On the Right Track: CRCSD
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!
On the Right Track: CRCSD
Future Ready Today: District Newsletter April 9
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🎙️ Episode Description: Graduation Milestones & The Road to Summer
Release Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026 Hosts: Isabelle & Justin
In this high-energy episode, we celebrate a historic achievement for our students and take a look at the finish line for the 2025-2026 school year. From record-breaking graduation rates to upcoming theater magic, there is so much to be proud of in the Cedar Rapids Community School District.
In this episode:
- A Historic Leap: We break down the phenomenal news from the Iowa Department of Education. CRCSD’s 4-year graduation rate has surged to 81.98%—a nearly 5% jump since 2023! We discuss what this means for our community and highlight the incredible progress in closing achievement gaps for our Black, ELL, and Special Education student groups.
- The Final Countdown: Mark your calendars! We officially announce the last day of school (Wednesday, June 3rd) and provide the specific early dismissal times for all levels.
- Leading the J-Hawks: Meet Derek Dixon, the newly appointed Activities Director for Jefferson High School. We discuss his "Together We Soar" vision for the future of J-Hawk athletics and fine arts.
- Titans on the Playground: We recap the "Titans Takeover" at Polk Alternative Education Center. Hear how professional football players are mentoring our students through reading and some legendary recess basketball games.
- Warrior Excellence: Student Spotlight on Washington senior Lily Barker as she heads into her final golf season with a clear focus on the state leaderboard.
- Arts & Stage: A guide to the upcoming "must-see" high school productions, including Kennedy's The Wizard of Oz, Washington’s The Princess Who Wouldn't Wear Pink, and Jefferson’s The SpongeBob Musical.
- Double Your Impact: How you can turn $50 into $100 for our schools this month through the GreenState Credit Union "Give & Grow" match program.
đź“… Key Dates & Links
- April 17: NO SCHOOL for students (Teacher PD Day).
- April 17-18: The Wizard of Oz @ Kennedy High School.
- April 23-25: The Princess Who Wouldn't Wear Pink @ Washington High School.
- April 30: Deadline for the GreenState Match.
- May 14-16: The SpongeBob Musical @ Jefferson High School.
- June 3: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL (Early Dismissal: 1:20 PM MS/HS; 2:20 PM Elementary).