Panther Newsletter

MANLY and NORA SPRINGS, September 3, 2025 — Central Springs High School has been recognized in the 2025–2026 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings, earning placement in the top 40% of high schools nationwide and in the top 20% of high schools in Iowa. This recognition highlights the dedication of our students, staff, and community in supporting academic success.

The U.S. News Best High Schools rankings evaluate nearly 18,000 schools across the country using measures such as state assessments, graduation rates, and college readiness. Schools that place in the top 40% earn the distinction of a “Best High School.”

“We are proud of this recognition because it reflects the hard work and commitment of our students, educators, and families,” said Wade Grinhaug, Superintendent. “This achievement is a testament to the strong support within our Central Springs community.”

The Nora Springs kindergarten students continued an almost 40-year tradition the first week of school. After reading various gingerbread boy books, they made gingerbread boy and girl cookies. Well, those cookies escaped, left clues and a trail of crumbs that took them through the entire school. Students got to explore the building and meet key staff. Finally, the cookies were found and enjoyed by all. The class also made “friendship fruit salad” during the week, adding only kind (KINDergarten) ingredients, and definitely no “bad bananas”! The 2nd week of school is “color week” with many activities planned. Who says learning and fun can’t go together?

- Mrs. Shafer

This Summer Legislators passed a new law about cell phones in school. In conjunction to this new policy, we have made changes to our student handbooks! Please view them here:

• Elementary Student Handbook
• Intermediate/Middle School Student Handbook
• High School Student Handbook

Thank you to Country Meadow for donating goody bags to our teachers to kick off the school year!

Mark Vrba visited Central Springs High School to share an important and personal message with students about the dangers of distracted driving. He told the story of how his wife was tragically killed by a driver who was distracted behind the wheel. His message served as a reminder that safe driving is not only a personal responsibility but also a way to protect others.

Thank you to Jamie Smith and Tracey Caldwell from North Iowa Credit Union for choosing our Manly Elementary in their Random Acts of Kindness program! They donated a bag of school supplies for any student or classroom in need. Mrs. Lorentzen and Ms. Anna accepted the supplies on behalf of the school.

Central Springs is a Peanut and Egg Aware school district. This means when packing a school lunch, providing school snacks for your child, or providing treats for a celebration, please read food labels and AVOID food items that contain peanuts, peanut butter, tree nuts, or foods that are made in a facility that processes peanuts or tree nuts. Tree nuts include but are not limited to: almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, coconuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts.

Also, avoid food items with ‘visible’ eggs such as hard boiled eggs and scrambled eggs, egg salad, etc (food items that have egg baked in such as muffins and cookies are acceptable).