Reading With U

Urbandale Schools is excited to share the Reading With U initiative which is part of the UCSD Birth to Grade 3 Comprehensive Literacy Plan. The Reading With U initiative is focused on helping young learners build strong reading skills and enjoy positive literacy experiences. We bring together educators, community leaders, families, and literacy experts in a shared mission to provide positive literacy experiences for every child by grade 3.

An essential part of the Reading With U initiative is you! We welcome you to learn more about the Reading Partners Program and the Read Around Urbandale events below. By working together, we can help every child in Urbandale develop the skills and love for reading they need to succeed!

Reading Partners Program

The Reading Partners program brings volunteers into every 1st and 2nd-grade classroom in the District. Each volunteer will spend time each week reading with students, sharing stories, and helping them discover the joy of books. The goal is simple: to help kids see reading as fun and exciting!

How You Can Get Involved

If you or your organization are passionate about supporting early literacy, there are several ways to support the Reading With U program:

Volunteer: Become a reading partner or help with literacy activities. We’ll provide the training you need. Complete this brief Reading Partners Interest Form and we’ll get in touch with you.
Partner With Us: Commit to collaborating with us on future programs and initiatives and display the Reading with U logo to signify your support for literacy in our community. Complete this brief Business Partner Interest Form and we’ll get in touch with you.
Donate: Contribute resources to help support the Birth to Grade 3 Comprehensive Literacy Plan.

For more information, contact Jill Miller millerj@urbandaleschools.com or Jenny Meade meadej@urbandaleschools.com.

Reading With U Initiative flyers with translation:

Read Around Urbandale

At various times throughout the year, we’ll be hosting Read Around Urbandale events specially designed for families with preschool – 3rd grade students. We invite you and your family to join us for these fun events!

Read Around the Pond May 6, 2025

Join us for Read Around the Pond on May 6, anytime between 6:00-6:30 p.m.! This family-friendly event invites families with preschool – 3rd grade students to walk, bike, scooter, or stroll around Lakeview Pond (near Urbandale Middle School) while listening to a story read by Urbandale High School students. The walk and story experience will take about 30 minutes to complete, with the last group starting at 6:30 p.m. Parking will be available at Urbandale Middle School. Just follow the signs and the sidewalk back to the pond. If it’s raining, the event will move inside UMS. No RSVP needed. For questions, contact Jill Miller: millerj@urbandaleschools.com or (515) 457-5022.