CRCSD announces last day of school and student assessment updates

The Cedar Rapids Community School District (CRCSD) held its latest episode of "Future Ready Today" on April 4, 2025, featuring significant updates and celebrations relevant to students, parents, and community members. The episode was hosted by Joe and Isabelle, who emphasized the importance of staying informed about district happenings.

The meeting began with a reminder from Dr. Grover, followed by the announcement of the last day of school, which is set for Thursday, June 5. This will be a full day of classes, with no early dismissal planned, contingent on no further cancellations or delays. The final day for staff is still being finalized, and families are encouraged to plan accordingly.

As spring progresses, the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISAP) testing has commenced across the district. This assessment is crucial for understanding student growth and academic progress. Parents are advised to support their children by ensuring they are well-rested, well-fed, and arrive at school on time, emphasizing the importance of effort during testing.

In addition to ISAP testing, the Conditions for Learning survey will be administered to students in grades 3 through 12. This survey allows students to provide feedback on their school experiences, including safety and relationships, which will help school leaders enhance learning environments. The survey will be conducted in April, with responses kept confidential and reported in aggregate.

The meeting also celebrated Bridget Ferry, the cafeteria manager at Taft Middle School, for her 14 years of service and dedication to providing nutritious meals and a welcoming environment for students. Her efforts during challenging times, such as last year's cafeteria closure, were particularly highlighted.

In terms of student success, CRCSD reported an increase in the four-year graduation rate for the class of 2024, now at 79.1%, up from 77.5% the previous year. The five-year cohort graduation rate has also improved to 81.26%, indicating that more students are completing their education. Additionally, dropout rates have declined, with an overall rate of 2.67% and a high school dropout rate of 3.65%.

Safety remains a priority for the district, and the introduction of the Safe Plus Sound Iowa app was discussed. This app allows for anonymous reporting of concerns, such as bullying or threats, and is monitored continuously to ensure timely responses.

Lastly, registration for preschool and kindergarten for the 2025-2026 school year is now open. Families with children turning five by September 15 are encouraged to enroll, as space is limited.

The episode concluded with a call for community engagement, encouraging listeners to share the information and stay connected through social media for ongoing updates from the district.