Dear Creston families and community members,
As we approach the end of the 2024–2025 school year, I want to take a moment to express my appreciation for the commitment and partnership shown by our students, staff, families and community. It has been another year of academic progress, student growth and meaningful connections that define who we are as a district. Most importantly, we celebrate the class of 2025, who have completed an important phase in their journey. I am confident they are prepared to contribute positively to society and to pursue their dreams with purpose and confidence. In this article, I will discuss changes in the school calendar and the use of personal devices.
The development of next year’s school calendar has been especially challenging due to a state mandate prohibiting school districts from beginning before August 23. In addition, we received helpful feedback from staff and were informed that Southwestern Community College (SWCC) has aligned its spring break with the regents’ universities. These considerations, among others, led to several adjustments in the 2025–2026 calendar.
Key Calendar Highlights:
● Introduces “Stay Late Wednesdays” from 2:30 to 4 p.m. to support teacher collaboration through Professional Learning Communities. This calendar reflects our continued investment in professional growth—even after the elimination of the state-funded Teacher Leadership and Compensation program due to budget constraints. Despite this change, we remain committed to supporting high-quality instruction, professional learning and school improvement through collaboration. We understand early dismissals may create challenges for families, and we truly appreciate your understanding and support as we work to balance student learning needs, staff development and state requirements.
● Full professional development days are strategically placed to accommodate LETRS training, a state requirement.
● Includes 175 student contact days (one less than our traditional 176) to avoid extending the school year into June. Even with this adjustment, we still exceed the state’s minimum instructional hour requirement by eight full days.
● Maintains 191 contracted days for licensed staff.
Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, Creston Community Schools will implement a new cell phone and personal device policy in accordance with Iowa House File 782. This law requires all public schools in Iowa to prohibit student use of personal electronic devices during instructional time.
The school day is defined as any time students are in the building for educational purposes—generally between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. This includes passing time, lunch, study halls, restrooms, locker rooms and all instructional activities.
Devices Prohibited:
● Cell phones
● Smartwatches
● Wireless earbuds/headphones
● Tablets or similar devices not approved by the school
Expectations:
● Upon entering the school building during the school day, students shall not use their devices and will store their devices in their lockers or student-designated spaces.
● Devices must remain powered off and out of sight for the duration of the school day.
○ Use during passing time, lunch or restrooms is not permitted, unless a staff member has given specific permission for instructional purposes.
Accommodations may be made for students with documented needs in an IEP, 504 Plan or medical plan. Families should contact the building principal to request an accommodation if applicable.
Parents needing to reach a student during school hours should contact the school office. We will ensure your message is delivered promptly. We appreciate your cooperation as we implement this state-required change and work together to maintain a positive and focused learning environment.
As the school year concludes, our commitment to improvement continues. Many of our staff will engage in professional learning and leadership development over the summer, while others will focus on preparing our buildings and classrooms for a successful start in August.
Thank you for the trust you place in us to educate, guide, and care for your children. The class of 2025 is a reflection of our collective commitment to raising capable, confident and compassionate young adults.