A message to the community

A Message to the Community

Dear CRCSD Community,

As Superintendent Noreen Bush has turned her focus on her health with a recent medical leave of absence, please see the following announcements:

Noreen Bush will remain superintendent of the Cedar Rapids Community School District during her FMLA and through the remainder of the 2022-2023 school year.
Noreen Bush has submitted her resignation to the Cedar Rapids Community School District board of directors, effective June 30, 2023.
An announcement will be forthcoming on a national search process for a superintendent who will begin July 1, 2023.

“Noreen’s leadership combines intellect and compassion, and we are lucky to have the ‘Iowa Superintendent of the Year’ in our district,” says Board President David Tominsky. “We have all learned from how well she carries herself through school matters, and she has built an amazing team of talented, capable leaders around her. Collectively, we continue our dedicated service and support to the Cedar Rapids community as we move forward.”

Every Learner. Future Ready.

Important Survey Coming to Families

Our district values feedback! Families will receive a survey to tell us about their experience with Cedar Rapids Community School District. To ensure we continue to provide high quality, rigorous learning experiences that meet the needs of our learners and prepare them for college and career, we need our families’ feedback.

The survey will begin on Monday, September 26th, and close on Friday, October 28th. Families will receive the survey through a district email that gives access to the survey link. It will also be available on the district website beginning September 26th.

We thank families, in advance, for your thoughtful responses.

Lulu leads as Taft's 7th grade quarterback (linebacker and kicker, too)

Lulu Ulrich is taking middle school football by storm as Taft Middle School's quarterback, linebacker and kicker. She developed her love of football by watching games with her dad when she was young. As she got old enough to play herself, he enrolled her in Metro Youth Football Association and the YMCA football program.

To her fellow teammates, #32 is just another player who happens to be girl. Most of them have been on the same football team together since they were in third grade. "You get to play as a family," says Lulu, citing her favorite thing about football.

Be sure to watch Lulu and her team in action by clicking on the video.

The team's next game is Thursday, 9/29. Taft versus Franklin, starting at 3:45pm

Lulu leads Taft 7th Grade football team.

Viola Gibson Elementary School turns 20 years old

What was once the newest elementary school in the district, Viola Gibson Elementary is celebrating its 20th year. Viola Gibson is located at 6101 Gibson Dr. NE, in Cedar Rapids. The elementary school opened its doors on August 26, 2002, and is named after Cedar Rapids' area female civil rights leader Viola Gibson.

This week students and staff gathered on the playground for an all-school photo to commemorate the anniversary. CRCSD would like to congratulate the school and wish it the best for the years to come!

McKinley Celebrates 100 Years

McKinley STEAM Academy celebrates its 100th anniversary this month! The building opened its doors on September 5, 1922, as the first purposefully built school in the region to be a junior high school. The structure evolved from a junior high to junior high/high school, then a middle school, and then McKinley STEAM Academy Magnet School.

Please click the video to learn more about this landmark building and its famous staff.

McKinley's 1921 time capsule has recently been opened. Please click here for photos.

Please join us to celebrate the 100th anniversary of McKinley School

Learn about City View

The Cedar Rapids Community School District is excited to announce that a new magnet school is being added to the district. City View Community High School will open in the fall of 2023 in downtown Cedar Rapids. The focus of the community school will be geared towards learning through community and business engagement.

The first year, City View will be open to 9th and 10th grade students. If you have a student or know of a student that would be interested in this high school, CRCSD has two options for you to learn more.

Join us at the session below.

Parent Information Meeting:

Monday, September 26th

Cedar Rapids Public Library

450 Fifth Avenue SE

5:30 - 6:30pm

Or click the button below to have your questions answered.

Learn more about City View

CRCSD High School Coach Spotlight

Brian Annis

Kennedy Men's Cross Country Coach

Brian is in his 24th year of coaching cross country at Kennedy, and his 27th year of coaching overall. By day, you can find him working as a PE Teacher at Kennedy.

"I just like the enthusiasm of the kids, and the excitement they bring," says Brian. "It keeps me young and is something I look forward to each week."

Cheer on the Kennedy Cross Country team at their next meet on Thursday, September 29th, at 4:15pm at Western Dubuque High School.

Kristin Klein

Jefferson Diving Coach

Kristin Klein is in her 8th year of coaching diving at her alma mater, where she dove herself. By day, you can find her teaching Chemistry and AP Chemistry at Jefferson.

"My favorite thing is watching a girl get a new dive and have success with it," says Kristin.

Cheer on the Jefferson Diving team at their next meet on Saturday, September 24th, at 9am at Kennedy.

Important Reminders