On the Right Track: CRCSD
Welcome to On the Right Track: CRCSD, the official podcast of the Cedar Rapids Community School District. Join us as we celebrate the stories, successes, and innovations shaping our schools and community. From heartfelt conversations with educators and students to in-depth discussions with district leaders and community partners, this podcast is your ticket to staying informed and inspired. Whether we’re sharing classroom triumphs, exploring initiatives that empower learners, or addressing the challenges and opportunities in education today, we’re always focused on one goal: keeping everyone on the right track to success.
Tune in, engage, and discover how CRCSD is making a difference every day!
On the Right Track: CRCSD
Future Ready Today: District Newsletter February 12
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We’ve officially crossed the 100th day of school! This week, Justin and Isabelle celebrate the milestone—from the adorable "100-year-old" costumes in our elementary halls to the deeper reflections of Black History Month. Beyond the celebrations, we’re diving into the heavy-hitting updates from Monday night’s Board meeting and what they mean for the future of our district.
In this episode:
- The Redesign Roadmap: We break down the Board’s decision to move forward with Intermediate Model Option #2 and the 5–8 Middle School Model. We also discuss the commitment to keeping Johnson STEAM Academy (JSA) an elementary school and the "no changes" guarantee for the 2026–2027 school year.
- Annual Verification—Your "30-Minute Mission": Why the Infinite Campus Parent Portal is the most important tool you'll use this weekend. We explain how your data directly influences staffing, class sizes, and bus routes.
- A "Springboard" for Success: How a newly secured $50,000 IDEA-DA grant is being used to close the graduation gap and support our 9th-grade students with IEPs.
- The Power of Identity: A final reminder to weigh in on the rebranding surveys for Harrison, Hoover, and Van Buren before the February 15th deadline.
- Staff & Leadership Milestones: We spotlight the incredible classroom data of Amy Strain and honor the legendary 32-year careers of retiring principals Tammi Kuba and Cindy Stock.
- Tech Tips & Translation: Important info on how to stop your iPhone or Pixel from blocking school calls, and an update on our new automated translation tools for district emails.
Important Reminders:
- No School Friday: Friday, February 13th, is a Teacher Comp Day.
- Strategic Committee: The first meeting of the Strategic Plan Executive Committee is on February 19th.
Quick Links:
Whether you're a parent, a staff member, or a community partner, thanks for being part of the "Power of We." Stay future-ready!