Iowa Department of Education

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

ICYMI: Last month the Department announced that 17 Iowa schools were the first to be awarded the distinguished Iowa Purple Star School Program designation. As an Iowa Purple Star School, these schools demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting military-connected students and learners. bit.ly/3OZgHOu

This week, Director McKenzie Snow joined @IAGovernor in hosting @SecKennedy and Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos at the Gilbert Community School District to lead a lively roundtable discussion on supporting healthy habits in our young people that last a lifetime. School leaders, PE and health educators and school nutrition experts shared the importance of 1) movement and exercise throughout the school day, 2) healthy limitations on screen time and cell phone use and 3) healthy school meal options and nutrition education. Alongside their colleagues across Iowa, they are leading the way in supporting child wellbeing, and their critical work has been cemented in the recently enacted House File 2676.

Apply by May 31 for the Robert D. Blue Scholarship! The scholarship provides up to $1,000 to Iowa students who are planning on attending or already enrolled in a college or university in Iowa. Named after the former Governor of Iowa, the scholarship celebrates students who demonstrate literary and scholastic ability, exhibit qualities of truth, courage and fellowship, and display moral force of character. More information and how to apply - bit.ly/3RGnei9

Are you a school counselor, educator or college access professional looking to develop practices that lead to postsecondary success, ensuring that all students have access to postsecondary opportunities? Then register now for the Iowa College & Career Academy summer session starting June 1! bit.ly/4ur2JVn

ICYMI: Last month, @WestLibertyCSD's Zach Morris was named the @IAFFAFoundation Golden Owl Award winner as Iowa's top agriculture educator. Learn more about Mr. Morris' path to teaching and the legacy he is creating in his community. #CelebrateTeachersIA educate.iowa.gov/headline-story…

Congratulations to @DecorahSchools and Tri-County Head Start! They were announced as this year’s Golden Root Award winners, highlighting their use of healthy local foods and strong connections to farmers and vendors in their communities. tinyurl.com/mdx7u76n

Remember to apply by May 31 for the Computer Science Educator Endorsement opportunity to support teacher development in computer science. #ElevateEducatorsIA tinyurl.com/s8smdtc2

ICYMI: Lake Mills High School senior Grace Bechtel recently completed her one-year term as the student representative on the State Board of Education. Learn more about the impact she has had in ensuring that all students experience a world-class education what's next for Grace. bit.ly/3Qg0ntf

Are you looking to strengthen content knowledge and teaching practices in social studies? Check out the America250 webinar recordings with lessons on revolutionary Iowans, civil discourse and constitutional principles. bit.ly/4dgaWW0

Registered Apprenticeships are one of the many work-based learning opportunities in Iowa that create multiple pathways to futures in high-demand careers for students. At Fort Madison Community School District, automotive technology students are earning while they learn through Registered Apprenticeships with local car dealerships. In addition to creating a pathway to full-time employment, the program addresses an immediate need for trained, skilled automotive technicians in the community. #PostsecondaryPathwaysIA shorturl.at/s2dga

Through historic teacher pay raises, multiple pathways to teacher licensure and opportunities for professional development, Iowa has grown its educator workforce by 10 percent over the last 12 years. With over 98 percent of teacher vacancies filled this past year, teachers are supported and schools across the state are equipped to meet students’ needs. #ElevateEducatorsIA #CelebrateIATeachers #RemarkableResultsIA bit.ly/3HEEiAJ

Last week, the State Board of Education welcomed three new members and a new student representative to the team. Read our latest feature to learn more about new members Jeff Henderson, Jeremy Lindquist, Erica Roth and Cecelia Harris. @SpiritLakeIA tinyurl.com/47nzc4kj

Remember to register for our Professional Learning Summer Session! Facilitated by Safe & Civil Schools, the Professional Learning Summer Session will provide educators with evidence-based strategies for Tier I, II and III behavior supports. Teachers, instructional coaches, leaders and other partners are encouraged to attend any of the upcoming five sessions. #ElevateEducatorsIA #BridgingTheGapIA tinyurl.com/3f8wu3yx

Graduation season has arrived! Throughout Iowa, high school and postsecondary students are being recognized this month as they receive their diplomas, degrees and credentials. Congratulations to the Class of 2026. We look forward to seeing all that you accomplish in the future!

The latest video in our popular Profiles in Excellence series features Storm Lake Community School District and their successful participation in Iowa’s Teacher and Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship Program (TPRA). Through TPRA, high school students and adult paraeducators can earn credentials towards a teaching degree while learning and working in the classroom. @stormlakecsd tinyurl.com/2a26a8ts

Iowa community colleges seeking to reduce barriers to career and academic opportunities by providing high school students with postsecondary preparation and career-based services are encouraged to apply for the latest round of College and Career Transition Counselor (CCTC) grants. Applications are due June 15. tinyurl.com/s2sa4vba

Kudos to students Abu Saddiq, Liza Mendelev and Georgia Clark for being named as the winners of the Iowa America 250 Student Contest for grades 9-12! Today, each student had the opportunity to share an overview of their winning essay, poem or video on America and the American founding with Governor Kim Reynolds and Director McKenzie Snow and receive a special certificate of recognition at the State Capitol. Their winning submissions will be showcased at the upcoming Iowa State Fair and can be viewed online on the Department’s America 250 webpage. @iagovernor bit.ly/4tGfDh4

What an achievement! Today, eighth graders Madhav Ganesh Kumar, Jason Dong and Piper Stauffer were celebrated at the State Capitol as the winners of the Iowa America 250 Student Contest for grades 6-8. Governor Kim Reynolds and Director McKenzie Snow congratulated each student for their winning essay, poem or video that reflected on America and the American founding and presented them with a special certificate of recognition. Their winning submissions will be showcased at the upcoming Iowa State Fair and can be viewed online on the Department’s America 250 webpage. @iagovernor bit.ly/4tGfDh4

Way to go! Students Annora Roberts, Mary Elouise Bowman, Manvi Tiwari and Henry Hammes were announced today as the winners of the Iowa America 250 Student Contest for grades 3-5. Each student shared their essay, poem or video on what America and the American founding means to them with Governor Kim Reynolds and Director McKenzie Snow and received a special certificate of recognition at the State Capitol. All student submissions will be showcased at the upcoming Iowa State Fair or can be viewed on the Department’s website. @iagovernor