Lion Tracks: Back-To-School
Issue 48 • Summer 2026 • Published Annually
Students Return On Tuesday, August 25
Students in grades TK-4 will report to their teacher's classroom, while students in grades 5-8 will report to their homeroom. Students in grades 9-12 will report to the high school auditorium.
School Start & Dismissal Times
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, school starts at 8:10 a.m. and is dismissed at 3:15 p.m. On Wednesdays, school starts at 8:10 a.m. and is dismissed at 2:15 p.m.
4-Year-Old Preschool
The first day of classes for 4-year-old preschool is Tuesday, September 8. The morning session runs from 8:15 to 11 a.m., and the afternoon session is from 12:30 to 3:15 p.m.
Central Lyon's primary district goal is to empower students by providing academic programs to elicit high performance by all students. The Central Lyon faculty and staff in partnership with families have set high expectations for academic achievement for our students. And thanks to the stewardship of the Central Lyon School Board, the combined human and financial resources are maximized to support our mission to provide an exceptional education, opportunities, and resources for all students to become productive, life-long learners!
As parents and families, it is clear that you expect excellence from your children and us as educators. We want you to know, we are working to make the 2026-27 school year another exceptional one for your children.
New Faces for 2026-27
Please join me in welcoming our new teaching staff members for the 2026-27 School Year:
- Kari Moret - Transitional Kindergarten
- Dawn DeWit - Elementary Special Education
- Lauren Loomans - TK-5 Music
Back to School Night
As we all prepare for the 2026-27 school year, we invite you to join us for Back To School Night next Thursday, August 20, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. We invite you to meet your children's teachers and the school staff who will be serving you this year. If you are unable to join us, we encourage you to check your email for information shared with families at open house.
Onward Lions!
Brent Jorth, Superintendent
I would like to welcome our new families and students to the Central Lyon School District. I would also like to take this time to welcome back all returning students. My hope is that everyone has had a refreshing summer and is ready for another awesome year at Central Lyon.
I would like to introduce and welcome our new staff members:
- Dawn DeWit - Special Education
- Lauren Loomans - Music
- Kari Moret - Transitional Kindergarten
- Brittany Vande Weerd - Special Education
These four women exhibit a deep passion for student success, I am excited to welcome each individual to Central Lyon as they join a staff motivated to help each student along their educational journey.
Drop-Off/Pick-Up/Parking Reminders
I would like to take this opportunity to remind families of our expectations regarding the pick-up and drop-off of students.
- Utilize Story Street from the North: each morning, families are asked to refrain from turning north on Story Street. This helps ease congestion and safety concerns for our students. Whether you are arriving from the east or west on 12th Avenue, please use Marshall Street to travel north. From 10th Avenue, families may enter Story Street heading south.
- Drive & Drop: families are encouraged to utilize the Drive & Drop lane to the south of the Elementary/Middle School Office. Please pull forward as far as possible.
- Drop Off Parking: if you should need to accompany your student into the building, please use the parking spaces north of the Elementary Office.
- Street Parking: parking on the east of Story Street is reserved for residents
During School Hours
- Parking spots located in front of the Preschool Playground area are to remain as drop-off/pick-up for Preschool Students Only.
- All TK-6th grade families coming to school are asked to Park South of the Sidewalk leading to the Elementary Office.
Afternoon Pick-Up Procedures
- During pick-up procedures families should utilize any open parking spot located on the West Side of Story Street.
- We would like to eliminate any family picking up students on the East Side of Story Street due to the danger of crossing the road while cars are backing up and heading home for the day.
Personal Electronic Devices
Student use of personal electronic devices during instructional time is prohibited during the school day, 8:10-3:15.
Personal electronic devices means any device that is capable of electronically communicating, sending, receiving, storing, recording, reproducing and/or displaying information and data. This may include but is not limited to electronic communication equipment, mobile phones, smart phones, smart watches, video game devices and portable media players.
Elementary Students (Preschool thru 6th grade) should store their personal electronic devices in their locker during the school day.
Open House: Thursday, August 20
All the staff join me in welcoming back students for the 2026-27 school year. Students and families are invited to meet their teacher, tour their classroom, and prepare their locker space for the 1st day of school. Please join us at the Open House from 5-7 pm on Thursday, August 20.
Steve Harman, Elementary Principal
Welcome Back
Although it's hard to let go of summer and all its activities, I hope you're as excited as I am to begin a new school year, one that promises to be fun, rewarding, and impactful.
Whether your student is entering 7th Grade or beginning their final year as a Senior, our staff is dedicated and determined to provide them with an exceptional educational experience: a year filled with opportunities to expand their knowledge, grow both intellectually and socially, and create lasting memories. From academics to fine arts, athletics, and career preparation, Central Lyon has it all and remains committed to providing a holistic experience for everyone who walks through our doors.
Thank you for being part of the Central Lyon community. I look forward to seeing you all very soon.
Dates/Events to Remember
Tuesday, August 20th TK-12 Open House 5:00-7:00 PM
- 7-12 Students & Families - Please stop in to drop off school supplies, talk with teachers, say “hello” to your principal, drop off any medications, or just look around.
- 7th Grade Students & Parents – You are encouraged to attend our 30-minute welcome back event in the high school auditorium at 6:30 PM. Those who attend will be presented with pertinent information, relevant to getting the school year off to a great start.
- 9th Grade Students & Students New to Central Lyon - you have the opportunity from 5:00-7:00 PM to take a tour of the high school and meet staff with the support of a student guide.
- Student council tour guides will be stationed in the high school commons.
Tuesday, August 25th First Day of School
- Doors will open at 7:45 AM, with the school day officially starting at 8:13 AM.
- Students in grades 9-12 will first meet in the high school auditorium to start their day.
- Students in grades 7-8 will begin their day in their homeroom (1st scheduled classroom).
Points of Emphasis for 7th-12th Grade Students
- Attendance - At Central Lyon, consistent attendance and active participation in class remain a top priority, as both are essential to every student's academic success and personal growth. Showing up each day allows students to fully engage in meaningful discussions, hands-on activities, and collaborative lessons that simply can't be replicated at home. Beyond academics, regular attendance helps students build important life skills, including responsibility, time management, teamwork, and problem-solving, that are difficult to develop when not in the building. Just as important, being in school every day strengthens peer relationships and helps students feel a genuine sense of belonging within our Central Lyon community. These connections play a key role in building confidence, supporting social growth, and promoting overall well-being.
- Engagement – Alongside attendance, engagement is another key point of emphasis this year. Our hope is that students remain engaged not only in the classroom, but socially as well; whether in the hallways, the lunchroom, or during after school and extracurricular activities. Fostering genuine connection and a strong sense of belonging among our students is a goal we take seriously. While cell phones and technology certainly have their place, part of our mission is to provide students with as many opportunities as possible to stay socially engaged and to support their personal health and well-being. Students will be encouraged to participate, try new things, and connect with both peers and instructors, helping us maintain the positive school culture that defines Central Lyon.
- Developing Strong Academic Habits – At Central Lyon, we believe strong academic habits are one of the best investments students can make in their future. This means attending class consistently, staying organized, completing assignments on time, taking thorough notes, asking questions when needed, and preparing for tests and projects. Practicing these habits daily not only strengthens academic performance now but builds discipline and problem-solving skills that carry into college, careers, and beyond. As a staff, we're committed to encouraging and reinforcing these habits in our students every day.
Building on the Lion Tradition
At Central Lyon, we are looking forward to another great year alongside our remarkable students, families, and community. There will certainly be obstacles along the way, but we're prepared to tackle them togtether and celebrate every milestone our students reach. With a commited staff and a proud Lion tradition behind us, this year is set be one of growth, achievement, and excitement everyone involved.
Jason Engleman, 7-12 Principal
Central Lyon has a proud tradition of excellence, and I look forward to seeing each student and program continue to grow, compete, and achieve their goals throughout the school year. Our school offers an outstanding variety of opportunities for students to become involved, develop leadership skills, build lasting relationships, and represent Central Lyon with pride. We encourage every student to take advantage of these experiences and make the most of all that Central Lyon has to offer.
First Practices for 7th & 8th Grade Fall Sports
Volleyball: Tuesday, Aug. 25 @ 3:15 PM – Team Meeting
Football: Tuesday, Aug. 25 @ 3:15 PM – Team Meeting & Equipment Handout
Cross Country: Wednesday, Aug. 26 @ 3:45 PM – Practice in George
Thank You Volunteers
These opportunities cannot happen without the work of many volunteers. Throughout the school year, there are over 500 duties needed to make Central Lyon’s extracurricular opportunities happen. Thank you to all of those who volunteer and to the Central Lyon Booster Club for their support and effort with many of these duties! If you or know of someone who is interested in volunteering to help make these experiences happen for our students, please contact me.
Jordan Menning, Activities Director
Student-Athletes Upload Forms to Bound
Student-athletes in the 7th Grade need to register on Bound in order to upload their Athletic Physical Form and concussion waiver - now a checkbox on Bound in the documents tab. This will allow students, families, coaches, and Central Lyon's athletic trainer to have 24/7 access to each student's medical history.
To register on Bound go to: www.gobound.com/ia/schools/centrallyonrockrapids and click on the Registration button. Otherwise, use the QR Code in this article.
Please provide a paper copy of the athletic physical to your coach or drop it off with Leah in the high school office.
Buy Your Tickets for Ball Games on Bound
Central Lyon fans should buy their Single Game Tickets & Season Activity Passes by using Bound.
All Siouxland Conference Schools now charge $8 for single admission, including district football. To purchase your tickets in advance go to www.gobound.com/ia/schools/centrallyonrockrapids/tickets or scan the QR Code in this article.
Central Lyon offers adult, family, and senior citizen activity passes. To purchase your pass use the same website and QR Code in this article.
Family Athletic & Activities Pass ................................. $250
Adult Athletic & Activities Pass ................................... $125
Senior Citizen (65+) Athletic & Activities Pass ........... $50
Student-Athlete Insurance
Because medical costs can be expensive, Central Lyon Community School District does provide families the opportunity to purchase student accident insurance on their student through Student Assurance Services, Inc.
This supplemental policy would assist with out-of-pocket medical expenses (i.e. deductible) should your student sustain an accidental injury while coverage is in effect. Also, if you do not have any insurance on your student, this would be primary for accidental injuries. There is a variety of coverage options and premiums are a one-time payment for the school year.
Please review the short video link below as well as the attached forms regarding student accident insurance. Student Accident Insurance - YouTube
If you have any questions about this coverage, please contact Student Assurance Services directly at (800) 328-2739.
Pick-up and drop-off times may vary daily due to students who may not ride due to changes in their schedules. Please have your child ready at least five (5) minutes prior to their pick-up time.
Please contact the Transportation Department by 6:30 a.m. if your child will NOT be riding for any reason. Be sure to include your child's name and the bus route number.
If you have any further questions, contact Transportation Director Lainn Menning directly: lmenning@centrallyon.org or 472-2664, option #4.
Breakfast and lunch provide a strong foundation for learning at Central Lyon. We encourage all students to join us each morning for a healthy start to their day. Breakfast will continue to be FREE for all students during the 2026-27 school year.
Menus
A combined breakfast and lunch menu is available each month on our website, www.centrallyon.org. You'll find the Lunch Menu button on the homepage under QuickLinks.
Families are encouraged to check out the Health section of the school's website to download forms that need to be completed prior to the first day of school: Central Lyon’s website > Health > Forms/Requirements.
Parents are reminded the following immunizations and screenings are required of students along with a Health Registration form for each child:
- Kindergarten — dental screening, vision screening, lead test, and the following immunizations: 5 doses of DTap, 4 doses of Polio, 3 doses of Hepatitis B, 2 doses of MMR, and 2 doses of Varicella, or a valid exemption certificate
- 3rd Grade — vision screening
- 7th Grade — 1 dose Tdap and 1 dose Meningitis
- 9th Grade — dental Screening
- 12th Grade — 2 doses of Meningitis
Central Lyon Community School District
Website: https://www.centrallyon.org/
Location: 1010 South Greene Street, Rock Rapids, IA, USA
Phone: (712) 472-2664
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CLlions
X: @CentralLyon