The Weekly

Just when I think Theatre West has reached its peak, a new production comes along and raises the bar even higher. The Sound of Music was no exception. Bravo to Christian Aanestad, Luigi Enriquez, David Haas, Katy Nahra, Ann Rocarek, and Jon Welch for bringing such a moving and beautifully crafted show to life. The creativity and dedication on display, both on stage and behind the curtain, are a powerful reflection of the inspiration you have instilled in our students. I lost count of the many compliments our school received by audience members. Bravo! ~ Mitch Gross

(District message sent to everyone on 4/10)

Dear Families,

We’re so happy to have you as part of our school community, and we’re already looking ahead to the 2025–26 school year!

We’re excited to let you know that registration for the 2025–26 school year is now open! We encourage you to take advantage of this early opportunity to register your student(s) for next year.

A quick reminder: all families need to complete online registration each year through Infinite Campus. You can get started by using the link below—just be sure to select the school year “25-26” when prompted.

Registration instructions for returning families to the District

If you need help with the registration process, we’ll be offering on-site registration at your child’s school later this summer. More details on those dates and times will be shared later.

We thank you for taking the time to register your students early, as it helps greatly with our staffing efforts over the spring and summer. We’re so grateful to have you with us!

Sincerely,

Matt Degner
Superintendent
Iowa City Community School District

Silver Cord hours are due by April 18th for Seniors. Please use this link to submit your hours.

https://west.iowacityschools.org/extracurricular/silver-cord-program

This Friday (4/18), we will be hosting the Jazz Ambassadors for a FREE concert here at West starting at 7pm. Our top Jazz Ensemble will be opening for them!!!

This is an incredible opportunity for our students to not only hear one of the best jazz bands in the world, but share the stage with them.

If you would be interested in attending this event after a relaxing day off of school, please reserve your tickets at this web page:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-jazz-ambassadors-of-the-us-army-field-band-free-concert-tickets-1246222237259?aff=oddtdtcreator

Thank you,

Brian Zeglis

IC West Bands

West High's Business Professionals of America chapter held its Award and Senior Send Off event on April 13, honoring 53 outstanding students who qualified for Nationals. Families and friends gathered to celebrate the achievements and dedication of these outstanding members.

Next up: Nationals in Orlando! From May 5-11 students will experience the magic in Florida as they compete, connect and represent the Trojans on the national stage. Best of luck to our BPA stars!

On Saturday, 30 West High students traveled to the State of Iowa Science Olympiad Competition! The students participated in 23 different science and engineering events throughout the day.

After a full day of competition against 21 other teams from around the state, the WHS Gold Team placed 4th overall (missing 3rd place by just 4 points) and the WHS Green Team placed 7th overall.

The following West High individuals placed in the top 5 for the following events in the high school division. Congratulations to...

1st Place

• Joseph Lin & Ajay Bhananidhar (Air Trajectory)
• Erin Chen & Richard Yang (Astronomy)
• Joseph Lin & Ajay Bhananidhar (Bungee Drop)
• Nathan Chen & Henry Timmer-Hackert (Ecology)
• Ethan Lee & Kento Sugiyama (Entomology)
• Joseph Lin & Jensen Lin (Material Science)
• Joseph Lin & Richard Yang (Wind Power)

2nd Place

• Anna Song, Shannon Chen, Anjali Lodh (Codebusters)
• Rebecca Westfall & Nathan Chen (Geologic Mapping)

3rd Place

• Adam Salem & Adam Lee (Dynamic Planet)
• Ethan Lee & Asif Ali (Fossils)
• Ajay Bhananidhar & Ephram Liu (Helicopter)
• Jaynou Ma & Henry Timmer-Hackert (Optics)

4th Place

• Adam Salem & Alex Forbes (Chemistry Lab)
• Helena Yang & Ethan Ding (Optics)
• Asif Ali & Ashvid Sudheer (Tower)

5th Place

• Joseph Lin & Richard Yang (Electric Vehicle)
• Henry Timmer-Hackert & Rebecca Westfall (Forensics)
• Joseph Lin & Ephram Liu (Robot Tour)

In addition, Coach Susan Wu and 15 students from Northwest Middle School travelled along with us to compete. They placed 5th as a team in the middle school division. In addition, they brought home four Top 3 finishes. Congratulations to:

• 1st place: Awen Li & Tommy Gao (Write it Do it)
• 2nd place: Maximilian Hing & Evan Cao (Potions and Poisons)
• 2nd place: Lucius Coriglione & Lucas Lee (Reach for the Stars)
• 3rd place: Lucius Coriglione & Maximilian Hing (Disease Detectives)

I'm so proud of these students and all of the hard work they have put in this season! If you know of any students interested in Science Olympiad for the 2025-26 school year, please have them:

• 9th- 12th grade students: visit Mrs. Bildner in Room 4 or email her at bildner.megan@iowacityschools.org
• 6th-8th grade students: email Ms. Wu at wu.susan@iowacityschools.org

Thank you to all who participated in March Mammal Madness 2025! There was lots of biology to be learned this year- symbiosis between a tree and a fungus!??! It was challenging to score electronically, but very biologically accurate :) If you're learning, you're winning!

These STUDENTS were the big winners!

1st - Tito Lessa 111 points

2nd - Waleed Haroun 108 points

2nd - Nate Buchholz 108 points

3rd - Sophia Luo 104 points

3rd - Mohamed Mohamed 104 points

In the Friends/Family/Alumni of WHS division, Oli Lieberman was the big winner with 80 points!

In the staff division, Mr. Broeg took first place with 114 points, Mr. Kirpes (always wins!) got 2nd place with 108 points, and Mrs. Harms took 3rd place with 103 points.

Congratulations to all! Bragging rights are all yours! Please join us for MMM 2026!

The West High Biology Team

I'd like to take a moment to congratulate the members of HOSA who attended last weekend's State Leadership Conference. This conference is for students interested in a healthcare career. Students took tests, competed in events, attended workshops, and networked with healthcare professionals.

Students who scored top 3 in their events have qualified for the International Leadership Conference in Nashville from June 18-21.

Here are the results from the weekend:

General Chemistry: 1st Place Ellie Chen, 4th Place Aseel Matar, 5th Place Waad Dafalla, 6th Place Haneen Eltyeb

Family Medicine: 1st Place Ellie Chen

Medical Math: 2nd Place Ellie Chen

HOSA Bowl: 3rd Place: Waad Dafalla, Ellie Chen, Veni Kotev, Minna Abdalla

Public Service Announcement: 1st Place: Minna Abdalla, Veni Kotev, Haneen Eltyeb

Phlebotomy: 1st Place Paula Tossah, 4th Place Endrit Ramku

Health Career Photography: 3rd Place Emily Kleiman,

Researched Persuasive Writing and Speaking: 2nd Place Aeysha Nasir, 3rd Place Shahd Suleiman

Biology: 3rd Place Minna Abdalla, 4th Place Veni Kotev, 5th Place Ering Chen

Behavioral Health: 1st Place Rayan Saad, 5th Place Minna Abdalla

Human Growth and Development: 1st Place Minna Abdalla, 3nd Place Shannon Chen

Medical Reading: 2nd Place Waad Dafalla

Medical Terminology: 5th Place Veni Kotev,

Pathophysiology: 1st Place Endrit Ramku

Pharmacology: 3rd Place Haneen Eltyeb

Anatomage Tournament: 2nd Place Endrit Ramku, Erin Chen, Cindy Chen, Veni Kotev

Please congratulate these students!

Thanks,

Byron Butler

Thirty-one students travel to the Model UN Conference in Cedar Falls this year (60th anniversary). There were over 500 students who participated from across the state. Josie Schwartz received an award for Outstanding Delegate while Waleed Haroun received an award for Outstanding Position Paper.

Hey school and community partners. Attached are flyers for 'OutSpoken Teens' Thursday hangouts and our 'Earn-a-Bike' program, both available to youth in grades 7-12.

• Earn-a-Bike is meant for teens who need an affordable option for transportation to school and/or work, or who simply want to get on a bike again! They spend at least 3 weeks learning basic bike maintenance and repair skills as they fix up a bike from our stock, and then take it home with helmet, lights, and a lock at the end--all for free! Thursdays during 'OutSpoken Teens' are the best time to work on this, though Fridays after school are also available for youth who may be in sports or other activities and not able to get here on Thursdays.
• OutSpoken Teens is our after-school hangout at the Bike Library! Beyond earning a bike, teens can learn repair skills by helping work on projects for the floor, salvage bikes (read: rip stuff apart!), help out with other shop tasks or creative projects, or simply get a snack and relax in a supportive community space.

Both of these programs are drop-in style. Reach out if you have questions! And as always, I'm happy to come chat with youth and/or families in-person if it's helpful.

Dustin Eubanks

Youth Bike Coordinator

(617) 608-7107

dustin@bikelibrary.org

The Iowa City Music Auxiliary is a non-profit organization that supports music students in grades 5–12 in the Iowa City Community School District by raising money to help pay for sheet music, musical equipment, entry fees, and more. Please consider supporting our band, orchestra, and choir students by purchasing hanging ferns and/or flowering baskets using the link below. All orders must be placed by April 12. Orders can be picked up in early May – just in time for Mother’s Day!

Click the below link for more information and to place an order.

https://iowacitymusicauxiliary.org/spring-garden-fundraiser/

Thank you for supporting Performing Arts in our local schools!

Hawkeye Event Spaces provides access to the University of Iowa Athletics’ top event

spaces, offering unique venues for corporate meetings, social gatherings, and special

events. From the spectacular Kinnick Stadium Press Box, which includes the McCord Club

Lounge, to the Mediacom Outdoor Club and the private President’s Suite, each location

provides a unique atmosphere suited for a variety of occasions.

The McCord Club Lounge is ideal for client presentations, employee meetings, banquets,

and holiday parties. The Mediacom Outdoor Club is perfect for wedding ceremonies and

receptions, holiday parties, business functions, and other social gatherings. The President’s

Suite offers an intimate setting ideal for luncheons, showers, birthday parties, graduation

celebrations, and other smaller social gatherings.

Kinnick Stadium’s North End Zone is home to the Ted Pacha Family Club, a premier event

space featuring a wall of windows that offer breathtaking views of Duke Slater Field. The

space is decorated with Hawkeye-themed memorabilia, making it an immersive experience

for any Hawkeye fan. Its panoramic views provide incredible photo opportunities, whether

capturing the stadium, the field, or the iconic Hawkeye atmosphere. The Ted Pacha Family

Club is perfect for business dinners, banquets, holiday parties, rehearsal dinners, and large

social events.

To learn more about these excellent venues—plus a few more not listed—come fly by and

say hi at the Hawkeye Event Spaces Open House on April 17th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at

Kinnick Stadium! You can RSVP at this link:

https://events.eventnoire.com/e/uiowa-spaces/tickets

(RSVP is encouraged but not required.)

Whether you are looking to book an event, want additional information, or have any

questions, reach out to us at athl-premiumservices@uiowa.edu or 319-335-0343.

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @hawkeyespaces!

West High parents are planning a Party After Prom event for Saturday, May 3. This will be a fun, safe, supervised activity and will be FREE for all juniors and seniors – not just those who go to the dance. We will hold the Party After Prom at West High from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

We are trying to raise $14,000 to pay for activities that include 2 escape rooms, inflatables, games, mini golf, 360-degree photo booth and cash bingo. We also will have lots of great prizes, such as a gaming system, smart watch and dorm appliances. If you are a junior or senior parent, please consider donating to the Party After Prom campaign:

• Signup Genius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0948ADAF2EABFAC16-prom#/
• Venmo: @westhighpsto
• Or contact the Party After Prom committee at iowacitywestprom@gmail.com

If you have a business or organization that would like to sign up to sponsor Party After Prom, below are our sponsorship levels:

• Platinum donors ($1,000 or more) – Business logo/name or family name on a LARGE individual sign at Party After Prom, name in Weekly newsletter and in group ad in West Side Story

• Gold donors ($500-$999) – Name or logo on an individual sign at Party After Prom, name in Weekly newsletter and in group ad in West Side Story

• Green donors ($250-$499) – Name on group sign at Party After Prom, in Weekly newsletter and in group ad in West Side Story

• Other donors – Name in Weekly newsletter and in ad in West Side Story

Thanks for your consideration!

Bookmark this page for the most accurate WHS athletics calendar of events: gobound.com

Click here to watch live streamed events

Club West Store (always open): https://clubwest.membershiptoolkit.com/packet/18526375

TRACK & FIELD:

Tiea Headlines Strong Day for West High at Annual Eastern Iowa Track and Field Festival

Girls Track and Field Roundup: Olivo Leads West High at Williamsburg Invitational

Club West Booster Club: online store always open with inventory - they pull orders and deliver in the athletic office within a few days. https://clubwest.membershiptoolkit.com/packet/126287519

If you/your student have any athletic department issued equipment, bags, uniforms, warmups, etc. in your possession, please turn those in to the athletic or main office at your earliest convenience.

RESTAURANT FOOD DELIVERY IS NOT ALLOWED AT WEST

Food order deliveries will be returned to the restaurant.

All athletes must register at the beginning of every new school year and have a current physical on file to participate. The ONLY way to complete the required permission to practice form is by registering first.

We are excited to announce that starting Fall of 2024 we will continue a full partnership with BOUND, a full-scale athletic, activities, and facilities management system. This partnership will create a seamless and engaging experience for all Trojan stakeholders - all of our schedules, ticketing, scores and standings, and fundraising opportunities will be in one location!

BOUND Public Website - To get you started, click on the following link: https://gobound.com/ia/schools/icwest (be sure to bookmark this page). This is the landing page for Iowa City West, families, fans and students. You and your family will be able to get everything you need from this one site!

Athletic Registration - To get your athlete(s) registered for the 24-25 sports programs, click on the ‘Registration’ link at the top of the Iowa City West Bound public site.

>From here, you will be able to connect your family (parent and student accounts), enter or update all important demographic information, upload your current physical, sign off on all of the required documents for participation, and register for the sports your athlete(s) intend to participate in this school year.

Here is a step-by-step document to get you started on the Athletic Registration process: https://intercom.help/boundhq/en/articles/7934242-registering-your-student-for-an-activity

Part of the registration process is to search for your student under IOWA CITY WEST. If your student has never completed a season with ICW and you do not find your student in the search field - go ahead and choose ADD STUDENT MANUALLY at the bottom of that pop-up window. Then add your student and proceed with Registration.

Tickets and Passes Information - We will be utilizing cashless ticketing options for the upcoming 24-25 school year. Iowa City West is excited to offer this option and make the gate admission process easier and more convenient for our families and students. We will be offering several admission pass options to help you and your family save money all year long at our home events - including the all sports pass, season pass, student pass, elementary pass. You can pre purchase your passes or individual tickets online ahead of time OR make use of our credit/debit card readers at the gate. No more scrambling to remember to stop by the gas station on the way to the game to get cash…use your card or Apple Pay at the gate. Click on “Ticketing” at the top of the Iowa City West Bound public site to begin your ticketing experience today.

Notifications - As parents or guardians of active high school students, you need to keep up with any changes or adjustments to schedules in real-time. By utilizing the “Notifications” feature in Bound, you will be able to sign up to receive notifications of changes, postponements, or cancellations in scheduled events. At the top of the Iowa City West Bound public site, notice the green “Notifications” button below our mascot. This button is located in the same location on each page as you navigate from activity to activity.

If you want school-wide notifications, click on this button on the Home screen and sign up - name, email, phone number and what notifications you would like to receive. From there, navigate to the activities your student(s) are participating in or ones you want to follow and do the same. For example, if you want girls tennis notifications, you will click on Activities and tennis. Once you land on the tennis home page, click on the ‘Notifications’ button and sign up for notifications specific to tennis. Repeat this process for any activities you need to stay up to date and in the know!

Schedules, rosters, stats…and more - We would invite you to take a test drive around the site while you are there. Click on the links at the top of the page you’ll see all of the athletic activities we offer here at West High. This site will be your one stop shop for your family’s athletic and activities information and resource needs.

Please reach out to our Athletic Office if you have any questions.

BJ Mayer, mayer.bj@iowacityschools.org (Athletic Director)
Brianna Nigg, nigg.brianna@iowacityschools.org (Athletic Secretary)
Sheila Stiles, stiles.sheila@iowacityschools.org (Athletic Trainer)

We will be utilizing cashless ticketing options for the upcoming 24-25 school year. Iowa City West is excited to offer this option and make the gate admission process easier and more convenient for our families and students. Click on “Ticketing” https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/icwest/tickets at the top of the Iowa City West Bound public site to begin your ticketing experience today.

Once passes have been purchased you will receive a barcode you can screenshot and save on your phone to be scanned at home events. Student passes will work the same way, they won't have "Athletic Pass" listed on their IDs anymore. Please remember all post season event tickets must be purchased, no passes are accepted.

We will be offering several admission pass options to help you and your family save money all year long at our home events - including:

All Sports Pass
1. Family Pass: This pass is good for 4 (four) admissions to any event hosted at City, West or Liberty HS for the 24-25 school year. This is NOT good for post season events.

2. Adult Gold Card: This pass is good for 1 (one) admission to any event hosted at City, West or Liberty HS for the 24-25 school year. This is NOT good for post season events.

Season Passes
1. Fall 2024 Pass (Football, Volleyball, Girls Swimming & Diving): This pass is good for 1 admission into any fall athletic event hosted at City, West or Liberty HS for the fall of 2024. This is NOT valid for post season events.

2. Winter 2024-2025 Pass (Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Boys Swimming, Boys Wrestling, Girls Wrestling): This pass is good for 1 admission to any winter athletic event hosted at City, West or Liberty HS for the 24-25 school year. This is NOT valid for post season events.

3. . Spring 2025 Pass (Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer, Boys Track, Girls Track): This pass is good for 1 admission to any spring athletic event hosted at City, West or Liberty HS for the 24-25 school year. This is NOT valid for post season events.

4. Summer 2025 Pass (Baseball, Softball): This pass is good for 1 admission to any summer athletic event hosted at City, West or Liberty HS for the 2024-2025 school year. This is NOT good for post season events.

Student Passes
1. High School Student Athletic Pass: This pass is good for 1 admission for one high school student to any athletic event hosted at City, West or Liberty HS for the 24-25 school year. This is NOT good for post season events.

2. Junior High / Elementary Student Athletic Pass: This pass is good for 1 admission for one elementary or middle school student to any athletic event hosted at City, West or Liberty HS for the 24-25 school year. This is NOT good for post season events.

You can pre purchase your passes or individual tickets online ahead of time OR make use of our credit/debit card readers at the gate. No more scrambling to remember to stop by the gas station on the way to the game to get cash…use your card or Apple Pay at the gate.

Please reach out to the Athletic Office if you have any questions.

• 9/10 Attendance direct line to call for absences 319-688-1091
• 11/12 Attendance direct line to call for absences 319-688-1051
• New option instead of calling: Parent Portal Absence Requests-Parents can now enter student absences via Infinite Campus (click here for more information)

(District message sent to everyone 8/22)

Dear Families,

As we prepare for the start of school tomorrow, we want to share updated information regarding student attendance expectations. Our main goal is for students to be in school daily and to confirm their safety with a parent or guardian if they are absent. While we understand absences may occur for reasons like illness, family activities, or appointments, the State of Iowa requires us to track the number of days missed, regardless of the reason. Because of the State’s new approach, there will no longer be a distinction between excused and unexcused absences.

Reporting Absences:
If your child will be absent, please notify your school’s attendance office before the start of the school day. You can do this by creating an Absence Request in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal or by calling the school attendance office. If we do not hear from you, the school will reach out to confirm your student’s safety and ensure you are aware of their absence.

State Attendance Requirements:
The Iowa Department of Education has implemented strict guidance that requires schools to address absenteeism. As part of this, schools will send notifications to guardians when a student has missed a certain number of days each grading period.

• First Letter: A written notification that your child has missed a certain number of days.
• Second Letter: A certified letter sharing that your child has reached 10% absenteeism in a grading period and that the district was required to inform the county attorney.
• Third Letter: If your child reaches 15% absenteeism, a School Engagement meeting will be scheduled, and an Absenteeism Prevention Plan will be created. If these steps are not followed, the county attorney may initiate legal proceedings.

Additional information about the State’s attendance requirements and absence exemptions, as well as district guidance, is available on the updated Attendance Page of our District website.

Regular school attendance is crucial for your child's success, both academically and socially. Thank you for your partnership in making this a successful year for all our students.

Sincerely,

Matt Degner
Superintendent
Iowa City Community School District

(District message sent to everyone on 3/26)

Dear Families,

As we approach registration for the 2025-26 school year, we want to remind you that any request for school meal modifications due to food allergy or food intolerance, requires a completed Diet Modification Form, signed by an approved medical professional and provided to your school. This documentation is essential to ensure that we can accurately and safely honor meal modification requests for your student.

Please review our Food Allergy Protocols. The protocols list guidelines for parents/guardians and staff on how to provide a safe educational environment for food-allergic students so exposure to food allergens is minimized.

Please note the following information:

• Registration Changes in Infinite Campus: We have added three new categories—Food Allergy, Food Intolerance, and Food Preference. Diet modification forms will be required for allergies and intolerances, while food preferences, including religious preferences, will primarily be managed by families.
• Meal Information: Our MealViewer tool provides detailed menu items along with allergen and nutrition information to help guide your choices. Please review this information carefully.
• Data Entry & Safety Checks: All allergen information is manually entered into our system. If you notice any discrepancies or have questions about ingredients or allergens, please contact our Nutrition Services Office immediately at (319) 688-1021. Our Nurses and Nutrition staff will continue to follow established allergy procedures to ensure the safety of our students.
• Communication & Monitoring: The Nutrition Services Office and School Nurses have access to your child's diet information through Infinite Campus. They will review this information with you and school staff as needed. Additionally, our Nutrition Services Team lists allergies and intolerances in our point-of-sale software to provide an extra check during meal service.

We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to keeping our students safe. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Nutrition Services Office.

Sincerely,

Matt Degner
Superintendent
Iowa City Community School District

(District message sent to everyone on 3/9)

To our community:

In conversations about education, a phrase you will hear a lot these days is “school choice.”

For those of you who are already part of our school district family: Thank you for choosing us. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your loyalty.

For those of you considering us as the education home for your family, here is the big thing we want you to know: Simply put, Iowa City Community School District is your best choice.

We provide students with comprehensive and unique offerings, no matter their passions, needs, or goals— from preschool through high school graduation. And one of the best parts is that the Iowa City Community School District will always be tuition-free and accessible to all.

Our community sets a high standard: the very best for every student. We take that responsibility seriously. The outstanding quality of an ICCSD student experience is highlighted through:

Outstanding Schools

• City High, Liberty High, and West High are ranked in the top 10 high schools in Iowa by the U.S. News and World Report. This year, West High ranked first in the state of Iowa. No other school district in Iowa appears more than once on the top ten list. All three of our comprehensive high schools are accounted for. Additionally, each school is rated in the top eight percent nationally. There is no better place in Iowa to attend high school.
• We prioritize high-quality early childhood education by offering full-day and half-day preschool programs in all of our elementary schools. Every preschool teacher is certified in both general and special education, ensuring comprehensive support for all students.
• Our school facilities are top-notch – just step inside any of the following:
• Elementary schools, including new buildings and fully renovated original campuses.
• Newly expanded middle school buildings.
• High school facilities that lead the state include music wings, performance auditoriums, athletic competition and training spaces, common areas, and fully furnished art and technical education rooms.
• ICCSD leads the state in teacher pay. We diligently work to make our schools the best employers for the best educators.
• Our public schools serve all students with a profound commitment to special education.

Unmatched Academic Excellence

• Our high school students have access to over 25 in-person AP courses taught by content-expert, AP-certified teachers. AP courses are college-level courses developed by the College Board to help high school students earn college credit. We are proud to claim the most comprehensive AP offerings in Iowa.
• The AP Capstone program is available to our high school students. This two-year diploma program is the highest AP offering, allowing students to research and publish academic work over two years. We are one of two districts in Iowa that offer AP Capstone at multiple high schools. Just three percent of U.S. high schools offer AP Capstone.
• Beyond AP, students can earn college credit through dual enrollment courses offered in partnership with Kirkwood Community College and the University of Iowa. For example, Project Lead the Way classes introduce students to concepts in engineering, applied sciences, and STEM to earn college credit.
• We have the most comprehensive career and technical education offerings in Iowa, featuring interconnected shop and construction electives culminating in a year-long home build.
• Our college admissions and alumni network are unmatched. ICCSD diplomas mean something to elite colleges and universities. Recent graduates have attended Ivy League universities, U.S. Service Academies, top public universities such as UCLA, UC Berkeley, the University of Michigan, and other premier institutions such as the University of Oxford and Stanford University. Our graduates work across thousands of industries. Nobel Laureate biologists, film and television writers, Major League Baseball executives, and tech entrepreneurs all hail from our community.

Exceptional Student Experiences

• Excellence in athletics is a crucial part of our story. Competing at the highest division in Iowa, our schools combine for well over 100 team state championships, the most in the state. Numerous professional athletes, high-profile coaches, and Olympians have passed through our halls. From facility upgrades to recent successes to elite competition environments, we are pleased to report that the winningest days are still ahead for the Little Hawks, Bolts, and Trojans!
• Music programs in our District consistently lead the state in terms of individual accolades, ensemble achievements, and unique experiences. This year, our district had over 100 All-State Music honorees, the most in the state. In recent years, our ensembles have performed around the world in places such as London, Rome, Prague, and at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
• Advisory times, elective offerings, and Makerspaces allow students to explore learning, from digital music to 3D printing to filmmaking.
• Our dance, debate, journalism, robotics, and mock trial programs all compete for state and national championships. Whether through clubs, courses, or co-curriculars, our students are able to learn and contend at the highest level.

In these areas —and countless others—we are committed to providing the highest quality education, countless opportunities, and the best experience for our students.

Every day, students from all walks of life come together within our schools. They learn. They grow. They achieve. And they leave our schools prepared to make their mark on the world.

Public education is our community’s most treasured, time-honored tradition. It brings us all together. >From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for supporting our work. Thank you for supporting the best students. The best educators. The best schools. The best district.

Sincerely,

Matt Degner

Superintendent
Iowa City Community School District

(District message sent to everyone on 1/16)

Dear Families, Students, and Staff,

We would like to remind you about the recently approved ICCSD Secondary School Personal Device Policy that will go into effect across all middle and high schools starting January 21, 2025. The new guidelines are designed to reduce distractions and ensure students stay engaged during instructional time while also helping students develop healthy digital habits.

Key Points of the Policy:
We have been working with secondary students and staff to educate them on the new policy and how it will look within their school. In the policy, instructional time is defined as the time between the tardy bell that starts each class period and the dismissal bell that ends the class period.

• During Instructional Time:
• Cell phones must not be seen, heard, or in use.
• Phones must be stored in backpacks, purses, hanging pouches, or lockers, with ringers silenced.
• Headphones and earbuds are also prohibited during instructional time and must be stored away.
• Smartwatches may be worn but cannot be used for communication during class.
• During Non-Instructional Time:
• Middle Schools: Students may use cell phones during passing periods and lunch but not during study hall.
• High Schools: Students may use cell phones during passing periods, lunch, study hall, and open hours, but they cannot use them in hallways during instructional time.

For more details, including information on implementation procedures, consequences, and exemptions, you can review the full policy here: ICCSD Personal Device Policy.

Elementary Schools: With the implementation of these new secondary guidelines, we are simultaneously reinforcing our elementary cell phone policy. That policy can be found in the Elementary Handbook. Key points include:

• Elementary students are asked to refrain from bringing personal devices to school.
• If students must bring a personal device to school, the device must be put away and/or not in use (backpack, purse, desk, locker).
• Parents are encouraged to contact the main office if they need to contact their child during the school day.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate these new guidelines, which will provide a more productive and inclusive environment for all students.

Sincerely,

Matt Degner
Superintendent
Iowa City Community School District

(District message sent to everyone on 1/30)

Dear Families, Students, and Staff:

I wanted to remind you about the Ombuds Office as a resource for all Iowa City Community School District students, parents/guardians, and employees. The Ombuds Office plays an important part in the District's efforts to raise awareness of concerns, promote a civil, equitable, and inclusive organization, and improve organizational culture.

The Ombuds serves as an informal concern and conflict resolution resource regarding school and district-related matters. For example, if you don’t know who to talk to or what to do, the Ombuds provides a safe space to discuss options for resolving your concern or conflict.

Ombuds Guiding Principles

• Independence: Operates independently of other District departments.
• Impartiality: Does not take sides. Works collaboratively with all parties involved.
• Confidentiality: Communications with Ombuds are confidential to the extent permitted by law.
• Informality: A voluntary, supplemental resource; does not participate in formal processes, investigations, or complaints.

You may contact the Ombuds by phone at (319) 688-1312 or by email at ombuds@iowacityschools.org. For more information on the Ombuds role, please visit www.iowacityschools.org/Ombuds.

Sincerely,

Matt Degner
Superintendent
Iowa City Community School District

(District message sent to everyone 1/21)

Dear Families,

The Iowa City Community School District remains deeply committed to creating equitable and inclusive learning environments where students feel safe and valued. This includes supporting all students and families as outlined in our non-discrimination statement, which includes national origin.

We are aware of reported changes to federal immigration policies and practices and want to assure you of the measures we have in place within our schools.

Key Points of Support:

• The law guarantees all students receive free public education, regardless of their immigration status.
• We do not collect or maintain any information about students' immigration status.
• Requests from immigration officials to access information or communicate with a student will be immediately referred to the Superintendent’s Office. We will work closely with legal counsel to ensure compliance with the law while safeguarding students' privacy and rights.

Our Safeguards:

• Any law enforcement action involving our schools must comply with proper legal authority.
• Building principals know the policies and processes in place to protect our students.
• While following the law, we will prioritize protecting students' constitutional and legal rights. We will not share student information or grant law enforcement building access unless legally required to do so.

Important note: Please review and update your contact information in Infinite Campus to ensure we can communicate effectively with you. Accurate information helps us maintain our comprehensive school safety plans. Please take a moment to verify the following:

• Personal contact details (phone numbers and email addresses).
• Emergency contact information.
• Approved individuals who can pick up your child from school.

Please visit our Supports for Immigrant Students and Families webpage for more information. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance.

Sincerely,

Matt Degner
Superintendent
Iowa City Community School District

(District message sent to everyone on 11/20)

Good Afternoon Families and Staff,

It’s that time of year again—winter weather is just around the corner! Snow, ice, and cold can sometimes mean schedule changes. We want to make sure you have the information you need to stay updated on our inclement weather announcements, including school cancellations, delays, and early releases.

Here’s how you can stay in the know:

• Inclement Weather Guidelines: Visit www.IowaCitySchools.org/WeatherGuidelines to review our detailed plan for cancellations, delays, and early releases.
• Late Starts on Thursdays: In the event of a late start on a regularly scheduled early dismissal day (Thursday), the early dismissal will be canceled, and school will follow regular dismissal times.
• Timely Notifications: You’ll receive email, phone, and text notifications with weather announcements.
• Follow Us Online: Stay informed by checking our website and following us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and Threads for updates.
• Check Out Our Mobile App: Download our official Iowa City Schools mobile app for a centralized hub of all school and district-related information, including weather notifications.

We’re here to help! If you have any questions about our weather procedures, feel free to contact our Educational Services Center at (319) 688-1000.

Sincerely,

Kristin Pedersen
Director of Community Relations
Iowa City Community School District

(District message sent to everyone 1/20)

Dear Families,

As part of our commitment to student safety, we kindly remind you to review and/or update your contact information in Infinite Campus. Ensuring your details are current is a vital part of our comprehensive school safety plans.

Please take a moment to verify:

• Your personal contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses.
• Emergency contact details, ensuring they are accurate and up-to-date.
• Approved individuals who can pick up your child from school.

This information helps us contact you promptly and ensures proper procedures are followed, especially in the event of an emergency.

You can access Infinite Campus and update your details here: Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact your child's school.

Sincerely,

Matt Degner

Superintendent
Iowa City Community School District

(District message sent to everyone on 9/30)

Dear Families,

We want to share some important information regarding an update to Board Policy 605.6—Internet Appropriate Use. This update requires us to provide age-appropriate training for students on safety when using generative artificial intelligence (AI) resources.

What Does This Mean for Our Students?
We have developed lessons that are tailored to different grade levels (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12) to help students understand AI and its impact. These lessons are divided into three parts:

Lesson 01: Basics
This lesson will introduce students to the basics of AI and generative AI, helping them develop a foundational understanding.

Lesson 02: Potential
This lesson will explore the potential uses of generative AI in both education and society, showing students how this technology can be a valuable tool.

Lesson 03: Pitfalls
Students will learn about generative AI's potential downsides and challenges in education and society, emphasizing the importance of responsible use.

How and When Will These Lessons Take Place?
These lessons will be taught by librarians for students in grades K-5, while students in grades 6-12 will receive instruction from their classroom teachers. The three-part series will be delivered throughout the 2024-2025 school year, ensuring it fits into each class’s schedule at an appropriate pace.

We are committed to equipping students with the knowledge they need to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly, and we look forward to supporting them in understanding this evolving technology.

Sincerely,

Carmen Gwenigale
Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Iowa City Community School District

(District message sent to everyone on 12/19)

Dear Students, Families, and Staff,

Your mental health matters, and we want to take a moment to remind you that support is always available. While we celebrate many wonderful moments within our school district community, we also understand that challenges can arise throughout the year.

We encourage you to take advantage of the school-based support services available to you, including School Counselors, Student Family Advocates, and other District staff who are here to assist students in every school. Additionally, we’ve compiled a list of local and national resources to provide support outside of the school setting. These resources are included at the bottom of this message.

To make accessing support even easier, we’ve created a dedicated webpage with a comprehensive list of available resources. You can find it at www.IowaCitySchools.org/Support.

We are continuously working to strengthen our approach to supporting students, staff, and families while finding new ways to engage everyone in these important conversations. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or concerns.

Remember, we are here for you, and it is always okay to ask for help.

Sincerely,

Matt Degner
Superintendent
Iowa City Community School District

Examples of Local and National Mental Health Support Services:

CommUnity Crisis Services and 988 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Provides 24/7, free and confidential support for anyone in crisis. Mobile Crisis operates in our community as a mental health crisis response. CommUnity Crisis Services & Food Bank has counselors equipped to help individuals struggling with a wide variety of issues. If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, thinking of suicide, or experiencing overwhelming mental health symptoms, Mobile Crisis is there to respond to you in person.

• Crisis Phone/Text: 988
• To contact the Mobile Crisis team, please call 1-855-581-8111 and ask to meet with Mobile Crisis counselors.
• Food Bank: (319) 351-0128
• https://builtbycommunity.org/
• https://988lifeline.org/

Care Solace: A mental health coordination service for families and staff. Visit caresolace.com/iccsd or call (888) 515-0595 for help connecting with a local mental health provider.

Covenant Workplace Solutions Employee Assistance Program: Free counseling for district staff. Contact (833) 434-1335, email EAP@CovenantWorkplaceSolutions.com, or schedule an appointment via your member portal.

Johnson County Social Services: Comprehensive resource directory of services available across Johnson County.

• Phone: (319) 356-6090
• Website:https://www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/social-services/resource-directory

If you or someone you know has attempted suicide or is facing imminent physical harm, please call 911 immediately.

(District message sent to everyone 8/15)

Good Afternoon,

We hope you’re enjoying the final weeks of summer break! As the new school year approaches, we’re excited to kick off another year of our Shine Award program, celebrating our incredible staff.

We’re now taking nominations for the 2024-25 Shine Awards! This is your chance to recognize employees who go above and beyond for our students and schools. Shine Award honorees inspire, make a positive difference, and leave a lasting impact in our school community.

Please consider the teachers, paraeducators, secretaries, nutrition services workers, student & family advocates, counselors, librarians, nurses, custodians, tradespeople, support staff, administrators, and more throughout our District who have had an exceptionally positive impact on students. Nominations can be submitted by completing the form at the following link: Shine Award Nomination Form. If preferred, you can also copy and paste the following link into your web browser: https://bit.ly/3QeTeUP.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to recognize the outstanding contributions of our team, especially those who have made the biggest impact on your family.

Sincerely,

Kristin Pedersen
Director of Community Relations
Iowa City Community School District

(District message sent to everyone on 10/8)

Dear Families, Students, and Staff,

We are reaching out today to address a growing concern that affects not only our community but school districts across the country—threats of school violence, particularly those circulating on social media. As we recently shared with you, there has been an alarming increase in such threats nationwide, including in our district. While, thankfully, the threats we’ve encountered have been deemed non-credible, we want to emphasize that we take each one very seriously.

It is essential to understand that making threats, even in a joking manner, is not only disruptive and causes fear in our school community but can also lead to significant consequences. These include school disciplinary actions, such as suspension, and legal consequences, which may result in criminal charges. Threatening the safety of our students and staff is a matter we do not take lightly, and law enforcement holds individuals accountable for such actions.

If you or your child become aware of a threat or concerning information, please report it immediately to the police or school officials. Please refrain from reposting or sharing these threats on social media, as doing so only increases fear and spreads misinformation. The most effective way to handle these situations is through direct reporting to the appropriate authorities, allowing us to investigate quickly and ensure the safety of everyone involved.

We are committed to keeping our school community informed with relevant information when threats are reported. It is our responsibility to thoroughly investigate all reports in collaboration with law enforcement and provide communication as promptly as possible as updates become available.

We encourage families to have open conversations with their children about the seriousness of making threats and the potential consequences. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for helping us maintain a safe and supportive learning environment for everyone.

Sincerely,

Matt Degner
Superintendent
Iowa City Community School District

Dustin Liston
Police Chief
Iowa City Police Department

(District message sent to everyone on 9/19)

Dear Families and Staff,

The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our highest priority. We believe that working together can create a safer school environment where our students can focus on learning and thriving.

We want to remind everyone of the importance of our "Say Something" campaign. If you notice anything suspicious or concerning, we urge you to speak to a trusted adult or report it by texting @SayIt to 833-769-0372. Your actions can play a crucial role in keeping our schools safe, no matter how small they seem.

Our district has comprehensive safety protocols in place to ensure that our schools remain a secure space for all. One of these important measures is the adoption of the I Love U Guys Standard Response Protocol (SRP). The SRP provides clear, consistent language that helps guide our actions during emergency situations. The five specific statuses used during incidents are:

• Hold: Students remain in classrooms while a situation, like a medical or behavioral issue, is managed in another part of the building.
• Secure: The building is secured, and students continue their activities inside while outside threats are addressed.
• Lockdown: All classroom and building doors are locked while any threats within the building are addressed.
• Evacuate: Students and staff leave the building due to an emergency inside.
• Shelter: Students and staff seek shelter from severe weather or other hazardous situations.

We understand that it’s important for families to stay informed during any emergency situation at school. Our goal is to provide information promptly and accurately while ensuring we do not create unnecessary alarm. For major emergencies that involve emergency personnel, we will send updates to all families. In less severe situations, such as a Hold, we typically communicate only with the families directly involved to respect privacy.

If an incident directly impacts your child, we will always contact you. For any other emergency situations, such as Secure, Lockdown, Evacuation, or Shelter, all families in the impacted school will receive updates as soon as possible, with continual information provided as needed.

In addition to the multiple safety measures in place across our district, we want to let you know that we are currently in the process of installing shatterproof film on several window areas across our schools. We appreciate your patience as crews carry out the installation. Rest assured that workers will be mindful of the learning environment and will do their best to minimize any disruptions.

We are deeply committed to providing a safe learning environment for your children, and we thank you for placing your trust in us. Please know that we take this responsibility very seriously, and we are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of safety in our schools.

For more information about our school safety protocols, please visit www.IowaCitySchools.org/SchoolSafety.

Thank you for your continued support in helping keep our schools safe.

Sincerely,

Matt Degner
Superintendent
Iowa City Community School District

Please follow the instructions below to create a parent/guardian account, to access Canvas Parent from a computer web browser, to set up the Canvas Parent iOS/Android app, and to obtain a student pairing code from a student account.

Here a link with instructions: https://innovation.iowacityschools.org/2018/08/28/canvas-parent-guardian-access/

Our District maintains and continuously updates a webpage dedicated to support resources available to our community. Don’t hesitate to visit www.IowaCitySchools.org/Support to access the resources below and more. A QR code linking to this support page is printed on every secondary student’s school ID.

Examples of Local and National Mental Health Support Services:

CommUnity Crisis Services & Mobile Crisis Outreach: Mobile Crisis operates in our community as a mental health crisis response. CommUnity Crisis Services & Food Bank has counselors equipped to help individuals struggling with a wide variety of issues. If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, thinking of suicide, or experiencing overwhelming mental health symptoms, Mobile Crisis is there to respond to you in person.

• To contact the Mobile Crisis team, please call 1-855-581-8111 and ask to meet with Mobile Crisis counselors.
• Crisis Phone/Text: 988
• Food Bank: 319-351-0128
• https://builtbycommunity.org/

Johnson County Social Services: Comprehensive resource directory of services available across Johnson County.

• Phone: 319-356-6090

• Website: https://www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/social-services/resource-directory

United Action for Youth: Prevention and intervention services specifically aimed at supporting youth and their families.

• Phone: 319-338-7518
• Website: https://www.unitedactionforyouth.org/

Four Oaks: Network of programs available across the state to support children and their families.

• Phone: 319-364-0259
• Website: https://www.fouroaks.org/

ChildServe: Specialized support for children with mental health concerns, developmental delays, disabilities, injuries, and other special healthcare needs.

• Phone: 319-351-5437
• Website: https://www.childserve.org/

IC Compassion: Community services aimed at supporting our immigrant families

• Phone: 319-330-9883
• Website: https://www.iccompassion.org/

Abbe Mental Health Center: Provides a variety of behavioral health service options to provide help and healing with expertise in nearly all aspects of counseling, mental health and psychiatric treatment.

• Phone: (319) 338-7884
• Website: https://www.unitypoint.org/cedarrapids/abbe-mental-health-center.aspx

University of Iowa - Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Resources: Multiple options for mental health care and support through the University of Iowa

• Website: https://mentalhealth.uiowa.edu/mental-health-resources/
• Website: https://uichildrens.org/health-library/suicidal-adolescent-family-empowerment-safe-program

988 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Provides 24/7, free and confidential support for anyone in crisis.

• Phone: 988
• Website: https://988lifeline.org/

If you or someone you know has attempted suicide or is facing imminent physical harm, please call 911 immediately.

NO PARKING IN THE HANDICAPPED PARKING SPOTS WITHOUT LEGAL DOT ISSUED HANDICAPPED PARKING PERMITS DISPLAYED ON YOUR VEHICLE WHILE PARKED IN THE HANDICAPPED PARKING SPOT.

THIS INCLUDES SPOTS WITH NO POSTED HANDICAPPED SIGN WITH ONLY THE HANDICAPPED SYMBOL PAINTED ON THE GROUND. THIS ALSO INCLUDES HANDICAPPED SPOTS THAT ONLY HAVE A HANDICAPPED SIGN WITH OR WITHOUT THE HANDICAPPED SYMBOL PAINTED ON THE GROUND. IT IS ILLEGAL TO PARK IN SPOTS MARKED AS HANDICAPPED WITHOUT A HANDICAPPED PARKING PERMIT EVEN IF YOU ARE ONLY IN THE SPOT FOR A FEW MINUTES! VIOLATORS WILL BE TOWED.

Where Excellence Is Tradition

Email: oelrich.carrie@iowacityschools.org
Website: https://www.iowacityschools.org/Domain/327
Location: 2901 Melrose Avenue, Iowa City, IA, USA
Phone: 319-688-1050
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westhigh/
Twitter: @IowaCityWestHS

Students, Families, and Employees - The Ombuds Office is here to help! Visit www.IowaCitySchools.org/Ombuds to learn more!

It is the policy of the Iowa City Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact:

• Laura Cottrell (Executive Director of Educational Services & Student Success) for programming at cottrell.laura@iowacityschools.org
• Nick Proud (Chief Human Resources Officer) for employment at proud.nick@iowacityschools.org, 2255 N. Dubuque Road, Iowa City, Iowa 52245, (319) 688-1000; or
• If you are unsure how to proceed or would like assistance in discussing your options, you may also contact Janet Abejo-Parker at ombuds@iowacityschools.org or (319) 688-1312