On the Right Track: CRCSD

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. 9h ago

    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!

  2. 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.

  3. 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

  4. 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.

  5. 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!

  6. Apr 30

    Future Ready Today: District Newsletter April 30

    In this historic episode of Future Ready Today, Isabelle and Justin break down the Cedar Rapids Community School District’s "Path Forward" following the Board of Education’s landmark vote on April 27, 2026. We dive deep into what the new Intermediate School Model (Grades 5–6) means for your students, the details of the approved school consolidations, and the transition timeline that gives families a full year to prepare for the 2027-2028 changes. Beyond the headlines, we celebrate a staggering week of student excellence. From the Jefferson Academic Decathlon team’s 2nd-place finish in the nation to Kennedy’s dominance at the Drake Relays and the innovative "Art as Activism" journey to Chicago, our students are proving that excellence happens every day in CRCSD. We also welcome new leadership to Grant Wood Elementary, share the much-anticipated graduation schedule, and look ahead to a well-deserved long weekend for our students.

    Future Ready Today: District Newsletter April 30

  7. Apr 23

    Future Ready Today: District Newsletter April 23

    We are in a season of "full circle" moments in Cedar Rapids. As we look toward the final Board of Education vote on school boundaries, we also celebrate the traditions that make our district home. In this episode: The Defining Moment: Dr. Lannin previews the April 27th Board meeting and explains why the "Strategic Redesign" is focused on 2027 and beyond.Senior Walks: The Class of 2026 heads back to where it all began to inspire the next generation.Be a Hero: Celebrating School Lunch Hero Day and an invitation to drive a bus at the "Yellow Bus Experience" on May 1st.Safety First: A recap of National Youth Violence Prevention Week and the "Peace Pledge" taken by our secondary students.Annual Verification: Why it’s time to update your Infinite Campus portal to stay connected.📅 Key Dates: April 27: Board of Education Meeting (Boundary & Consolidation Vote).April 30: GreenState Give & Grow Match Deadline.May 1: NO SCHOOL (Teacher Directed Day) & School Lunch Hero Day.May 1: Yellow Bus Experience at Kingston Stadium (9 AM - 3 PM).

    Future Ready Today: District Newsletter April 23

  8. Apr 16

    Future Ready Today: District Newsletter April 16

    In this pivotal episode, we dive into the formal recommendations for the future of our schools and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our staff, students, and volunteers. With no school for students tomorrow (Friday, April 17th), we’re taking a moment to look at the big picture for the Cedar Rapids Community School District. In this episode: The Future of Our Boundaries: We break down the official recommendation of Boundary Scenario #2 for the 2027–2028 school year. Learn why this clockwise rotation was chosen over other proposals to ensure long-term stability, balanced enrollment, and true feeder patterns for our students.Have Your Say: A major call to action regarding the In-District Permit Survey. We discuss how families can help shape the process for attending schools outside their neighborhood during this transition.Award-Winning Educators: A huge congratulations to Avery Anderson (Harrison@Madison Elementary) for being named Orchestra Iowa’s Music Teacher of the Year!The Heart of Service: We recap the Volunteer Recognition Award Ceremony and celebrate Jenna Jandik, our District’s Outstanding Volunteer and nominee for the 2026 Iowa Governor’s Award.Innovation & Excellence: * Learn about our recent STEM BEST Explore Awards bringing cybersecurity, robotics, and national park conservation to our students.Our Finance Team hits a home run with the ASBO Certificate of Excellence, proving our commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility.Glance Around the District: From 6th-grade blood structure studies at McKinley to "Frog Prince Day" at Cleveland and a massive 6th-grade pickleball tournament at Taft, we highlight the magic happening in our classrooms.📅 Key Dates & Links Friday, April 17: NO SCHOOL for students (Teacher Comp Day).Monday, April 27: Board of Education Final Vote on school consolidations and boundaries.In-District Permit Survey: Link available in the district newsletter—don't miss your chance to provide feedback!Truman Family Art Night: Tonight! (4:30 – 6:30 PM).

    Future Ready Today: District Newsletter April 16
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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
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 On the Right Track: CRCSD
  • Show Website
    On the Right Track: CRCSD