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 – 3rd-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.

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 Fire Truck

Join us for a special Reading with U event — Read Around the Fire Truck — on Monday, November 17, 2025, from 5:30–6:30 p.m. at Urbandale Fire Station #42 (3927 121st St.). Families are invited to gather at 5:30 p.m. for an engaging evening of reading and learning with our local firefighters. The firefighters will share a story, talk about why reading is an important part of their work, and give a tour of the station and fire trucks. Parking will be available on the south side of the building. Come enjoy this fun and meaningful event that connects reading with real-world heroes! For questions, contact Jill Miller: millerj@urbandaleschools.com.staging3.juiceboxint.com or (515) 457-5022.

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