Winter Weather Details
Ready for Spring? YES!

A beautiful, fluffy snowfall can be illuminating and epitomizes “Winter Wonderland.” Ideally, those days can come during winter break; however, Mother Nature does not usually follow our school calendar needs. So, when there is a concerning forecast, what leads to the decision making process?

There are a lot of factors to consider when making weather decisions: temperature, wind chill, wind gusts, the combination of those factors which creates “actual temperature,” precipitation, road conditions, advisories vs. warnings, and even Early Out Fridays can impact the decisions.

There are many factors that alert us to keep a close eye on winter weather conditions and could determine a delay or cancellation:
  • -30 degree windchill
  • -15 degree air temperature
  • Escalated wind gusts that impact the “actual temperature” OR blowing fallen snow
  • Combination of air temperature, windchill, and wind gusts 
  • Weather warnings
  • Road conditions
  • Snow fall, ice, sleet or precipitation 
  • Fog

We try to determine as much as possible as early as possible, but weather and road conditions can change very quickly. One factor, like wind gusts, can impact the other factors, like snow drifts on roads. We use resources like the NOAA and National Weather Service to watch the forecast. When road conditions are concerning, we have team members who drive the roads in the early morning hours to assess road conditions in addition to the state patrol reports and the City/County road teams.

Ultimately, it is a complex process. We try very hard to reach decisions and communicate to families and staff by 5:30 a.m.

Read Superintendent Bush's full note, including a detailed breakdown, in the link below.
Important Reminders
Monday, Jan. 24: 5:30 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 24: 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Community magnet high school parent information meeting (Washington High School cafeteria)

Tuesday, Jan. 25: 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Community magnet high school parent information meeting (New City Church, 5335 Midway Drive NW, Cedar Rapids)

Tuesday, Feb. 1

Thursday, Feb. 3: 5 to 7 p.m.
Magnet school open house (ELSC, 2500 Edgewood Rd NW, Cedar Rapids)

Monday, Feb. 14: 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 25: 11:59 p.m.
CRCSD Happenings
Reminder: School Meals are Free This School Year

As a reminder to families, breakfast and lunch meals at school are free to all Cedar Rapids Community School District students during the 2021-22 school year.

Learn more about our school meal program through the link below.
Striking While the Iron's Hot: Blacksmithing Club at Jefferson

After classes on Tuesdays, you might notice something out of the ordinary at Jefferson High School.

If you venture out behind the school, you’ll encounter several students eagerly hammering hot metal near fiery forges. Welcome to Blacksmithing Club—a vision of Rob Rawlins, a special education teacher at Jefferson.

Read the full story through the link below and watch video above.
Volunteers at Grant Wood Elementary

Earlier this week, several volunteers spent time with students at Grant Wood Elementary. Some were volunteering for the first time. For others, it was their first time back in the building since the pandemic began.

“I’m so glad to be back; I’ve normally volunteered in the past,” said Abby Stern, a Grant Wood volunteer and parent.

View more photos in the link below.
The Week in Photos
Hoover Celebrates MLK Day

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, staff and AmeriCorps volunteers at Hoover Community School helped serve the community. View more photos here.
Perfect Game for Kennedy Bowler

"Just for me to do it was absolutely surreal."

Lucas Dolphin, a junior at Kennedy High School, bowled a perfect 300 during a meet in Dubuque this week. "This young man has been throwing the ball well and I knew it was only a matter of time," says head bowling coach Scott Bader. "Those were 12 of the best shots I have seen this young man throw." View a video here.
Useful Resources
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January 21, 2022