I want to provide an update regarding the next steps in our Re-Envisioning Our Elementary Schools initiative. As we continue working to ensure that we make thoughtful and informed decisions, gathering some additional data from independent experts and more information about our budget projections will be essential before proceeding with the committee's development.

We understand the importance of building trust and transparency, and this process will be no different. I also realize how difficult and stressful these conversations can be and have been for our community. Comprehensive data from professionals and increased time to better understand our budget reality will allow for more informed, thoughtful discussions.

Join the Marching Bands from City, Liberty, and West High Schools at the third annual Corridor Marching Classic on Wednesday, October 16, 2024! Hosted by Liberty High this year, the evening is a non-competitive showcase of the halftime shows from nearby schools. Clear Creek Amana, West Branch, and West Liberty will be featured alongside the Iowa City schools.

Officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) have announced the names of approximately 16,000 Semifinalists in the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. We are proud to announce that we have 22 Semifinalists from our District, with four from City High, two from Liberty High, and 16 from West High.

We have received significant feedback and questions about student use of cell phones, technology, and artificial intelligence in school. These are complex topics that require careful thought before we make any changes to our policies or practices.

In response to this feedback, we are initiating a comprehensive review of our current cell phone, technology, and artificial intelligence policies.

We have received additional guidance regarding student attendance expectations based on new state regulations. We want to provide more information about our approach this year, including the state-mandated changes, particularly regarding absence exceptions and the related Infinite Campus attendance codes.

Students at North Central, Northwest, and Southeast have officially commenced their first year of middle school education in the Iowa City Community School District. For the first time, sixth-grade students report to secondary buildings rather than elementary schools.

“There is definitely a lot of energy with 1,000 kids in the building,” said North Central Middle School Principal Colby Miller. “We are off to a great start.”