Updates and features

Updated Mitigation Guidelines Now in Effect

Announced updates to mitigation guidelines went into effect on Thursday, Sept. 2.

In case you missed it in your inbox earlier this week, updates to Cedar Rapids Community School District safety mitigation guidelines went into effect Thursday, Sept. 2, until further notice. These updates include changes regarding contact tracing, as well as other details.

Read more information in the link below.

Note From Noreen

“Try to remember the kind of September, When life was slow and oh so mellow….”

Those are lyrics to a song from the musical, “The Fantasticks.” It is indeed September, and the first two weeks of school have been fast-paced and definitely full of continued adjustments. Not very “slow and oh so mellow.” Thank you for adjusting with us as we manage the new year and the ongoing results of living in the pandemic. Although it can feel overwhelming, we are focused on kids—they are two weeks into the school year and already doing great things.

So, try to remember your own “first days of school.” To perhaps jog your memories, I asked our senior leadership team to share some moments they have witnessed during the first two weeks of school. Moments of joy, learning, and collaboration amongst adults and students:

Kindergarten student at West Willow Elementary School, “This school is awesome, I'm going to learn so much this year.”
Overheard a student new to our district tell a staff member today she believes for the first time she goes to school that actually cares for their kids
"The Back to School Bash was the best open house we've ever had. No need to ever go back."
Open House night a student to another student: “I love walking around and telling all my teachers that they’re my favorite!”
“I don’t want any study halls ‘cuz I just want to learn everything I can. So can you tell me where the counselor office is so I can get my schedule fixed.”
Kindergartener on the first day of school saying, "First day of school, I got this," with a big smile and a fist pump.
High school students and teachers expressed they are so glad to be back.
Elementary student running through the hall to go hug their teacher on the first day of school
Middle school students high fiving each other in the hallways
Our HR and Payroll have taken the meaning of teamwork to a whole new level as they've implemented a new system and worked together getting our first full payroll out for the school year (it is good to pay employees!)

Taking a moment to reflect and celebrate can actually slow us down. So, please enjoy September, take time to find moments that allow you to embrace the new school year, the fall, and witnessing kids do great things. Happy September.

Noreen Bush

CRCSD Superintendent

Important Reminders

Monday, Sept. 6

Holiday - no school; all offices closed

Tuesday, Sept. 7

Preschool begins

Thursday, Sept. 9: 5 to 7 p.m.

Hoover Community School Family Information Night and Grill Out

Monday, Sept. 13: 5:30 p.m.

Board of Education meeting

CRCSD Happenings

Hoover Is a Hub

Community school model supports both students and families through partnerships

Hoover Community School is the place to be - for all members of the family. A community school is both “place and partnership” between the school and community resources. Using Hoover as a hub, the community-based school model brings together a wide range of support services and opportunities for students and the broader family unit. Equity is at the heart of this well-implemented community school model, revealing proven academic achievement and social-emotional benefits.

“As a community school, Hoover is both a welcoming environment for our students and families as well as a set of partnerships connecting the school community to resources and learning opportunities beyond the school and school hours,” says Principal Clint Stone. “Our partners help care for the whole child by providing family services from health connections to food needs to job training and ongoing opportunities for empowerment.”

Embracing the Whole Family

On September 9th from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Hoover Community School is hosting a family information night and grill out at the school. This kickoff event will feature the many community partners that families can access to enrich their lives and guide them through their family, work and social-emotional needs.

For more information on Hoover Community School, please watch the video above.

Upcoming Vaccine Clinics

Linn County Public Health (LCPH) will hold vaccine clinics in six schools in September. The clinics are open to anyone age 12 and older, parents/guardians must accompany those under age 18. All who receive a vaccine will receive a $50 Walmart gift card provided by LCPH.

Find more details below.

Two Magnet Schools Earn National Certification

Two Cedar Rapids Community School District magnet schools—Roosevelt Creative Corridor Business Academy (RCCBA) and Kenwood Leadership Academy—are now Nationally Certified Demonstration Level Magnet Schools. RCCBA and Kenwood Leadership Academy join Johnson STEAM Academy in earning this national recognition by the Magnet Schools of America. Of the 187 magnet schools that have received national certification, only 59 are recognized as Certified Demonstration Schools.

Congratulations to the RCCBA and Kenwood Leadership Academy communities on this major achievement!