On the Right Track: CRCSD

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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!

  1. 5d ago

    Freshman Academies, DOJ Agreement Update & Fall Festivities!

    Welcome to the October 1st episode of the CRCSD Community Podcast! Hosts Jennifer and Justin break down all the latest news, updates, and celebrations across Cedar Rapids Community School District. In this episode, we cover: Important Schedule Reminders: No school for students on Monday, Oct. 5th (Teacher Directed Day).Major District Milestone: The U.S. Department of Justice concludes monitoring of the 2022 settlement agreement following significant progress and investments in behavioral support systems.Freshman Academies Ribbon-Cuttings: Early success stories and upcoming ceremony details for Jefferson and Washington High Schools.Community & Fall Events: Homecoming updates, Playtime Poppy's presentation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and the 7th Annual Trunk-or-Treat at Kingston Stadium.Staff Spotlight: Celebrating Chris Stumpff, Engagement Specialist at Cedar River Academy!Glance Around the District: Quick highlights from KLA, CRA, West Willow, Kennedy, Harrison at Madison, Washington, Trailside, and Van Buren! Tune in and stay connected with everything happening in CRCSD!

  2. Sep 24

    A 25-Year 9/11 Story of Kindness, High School Marching Bands, and District News

    Welcome back to the CRCSD Community Podcast! In this episode, hosts Jennifer and Justin share a deeply moving 25-year full-circle story from Harding Middle School, preview high school marching band competition season, and cover key updates across the district. In this episode: A 25-Year Full-Circle Moment: A former Ground Zero responder reaches out 25 years after 9/11 to thank Harding Middle School students and staff for the supportive letters, work gloves, and coin sent to first responders in 2001.Marching Band Competition Season: A look into the new competition productions from Jefferson ("Transcendent"), Washington ("Scorned"), and Kennedy ("Awakening") ahead of October's Metro Marching Band Classic at Kingston Stadium.Homecoming Celebrations: Kennedy High School’s Homecoming festivities—including dress-up days, the parade, and the new Circle of Honor induction—plus a preview of Jefferson High School’s upcoming Homecoming week.Financial Aid Planning Night: Details on the September 28th Financial Aid Planning Night hosted in partnership with ICAN for high school students and families navigating post-secondary funding.Volunteer & District Opportunities: Information on signing up for America Reads (October 15–16) and applying to join the School Bell Schedule & Transportation Coalition.Excellence & Classroom Highlights: Celebrating national financial reporting recognitions for the district finance team and sharing hands-on learning highlights from elementary and middle schools across the district.Be sure to check the links in the district newsletter to sign up, volunteer, or submit interest forms!

  3. Sep 17

    Bell Schedule Coalition, Health Updates & Homecoming Spirit!

    In this episode of the CRCSD Community Podcast, Justin and Jennifer cover essential district news, upcoming events, and student highlights across Cedar Rapids Community School District: No School Reminder: Monday, September 21st is a professional development day for staff, so there is no school for students.School Bell Schedule & Transportation Coalition: Learn about the new coalition forming to evaluate school bell and transportation options for upcoming school reconfigurations (Interest Form closes September 25th).America Reads Celebration: Online registration is open for volunteers to read to preschool through 5th-grade classrooms on October 15th and 16th.Campus Safety & Protocol Reminders: Guidelines regarding school grounds conduct, student drop-off/pick-up, and handling peer conflicts.Updated Student Illness and Injury Policy: Details on when students will be sent home from the health office and requirements before returning to school.Homecoming Highlights: A recap of Washington High School's homecoming celebrations, plus upcoming dates for Kennedy and Jefferson.Staff Spotlight: Recognizing Patty Muenzenmeyer, principal secretary at Hoover Community Elementary, for her 18 years of dedication.Glance Around the District: Fun updates from Cedar River Academy, McKinley STEAM Academy, Trailside, Erskine, Taft, Hoover, and Hiawatha.

  4. Sep 10

    High-Fives, Salem Witches, and Running Trails

    CRCSD Community Podcast: Witches, Academic Wins, and Staff Spotlights Welcome back to the CRCSD Community Podcast! In this episode, Jennifer and Justin share exciting updates and success stories from across the Cedar Rapids Community School District. What’s inside this episode: First-Day Milestones: Celebrating our newest preschool students as they begin their educational journeys.Witches in Salem: A preview of Washington High School’s upcoming fall play, Witches!? In Salem?!, running September 10th–12th.Academic Excellence: Honoring our five National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists from Jefferson and Kennedy High Schools.Student Artistry: Showcasing the talented Washington High student artists who displayed and sold original work at the NewBo Art Fest.Staff Spotlight: Celebrating Grant Wood Elementary Building Engineer Doug Thompson for his nearly three decades of service, classroom creativity, and dedication to the morning running club.District Initiatives: Updates on the new 5th and 6th-grade intermediate school model survey and essential information regarding state-tracked student attendance guidelines.Around the District: Spotlighting fire safety visits at Cedar River Academy, robotics students traveling to the Automate 2026 Expo in Chicago, and student-led morning announcements at Johnson STEAM Academy.Tune in to hear how our students, staff, and community continue to stay Future Ready!

  5. Sep 3

    September Updates: Preschool Kickoff, App Rollout, Student Leaders & Attendance Awareness

    Welcome to the early September family update podcast for the Cedar Rapids Community School District! In this episode, hosts Isabelle and Justin cover everything CRCSD families need to know heading into the long holiday weekend. We kick off with a reminder about the Labor Day holiday schedule and share exciting news for our youngest learners as preschool officially begins on Tuesday, September 8th. We also highlight the launch of our new My School Menus platform, celebrate Jefferson High School senior Aidon Norton for his selection to a statewide Youth Broadband Advisory Council, and introduce our very first Student Rider of the Month! Plus, learn how you can share your feedback on future 5th/6th grade intermediate school activities, discover proactive attendance resources for Attendance Awareness Month, and get a recap of CRCSD students and staff making positive headlines across Cedar Rapids.

  6. Aug 27

    Welcome Back, CRCSD! First Week Highlights, Destination Excellence, and Attendance Tips

    Welcome to the first family podcast update of the 2026–2027 school year! Hosts Isabelle and Justin walk Cedar Rapids Community School District families through all the big news as our doors open and students return to our halls. In this episode, hear highlights from Superintendent Dr. Tawana Lannin’s first-day visits to nine district schools, learn about the School Board's approval of our new 5-year strategic plan (Destination Excellence), and get details on what the year-one focus on district reconfiguration means for our community. We also cover essential guidance on ISASP score report delays, stadium safety expectations, submitting Staff Shout-Outs, practical tips for building strong attendance habits, and a spotlight on real-world STEM experiences at Jefferson High School.

    Welcome Back, CRCSD! First Week Highlights, Destination Excellence, and Attendance Tips

  7. Aug 20

    Back-to-School Kickoff: Key Dates, New Behavioral Guidelines & Digital Tools

    Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year, CRCSD families! In this kickoff episode, Isabelle and Justin walk you through all the essential updates, calendar reminders, health resources, and new district tools you need to know as we prepare for day one on Tuesday, August 25th (Reminder: It's a FULL day of school!). What We Cover in This Episode: 🗓️ First Day & Schedule Reminders: Hours for elementary, middle, and high schools, plus bus route rechecking via StopFinder on August 24th.📋 Action Item — Annual Verification: Why every family must log into the Infinite Campus Parent Portal before school starts.⚖️ State Policy Update (SF 2428): What Iowa’s new law means for classroom behavior, temporary removals, alternative spaces, and family collaboration.🛡️ Crisis Prevention & Safety Care: Overview of CRCSD's de-escalation strategies and student supports.🩺 Free Immunizations: Metro Care Connection details via the Vaccines for Children Program (319-558-2481).🎨 K–8 Poster Contest: Details on the Iowa Communications Network "Be Cyber Safe!" contest with prizes for students.📱 Mobile App & Text/Email Setup: Navigating the new CRCSD mobile app, saving text shortcodes (97178 and 53291), and unblocking district emails in Gmail.

  8. Aug 13

    Back to School 2026: Kickoff, Busing Tips, New School Names & App Launch!

    Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year, CRCSD families! In this kickoff episode, Isabelle and Justin walk you through everything you need to know before school starts on Tuesday, August 25th (Reminder: It's a FULL day!). Dr. Lannin shares a welcoming Back-to-School message setting our vision for Destination Excellence, and we cover critical operational updates so your family is ready for day one. In this episode, we cover: 🗓️ Key Dates & Reminders: First day details, Annual Verification in Infinite Campus, and Board recap.🚌 Transportation 101: Busing sign-up deadlines, StopFinder app tips, route numbers, pick-up/drop-off rules, and rider expectations.🏫 New School Identities (Fall 2027): Announcing the official names and mascots for Belmont Park (Blossom the Bee), Meadow Creek (Martin the Moose), and Hoover Community (The Little Hawks).📱 New CRCSD Website & App: Features, AI chatbot, and vital steps to ensure you receive district text alerts (Shortcodes: 97178 & 53291).🍎 District News & Leadership: Welcoming 103 new teachers, new HR Executive Director Lee Kenyon, principal transitions, and Champions before/after-school care options.

    Back to School 2026: Kickoff, Busing Tips, New School Names & App Launch!
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About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    CRCSD
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 On the Right Track: CRCSD
  • Show Website
    On the Right Track: CRCSD