Iowa City Community School District
The Communicator
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News
![West high kitchen manager standing by equipment and smiling]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1775826686/iowacityschoolsorg/fujlqttkeuojsqiw4wdk/Melissa.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1775826686/iowacityschoolsorg/fujlqttkeuojsqiw4wdk/Melissa.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1775826686/iowacityschoolsorg/fujlqttkeuojsqiw4wdk/Melissa.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1775826686/iowacityschoolsorg/fujlqttkeuojsqiw4wdk/Melissa.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1775826686/iowacityschoolsorg/fujlqttkeuojsqiw4wdk/Melissa.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1775826686/iowacityschoolsorg/fujlqttkeuojsqiw4wdk/Melissa.jpg","width":2200}])
Congratulations to West High's Kitchen Manager Melissa (Dohrer) Ellett on being selected as a Fellow for the Chef Ann Foundation’s 2026 Healthy School Food Pathway Fellowship! Melissa is one of 23 school food professionals nationwide chosen for this program, which focuses on creating healthier, more sustainable school meals. Over 13 months, Fellows develop leadership skills, earn certifications, and lead projects to expand scratch cooking in their districts. Each Fellow also receives a $5,000 stipend to support a capstone project that helps bring these improvements to life.
![students throwing their caps at graduation]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1775683463/owcbr1oolvyu31aqxspd/citygraduation_square.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1775683463/owcbr1oolvyu31aqxspd/citygraduation_square.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1775683463/owcbr1oolvyu31aqxspd/citygraduation_square.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1775683463/owcbr1oolvyu31aqxspd/citygraduation_square.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1775683463/owcbr1oolvyu31aqxspd/citygraduation_square.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1775683463/owcbr1oolvyu31aqxspd/citygraduation_square.jpg","width":2200}])
Our District continues to see strong progress in student outcomes, highlighted by rising graduation rates and declining dropout rates. This year, the district achieved some of its highest 4-year and 5-year graduation rates in over a decade, with the 4-year rate reaching its highest point since 2016 and the 5-year rate marking its highest level since 2019. These gains reflect consistent growth over time and a sustained focus on helping students stay on track to graduate.
![Kindergarten student looking up and smiling]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770660138/iowacityschoolsorg/k8r5yctkrgavyn2s2qwb/Kindergarten2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770660138/iowacityschoolsorg/k8r5yctkrgavyn2s2qwb/Kindergarten2026.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770660138/iowacityschoolsorg/k8r5yctkrgavyn2s2qwb/Kindergarten2026.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770660138/iowacityschoolsorg/k8r5yctkrgavyn2s2qwb/Kindergarten2026.png","width":975}])
We are excited to invite you and your child to our upcoming Kindergarten Round-Up!
Date: April 15, 2026
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Your child’s elementary school
This event is for children who will be 5 years old on or before September 15, 2026, and who will begin Kindergarten in the 2026-27 school year.
![Before and After School Programming Updates]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1760994400/iowacityschoolsorg/s7wtq6c0al9hwitrcikd/wood_recess_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1760994400/iowacityschoolsorg/s7wtq6c0al9hwitrcikd/wood_recess_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1760994400/iowacityschoolsorg/s7wtq6c0al9hwitrcikd/wood_recess_1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1760994400/iowacityschoolsorg/s7wtq6c0al9hwitrcikd/wood_recess_1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1760994400/iowacityschoolsorg/s7wtq6c0al9hwitrcikd/wood_recess_1.jpg","width":1440}])
At this time, the Iowa City Community School District is seeking qualified partners to provide comprehensive out-of-school-time programming at Alexander, Garner, Twain, and Grant Wood Elementary Schools. Questions regarding the RFP can be emailed to Amy Clair, Coordinator of Extended Day Learning at basp@iowacityschools.org.
![District Announces New Chief Financial Officer]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1758829359/iowacityschoolsorg/plmqrqcidwtguplinxxi/5G6A3339_square.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1758829359/iowacityschoolsorg/plmqrqcidwtguplinxxi/5G6A3339_square.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1758829359/iowacityschoolsorg/plmqrqcidwtguplinxxi/5G6A3339_square.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1758829359/iowacityschoolsorg/plmqrqcidwtguplinxxi/5G6A3339_square.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1758829359/iowacityschoolsorg/plmqrqcidwtguplinxxi/5G6A3339_square.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1758829359/iowacityschoolsorg/plmqrqcidwtguplinxxi/5G6A3339_square.jpg","width":2200}])
The Iowa City Community School District School Board has named Pat Moore as the district’s next chief financial officer. Moore will join the district on July 1, 2026, pending school board approval on April 14.
Moore was offered the job after formal interviews with two finalists on March 26th. Interviews were conducted with multiple stakeholders from the district and larger community, including administrators, staff members, community leaders, and school board members.
![Shared Visions Preschool Program Grant]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1738697843/iowacityschoolsorg/pbl5yjbyegk4gujnrfmx/Bluey.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1738697843/iowacityschoolsorg/pbl5yjbyegk4gujnrfmx/Bluey.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1738697843/iowacityschoolsorg/pbl5yjbyegk4gujnrfmx/Bluey.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1738697843/iowacityschoolsorg/pbl5yjbyegk4gujnrfmx/Bluey.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1738697843/iowacityschoolsorg/pbl5yjbyegk4gujnrfmx/Bluey.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1738697843/iowacityschoolsorg/pbl5yjbyegk4gujnrfmx/Bluey.jpg","width":2200}])
Looking to Nominate someone or view this year's Shine Award recipients?
The Shine Award honors employees who go above and beyond for students and schools in our community. Nominations can be submitted by students, parents, District employees, businesses, or community members.
Need to connect with someone from our ESC team?
Take a look at our Meet the ESC Team page to find the person you are looking for!
Have a news idea or story you would like to share?
Fantastic, we would love to hear from you! Reach out to Allie Moeller or Jack Bacon with the details.
Staff Opportunities
The Teach Iowa Scholar (TIS) Program provides qualified Iowa teachers with awards of up to $4,000 per year for a maximum of five years for teaching in Iowa schools in designated shortage areas. This state-funded program is now seeking applicants for the 2025-26 school year.
Iowa City Schools offer American Heart Association (AHA) CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) classes to staff designed to teach life-saving skills to individuals of all backgrounds. These courses provide hands-on training in performing CPR on adults, children, and infants, using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), and responding to choking emergencies. AHA classes are tailored for both healthcare professionals and general participants, ensuring that participants gain the confidence and knowledge to act quickly during cardiac emergencies. Certification is often required for various professions, but it's also valuable for anyone wanting to be prepared to save a life.
Questions about
branding standards?
Our branding guidelines are essential in defining who we are and how we communicate. Everything we create represents our District to our students, current families, prospective families, staff, and our broader community.
Need graphic
design help?
Our Community Relations team can help you create projects that support our District's brand. Simply fill out the form below to get started. Our goal is to help you effectively reach your audience while maintaining our brand standards.
Have a project
to be reviewed?
Our Community Relations team is responsible for ensuring our District's brand identity is used according to our guidelines. For each project involving ICCSD branding, we ask that the form below be completed to ensure brand standards are met.