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Board Brief! 📰
Our School Board Director, Kaitlin Byers, is here to provide a quick summary of everything the board discussed during last night’s board special work session.
Tap the video to hear the key decisions and next steps impacting our students and schools!
Link to the full board meeting: www.youtube.com/live/qWBDl8y9b64?si=cMAvyrnXVGek8S_U
Link to the strategic planning survey: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScRV0luyx1nS_pgCpkWHkS_-qHSx68ft-zi9J5JGfEccszp9Q/viewform?urp=g…
#schoolboard #EducationMatters #CommunityUpdates #WeAreCRCSD
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Join us in celebrating Susan Beck for her incredible dedication to our students! Susan recently went the extra mile (and then some!) to make her school play fully accessible for our hearing-impaired students.
Signing is a challenge on its own, but signing Shakespeare? That is a whole new level of talent and commitment! Susan put in countless non-paid hours to ensure every student could experience the magic of the theater. 🎭🤟
Susan, thank you for your hard work, your heart for inclusion, and for making Kennedy a place where every student belongs. We are so lucky to have you!
If you would like to recognize someone, you can do that here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScBBCTquLsBB5dSvDKtNpCS9JGPPL1JsLGODqrTcAaWNpoHrQ/viewform
#kennedypride #inclusionmatters #staffspotlight #AboveAndBeyond
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HAPPENING TODAY: Board Special Work Session Live Stream! 🕔 4:30 PM
Want to know what’s next for CRCSD? Get the insights directly! Our board special work session is streaming live tonight.
Grab your screen and join us at 4:30 PM to follow the discussion. We look forward to your virtual presence!
➡️ Link to Watch: youtube.com/@engagecrschools?si=niYAOj-ukwVTpf9u
P.S. Can’t join at 4:30? A recording will be made available soon after!
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📢 CRCSD Board Work Session – Monday, Jan. 5
The Cedar Rapids School Board will hold a special work session at 4:30 PM in the Board Room to hear proposals for balancing the district’s budget. No votes will be taken, and there will be no public comment, but the public is welcome to attend in person or watch online here.
www.youtube.com/@EngageCRschools/streams
Proposals include:
Intermediate School Model & School Reconfiguration: Potential new grade structure (Elementary: PreK–4, Intermediate: 5–6, Middle: 7–8, High: 9–12) and possible school consolidations. No schools have been identified; no final decisions have been made.
Budget Reductions: First phase proposals (~$4.2M) focused on minimizing classroom impact, including reductions in consulting contracts, professional development travel, and ELSC costs.
These steps are to reduce and subsequently balance the district budget by $10–12M to ensure long-term financial stability and stronger opportunities for students.
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January is THANK YOU month! From late-night meetings, complex budgets, and big decisions—all for the love of our schools. Our Board of Education members are dedicated volunteers who give their time to make CR Schools the best they can be. Help us celebrate them all month long for National School Board Appreciation Month! Thank you for your leadership and vision!
#ServiceAboveSelf #schoolboardappreciation
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January Books of the Month! Whether you’re in elementary, middle, or high school, there’s a story waiting for you:
• PreK-3rd: The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats🌟
• 4th-7th: The Lost Library / Rebecca Stead 📖
• 8th-12th: Bright Red Fruit by Safia Elhillo📘
Dive in, explore new worlds, and share your favorite parts with friends and family!
#BookOfTheMonth #LoveOfReading #FutureReady #CRCSDReads
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Hello, January!
Here are the important days to keep on your radar this month! From school board meetings to finals, we’ve got you covered.
Stay tuned, stay organized, and let’s make it a great month!
#MonthlyReminder #StayConnected
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365 new days, 365 new chances. 🗓️ We caught up with students before the break to hear their hopes, dreams, and goals for 2026.
It’s going to be a big year for our students! Whether you’re aiming for better grades or just trying to drink more water, we’re rooting for you. 🥂
Tell us: One thing you’re leaving in 2025 and one thing you’re bringing into 2026? ⬇️
#NewYearsDay #CRSchools #StudentVoice #NewYearNewGoals
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Happy New Year from our entire School District family! 🥳
We wish all of our students, staff, and families a 2026 filled with joy, health, and endless opportunities for growth and learning. May your new year be bright!
We can’t wait to welcome you back soon for the start of the next semester! ✨
#HappyNewYear #Hello2026 #WeAreCRCSD #NewBeginnings
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✨ Looking Back on a Great Half-Year! ✨
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on all the amazing moments, milestones, and memories created across our district since school started. From our youngest learners to our dedicated staff, your hard work and passion shines through every photo.
Thank you to our incredible students, staff, and families for a truly unforgettable start to the school year. Happy New Year! We can’t wait to see what 2026 brings!
#SchoolYearRecap #2025MEMORIES #WeAreCRCSD #HappyNewYear
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We are incredibly proud to shine our spotlight on the amazing Sara Young from Jefferson High School! Sara has dedicated many years to serving Jefferson’s special needs students, working tirelessly as their advocate and champion.
A fellow CRCSD staff member shared this heartfelt recognition:
"Sara works tirelessly as an advocate and champion for her students. She ensures that her students have a voice and an authentic high school experience. Sara’s hours often extend well beyond her contract hours, whether that is coaching Special Olympic teams, meeting with parents, or assisting families through transition processes. Sara supports parents, who often feel like outsiders, feel heard through her kindness and knowledge. I have never met a stronger advocate for special needs students and CRCSD is blessed to have Sara as a part of their teaching team!"
Thank you, Sara, for your profound dedication, endless compassion, and for the countless hours you invest to ensure every student and family feels supported and heard at Jefferson High School. You are truly an invaluable asset to the J-Hawk community and CRCSD!
#CRCSDStaffSpotlight #StaffAppreciation #JeffersonHighSchool #SpecialEducation #Advocate #JHawks #CRCSD**
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❄️ Happy Holidays & Winter Break Notice!
As the holiday season approaches, we wish everyone a safe and restful Winter Break!
Please note the following adjusted hours for the Educational Leadership & Support Center (ELSC):
Closed to the Public: Monday, December 22, through Friday, January 2.
District Office Closures (Observing Holidays): December 24, 25, 31, and January 1.
Regular business hours will resume on Monday, January 5, 2026.
We look forward to seeing you in the New Year!
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Today marks the official first day of winter and the shortest day of the year! While we love the beauty of the season, it’s also time to refresh our winter weather safety protocols.
Please remember:
Dress for the Cold: Students should wear warm layers, hats, gloves, and waterproof footwear, especially for outdoor recess or waiting for the bus.
Stay Informed: Remind families to check district communications (email, social media, local news) for any announcements regarding weather-related delays or closings.
Drive Safely: Please take extra time and caution when driving through school zones and bus routes on icy or snowy roads.
Stay warm and safe, everyone! We hope you have a wonderful start to the winter season.
#FirstDayOfWinter #WinterSafety #DistrictAlerts #StayWarm
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Happy Holidays from CRCSD! ☃️ Our Superintendent and our incredible students have a special video message for you as we head into winter break.
Wishing our entire community a safe and joyful season! ❄️👋 #education #holidayspirit #communityfirst
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✨ The Heart of the Holidays: 7 Days, 7 Words ✨
As the calendar winds down, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what this season truly means. For the 7 Days Before Break, we’re asking our dedicated teachers to share the single most meaningful word that represents the holidays for them. It’s a glimpse into the heart of our staff!
1 Day Until Break: Melody Hocke, Pre-K teacher at Truman. Their Word: Memories
The Story: "My word is memories because I just love this time of making memories with my daughter and my family, and doing new things evey year that we’ll always treasure."
Share your holiday word with us! Is it Joy? Family? Rest? Let us know!
#HolidayMeaning #TeacherReflection #BeforeTheBreak #SchoolCommunity #MeaningfulMoments
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✨ The Heart of the Holidays: 7 Days, 7 Words ✨
As the calendar winds down, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what this season truly means. For the 7 Days Before Break, we’re asking our dedicated teachers to share the single most meaningful word that represents the holidays for them. It’s a glimpse into the heart of our staff!
2 Days Until Break: Melena Urbanowski, 1st Grade teacher at Van Buren. Their Word: Excited
The Story: "My word is excited because I’m excited to get everybody’s christmas cards in the mail, see their pictures, have family gatehrings, and I teach first grade and the kids are super excited and so that makes me super excited."
Share your holiday word with us! Is it Joy? Family? Rest? Let us know!
#HolidayMeaning #TeacherReflection #BeforeTheBreak #SchoolCommunity #MeaningfulMoments
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✨ The Heart of the Holidays: 7 Days, 7 Words ✨
As the calendar winds down, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what this season truly means. For the 7 Days Before Break, we’re asking our dedicated teachers to share the single most meaningful word that represents the holidays for them. It’s a glimpse into the heart of our staff!
3 Days Until Break: Leif Albertson, Teacher Instruction of Music at Franklin. Their Word: Cheerful
The Story: "My word is cheerful because I just love my job, and I love the students, and I love getting out of bed every day being able to make awesome music with awesome kids."
Share your holiday word with us! Is it Joy? Family? Rest? Let us know!
#HolidayMeaning #TeacherReflection #BeforeTheBreak #SchoolCommunity #MeaningfulMoments
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✨ The Heart of the Holidays: 7 Days, 7 Words ✨
As the calendar winds down, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what this season truly means. For the 7 Days Before Break, we’re asking our dedicated teachers to share the single most meaningful word that represents the holidays for them. It’s a glimpse into the heart of our staff!
4 Days Until Break: Katelyn Schrader, Teacher Strat I at Hiawatha. Their Word: Joy
The Story: "My word is joy, because it captures the heart of the holiday spirit because it’s something people share, create, and feel together. It shows up in small moments – – kids laughing, families reconnecting, giving & recieving kindness, cozy traditions, and even the simple comfort of being together."
Share your holiday word with us! Is it Joy? Family? Rest? Let us know!
#HolidayMeaning #TeacherReflection #BeforeTheBreak #SchoolCommunity #MeaningfulMoments
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