On the Right Track: CRCSD

Welcome back to Right on Track , the official podcast for the Cedar Rapids Community School District! In this episode, we break down essential updates on our upcoming district reconfiguration, the new K–8 school design, and key dates for the In-District School Choice Permit application window (running November 2nd through November 13th). We also celebrate our local leaders named to the Corridor Bu...

Important Calendar Date: No school for students on Monday, October 19th due to staff professional learning. Classes resume Tuesday, October 20th. Heroic Action Commendation: 5th grader Bella Scott (Viola Gibson Elementary) was recognized by the Board of Education for her quick thinking and brave actions during a medical emergency on her school bus, securing emergency assistance for her driver, Ms....

Welcome back to another episode of the CRCSD Community Podcast! Join hosts Jennifer and Justin as they break down this week's Cedar Rapids Community School District news and celebrations. In This Episode: Bell Schedule & Transportation Review: Learn about the 4 remaining bell schedule scenarios being evaluated for the 2027–28 school reconfiguration, along with timeline details for upcomin...

Welcome to the October 1st episode of the CRCSD Community Podcast! Hosts Jennifer and Justin break down all the latest news, updates, and celebrations across Cedar Rapids Community School District. In this episode, we cover: Important Schedule Reminders: No school for students on Monday, Oct. 5th (Teacher Directed Day). Major District Milestone: The U.S. Department of Justice concludes monitoring...

Welcome back to the CRCSD Community Podcast! In this episode, hosts Jennifer and Justin share a deeply moving 25-year full-circle story from Harding Middle School, preview high school marching band competition season, and cover key updates across the district. In this episode: A 25-Year Full-Circle Moment: A former Ground Zero responder reaches out 25 years after 9/11 to thank Harding Middle Schoo...

In this episode of the CRCSD Community Podcast, Justin and Jennifer cover essential district news, upcoming events, and student highlights across Cedar Rapids Community School District: No School Reminder: Monday, September 21st is a professional development day for staff, so there is no school for students. School Bell Schedule & Transportation Coalition: Learn about the new coalition forming...

CRCSD Community Podcast: Witches, Academic Wins, and Staff Spotlights Welcome back to the CRCSD Community Podcast! In this episode, Jennifer and Justin share exciting updates and success stories from across the Cedar Rapids Community School District. What’s inside this episode: First-Day Milestones: Celebrating our newest preschool students as they begin their educational journeys. Witches in Sale...

Welcome to the early September family update podcast for the Cedar Rapids Community School District! In this episode, hosts Isabelle and Justin cover everything CRCSD families need to know heading into the long holiday weekend. We kick off with a reminder about the Labor Day holiday schedule and share exciting news for our youngest learners as preschool officially begins on Tuesday, September 8th....

Welcome to the first family podcast update of the 2026–2027 school year! Hosts Isabelle and Justin walk Cedar Rapids Community School District families through all the big news as our doors open and students return to our halls. In this episode, hear highlights from Superintendent Dr. Tawana Lannin’s first-day visits to nine district schools, learn about the School Board's approval of our new...

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year, CRCSD families! In this kickoff episode, Isabelle and Justin walk you through all the essential updates, calendar reminders, health resources, and new district tools you need to know as we prepare for day one on Tuesday, August 25th ( Reminder: It's a FULL day of school! ). What We Cover in This Episode: 🗓️ First Day & Schedule Reminders: Hours for el...

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year, CRCSD families! In this kickoff episode, Isabelle and Justin walk you through everything you need to know before school starts on Tuesday, August 25th ( Reminder: It's a FULL day! ). Dr. Lannin shares a welcoming Back-to-School message setting our vision for Destination Excellence , and we cover critical operational updates so your family is ready for day...

In this historic episode of Future Ready Today , Isabelle and Justin break down the Cedar Rapids Community School District’s "Path Forward" following the Board of Education’s landmark vote on April 27, 2026. We dive deep into what the new Intermediate School Model (Grades 5–6) means for your students, the details of the approved school consolidations, and the transition timeline that giv...

We are in a season of "full circle" moments in Cedar Rapids. As we look toward the final Board of Education vote on school boundaries, we also celebrate the traditions that make our district home. In this episode: The Defining Moment: Dr. Lannin previews the April 27th Board meeting and explains why the "Strategic Redesign" is focused on 2027 and beyond. Senior Walks: The Class...

In this pivotal episode, we dive into the formal recommendations for the future of our schools and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our staff, students, and volunteers. With no school for students tomorrow (Friday, April 17th), we’re taking a moment to look at the big picture for the Cedar Rapids Community School District. In this episode: The Future of Our Boundaries: We break down the o...

🎙️ 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 Rapi...

We’re back from Spring Break and diving straight into the "big picture" for CRCSD. From the first look at new boundary proposals to setting the dates for our seniors' big walk across the stage, this episode is packed with essential updates for every family in the district. In this episode: Boundary Redesign Deep Dive: We recap last night’s Community Open Houses. What’s the differenc...

Welcome back, CRCSD families! We hope your Spring Break was restorative because we are hitting the ground running for the final 11 weeks of the school year. In this episode, Isabelle and Justin discuss the "heart" of our schools—from kindergarten art showcases to the high-level planning that will shape our district’s future. In this episode: A Royal Showcase: Dr. Lannin shares a heartwar...

As we head into Spring Break, this episode focuses on the major decisions shaping the future of CRCSD. From a deep dive into the 2026-2027 staffing plan to celebrating a 26-year academic winning streak, Isabelle and Jennifer break down everything families need to know before the holiday. In this episode: Dr. Lannin’s Staffing Update: Learn how the district successfully reduced projected teaching s...

In this episode, we step into Music In Our Schools Month by celebrating a legacy of artistry that dates back over a century in Cedar Rapids. From the national stage in Washington, D.C., to the "Great White Way" right here at Washington High School, our students are proving that the future of CRCSD is bright, bold, and incredibly talented. In this episode: Tonight’s Headliner — Warriors o...

In honor of Public Education Week , this episode is dedicated to the heartbeat of our community: our schools. Isabelle and Justin take a deep dive into the logistics of how we support our students, the transparency behind our district budget, and the incredible achievements of our learners. In this episode: A Message from Dr. Lannin: We discuss the "people-first" approach to the 2026–202...

In this week’s episode, we’re celebrating the powerful intersection of history and the future. From the moving student performances during Black History Month assemblies to the citywide recognition of our "14 Under 14" leaders, it is a week defined by student voice and community pride. In this episode: Dr. Lannin’s Message—Black History as a Bridge: We reflect on Superintendent Dr. Tawan...

We’ve officially crossed the 100th day of school ! This week, Justin and Isabelle celebrate the milestone—from the adorable "100-year-old" costumes in our elementary halls to the deeper reflections of Black History Month . Beyond the celebrations, we’re diving into the heavy-hitting updates from Monday night’s Board meeting and what they mean for the future of our district. In this episo...

Mother Nature must have finally heard our pleas! This week, Justin and Isabelle swap the snow shovels for sunglasses as they discuss the predicted 40-degree weekend "heatwave." Between debating the best Super Bowl snacks and commiserating over their shared (and slightly painful) status as Chicago Bears fans, the duo dives into a packed agenda for the Cedar Rapids Community School Distric...

In this episode, we brave the Iowa "industrial freezer" to bring you the latest on the district's long-term school redesign plans, celebrate student voices at the State Capitol, and get ready for the 2026–2027 school year! Designing for Success: Isabelle and Jennifer break down the three conceptual models presented to the Board by our Community Coalition. From the "Intermediate...

Urgent Weather Update: Due to dangerous temperatures, Friday, January 23, will be our district’s very first Home-Based Learning Day . In this episode, we break down exactly what that means for your family, how attendance works, and how our teachers will be supporting students from a distance to keep the learning going without adding days to the calendar. Building a Sustainable Future: Superintende...