Urgent Weather Update: Due to dangerous temperatures, Friday, January 23, will be our district’s very first Home-Based Learning Day. In this episode, we break down exactly what that means for your family, how attendance works, and how our teachers will be supporting students from a distance to keep the learning going without adding days to the calendar.

Building a Sustainable Future: Superintendent Dr. Tawana Lannin joins us to discuss the recently approved $13 million budget reduction. We explore the "why" behind these proactive steps and, more importantly, highlight the $500,000 reinvestment into our largest elementary schools and fine arts programs. Plus, get a preview of the three conceptual models for "right-sizing" the district being presented this Monday, January 26.

In This Episode:

• State Champions: We celebrate Taft Middle School taking 1st place in the State Future City Competition (they're headed to D.C.!) along with podium finishes for McKinley and Harding.
• High School Transition: Important dates for 8th-grade families, including Washington High’s "Experience the Warrior Way" night.
• Community Call-to-Action: How to nominate your favorite educator for Iowa Teacher of the Year and how middle schoolers can win $500 in the National Civics Bee.
• Glance Around the District: From "hands-free" trash cans at Cleveland to tortilla teepees at Hiawatha and Hoover.