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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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It is a pleasure to recognize Jen Long from Nixon Elementary in today’s Staff Spotlight! Jen’s supportive nature and wealth of knowledge make her an indispensable part of the Nixon team, as recognized by a CRCSD colleague:
"Jen is always ready to jump in and lend a helping hand when needed. She comes with so much knowledge and never has made me feel less than when I come to her for help. She takes her time when explaining things and walking through processes, and makes sure to check for understanding with colleagues. She genuinely cares about all the people she works with."
Thank you, Jen, for your patience, expertise, and your unwavering kindness toward your colleagues. You make the Nixon community stronger every day!
#CRCSDStaffSpotlight #StaffAppreciation #NixonElementary #TeamSupport #CollaborativeCulture #CRCSD
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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!
5 Days Until Break: Jessica Zimmerman, Teacher Media Specialist at Erskine. Their Word: Traditions
The Story: "My word is traditions, because it means spending time with my family, doing things we’ve done every year since my boys were born. Like maybe making sugar cookies, reading ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas’, and decorating the tree. Just getting to spend all that time with my family doing the things we love doing."
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!
6 Days Until Break: Catherine O’Connell, 1st Grade teacher at Trailside. Their Word: Blessed
The Story: "My word is blessed, because one I’m blessed with the job that I have, but also because I use the holiday season to spend time with family and friends. And it’s a great time to relax and celebrate the wonderful things we have."
Share your holiday word with us! Is it Joy? Family? Rest? Let us know!
#HolidayMeaning #TeacherReflection #BeforeTheBreak #SchoolCommunity #MeaningfulMoments
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