Lion Tracks: Back-To-School
Issue 46 • Summer 2025 • Published Annually
Students Return On Monday, 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 2. 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 mission statement -- to provide an exceptional education, opportunities, and resources for all students to become productive, life-long learners -- guides everything we do in service of children attending our school!
I'm proud that our School Board added the term exceptional when editing the mission statement following COVID. 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 preparing to make the 2025-26 school year another exceptional one for your children.
I'm proud to report our students continue to perform exceptionally well on our state-wide assessment of student progress, often referred to as ISASPs. This year's 4th Graders thru Seniors were 89% proficient in reading and English/language arts - with a whopping 101 students or 20.7% of all students scoring at the Advanced level. Similarly 104 students, 21.3% of 4th-12th Graders, were Advanced on the mathematics tests while 82% were proficient. And I'm happy to report that Central Lyon had three (3) students in the graduating class of 2025 that scored Perfectly on the reading section of the ACT.
New Faces for 2025-26
Please join me in welcoming our new teaching staff members for the 2025-26 School Year:
- Katie Aman - Elementary Music
- Austin Dixon - 5-8 Instrumental Music
- Mia Haage - Agriculture Education & FFA Advisor
- Ali Poeppe - 2nd Grade
- Brittany Van Der Weerd - Transitional Kindergarten
Back to School Night
As we all prepare for an exceptional 2025-26 school year, we invite you to join us for Back To School Night next Tuesday, August 19, 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.
The 2025-2026 school year begins as the school district has so much to celebrate. As Mr. Jorth noted, our students continue to perform at high levels on our academic measures thanks to your support at home and the hard work of our teachers and staff at school. We're also proud to welcome Katie Aman and Austin Dixon as elementary vocal and instrumental music teachers for the 2025-26 school year. Along with their mentors, Ann and Sherwin Langholdt, our students will continue to have multiple opportunities to showcase and grow their musical talents. We are looking forward to unlocking the talents in your child and celebrating them in the 2025-26 school year.
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: Tuesday, August 19
All the staff join me in welcoming back students for the 2025-26 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 Tuesday, August 19.
Steve Harman, Elementary Principal
Welcome Back
Welcome back! I hope you’ve all had a chance to enjoy some summer sunshine, make great memories, and maybe even relax a little. As we get ready to kick off another school year, I’m excited to see our hallways, classrooms, and fields buzzing with energy once again. There’s nothing quite like the fresh start of a new year full of possibilities, new experiences, and opportunities for growth.
While we celebrate everything our students and staff have accomplished in years past, this new year is a chance to dream bigger, set fresh goals, and take on challenges that will help us grow, both as individuals and as a school community. With the commitment and passion of our faculty and staff, I know our students will be supported every step of the way; in a safe, engaging environment that encourages them to try new things, work hard, and aim high.
Central Lyon truly is a special place, a community where people care about one another and take pride in learning, leading, and working together. I’m looking forward to partnering with you as we help our students make the most of this year, create lasting memories, and continue building a future they can be proud of.
Dates/Events to Remember
Tuesday, August 19th 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.**
Monday, 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
- Personal Electronic Devices - This school year, Central Lyon is placing special emphasis on personal electronic device management to ensure that every student is provided with the best educational environment possible. Our recently updated policy reflects the importance of in-person learning and connections, emphasizing that devices such as cell phones and smart watches must be put away during instructional time. This focus allows students to fully engage in classroom lessons, build meaningful relationships with peers and staff, and develop vital life and social skills that are best learned face-to-face. Research and experience from across Iowa have shown that reducing device distractions leads to higher academic achievement, improved social interactions, and an overall more positive school environment. While we recognize the benefits technology can bring, managing personal electronic device use during the school day is crucial for student development, safety, and well-being. If you have questions about this policy, please reach out to Mr. Engleman, Principal 7-12. For reference, our updated Personal Electronic Device Guidelines can be found on pages 48-49 of the Central Lyon Student Handbook.
- Attendance & Participation - At Central Lyon, we recognize that consistent school attendance and active class participation are essential to every student’s academic success and personal growth. Being present in the classroom each day ensures students can fully engage in meaningful discussions, interactive lessons, and hands-on learning experiences that cannot be replicated outside of school. Regular attendance not only enhances academic achievement, but also builds critical life skills such as time management, responsibility, collaboration, and problem-solving skills that are difficult to develop when instructional time is missed. Equally important, attending school every day fosters strong peer relationships and a sense of belonging within the Central Lyon community. These connections contribute to students’ confidence, social development, and overall well-being. We strongly encourage families to prioritize attendance and ensure students remain for the full school day whenever possible. If you have questions or concerns regarding attendance, please reach out to us; we are here to partner with you in supporting your child’s success.
- Developing Strong Academic Habits – At Central Lyon, we believe that building strong academic habits is one of the most valuable investments students can make in their future. These habits include attending classes consistently, staying organized, completing assignments on time, taking clear and thorough notes, actively reviewing material, asking questions when clarification is needed, and preparing strategically for tests and projects. By practicing these skills daily, students not only improve their academic performance in high school but also develop discipline, persistence, and problem-solving abilities that will serve them well in college, careers, and life. Strong academic habits help students manage challenges with confidence, adapt to new learning environments, and achieve their personal and professional goals long after graduation. As a staff, we are committed to fostering and encouraging the development of these habits in our students each day.
Building on the Lion Tradition
At Central Lyon, we are eager to begin another exciting school year alongside our outstanding students, families, and community. While challenges will arise, we are ready to face them together and celebrate the many successes our students will achieve. With a dedicated staff and the strong Lion tradition, this year promises to be one of growth, accomplishment, and pride for all.
Jason Engleman, 7-12 Principal
I am honored to serve as the new 7–12 Activities Director at Central Lyon. I’m excited to work alongside our students, coaches, and families to make the most of extracurricular opportunities. Central Lyon has a proud tradition of excellence, and I can’t wait to see each student and program grow, compete, and achieve their goals this school year. Central Lyon provides a great amount of opportunities for students.
First Practices for 7th & 8th Grade Fall Sports
Volleyball: Monday, Aug. 25 @ 3:15 PM – Team Meeting
Football: Monday, Aug. 25 @ 3:15 PM – Team Meeting & Equipment Handout
Cross Country: Tuesday, 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! 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 and Concussion Forms. 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.
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 $7 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 ................................. $200
Adult Athletic & Activities Pass ................................... $100
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 2025-26 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
ISASP Parent Portal and Claim Codes
The Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) Parent Portal allows families to securely access and view the Individual Student Reports (ISR) for their students online.
To access the ISASP Parent Portal go to: https://ia-results.pearsonaccessnext.com/login.
Parents can pick up their Claim Codes by stopping to see their child's homeroom or flex teacher on Tuesday, August 19, at Back to School Night or by logging on to JMC.
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