Waterloo Schools

🌟 FACES OF WATERLOO PRIDE: POYNER EDITION 🌟 Meet Ma'Kai from Poyner Elementary! 🚀🏈 ➡️What is your absolute favorite thing to do or learn about at school? My favorite subject in school is science. Right now we are learning about space, and I really like it! ➡️If you could give a giant thank-you trophy to one teacher or staff member here, who would it be and why? I would give the thank-you trophy to Mrs. Cav. She is so nice, and she’s always there to help cheer students up when they are feeling down. ➡️What is something you are really good at, or a proud moment you’ve had this year? A really proud moment for me this year was when I got 98% on my math test! ➡️Who is your best friend here, and what is your favorite memory together at school? My best friend here is Jasper, and my favorite memory is playing football together. ➡️What do you want to be when you grow up, and how is your school helping you practice for that right now? When I grow up I want to be a football player. School is helping me prepare because I am learning so much—did you know there is actually a lot of math in football? "When I grow up I want to be a football player. School is helping me prepare because I am learning so much—did you know there is actually a lot of math in football?" — Ma'Kai #FacesOfWaterlooPride #WaterlooProud #PoynerElementary #WaterlooSchools #StudentSpotlight #FutureAthlete #MathInSports

Check out the great new merch! 🛍️✨ 🔥 Quickship Store: Order today and get a FREE T-shirt with your purchase! (Promo ends Nov. 9th) 🎁👕 🚚 Traditional Store: Spend $75 or more and score FREE shipping! (Promo valid through July 9th) 📦💨 Don't miss out on these great deals—shop now! beegraphix.com/waterloo #WaterlooProud #WaterlooSchools #GearUp #LimitedTimeOffer

🌟A great principal builds a strong bridge between the classroom and the community. 🖤🧡This October, we are featuring every building to highlight the incredible partnerships and community spirit our school leaders foster every day. #WaterlooProud #EastHighPride #NationalPrincipalsMonth

SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW: Brandon Steen, Waterloo United Bowling Coach 🎳✨ If you’re lucky enough to cross paths with Brandon Steen, you know he is an all-around incredible person, mentor, and role model. As the former head coach for Waterloo West Bowling and the current head coach for Waterloo United, Brandon's impact reaches far beyond a single team—encouraging, coaching, and inspiring young athletes across our middle school, high school, and community bowling programs! Last night at Cadillac XBC, Brandon made city history with a jaw-dropping performance on the lanes: 🔥 Back-to-back PERFECT 300 games 🔥 Finished with a 289 for a NEW CITY RECORD 889 series (just 11 pins shy of a perfect 900!) 🔥 Threw 34 STRIKES IN A ROW before a single 9-pin stood in his way! Brandon is someone who consistently gives so much to our youth and local sports community without ever seeking recognition or the spotlight—which is exactly why this historic milestone deserves to be celebrated. Please join us in congratulating Coach Brandon Steen on this unbelievable achievement! Thank you for everything you do for our students and school community! 👏🏆🎉 #WaterlooProud #WaterlooUnited #WaterlooSchools #WaterlooIowa #168Pride #SomeoneYouShouldKnow #WahawkPride

🌟 FACES OF WATERLOO PRIDE: POYNER EDITION 🌟 Meet Braelynn from Poyner Elementary! 🔬💗 ➡️What is your absolute favorite thing to do or learn about at school? My absolute favorite subject in school is science, because we get to read books about so many cool things. ➡️If you could give a giant thank-you trophy to one teacher or staff member here, who would it be and why? I would give a giant thank-you trophy to Mrs. Dewall. She always gives me hugs and says hi to me every single day! ➡️What is something you are really good at, or a proud moment you’ve had this year? Something I am really good at is listening to my teachers, and I am super proud of how well I can follow directions. ➡️Who is your best friend here, and what is your favorite memory together at school? My best friend at school is Addilynn. My favorite memory is playing together with her at recess every day. ➡️What do you want to be when you grow up, and how is your school helping you practice for that right now? When I grow up, I want to be a mom. School is helping me practice right now by teaching me how to work hard, which I know I’ll need to do as a mom! "When I grow up, I want to be a mom. School is helping me practice right now by teaching me how to work hard, which I know I’ll need to do as a mom!" — Braelynn #FacesOfWaterlooPride #WaterlooProud #PoynerElementary #WaterlooSchools #StudentSpotlight #ScienceLover #ElementaryPride

🌟Leadership is about serving others, and our principals embody that every single day. Throughout October, we’re featuring each building to highlight the incredible impact our leaders have on creating safe, welcoming, and inspiring places for our kids to learn.🍎 #WaterlooProud #LincolnLeopards #NathionalPrincipalMonth

REMINDER: 📢 CONFERENCE WEEK & UPCOMING NO SCHOOL DAYS 📢 Parent-teacher conferences are here! Here is a look at the schedule for the rest of the week: 🗓️ Conference Days: Tuesday, October 27 Thursday, October 29 🚫 NO SCHOOL (PreK–12th Grade): Thursday, October 29 (Conferences) Friday, October 30 (Teacher Comp Day) Classes will resume on their normal schedules on Monday, November 2. Thank you for partnering with us to support our students' success! 🎒✨ #WaterlooSchools #ParentTeacherConferences #DistrictReminder #WaterlooIA #WaterlooProud #WaterlooUnited

🚧Road Construction Update: Central Campus Access The City of Waterloo is continuing its road improvement project surrounding Central in preparation for the new Waterloo United High School, including work along Greenhill, Katoski, Huntington, and Downing Roads. What’s Changing on November 2nd: ➡️Road Reopening: Effective Monday, November 2nd (after 8am), the section of road from Greenhill/Katoski down to Downing/Katoski will open for public use. ➡️Campus Access Remains the Same: Despite the reopening of this roadway, campus access and entry points will not change. Everyone will continue entering the site using the current designated routes. Campus Access Reminders: ➡️Main Entrance: Access to Central’s front parking lot remains rerouted to the east driveway on Huntington Road. Signs remain posted to guide drivers to this entrance. Map Guidance: Please refer to the green arrows on the map below for the current entrance routes. Pedestrians: The sidewalk path across Katoski Drive remains open and available for students who walk to school. 🚧Detour signage placed by the City of Waterloo will continue to guide neighborhood traffic. Thank you for your continued patience as these area road improvements progress! #ThankYou

🌟 FACES OF WATERLOO PRIDE: POYNER EDITION 🌟 Meet 1st grader Scarlett from Poyner Elementary! 🎨📚 ➡️What is your absolute favorite thing to do or learn about at school? My absolute favorite thing to learn about in school is reading. I really like sounding out new words—and I love to talk a lot, too! Just ask my mom! ➡️If you could give a giant thank-you trophy to one teacher or staff member here, who would it be and why? I’d give the giant thank-you trophy to Mrs. Willand, our principal. I know she would share it with all the teachers in the school. ➡️What is something you are really good at, or a proud moment you’ve had this year? Something I am really proud of this year is being back at school and being in 1st grade! ➡️Who is your best friend here, and what is your favorite memory together at school? My best friend here is MiRylee. My favorite memory together is from kindergarten when we went on a field trip to Hansen's Dairy Farm, and I got to sit next to her on the bus. ➡️What do you want to be when you grow up, and how is your school helping you practice for that right now? When I grow up, I want to be an artist. School is helping me practice right now because Mrs. N is teaching me all about patterns and textures! "When I grow up, I want to be an artist. School is helping me practice right now because Mrs. N is teaching me all about patterns and textures!" — Scarlett #FacesOfWaterlooPride #WaterlooProud #PoynerElementary #WaterlooSchools #StudentSpotlight #FutureArtist #FirstGradePride

🌟Our students shine because our leaders guide the way! In honor of National Principals Month, we’ll be featuring each building throughout the month to highlight the incredible environments our principals build for student achievement and growth. #WaterlooProud #IrvingPride #NationalPrincipalsMonth

🏀 Honoring a Legend: Dr. Anthony W. Pappas Court 🏀 Following the recent passing of legendary educator and coach Dr. Anthony W. Pappas, Waterloo Schools is proud to announce the formal naming of the West High basketball court inside Siddens Gymnasium as the Dr. Anthony W. Pappas Court. Following a recent private ceremony with family, the district will formally honor Dr. Pappas during a public recognition night at a West High basketball game this winter, celebrating the court naming and his induction into the West Elite Coaches Hall of Fame! Dr. Pappas’s extraordinary legacy extends far beyond the hardwood. Through the Anthony W. Pappas Foundation, his lifelong passion for athletics, mentorship, and youth empowerment lives on. The foundation is dedicated to providing ongoing financial support, resources, and opportunities for student-athletes across both Waterloo and Mason City—ensuring his impact shapes future leaders for generations to come. 👉 Visit our Facebook page for the full press release, career stats, and event details! 💙❤️ #WaterlooProud #WahawkNation #ForeverAWahawk #WaterlooWest #WaterlooIowa #Legend

🌟Behind every thriving school is a leader who cares deeply about their community. This October, we’re spotlighting every building across Waterloo Schools to highlight the incredible heart and dedication our principals bring to work every single morning!🍎 #WaterlooProud #WahawkPride #NationalPrincipalMonth

🌟 FACES OF WATERLOO PRIDE: POYNER EDITION 🌟 Meet Renessmee from Poyner Elementary! 🚴‍♀️✨ ➡️What is your absolute favorite thing to do or learn about at school? Math—We always do multiplication, and that’s my favorite! ➡️If you could give a giant thank-you trophy to one teacher or staff member here, who would it be and why? I would give the giant thank-you trophy to Ms. Stitchman. She has such a kind heart and always treats me with kindness. ➡️What is something you are really good at, or a proud moment you’ve had this year? I’m really good at riding my bike—I can even ride one-handed! ➡️Who is your best friend here, and what is your favorite memory together at school? My best friend is Aurora! Our favorite memory is playing together on the playground for two extra hours after school. ➡️What do you want to be when you grow up, and how is your school helping you practice for that right now? I want to become a teacher. Learning math in school right now is helping me practice because knowing math well will help me become a great teacher one day. "I want to become a teacher. Learning math in school right now is helping me practice, because knowing math well will help me become a great teacher one day." — Renessmee #FacesOfWaterlooPride #WaterlooProud #PoynerElementary #WaterlooSchools #StudentSpotlight #FutureTeacher #MathWhiz

Shining a bright light on our leaders this October! 💜 Follow along as we showcase each building to highlight the incredible spirit of our Waterloo Schools principals!🌟 #WaterlooProud #PoynerProud #NationalPrincipalsMonth

🌟 FACES OF WATERLOO PRIDE: POYNER EDITION 🌟 Meet Zachary from Poyner Elementary! 🐾✨ ➡️What is your absolute favorite thing to do or learn about at school? I like learning about math because we do fun things, like problem strings. I also really like social emotional learning (SEL) because we learn about the little confidence spot. ➡️If you could give a giant thank-you trophy to one teacher or staff member here, who would it be and why? Mrs. Preston. She deserves a giant thank-you trophy because she is the best teacher in the world! ➡️What is something you are really good at, or a proud moment you’ve had this year? I am really proud of my ST Math journey and goals I have worked towards this year. ➡️Who is your best friend here, and what is your favorite memory together at school? Atticus & Joanna are my best friends at school. My favorite memory is when we were in the same class together last year. ➡️What do you want to be when you grow up, and how is your school helping you practice for that right now? When I grow up, I want to be a teacher. I’m getting better at listening to my teachers now, and that will help me learn how to be a good teacher someday. "When I grow up, I want to be a teacher. I’m getting better at listening to my teachers now, and that will help me learn how to be a good teacher someday." — Zachary #FacesOfWaterlooPride #WaterlooProud #PoynerElementary #WaterlooSchools #StudentSpotlight #FutureTeacher #ElementaryPride

📢 CONFERENCE WEEK & UPCOMING NO SCHOOL DAYS 📢 Parent-teacher conferences are here! Here is a look at the schedule for the rest of the week: 🗓️ Conference Days: Tuesday, October 27 Thursday, October 29 🚫 NO SCHOOL (PreK–12th Grade): Thursday, October 29 (Conferences) Friday, October 30 (Teacher Comp Day) Classes will resume on their normal schedules on Monday, November 2. Thank you for partnering with us to support our students' success! 🎒✨ #WaterlooSchools #ParentTeacherConferences #DistrictReminder #WaterlooIA #WaterlooProud #WaterlooUnited

Leading with purpose, passion, and pride! 🐾 All month long, we’re featuring each building to highlight the incredible work our principals put into our school communities.🌟 #WaterlooProud #KittrellCougars #NationalPrincipalsMonth

🌟We'd like to congratulation our October Living Our Values Award winners one more time! #ExcellenceInEducation #WaterlooProud youtube.com/shorts/VfselkI2u…

🌟 FACES OF WATERLOO PRIDE: WCC EDITION 🌟 Meet Aereon Walker from the Waterloo Career Center! 🐾🩺 ➡️Which program(s) are you enrolled in at the WCC, and what initially drew you to this field? Veterinary Science, Human Anatomy & Physiology, and Animal Science. I came to the Career Center to explore my options as to what I want to do in the future. ➡️What do you like best about attending the WCC compared to a traditional classroom setting? The WCC has many hands-on preparations. The environment doesn't feel like a traditional classroom, which makes learning more enjoyable and coming to class feel more confident. ➡️What is the coolest hands-on project, lab, or real-world experience you’ve completed in your WCC program so far? The coolest hands-on project I have completed in my WCC program so far was creating a cardboard dog with very detailed features. It taught me how their features reflect their health and what they were originally bred for. ➡️How have your classes and certifications at the WCC helped prepare you for the "real world" and your career after graduation? WCC has given me hands-on learning experience with animals and anatomy, which has helped me understand what to expect in a veterinary career. It has also taught me how to work responsibly and confidently in a professional environment. ➡️ What are your plans after high school, and how did your time at the WCC shape or change your future goals? I plan on going to UNI for four years in biology, then transferring to Iowa State for Doctoral Veterinary Medicine (DVM) school to become a vet. The WCC has allowed me to explore different career options while also thinking seriously about my future. It made me realize I wanted a career I can enjoy and feel proud of doing every day, while also making a difference. ➡️What is an accomplishment or skill you’ve gained at the WCC that you are incredibly proud of? I'm proud of better managing my time and prioritizing my responsibilities. It helped me stay on top of my schoolwork while balancing everything else, like work and clubs. "Take advantage of the opportunities the WCC gives you, learn new skills, try new things, and figure out what you actually enjoy." — Aereon Walker #FacesOfWaterlooPride #WaterlooProud #WaterlooCareerCenter #WaterlooSchools #StudentSpotlight #FutureVet #VetScience