sam V./4th Grade

  • "Stars can’t shine without darkness." Caden B./4th Grade

  • "If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again." Abigail C./4th Grade

  • "When I am stuck on something or I am too afraid to do something, others around me tell me I can do it." Anonymous/4th Grade

  • "Don’t give up on anything." Ruby P./4th Grade
As summer is just beginning, many families are trying to settle on a routine for the summer months. It can feel overwhelming trying to balance the open, adventurous feelings of summer with the desire to help your child continue to learn and grow. In addition, families are likely juggling work schedules and summer break schedules which add another layer of complexity to this decision-making process.

Here are a handful of questions that might help you to design the structure that works best for your family.

When considering activities this summer:
  • Are there any non-academic areas that would be helpful for your child to practice?  
  • Are there friendships that would be beneficial to strengthen or reconnect?
  • Are there special interests that your child has mentioned that he/she would like time to pursue?
  • Are there volunteer opportunities that your child has shown an interest in that would be valuable to explore together?

If your work or family schedule doesn’t allow as much flexibility as you’d like in order to help your child attend activities: Continue Reading

Michele Hamilton
Coordinator of Student, Family & Community Services
If you are heading out on a road trip this summer, keeping boredom at bay is a priority. Why not encourage your kids to enjoy some great books during the drive? Ebooks and audiobooks are wonderful to bring and take up much less space than traditional books. Here are a handful of websites you can check out and download free books onto your tablet, phone, or E-reader.

Heartland AEA Resources

  • Please see your school’s teacher librarian for the district username and password.
  • Mackinvia.com This is a fabulous database with a large number of PreK-12th grade ebooks and audiobooks. Help your student make a personal account and download resources to listen to and read offline. Books are checked out for 21 days and automatically disappear at the due date - no need to return anything!
  • Tales2go.com This database has thousands of audiobook titles for kids. Continue Reading

Melissa Marwedel
Teacher Librarian at Karen Acres, Olmsted, and Rolling Green Elementary Schools


  • District Calendars (1-page quick-view calendars; remember 'Late Start Wednesday' dates noted with blue boxes for grades K - 5; noted with * for grades 6 - 8)

  • Flyer Hub (flyers for community activities and events)
Educational Equity Statement
It is the policy of the Urbandale Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, religion, marital status (for program), ethnic background, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, age (for employment), or socio-economic background (for program) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact the District office at 11152 Aurora Avenue, Urbandale, IA or call 515-457-5000. The District’s Equity Coordinators are Dr. Keri Schlueter, Coordinator of Student Services (schlueterk@urbandaleschools.com), Mark Lane, Director of Human Resources (lanem@urbandaleschools.com), and Crista Carlile, Director of Teaching and Learning (carlilec@urbandaleschools.com).
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