NSCSD Superintendent Updates
January 13, 2026
Happy New Year!
Welcome Back to a New Chapter of Excellence
Dear Students, Families, Staff, and Community Partners,
It is with great excitement and a renewed sense of purpose that I welcome you back to our school district. Whether you are returning to familiar hallways or joining our community for the first time, we are thrilled to have you with us.
Our schools are at their best when they are filled with the energy, curiosity, and diversity of our students. As we embark on this new term, our commitment remains steadfast: to provide a safe, inclusive, and high-quality learning environment where every student can thrive.
This year, we are focusing on three core pillars:
Student Well-being: Ensuring every child feels seen, supported, and valued.
Academic Innovation: Challenging our students with rigorous and engaging opportunities.
Community Partnership: Strengthening the bond between our schools and the families we serve.
To our students: We believe in your potential and cannot wait to see what you achieve. To our staff: Thank you for your unwavering dedication and the heart you pour into your work every day. To our families and stakeholders: Thank you for your continued trust and partnership.
Let’s make this a year of growth, connection, and success. Welcome back!
Warmly,
Joe Stutting
Superintendent
Infinite Campus Emergency Contact Reminder
PSA for Parents and Grandparents:
Now that the weather is colder please double-check your contact information in Infinite Campus to ensure you receive timely notifications for:
Emergencies
Weather Delays
Early Dismissals
Instructions to check this information is located here: https://www.north-scott.k12.ia.us/fs/resource-manager/view/98e24b84-b88a-49fb-85f4-c154df1b94cf
Upcoming Events
Important Dates
Thursday, January 15 - B Day Finals - High School
Friday, January 16 - A Day Finals - End of Semester 1 - High School
Monday, January 19 - No School - Professional Development
Tuesday, January 20 - First Day of Semester 2
Friday, Saturday and Sunday January 30, 31st and February 1 - Disney's Alice In Wonderland Jr.
Wednesday February 4th @ 6PM - Incoming Freshman Presentation (8th grade families - at the High School Auditorium).
Friday, February 6, North Scott Athletic Boosters Cake Auction
2026-2027 Calendar Added (Update on 01/15/2026)
This was inadvertantly missed on Tuesday evening
Bus Drivers Still Needed!
Filling these roles is critical to maintaining our current transportation routes and schedules. If we are unable to staff these essential positions soon, we may need to explore creative and non-traditional solutions to ensure every student can still get to and from school. This could mean adjusting routes, schedules, or exploring alternative modes of transport.
Help us avoid disruptions by applying today! https://www.north-scott.k12.ia.us/district/employment
Disney's Alice in Wonderland JR. | Show Shirts Now available
Lancer Productions is gearing up to go down the rabbit hole with BOOKFEST26!
Help Lancer Productions celebrate their annual literacy festival - order your Disney's Alice in Wonderland JR. show shirt today!
Two styles available: T-shirts and Crew-neck sweatshirts.
Order: Via your student's North Scott Infinite Campus Portal.
Public Access: [NS INFINITE CAMPUS STORE | PUBLIC PORTAL]
Character Strong: January - Empathy
Empathy
This month’s focus is Empathy. One way to think about Empathy is “understanding and connecting with other people’s feelings.” Empathy is a practice that can help us grow strong relationships. PurposeFull Pursuits Empathy is 1 of 3 traits we will focus on throughout the year that helps students Be Kind. Across grade levels, students will be developing skills like perspective-taking, conflict resolution, and leadership.
Lancer Lookout with SRO Jahns
Hey Lancers!
This January weather has been like that Katy Perry song “Hot N Cold” You’re hot then
you’re cold, you’re yes, then you’re….snowed. But one thing shouldn’t change with the weather: your windshield should always be clear before you drive.
Don’t Drive with a Snow or Ice-Covered Windshield It’s not just dangerous… it’s
against the law in Iowa. A clear windshield is critical for safe driving. Snow and ice limit your ability to see:
Other vehicles
Pedestrians
Traffic signs and signals
What You Need to Do Before Driving:
Clear ALL snow and ice from your windshield, side windows, mirrors, headlights, and taillights.
Give yourself extra time in winter so you’re not rushing out with limited visibility.
Make sure your windshield wipers and defroster are working properly to keep your view clear while driving.
Snow flying off your car can also be dangerous to other drivers so clearing it helps everyone on the road.
This is Officer Jahns asking you to help keep our roads safer this winter.
Clear your vehicle before you roll out! Your safety (and the law) depends on it.
Introducing Read and Write from Everway
We are excited to announce that all North Scott Community School District students will have free access to ReadWrite by Everway, a powerful literacy support tool provided through the Iowa Department of Education’s "Access for ALL" initiative. This browser-based toolbar offers helpful features like text-to-speech, voice typing, and vocabulary aids to help every student engage confidently with grade-level content. By using these tools in their daily work, students can build independence and may also qualify for similar supports during spring state assessments (ISASP). Look for more information in your email box this Friday, January 16th.
This tool will be provided on Monday, January 19th, to all district chromebooks.
Be involved!
North Scott Athletic Boosters Cake Auction: The LANCER family!
Event Date: Friday, February 6, 2026
Theme: The LANCER family!
Event Address: North Scott High School
Contact us at: nshsathleticboosters@gmail.com
Update your App!
Our app has had a refresh recently - and while it looks similar there are some new features that have been rolled out with this update. Check your app store and update to get the most recent version!
When you are on the go, you can access the calendar and all the quick links you might need by using our District App! Go to the App Store for iOS and Google Play for Android users. Search for North Scott Community School District and download.
Find links to Bound, Infinite Campus, Canvas and much more!
LANCERS: BE HERE, GO FURTHER 2025-26
Every school day is a new opportunity for your child to learn, grow, and succeed. At North Scott Community School District, we believe that being here is the first step to helping your child go further in their academic journey and beyond. Regular school attendance isn't just about showing up; it's about consistency, building good habits, and ensuring your child doesn't miss out on vital instruction and classroom experiences that are key to their success. We understand that life happens, and we're here to partner with you to support your child's consistent attendance.
See Something, Hear Something, Say Something
Empower Your Family With Our Know the Signs Programs
Sandy Hook Promise strives to build a community of Upstanders by empowering young people and their families to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities using our Know The Signs programs: Start with Hello and Say Something.
Key features of our programs include:
- Developmentally appropriate learning: Programs designed for all youth.
- Empathy and connection: Fostering understanding and compassion.
- Warning sign recognition: Teaching youth how to identify potential risks.
- Positive action: Empowering youth to take steps to prevent violence.
- Interactive learning: Engaging activities that make learning fun.
- Family resources: Tools to help families support the Know the Signs teachings.
Get started with our Start With Hello and Say Something Family Activity Guides.
January LancerPride Awards
Christy Haynes, Edison Academy Advisor, Edison Social Studies Teacher
Teryn Weber, School Nurse Ed White Elementary
"Teryn has the ability to know when to encourage students to return to class and regain confidence or when to send them home. She is incredibly organized and consistently takes the time to educate and support families navigating new diagnoses, injuries, and challenges, helping parents feel informed and reassured. Drawing from her extensive experience as a pediatric office nurse, she brings a wealth of knowledge to our school community. We are incredibly grateful for her expertise, her heart for children, and the positive impact she makes every single day. She is most deserving of the Lancer Pride Award."
Nominate someone for the next LancerPride Award!
Class of 2026 ads for yearbook - Deadline February 18th
The yearbook advertising staff is offering parents/guardians or friends the opportunity to purchase a senior ad in honor of the upcoming graduation class of 2026. Simply send a baby picture or one of your favorite photos of your senior along with a few words recognizing them and wishing them well in the years to come. Senior Recognition Ads are divided into eight blocks per page with each block $40.00. Blocks are sold as individual units. You may purchase more than one block if you wish to add more photos and information or just go larger with a photo provided.
Click the image for the form and more information or use this form:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J-Wem1Cr-XNUopDPa7PAXARu3_ww0p69/view?usp=drive_link
Food Service
We serve breakfast!
Did you know we serve breakfast at all 7 North Scott school buildings? We do!
Our Online menu service:
https://myschoolmenus.com/organizations/3210choose your school and breakfast or lunch for the days menu!
Elementary School Breakfast: varies by elementary building - please see your school schedule or contact your school principal for questions.
Junior High Breakfast: 7:15-8:15 am
High School Breakfast: 7:15-8:45 am
Community Information
Upcoming School Board Meetings - UPDATES!
- Tuesday, January 27th - John Glenn Elementary (due to "Day on the Hill" attendance)
- Monday, February 9th - Administrative Office
- Monday, February 23rd - Ed White Elementary
Are you a North Scott Graduate? Are you interested in being involved in the Lancers Alumni Network?
January 13 5:30pm
Regional Innovation Center
Join us at our new Facebook Group for more information and connect with classmates!
Iowa Substitute Teaching Authorization Online
Becoming a substitute teacher in Iowa is now available online. Learn more about the 15 hour course, price, and how to get registered here.