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The District is pleased to announce Jaymie Odell as the new principal at North Cedar Elementary.

Odell graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Prior to joining the North Cedar family, she taught at Hansen Elementary and was an Instructional Coach at Southdale Elementary. She was also a Virtual 2nd Grade Teacher and Reading Interventionist in Cedar Falls. Last year, Odell served as the principal of North Butler Elementary. 

“I have been fortunate to be surrounded by many incredible leaders in Cedar Falls who fueled my fire of wanting to become an impactful leader. I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to continue my leadership journey at North Cedar and take part in the amazing things already existing here. I cannot wait to build relationships, grow hearts and minds, and commit to excellence with my fellow educators in our district. I am looking forward to giving back to the community that has given so much to me. It feels great to be back home!”

Odell loves spending time with her husband, Dan, and their two dogs, Gracie and Winnie. She also enjoys being with family and friends, shopping, classic cars, and exploring new places both near and far.
This District is pleased to announce Tyler Ruane as the new Building Leader at Cedar Heights Elementary.

Ruane graduated from Cedar Falls High School in 2006 and from UNI in 2010 with his Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. He then graduated with his Master of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Viterbo University in 2016. He completed his K-12 Computer Science Endorsement through Northwestern College in 2020 and is also completing his Principalship Endorsement from Northwest College as well in 2022.

He previously taught 2nd and 3rd grade at Hansen Elementary. Last school year, he was the K-12 Virtual Campus Instructional Coach for the District. 

“I am so excited to have the opportunity to lead Cedar Heights. The Cedar Falls School District has been home for me since I started Kindergarten as a student at Cedar Heights, and I love being a part of a district that is committed to being there for every student, every day,” Ruane said.

His wife, Megan, is the School Administration Manager at Peet Junior High and is also a graduate of Cedar Falls High School. Megan and Tyler have three sons (Landon, Dawson, & Ashton) who all attend Cedar Heights Elementary. 

“The staff at Cedar Heights have been amazing to work with over the years as I was a parent and a fellow teacher in the district. I am thrilled to be able to work with the staff and families to help our students at Cedar Heights take their next step in becoming lifelong learners,” Ruane said.
Cedar Falls Lions Name
2022 Outstanding Educator

Ashley VondeHaar has been chosen as the recipient of the Cedar Falls Lions Club's 2022 Outstanding Educator Award. She is a fourth to sixth grade teacher in the Cedar Falls Community School District's Virtual Elementary School.

The Cedar Falls Lions Club Outstanding Educator Award is given annually to an educator who displays a commitment to service learning, collaborates with others, works to develop positive character in students, and shows leadership and true dedication to learning.

VondeHaar was nominated by Allison Plunkett, a parent of two students who were enrolled in her multilevel online class during this past school year.

In her nomination, Plunkett stated, “Ms. VondeHaar does an amazing job engaging this diverse group of students every moment of every day through games, song, leadership and traditional learning methods. This mixed classroom cannot be easy. But Ms. V does it with grace and energy every single day.”

Tara Estep, the district's executive director of enrichment and special programs, said in a news release: “Ashley goes above and beyond what is asked and always does so with a smile and positive attitude. She is innovative, creative, and fun and is able to create a welcoming and engaging experience in a virtual setting. Ashley is a great team member to have on the leading edge of education through our competency-based model in a virtual world.”
Check out the latest video on the new high school construction!
Most elementary and all secondary buildings are still in need of para positions! If you enjoy working with kids and a school-year schedule, please go online or call any of the buildings directly to talk to someone,
Learn about concussions with these fast facts!
  • If not quickly assessed and properly managed, concussions can be serious.
  • Concussions often do not result in a loss of consciousness.
  • Concussion treatment requires both physical and cognitive rest until asymptomatic.
  • Concussions are not graded on severity. (Mild, moderate and severe are no longer used.)
  • If a concussion is suspected, a student should immediately stop activity.
  • Recovery time can vary greatly from person to person.
 
Concussions happen in many activities, not just sports. Protect the student you love by learning the symptoms and seeking expert care when you need it.
For a better school day, sleep!
Sleep has important benefits for energy, concentration, the immune system, behavioral health and metabolism. While adults should aim for at least seven hours of sleep, children and teens need more. Improve your sleep with these habits:
  • Take a break from your phone for 30-60 minutes before bed. (No scrolling while lying down)
  • Avoid caffeinated drinks after mid-afternoon.
  • Try for a consistent sleep schedule every day.
Visit the District Equity Website for New Resources
for Students, Staff and Families
This website and all resources are for informational purposes only and do not represent curriculum or what is taught in our classrooms.
Cedar Falls Schools | 319-553-3000 | Website