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For detailed information about the 2024-2025 school year, including registration, school supply lists, rolling start dates, lunch options, transportation details, and more, please [CLICK HERE].
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.
Explore our “Teacher Feature” stories! CLICK HERE to dive into inspiring stories from dedicated educators across our district. Learn more about the teachers who go above and beyond to make a difference every day.
Check back often, as we’ll be adding more amazing teachers throughout the year!
STAY CONNECTED WITH OUR LATEST UPDATES, EVENTS, AND ACHIEVEMENTS. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR A FRONT-ROW SEAT TO THE EXCITING JOURNEY OF EDUCATION.
Introducing Mae Felton, Special Education Teacher at Lou Henry Elementary!
Meet Mae Felton, a dedicated special education teacher who brings passion, positivity, and endless encouragement to her classroom each day! Mae knew from an early age that she wanted to make a positive impact on children’s lives. "I’ve always been drawn to kids. I love their curiosity, joy, and humor," she shares. "Teaching felt like the perfect opportunity to do just that."
Mae finds joy in seeing her students' growth and celebrates each milestone with them. "I go heavy on the ‘I believe in yous’ and positive affirmations while holding them to the high expectations I know they can achieve." She’s committed to helping her students reach their goals, showing them that anything is possible when they focus on the positives and stay determined.
Mae’s ultimate goal this year is to keep her focus on the positives—the strategies that are working, the great days her students experience, and the academic success they’re finding. "It’s so easy to get caught up in what’s going wrong, but we are all our best selves when we focus on the good!"
Each day brings Mae fulfillment, no matter if it's filled with challenges or successes. “I leave knowing that I showed up for my students and did my part in helping them feel loved and be the best versions of themselves they can be. Sometimes, all a student needs is for one person to show them a little love, tell them they’re proud, or take time to listen. As an educator, I have the power to do just that every single day.”
Let's give a big shout-out to Mae and her #YouMatter attitude! She truly makes a difference in her students' lives.
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1 CommentComment on Facebook
Mae Felton is amazing and we are blessed to have her here at Lou!
🌍 LifeLab: Expanding Horizons Through World Cultures! 🌏
All first graders are in for an exciting adventure! From December 8-12, they’ll embark on a LifeLab journey exploring world cultures, diving into experiences that take learning beyond the classroom.
Stay tuned for updates on their cultural discoveries and fun activities! 🌎✨
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🦃🍁 Happy Thanksgiving from Waterloo Schools! 🍁🦃
This season, we are grateful for our incredible students, families, staff, and community who make Waterloo Schools a wonderful place to learn and grow.
May your day be filled with love, laughter, and joy. Thank you for being part of our school family—we are so thankful for you! 💛
What are you thankful for this year? Let us know ⬇.
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🎊Celebrating Native American Heritage Month with Brenda Tyler!
We’re proud to honor Brenda Tyler, a dedicated special needs para at Dr. Walter Cunningham School for Excellence, and her journey as a member of the Navajo Nation. Raised in the vibrant cultures of New Mexico and Arizona, Brenda grew up with values that deeply honor educators and warriors in her community. "We are respectful people who understand our beliefs and values for our people," Brenda shares.
Moving to Iowa in 2016, Brenda embraced her mission to empower special needs students, showing that these incredible learners are capable of so much. “I’m proud to be this person and grateful to be recognized in honoring Native Americans this month. It’s an honor to see our people noticed.”
Check out our video for more about the Navajo heritage. https://facebook.com/share/p/… #WaterlooProud #HonoringHeritage ... See MoreSee Less
9 CommentsComment on Facebook
Brenda is awesome!!!
Congratulations Brenda
Way to go. She is great with the kids
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📅 Attendance Awareness at Highland Elementary! 📅
We're thrilled to celebrate Highland Elementary’s commitment to showing up every day for success, connection, and endless possibilities! With 126 students holding perfect attendance so far, Highland’s students are proving how dedication to being present builds a brighter future. Yesterday's celebration had 339 students earn the activity of their choice (making their own sensory bottles, making pumpkin pie in a cup, or gym time).
The Highland team has been hard at work getting students excited about attendance—from positive postcards to home visits and big celebrations like our upcoming November 26th event! Kids can look forward to making pumpkin pie in a cup, crafting sensory bottles, and enjoying gym time! These celebrations are all about motivating students to prioritize attendance while having a blast together.
🗣️ Here’s what our students had to say:
J’Mya, 5th Grade: “Last year the sensory bottles were fun! Pumpkin painting let us be creative, which was good."
Luis, 4th Grade: "I like to learn and find new opportunities, like learning a new language."
We can feel the pride and excitement across the building! As one of our Highland team members put it: “Our students are making school a priority, and it shows across the board. Highland truly is a family, and you can see it when they walk through the door, excited to be here.”
Thank you, Highland community, for celebrating and supporting consistent attendance. Your dedication makes a world of difference! 👏 #HighlandAttendanceAwareness #ShowingUpForSuccess ... See MoreSee Less
6 CommentsComment on Facebook
Awesome! I miss volunteering at Highland since I now live in Texas. Happy Thanksgiving Family!
Great Job!
Awesome!!
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🎊Teacher Feature: Kristen Applegate, Social Studies Teacher at West High 🎊
Kristen Applegate’s journey to becoming a teacher with Waterloo Schools is a full-circle moment. During her time as a student teacher and later as a long-term substitute at both Hoover Middle School and West High, Kristen built meaningful connections with students and staff alike. Now, as a first-year Social Studies teacher, she’s enjoying the unique opportunity to teach some of the same students she worked with as 8th graders at Hoover last year.
“Seeing how much my students have grown in just a year is one of my favorite parts of teaching,” Kristen shared. “It’s amazing to watch them develop academically and personally as they navigate high school. Getting to reconnect with them at West makes the experience even more special.”
Kristen loves engaging her students by mixing traditional learning with creative and interactive activities. From simulations to hands-on projects like her “Cold War Mafia” game, she finds ways to make history come alive in her classroom. “High school students bring a level of maturity that allows for deeper conversations and exploration of material. It’s rewarding to watch them take accountability, make mistakes, and learn from them,” she said.
When asked why she chose Waterloo Schools, Kristen said the decision was easy: “The diversity and support here are incredible. From day one, I’ve felt like part of the community. I love working in a district that values its teachers and students so much.”
With hashtags like #HistoryInTheMaking and #TeachingWithPassion, Kristen exemplifies the dedication and creativity that make West High a great place to learn and grow. Welcome to the team, Kristen—we’re thrilled to have you inspiring the next generation!
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4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Go 9th Grade Cole Academy 💪 🍎
Do great things Kristen
What a Rockstar! Congrats!
📢 Waterloo Schools Reminder for Families 📢
Just a quick heads-up: there will be no school from Wednesday, November 27 through Friday, November 29 for Thanksgiving Break.
We hope everyone has a restful and joyful holiday! Students will return to their normal schedules on Monday, December 2.
Enjoy the break, and see you in December! 🦃🍁
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1 CommentComment on Facebook
Waterloo Community School District how many times does the bus barn need to adjust routes "for student registration" it's at least three times a week and we are in December. There sure shouldn't be that many new students registering. Not to mention they don't come on time. I thought these problems were going to be fixed this year. Also the texts they send should be sent after they adjust them not several hours before they do so asking us to check after a certain time.
🎮🏆 Victory Royale for East High's eSports Team! 🏆🎮
Congratulations to our East & West High eSports team for winning the 2A Conference State Championship in Rainbow Six Siege through the Iowa High School Esports Association (IAHSEA)! 🎉
With an undefeated season (10-0), they powered through the competition with huge wins over:
🔹 Waukee NW in Round 1
🔹 LinnMar in Round 2
🔹 Muscatine in the Championship!
👏 Shoutout to the stellar roster:
👉 10th Graders:
Brice Schilling (East)
Elijah Coan (East)
Alex Riemcke (East)
Gabe Vogel (East)
👉 11th Graders:
Stone Forest (East)
Michael Wilson (West)
Your hard work, strategy, and teamwork led to this incredible achievement. We’re so proud of you all! 🎮
Add to those accolades as the Varsity Super Smash Bros Ultimate Team took 3rd place this past Friday! Their coach is Alumni and previous State Champion Isaiah Thompson.
Seniors:
Corbin Spooner
Gabe Mata
Thomas Mochal
Damian Jackson
Karter Bruno
#EastHighPride #eSportsChampions #Rainbow6Siege #IAHSEA #WaterlooSchools ... See MoreSee Less
9 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations! 🏆 Way to represent Waterloo Schools!
Congratulations to all!!! Way to represent!!!!
Congratulations
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Calling all Future Freshman...We want YOU to attend a planning meeting for your upcoming High School Scheduling for ALL current 8th graders in Waterloo Schools. This is a valuable opportunity that requires your participation to ensure YOUR current 8th grader is appropriately registered for high school courses and ready to get started in high school on the right foot!
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Mark Your Calendar for the last meeting:
East High, Monday, November 25 @ 6:30pm
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