2021-2022 SCHOOL START DATE

August 23, 2021 (early dismissal)

Regular School Hours: 
Elementary School: 8:50am – 3:50pm 
Middle School: 7:50am – 2:50pm 
High School: 7:50am – 3:00pm 

Early Dismissal Hours: 

Elementary School: 8:50am – 2:20pm 
Middle School: 7:50am – 1:20pm 
High School: 7:50am – 1:30pm

Note: Preschool starts September 7, 2021

Welcome Back to CRCSD!

After 17 months of quieter-than-normal hallways and sometimes-empty classrooms, it is a delight to welcome back students in full-capacity mode! Our doors are open and our hearts are filled with excitement as we await the arrival of an “everyday” school environment that is also balanced with a virtual learning option.

It will be wonderful to see our students’ shining eyes walk through our building doors and also view our students’ smiling faces in the digital space via our Cedar Rapids Virtual Academy (CRVA). For a full understanding of the two options available, please review the information outlined in this communication. Also, be looking for detailed material sent directly from your school as the upcoming school start date draws near. 

We’ve provided options to support our vision of Every Learner. Future Ready. We learned many things during the pandemic (and derecho) year, and we believe we are not only “getting back to normal,” but we are also getting better for the future. 

Thanks, in advance, for all you do to support our students and CRCSD community. We couldn’t do it without you!

Sincerely,
Noreen Bush
Superintendent 

Two Options

In-person Learning

We all recognize the strong benefits of interpersonal human connections and how that positively affects the educational experience delivered to students. That is why we offer a fully in-person school option. But we also recognize that our in-person learning will look a little different during the COVID-19 era, with increased safety measures for students. 

We are also aware that the Delta Variant is currently the dominant strain in the United States, which may cause concern for parents of elementary students who are not eligible for the COVID vaccine. 

Facts about the Delta Variant:

  • Can spread more easily, according to the CDC, and people may be more contagious if they contract the virus and more easily spread it to others.
  • The symptoms are similar to those seen with the original COVID strain and other variants, including a persistent cough, headache, fever, and sore throat.
  • Currently, there is limited research regarding whether or not the Delta variant causes more severe illness than other variants.
  • Full vaccination works against the Delta strain, dramatically reducing the risk of serious illness that leads to hospitalization or death. 

COVID-19 Safety Mitigation for In-Person Learning Environment 
We have incorporated CDC, LCPH and IDPH guidance which emphasizes implementing layered prevention strategies (e.g., using multiple prevention strategies together consistently) to protect people who are not fully vaccinated, including students, teachers, staff, and other members of their households.

  • Frequent hand washing and hand sanitizing. Students should hand sanitize when:
    • Getting on/off the bus 
    • Before and after community activities such as PE, recess, library, etc.
    • Before and after using shared materials
  • Per current Iowa law, masks for staff and students are optional. 
    • CRCSD highly recommends masks for unvaccinated staff and students according to CDC guidance.
  • Social distancing conducted to the extent possible
  • Building wide increased ventilation 
  • Regular cleaning by custodians and sanitizing of areas when an outbreak of illness is identified
  • Isolation barriers and HEPA filtration systems in health offices
  • CRVA is offered as a learning option for parents/guardians concerned about in-person learning

Quarantine and Isolation:

  • Parents/guardians will be notified via email, phone call or letter that their child has been exposed to a positive person at school or extracurricular activity. The definition of close contact is within six feet of a positive person for more than 15 minutes in a school day/activity.
  • Parents/guardians of exposed students will determine if their child will quarantine for 14 days to monitor for development of symptoms.
  • If parents choose not to have their child quarantine for 14 days, students may attend school and extracurricular activities, as long as they remain SYMPTOM FREE.
  • Students who develop symptoms of illness, or test positive for COVID 19, will isolate at home for 10 days and may return to school/activities on Day 11. 

Cedar Rapids Virtual Academy (CRVA)
CRVA is an online elementary, middle, and high school within the Cedar Rapids Community School District. Students take rigorous courses through an online platform, while still having access to personalized assistance from highly-qualified CRCSD teachers. To learn more, visit Cedar Rapids Virtual Academy.

If you are interested in CRVA, the deadline to sign up is August 2, 2021. High School students contact your counselor. If you are in kindergarten – 8th grade, contact Ernie Cox, CRVA principal. 

Our Commitment to Students

Social-Emotional Behavioral Health 
We’ve missed one another and it has been too long since we’ve all been together at school. We expect to see significant student needs in the area of social-emotional behavioral health. Whether your family has chosen in-person or CRVA learning, each student will be provided resources to support their social-emotional wellbeing.

Equity: Every Learner. Future Ready.
Within all the learning options, the district remains committed to meeting the needs of every student we serve. Extra support may be needed in these areas, and we work to define all the parameters and provide solutions that foster success.

  • Special Education
  • English Language Learners 
  • Gifted and Talented PACT

Ongoing Support  

Food & Nutrition 

Laptop

  • Everyone is supplied a digital device

Daycare

Preschool

Transportation

Double-check Your Contact Information

Each year, it is important for returning CRCSD families to confirm your student’s enrollment, update emergency contacts, fill out yearly field trip and laptop device agreements, complete eligibility for reduced school fees, and update contact information. Please take a few minutes to conduct the “annual verification” process. 

Your next steps:

  1. Login to your Infinite Campus parent portal
    1. If you don’t know your username and password, contact your student’s school
  2. Complete annual verification—the parent portal will walk you through the process

The parent/guardian that the student lives with most of the time should complete this process. Questions? Contact your student’s school or visit this webpage for more information.