REQUEST FOR BIDS FOR STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SERVICES The Waterloo Community School District, located in Waterloo Iowa, is accepting bids for student transportation services for the period beginning August 2026 through July 2029. Bids must be submitted by 2:00 pm on November 26, 2025. Each … (read more) about REQUEST FOR BIDS FOR STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
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DISTRICT REGISTRATION INFORMATION FOR THE 2025-26 SCHOOL YEAR:
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PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION FOR 2025-26: NOW CLOSED
2025-26 REGISTRATION FOR CURRENT WATERLOO SCHOOLS K-12 STUDENTS:
Students who ended the 2024-25 school year in a Waterloo School, those who have been approved for Preschool, and those who have already completed Kindergarten Registration for the 2025-26 school year, will need to complete an Annual Update. Click here to complete the annual update: Parent PortalNEW STUDENTS FOR THE 2025-26 SCHOOL YEAR:
Students entering K-12 for 2025-26: Any student that did not end the 2024-25 school year with the Waterloo Schools. Click here to start registration: 2025-26 Registration
With over 10,000 students across 19 campuses, Waterloo Schools remains one of the largest districts in the state of Iowa. We pride ourselves with having a strong focus on creating individual pathways to success for all students through student enrichment programs such as Life Labs, the Waterloo Career Center, Success Street, and more. Our goal is to provide students with the support they need to work toward their dreams. Whether they’re looking to continue their education or find a fulfilling career after graduation, our goal with every student is to provide them with a diploma and a plan.
The Waterloo Career Center (WCC) provides Career Technical Education (CTE) for not only Waterloo Schools high school students, but students in surrounding districts. One of the only facilities like it in the state of Iowa, the WCC offers over 18 career paths and counting. Students who participate in the career center experience real world training with industry experts, giving students hands-on opportunities to learn in labs that are built with professional-grade equipment to simulate real workplace environments. The center exposes students to a variety of career paths offering internships, apprenticeships, free college credit, and more.
Whether you would like to take one course or spend your entire day at the Waterloo Career Center, we invite you to learn more about the wide variety of career offerings. Can you see yourself here? We can! With us, the future is now! Explore your future with the Waterloo Career Center.
STAY CONNECTED WITH OUR LATEST UPDATES, EVENTS, AND ACHIEVEMENTS. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR A FRONT-ROW SEAT TO THE EXCITING JOURNEY OF EDUCATION.
Seeing Double!!🧡
The Dr. Walter Cunningham School for Excellence (Cunningham) is celebrating a heartwarming attendance win this year! 🌟
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First-grade twins, Kal and Kameron, are shining examples of choosing to "Flip the Script" on attendance. These adorable boys used to face challenges coming to school every day, but their commitment this year has been fantastic.
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The dedicated staff at Cunningham are thrilled to see the twins become deeply interested in learning and genuinely excited to be at school. When asked about their dedication, Kal shared their powerful motivation: "We have to go to school to get smart. Especially if I'm going to be an astronaut and go to the moon." 🚀
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This success is a testament to the supportive environment at Cunningham. The boys receive lots of care, especially from Ms. Rockett—who has earned the loving nickname "Rent-A-Granny" from Ms. Heying! ❤️
Keep up the great work, Kal and Kameron! Your commitment is inspiring to us all. 📚
#CunninghamExcellence #AttendanceMatters #FlipTheScript #FutureAstronauts #WaterlooSchools ... See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations
CONGRATULATIONS ‼️
✨ Teacher Spotlight: Jayden Smith, Expo High School! 🚀
Meet Jayden Smith, a passionate teacher at Expo High School! Jayden chose Waterloo Schools for its commitment to equity, inclusion, and meaningful learning experiences, driven by a desire to help students see their potential far beyond the classroom.
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Inspired by his own impactful high school teachers, Jayden became an educator to empower students to find their voice and connect learning to their real lives.
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Jayden's favorite part of teaching is witnessing those "lightbulb moments"—when a student gains confidence and realizes they can succeed. These moments, coupled with genuine relationships, are what make teaching so rewarding.
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"When students know you care about them as people first, they’re more willing to take risks, stay engaged, and believe in themselves both inside and outside the classroom."
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History Comes Alive! 🌟
Jayden designs interactive lessons that put students at the center of learning. This year, he brought history to life with:
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"Red Scare" Simulation: Students experienced the paranoia of the 1950s firsthand, secretly infiltrating groups or building trust—making a complex historical period feel real and unforgettable.
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"Oregon Trail" Classroom Game: Students navigated the challenges of Westward Expansion, making critical decisions about survival, supplies, and routes, fostering empathy for pioneers.
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Both activities encouraged critical thinking, teamwork, and a deeper emotional connection to historical events!
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Why Jayden Recommends Waterloo Schools: The district offers incredible support for teachers, focusing on mentorship and professional growth. Plus, the diverse student body makes every day meaningful!
#EngageAndInspire #RelationshipsMatter #FlipTheScript #WaterlooProud #FirstYearTeacher ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Fantastic!!!
That’s SO cool!!
There has been an adjustment to the school calendar, and we wanted to make sure families have plenty of notice to plan ahead.
Students will not have school on Friday, December 19, 2025. This date has been changed to a staff work day. Please note that Friday, December 19 will now be the first day of winter break for students.
For your convenience, we have included all remaining “no school” dates for students through the end of the calendar year below.
October 30: No School (Conferences)
October 31: No School (Teacher comp day)
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November 26, 27, and 28: No School (Thanksgiving Break)
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December 19: No School (Teacher work day)
December 22 through January 2: No School (Winter Break) ... See MoreSee Less
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Quincy, 4th Grade
🚀 Flipping the Script for Future Leaders at Cunningham! 🌟
The Dr. Walter Cunningham School for Excellence (Cunningham) is celebrating fourth-grader Quincy, who is redefining what it means to be a young man of integrity. 💪
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Quincy made a conscious decision this year to focus on his behavior and turn a challenging attitude into positive action, knowing that a clear mind is key to learning. He takes his role as a leader for younger students seriously, using breathing techniques and choosing positive words to refocus his energy. Now, his actions and words reflect his effort, and he is a positive influence in the classroom. 💯
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His motivation stems from his amazing future goals: he loves math so he can pursue an education to become a policeman 🚓, focused on returning to the Cedar Valley to keep his neighborhood safe and give back.
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Quincy summed up his experience by sharing: "Cunningham has a great family feel. I feel safe and taken care of here, which is very important. I’ve gained new skills to help me be a better person outside of school." ❤️
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When he’s not studying, you can find him playing football—his jersey number, #45, is truly his way of life! Keep shining, Quincy! 📚
#CunninghamExcellence #FlipTheScript #FuturePolice #LeadershipMatters #WaterlooSchools Dr. Walter Cunningham School for Excellence ... See MoreSee Less
7 CommentsComment on Facebook
Vera Wallican
Brandon Wheeler
Way to go, Quincy! The community is proud of you! You’ll make a great policeman. 👍🏾
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✨ Teacher Spotlight: Courtney Elster, Cunningham Preschool! 🖍️
Meet Courtney Elster, the dedicated dual-role Strat/General Education Preschool Teacher at the Dr. Walter Cunningham School for Excellence! Courtney's passion for education stems from her fascination with early childhood development and her deep-seated belief that all students are capable of achieving at high levels.
For Courtney, the greatest joy is building relationships with her students and their families, and watching her young learners persist and achieve their own individual goals.
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Courtney is happy to flip the script on the idea that preschool is "just playing." She clarifies that their day is a vibrant foundation for future success!
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“The beautiful thing about preschool is that we are able to incorporate all areas of the curriculum into every facet of our day... It is through all of these hands-on and social-emotional learning experiences that pave the way for future success throughout their entire education.”
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Learning Through Love and Play 🦋
In Courtney's classroom, learning is dynamic: they sing songs to learn routines, use instruments to count syllables, and even do push-ups during math time! They celebrate differences and learn to safely express their feelings.
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A favorite memory was the classroom's butterfly study last year. The students’ awe as they released the butterflies into nature was captivating—a hands-on experience that cemented learning across all subjects.
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Courtney's main goal is simple: to make sure every student develops a positive and healthy perception of school, knowing their classroom is a place where they feel heard, safe, and loved.
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Her personal hashtag? #youmatter—because she believes every child deserves to know and trust their unique ability to make a positive impact on the world. Dr. Walter Cunningham School for Excellence
#FlipTheScript #WaterlooProud #LittleLearners #CunninghamStars ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
One of the very best!
Congratulations Elster! So very proud of you
Congratulations to these Wahawks! ... See MoreSee Less
10 CommentsComment on Facebook
Yay Jude!
Congratulations!
Congrats!
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Congratulations Trojans!! What a great honor! ... See MoreSee Less
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Congrats on this major accomplishment!
Congratulations!
congrats I
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🔥 FLIP THE SCRIPT: Emrah Sijamhodzic, Waterloo Career Center
For Expo High School 11th grader Emrah Sijamhodzic, school used to be a challenge marked by skipping and lack of motivation. But when he discovered the hands-on opportunities at the Waterloo Career Center (WCC), he found the spark he needed to completely "flip the script" on his academic life.
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Emrah was intensely interested in WCC classes like Construction and Automotive programs, but his poor attendance and grades stood in the way. He decided he was ready for a change, driven not only by his passion for trades but also by a new goal: graduating early.
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That aspiration fueled a commitment to turning things around. Emrah focused on improving his core classes and started attending the WCC, where he is currently taking Construction and is set to move into Engine Rebuilds and Piping & Welding next semester.
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“I started coming to school with a positive attitude and positive energy after all,” Emrah says. “Always give [the WCC] a shot and try it out. At the end of the day it will be worth it to try something new out and you never know you might wanna pursue that career.”
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Emrah’s positive attitude and dedication have made him more well-rounded, equipping him with career skills and practical knowledge that he can use whether he pursues a trade full-time or simply needs to fix his own car. He took the frustration of an unmotivated school life and turned it into a hands-on path toward an early graduation and a skilled future.
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Ready to find a career path that motivates you? Explore the programs at the Waterloo Career Center!
#FlipTheScript #WaterlooProud #Construction #WaterlooCareerCenter ... See MoreSee Less
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