/SKOOLD/ to be educated . guided . prepared

On the eve of Friday, August 30th, Kennedy and Jefferson varsity football teams were warming up on the field at Kingston Stadium as the sun was still in the sky. The stands were filling with fans ready to cheer on and support our athletes, bands were assembling, and the smell of grilled burgers permeated the air. I stood on the north end zone of the stadium, taking it all in. Although it was an entirely familiar "Friday Night Football" Friday at Kingston, there was an added notion of excitement...almost like show jitters..a quiet undercurrent of bliss. The chain team, a dedicated group of volunteers, who have operated home games since the 1980s, were discussing the new field, the track, the bleachers--their smiles and excitement were almost sentiments of disbelief. They commented on how beautiful the field was with absolute joy in their eyes. I mentioned to them that I marched on the field with a flag in my hand in the '80s...many times with muddy shoes and wor...

A little over a week ago, we held an All-Staff Kick Off Event at the Ice Arena for the 2019-20 school year. Our theme captured Cedar Rapids Community School District as a "HOPE SPOT" for our students, staff, and community. As I listened to our speakers--all employees of the school district--share their experiences of witnessing hope in our school district, I found so many new opportunities to consider what builds hope in all of us. I have spotted hope all over our district and community this past week: kindergarten students entering school for the first time and their parents making it through emotional mornings, days, and afternoons. middle schoolers hugging each other because they missed one another over the summer. a high school teacher explaining his #1 goal as closing the opportunity and equity gap for his math students through ACCESS to Algebra and a lot of instructional support. communication from staff members describing professional learning time...

Hello CRCSD Community, I am so pleased to begin the 2019-20 school year as the Interim Superintendent of Cedar Rapids Community School District. This blog is intended to share moments that I witness and experience to capture the essence of our district; support our families, students, and employees; and, hopefully, just get to know each other a little better. Our oldest son, Tom, is headed to college in about a week. It is his first year, and up until about a week ago, I have been excited, proud, and “ready” for his next step. That is, until we went school supply shopping. I love school supply shopping...EVERY school year...the lists, the new folders, the joyful displays in the middle of Target or Walmart. When you are a teacher  and  a parent, it is our HAPPY NEW YEAR preparation. This year, like every other year, we waited until tax-free weekend and were ready to tackle the parking lots and aisles to fill our basket with backpacks, pencils, and zip-loc baggies. ...

Superintendent Noreen Bush welcomes you to the City of Cedar Rapids and shares the direction of the Cedar Rapids Community School District.