Staff and Families,

This week, I began my role as your next Superintendent and I wanted to share how excited I am to be here and serve as your leader.

First, I wanted to thank you. I have experienced an overwhelming level of support and enthusiasm from the community. Thank you for the warm welcome with many recommendations to acclimate to the community.

I started this week sitting with students at Taft as they ate their breakfast. I played basketball with students in the stage/gym at Wilson and I greeted students as they walked in the brand new building at Maple Grove. Let me tell you, those elementary kiddos like to share a lot as they walk into the building.

During my transition, I have walked the halls of Washington, jumped to my feet in cheering on the amazing show choir at Jefferson, and daringly watched confetti fly at the annual pep rally at Kennedy. I was inspired by the young brilliance at Johnson and captivated by the STEM learning at McKinley and I am looking forward to creating a podcast with them soon.

With each encounter, I am in awe of the dedication and commitment of staff and involvement of the community. I am eager to continue touching all corners of our school community, appreciating the amazing aspects of districts and learning more about our individual and collective desires and aspirations for the future. 

The Board of Education and I are meeting today to foster a strong working relationship among our team of eight as we build a foundation of clear expectations and trust that will set up the district leadership, the Board, the district, and therefore our students, for success. We will take a look at

1. Student achievement and success outcomes 
2. Preliminary themes emerging from Superintendent listening and observations 
3. Findings from recent reports and previous Strategic Plan
4. Additional areas of attention from the Board gleanings from community 

Information Sessions for New Elementary School

Mark your calendars for two information sessions next week regarding CRCSD new elementary school. The community is invited to attend. More information to come following the board meeting on Monday April 10th, 2023.

Information Sessions:

Wednesday, April 12th - 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Madison Elementary School

Thursday, April 13th - 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. 

Harrison Elementary School

Music Fills the Air for Fourth Graders

CRCSD fourth graders and Orchestra Iowa musicians created music together in an interactive concert at the Paramount Theatre. Over the past weeks, CRCSD music teachers have been working with students to hone their recorder skills so that they could perform together with the Orchestra. 

“We live in an age where technologies make it very easy for students to view instruments being played, but the experience of being mere feet away from a violinist, a tuba player in an acoustically perfect hall - these are not reproducible in the classroom. It's an irreplaceable experience, and students' excitement was palpable.” Emily Barnes, CRCSD Elementary Music Content Lead

KCRG took in the concert showcasing the musical talents of the students. Click here to see the story.  

Champions Open House

Champions are welcoming all families to an open house next week. These events are an excellent opportunity to meet your summer site directors and learn about the exciting Champions programming. This evening will be fun-filled with activities and refreshments.

Preschool Families

Thursday, April 13th, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

at Truman Early Learning Center