On the Right Track: CRCSD

Welcome back to Right on Track, the official podcast for the Cedar Rapids Community School District! In this episode, we break down essential updates on our upcoming district reconfiguration, the new K–8 school design, and key dates for the In-District School Choice Permit application window (running November 2nd through November 13th).

We also celebrate our local leaders named to the Corridor Business Journal’s Forty Under 40, thank our incredible America Reads volunteers, and share important info on the 2026 Christmas Toy Shop registration. Plus, get ready for Halloween weekend with details on Kennedy High School's production of Dracula and the annual CREA/CRCSD Trunk-or-Treat, along with health reminders for flu season and a fun Glance Around the District!

• Important Calendar Date: No school for students on Monday, October 19th due to staff professional learning. Classes resume Tuesday, October 20th.
• Heroic Action Commendation: 5th grader Bella Scott (Viola Gibson Elementary) was recognized by the Board of Education for her quick thinking and brave actions during a medical emergency on her school bus, securing emergency assistance for her driver, Ms. Christine Huston.
• School Bell Schedule & Transportation Coalition: Updates from the 37-volunteer coalition working with TransFinder to review start and stop time scenarios for the upcoming district reconfiguration, prioritizing developmentally appropriate start times.
• National Bullying Prevention Month: Wear orange on October 21st to show support for safe, inclusive, and supportive schools.
• Staff Retention Highlights: District employee tenure averages 11 years, with a 90% teacher retention rate, strong student-teacher hiring, and internal leadership pathways.
• Staff Spotlight: Featuring Roosevelt Creative Corridor Business Academy counselor Dr. Lisa Coyle (29 years in education) and CARES Inc. therapy dog Eco.
• National School Lunch Week: Honoring the CRCSD Food & Nutrition team for providing daily meals.
• Arts & Theater Spotlights:
  • Jefferson High School presents Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Playtime Poppy Children’s Theatre) on Oct 16 (5:00 PM & 7:30 PM) and Oct 17 (11:00 AM & 2:00 PM). Tickets at jhscr.booktix.com.
  • Kennedy High School presents Dracula on Oct 23 & 24 at 7:00 PM.
• Weather Reminder & Recess Policy: Dress students in layers for changing fall temperatures; outdoor recess is held when temperature and wind chill are above 10°F.

Glance Around the District: Highlights including JSA feelings tracking, Hoover CKLA fairy tale reenactments, All-State Vocal Festival, Hiawatha pollination lab, Erskine Wickiup Hill field trip, Viola Gibson preschool leaf investigation, Harding Career Day, Washington African American Humanities W.E.B. Du Bois project, and Maple Grove Pasta Club.

Welcome back to another episode of the CRCSD Community Podcast! Join hosts Jennifer and Justin as they break down this week's Cedar Rapids Community School District news and celebrations.

In This Episode:

• Bell Schedule & Transportation Review: Learn about the 4 remaining bell schedule scenarios being evaluated for the 2027–28 school reconfiguration, along with timeline details for upcoming staff and community feedback sessions.
• In-District School Permits: Details on the temporary permit pause starting Monday, October 19th, and dates for second-semester applications.
• Freshman Academy Milestones: Highlights from Jefferson High School’s Freshman Academy ribbon-cutting ceremony and attendance improvements, plus details on Washington High’s upcoming event on October 26th.
• Performing Arts & Fall Events:
  • Jefferson High School’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (October 16–17)
  • Kennedy High School’s Dracula (October 23–24)
  • 29th Annual Metro Marching Band Classic at Kingston Stadium (October 12)
  • 7th Annual CREA/CRCSD Trunk-or-Treat (October 25)
• Attendance Terms: A breakdown of key attendance definitions and reminders.
• Staff Spotlight: Celebrating Kennedy High math teacher Jenny McAtee and her work founding the on-site student pantry.
• Glance Around the District: Brief stories featuring Johnson STEAM Academy, Cleveland, Viola Gibson, Erskine, Washington, Truman Early Learning Center, Grant, Metro High, and Grant Wood.

Welcome to the October 1st episode of the CRCSD Community Podcast! Hosts Jennifer and Justin break down all the latest news, updates, and celebrations across Cedar Rapids Community School District.

In this episode, we cover:

• Important Schedule Reminders: No school for students on Monday, Oct. 5th (Teacher Directed Day).
• Major District Milestone: The U.S. Department of Justice concludes monitoring of the 2022 settlement agreement following significant progress and investments in behavioral support systems.
• Freshman Academies Ribbon-Cuttings: Early success stories and upcoming ceremony details for Jefferson and Washington High Schools.
• Community & Fall Events: Homecoming updates, Playtime Poppy's presentation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and the 7th Annual Trunk-or-Treat at Kingston Stadium.
• Staff Spotlight: Celebrating Chris Stumpff, Engagement Specialist at Cedar River Academy!
• Glance Around the District: Quick highlights from KLA, CRA, West Willow, Kennedy, Harrison at Madison, Washington, Trailside, and Van Buren!

Tune in and stay connected with everything happening in CRCSD!

Welcome back to the CRCSD Community Podcast! In this episode, hosts Jennifer and Justin share a deeply moving 25-year full-circle story from Harding Middle School, preview high school marching band competition season, and cover key updates across the district.

In this episode:

• A 25-Year Full-Circle Moment: A former Ground Zero responder reaches out 25 years after 9/11 to thank Harding Middle School students and staff for the supportive letters, work gloves, and coin sent to first responders in 2001.
• Marching Band Competition Season: A look into the new competition productions from Jefferson ("Transcendent"), Washington ("Scorned"), and Kennedy ("Awakening") ahead of October's Metro Marching Band Classic at Kingston Stadium.
• Homecoming Celebrations: Kennedy High School’s Homecoming festivities—including dress-up days, the parade, and the new Circle of Honor induction—plus a preview of Jefferson High School’s upcoming Homecoming week.
• Financial Aid Planning Night: Details on the September 28th Financial Aid Planning Night hosted in partnership with ICAN for high school students and families navigating post-secondary funding.
• Volunteer & District Opportunities: Information on signing up for America Reads (October 15–16) and applying to join the School Bell Schedule & Transportation Coalition.
• Excellence & Classroom Highlights: Celebrating national financial reporting recognitions for the district finance team and sharing hands-on learning highlights from elementary and middle schools across the district.

Be sure to check the links in the district newsletter to sign up, volunteer, or submit interest forms!

In this episode of the CRCSD Community Podcast, Justin and Jennifer cover essential district news, upcoming events, and student highlights across Cedar Rapids Community School District:

• No School Reminder: Monday, September 21st is a professional development day for staff, so there is no school for students.
• School Bell Schedule & Transportation Coalition: Learn about the new coalition forming to evaluate school bell and transportation options for upcoming school reconfigurations (Interest Form closes September 25th).
• America Reads Celebration: Online registration is open for volunteers to read to preschool through 5th-grade classrooms on October 15th and 16th.
• Campus Safety & Protocol Reminders: Guidelines regarding school grounds conduct, student drop-off/pick-up, and handling peer conflicts.
• Updated Student Illness and Injury Policy: Details on when students will be sent home from the health office and requirements before returning to school.
• Homecoming Highlights: A recap of Washington High School's homecoming celebrations, plus upcoming dates for Kennedy and Jefferson.
• Staff Spotlight: Recognizing Patty Muenzenmeyer, principal secretary at Hoover Community Elementary, for her 18 years of dedication.
• Glance Around the District: Fun updates from Cedar River Academy, McKinley STEAM Academy, Trailside, Erskine, Taft, Hoover, and Hiawatha.

CRCSD Community Podcast: Witches, Academic Wins, and Staff Spotlights

Welcome back to the CRCSD Community Podcast! In this episode, Jennifer and Justin share exciting updates and success stories from across the Cedar Rapids Community School District.

What’s inside this episode:

• First-Day Milestones: Celebrating our newest preschool students as they begin their educational journeys.
• Witches in Salem: A preview of Washington High School’s upcoming fall play, Witches!? In Salem?!, running September 10th–12th.
• Academic Excellence: Honoring our five National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists from Jefferson and Kennedy High Schools.
• Student Artistry: Showcasing the talented Washington High student artists who displayed and sold original work at the NewBo Art Fest.
• Staff Spotlight: Celebrating Grant Wood Elementary Building Engineer Doug Thompson for his nearly three decades of service, classroom creativity, and dedication to the morning running club.
• District Initiatives: Updates on the new 5th and 6th-grade intermediate school model survey and essential information regarding state-tracked student attendance guidelines.
• Around the District: Spotlighting fire safety visits at Cedar River Academy, robotics students traveling to the Automate 2026 Expo in Chicago, and student-led morning announcements at Johnson STEAM Academy.

Tune in to hear how our students, staff, and community continue to stay Future Ready!

Welcome to the early September family update podcast for the Cedar Rapids Community School District! In this episode, hosts Isabelle and Justin cover everything CRCSD families need to know heading into the long holiday weekend.

We kick off with a reminder about the Labor Day holiday schedule and share exciting news for our youngest learners as preschool officially begins on Tuesday, September 8th. We also highlight the launch of our new My School Menus platform, celebrate Jefferson High School senior Aidon Norton for his selection to a statewide Youth Broadband Advisory Council, and introduce our very first Student Rider of the Month!

Plus, learn how you can share your feedback on future 5th/6th grade intermediate school activities, discover proactive attendance resources for Attendance Awareness Month, and get a recap of CRCSD students and staff making positive headlines across Cedar Rapids.

Welcome to the first family podcast update of the 2026–2027 school year! Hosts Isabelle and Justin walk Cedar Rapids Community School District families through all the big news as our doors open and students return to our halls.

In this episode, hear highlights from Superintendent Dr. Tawana Lannin’s first-day visits to nine district schools, learn about the School Board's approval of our new 5-year strategic plan (Destination Excellence), and get details on what the year-one focus on district reconfiguration means for our community. We also cover essential guidance on ISASP score report delays, stadium safety expectations, submitting Staff Shout-Outs, practical tips for building strong attendance habits, and a spotlight on real-world STEM experiences at Jefferson High School. 

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year, CRCSD families! In this kickoff episode, Isabelle and Justin walk you through all the essential updates, calendar reminders, health resources, and new district tools you need to know as we prepare for day one on Tuesday, August 25th (Reminder: It's a FULL day of school!).

What We Cover in This Episode:

• 🗓️ First Day & Schedule Reminders: Hours for elementary, middle, and high schools, plus bus route rechecking via StopFinder on August 24th.
• 📋 Action Item — Annual Verification: Why every family must log into the Infinite Campus Parent Portal before school starts.
• ⚖️ State Policy Update (SF 2428): What Iowa’s new law means for classroom behavior, temporary removals, alternative spaces, and family collaboration.
• 🛡️ Crisis Prevention & Safety Care: Overview of CRCSD's de-escalation strategies and student supports.
• 🩺 Free Immunizations: Metro Care Connection details via the Vaccines for Children Program (319-558-2481).
• 🎨 K–8 Poster Contest: Details on the Iowa Communications Network "Be Cyber Safe!" contest with prizes for students.
• 📱 Mobile App & Text/Email Setup: Navigating the new CRCSD mobile app, saving text shortcodes (97178 and 53291), and unblocking district emails in Gmail.