/SKOOLD/ to be educated . guided . prepared

Kennedy High School's athletic director, Aaron Stecker, asked me to be the keynote speaker at their student leadership retreat event on Tuesday, October 29th. KHS has embraced the theme, "Be Uncommon" to define what it means to be a Cougar. According to Dictionary.com,  "What does it mean to be uncommon? est. not common; unusual; rare: an  uncommon  word. unusual in amount or degree; above the ordinary: an  uncommon  amount of mail. exceptional; remarkable." Exceptional. Remarkable. Wow...what does it mean when we witness something exceptional or remarkable? Something that we would not expect, and it captures our hearts so quickly that we almost lose our breath? There are posts on Facebook or Twitter that appear to fit the "uncommon" definition: two toddlers running to each other on the sidewalk to embrace or a group of soccer players huddling around an opponent on the field to help her.  My question is, how many moments of "uncommon"...

I was invited to Wright Elementary School last week by the teacher-librarian to "judge" renditions of book characters created out of potatoes. That's right! Not clay, not Mr. Potato Head figures, but actual potatoes. It was certainly an offer I could not resist...I was picturing in my mind what the potential creations could be prior to my visit. My imagination did not even come close to the amazing creations developed by each classroom at Wright Elementary! As I was greeted by the teacher-librarian, Ms. Davis, I could see the collection of characters displayed on a table. I approached the lineup and could not stop my laughter, squeals of amazement, and clapping. Needless to say, I was certainly a disruption to the library environment. There was a tremendous challenge in selecting the "winners" of the potato creations; however, the decision landed with the characters who really embraced the integrity of the original potato. Every character deserved a prize, q...

Singing Voices of Inspiration and Creation... About a week ago, an elementary teacher sent me an original song that her students created. The song was inspired from our theme of Hope Spots, and the kids wrote and sang about what brings them hope. The lyrics capture the essence of hope through a child's eyes. When they feel supported, inspired, and they believe there are opportunities and possibilities, they are ignited with hope. I do not want to steal their thunder. S o I won't specifically quote their song before an opportunity to share their song with families and their school. However, as I listened to the audio file, their teacher sent, my heart just filled with joy and inspiration. Their words came from the opportunity their teacher created for them. With inspiration and support, they can accomplish so much. Kids are absolutely amazing! Reflective Voices of Critical Thinking... I also met a third-grader who attended one of the community input sessions regarding ...

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.