Iowa City Community School District
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News
![Erik Nelson, West High School Facilitator]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762464726/n35cwkszqcvgy9ala5bx/Erikoption3-2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762464726/n35cwkszqcvgy9ala5bx/Erikoption3-2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1762464726/n35cwkszqcvgy9ala5bx/Erikoption3-2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1762464726/n35cwkszqcvgy9ala5bx/Erikoption3-2.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762464726/n35cwkszqcvgy9ala5bx/Erikoption3-2.jpg","width":1341}])
Motivation, direction, and inspiration are a few gifts that Erik Nelson brings to West High.
“The students give the educators here a lot of hope,” said Nelson. “I hope we can do the same for them.”
Whether in the hallways as a school facilitator or on the football field as an assistant coach, Erik Nelson fosters relationships with hundreds of students each day.
![Food support update: SNAP interruption, school meals, and local resources]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761936772/iowacityschoolsorg/u3jhtyxqf0ye0dmmwarz/coralvillefoodpantry.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1761936772/iowacityschoolsorg/u3jhtyxqf0ye0dmmwarz/coralvillefoodpantry.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1761936772/iowacityschoolsorg/u3jhtyxqf0ye0dmmwarz/coralvillefoodpantry.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1761936772/iowacityschoolsorg/u3jhtyxqf0ye0dmmwarz/coralvillefoodpantry.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1761936772/iowacityschoolsorg/u3jhtyxqf0ye0dmmwarz/coralvillefoodpantry.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1761936772/iowacityschoolsorg/u3jhtyxqf0ye0dmmwarz/coralvillefoodpantry.jpg","width":2200}])
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) provides monthly food benefits that help eligible households buy groceries. Due to the federal government shutdown, SNAP benefits are expected to expire at the end of October. We know this will create stress for many households, and we want to make sure everyone knows what support is available.
![Employee Assistance Program Highlights]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1747663372/iowacityschoolsorg/at86lo0tgvjb4ckwpjk9/5G6A3336.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1747663372/iowacityschoolsorg/at86lo0tgvjb4ckwpjk9/5G6A3336.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1747663372/iowacityschoolsorg/at86lo0tgvjb4ckwpjk9/5G6A3336.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1747663372/iowacityschoolsorg/at86lo0tgvjb4ckwpjk9/5G6A3336.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1747663372/iowacityschoolsorg/at86lo0tgvjb4ckwpjk9/5G6A3336.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1747663372/iowacityschoolsorg/at86lo0tgvjb4ckwpjk9/5G6A3336.jpg","width":2200}])
Our district employees and their immediate family members each receive eight free mental wellness counseling sessions through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), provided by Covenant Family Solutions (CFS). Both virtual and in-person sessions are available, with quick scheduling turnarounds. After the eight free sessions, staff covered under the district’s health insurance can continue care with CFS using their benefits. The EAP also includes unlimited access to an online wellness portal with helpful tools and resources.
![Sheral Jensen, Lucas Elementary Teacher]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761660147/uv9edlowft70hdkzzgxa/LucasGroup2_square.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1761660147/uv9edlowft70hdkzzgxa/LucasGroup2_square.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1761660147/uv9edlowft70hdkzzgxa/LucasGroup2_square.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1761660147/uv9edlowft70hdkzzgxa/LucasGroup2_square.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1761660147/uv9edlowft70hdkzzgxa/LucasGroup2_square.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1761660147/uv9edlowft70hdkzzgxa/LucasGroup2_square.jpg","width":2160}])
Meet Sheral Jensen, who has taught Kindergarten at Lucas Elementary for 21 years!
Every school year, her class plants a tree on campus, and with each passing fall she gets to watch them grow. Likewise, Jensen loves watching students and families pass milestones long after kindergarten.
Creating a welcoming environment and fostering an early love for learning, Jensen makes sure that every student begins school with a positive relationship.
![Superintendent Matt Degner Named One of Nation’s Top 10 by Education Insider]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1723121432/iowacityschoolsorg/mievcwlqecuahjkl7ssk/Matt_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1723121432/iowacityschoolsorg/mievcwlqecuahjkl7ssk/Matt_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1723121432/iowacityschoolsorg/mievcwlqecuahjkl7ssk/Matt_1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1723121432/iowacityschoolsorg/mievcwlqecuahjkl7ssk/Matt_1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1723121432/iowacityschoolsorg/mievcwlqecuahjkl7ssk/Matt_1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1723121432/iowacityschoolsorg/mievcwlqecuahjkl7ssk/Matt_1.jpg","width":2200}])
Join us in celebrating Superintendent Matt Degner, who has been named one of the nation's Top 10 School District Superintendents for 2025 by Education Insider! What a well-deserved honor for his leadership and dedication!
Read the full article: https://bit.ly/MattDegner
![Julian Manson, West High Senior]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761247268/iowacityschoolsorg/nb4bkkust3q6vczveyzx/JujuFrame2-2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1761247268/iowacityschoolsorg/nb4bkkust3q6vczveyzx/JujuFrame2-2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1761247268/iowacityschoolsorg/nb4bkkust3q6vczveyzx/JujuFrame2-2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1761247268/iowacityschoolsorg/nb4bkkust3q6vczveyzx/JujuFrame2-2.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1761247268/iowacityschoolsorg/nb4bkkust3q6vczveyzx/JujuFrame2-2.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1761247268/iowacityschoolsorg/nb4bkkust3q6vczveyzx/JujuFrame2-2.jpg","width":1958}])
It is an exciting time for Julian Manson. The West High senior committed to play football at the University of Iowa in June and is currently leading the Trojan football team to its winningest start since 2020.
Manson is rated the top recruit in Iowa and a four-star prospect by national college football outlets. He was an All-State player last season, earning scholarship offers from ACC, Big 12, and Big Ten Conference schools.
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 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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.