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News

Keep Up With the Latest From ISD

Read recent news posts and publications from ISD! From statewide events to happenings around campus, we love to keep families and educators informed on the latest from our school.  

Input on superintendent qualities, characteristics

This information in American Sign Language. What qualities and characteristics should the next superintendent of Iowa Educational Services for the Blind & Visually Impaired and Iowa School for the Deaf have? You are invited to express your thoughts in a public forum in September. There are three dates and sites for in-person forums. You may… Continue Readingabout Input on superintendent qualities, characteristics

September and October Upcoming Events

Click this link to view Iowa School for the Deaf's family and educator activities for this fall.… Continue Readingabout September and October Upcoming Events

Homecoming Schedule

Homecoming is back in the fall at ISD! Plan to join us for public activities Friday and Saturday, Oct. 13 and 14. The schedule will be updated as events as finalized. You can find more information here.… Continue Readingabout Homecoming Schedule

Student Registration Now Open

Registration for new and current students is now open. Parents, check your email for more information and the registration link. If you have any questions, please contact the school building's secretary. School starts August 23!… Continue Readingabout Student Registration Now Open

New event teaches families importance of ASL; Deaf mentors

ASL Version Hi. More. All done. Mom. Dad. Anyone who has parented a toddler understands the importance of how a child communicates basic concepts. When a baby who is deaf is born to hearing parents who do not know sign language, the struggle to communicate can be overwhelming. A new free overnight experience, provided by… Continue Readingabout New event teaches families importance of ASL; Deaf mentors

ISD Presents at World Federation of the Deaf

Two Iowa School for the Deaf staff members presented at the XIX World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf in Jeju, South Korea. Tina Caloud, ISD chief academic officer and Deb Cates, Ph.D., language resources coordinator, lectured on “Language modeling intervention for STEM reasoning in deaf/hard-of-hearing students.” Twenty-four presentations were accepted at the… Continue Readingabout ISD Presents at World Federation of the Deaf

Governance changes for Iowa School for the Deaf

Announcement in American Sign Language As part of Gov. Reynolds’ state government alignment, Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired and Iowa School for the Deaf have moved under the governance of Iowa Department of Education, effective July 1. Previously, the special schools were governed by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa.  … Continue Readingabout Governance changes for Iowa School for the Deaf

ISD dorm staff attend national student life conference

ASL version Twelve ISD residential staff were among the three dozen schools for the deaf participating in the National Student Life for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NSLDHH) conference in late June. A variety of student life-related topics were offered at the conference location, held at the New Mexico School for the Deaf in Santa… Continue Readingabout ISD dorm staff attend national student life conference

Waddell new principal for ISD Middle School & High School

Welcome to Trisha Waddell, who joined the ISD staff June 29 as middle school and high school principal. Waddell was most recently principal at Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, Tucson Campus. In addition to supervising staff and teachers, she was responsible for day-to-day operations for both the school and residential program.… Continue Readingabout Waddell new principal for ISD Middle School & High School

PBIS Conference

Two Iowa School for the Deaf faculty members presented at the national virtual PBIS conference June 21 & 22. PBIS, or Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports, is an evidence-based, tiered framework which supports behavioral, academic, social, emotional and mental health. Kristi Zimmerman, ISD school counselor, and Hana Krommenhoek, ISD reading specialist, presented, “The Impact of… Continue Readingabout PBIS Conference

Staff present English learner strategies

Iowa School for the Deaf staff presented at a conference for those who teach English learners, hosted by Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency in Bettendorf June 8. Tina Caloud, chief academic officer, and Megan Shama, ISD high school English learner faculty, presented, "Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing English Learners: Taking the ELPA (English Language Proficiency Assessment) and Classroom Strategies." The conference… Continue Readingabout Staff present English learner strategies

Making history. Three times in a year.

Kalista Nipper, Class of '23, won't forget her athletic years at Iowa School for the Deaf.  First, she became the first ISD basketball player to score 1,000 points during her basketball career this year. Next, in late June, she became the first female ISD athlete to be named Athlete of the Year, National Division II,… Continue Readingabout Making history. Three times in a year.

ISD faculty present at national virtual conference

Two Iowa School for the Deaf faculty members will present at the national virtual PBIS conference June 21 & 22. PBIS, or Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports, is an evidence-based, tiered framework which supports behavioral, academic, social, emotional and mental health. Kristi Zimmerman, ISD school counselor, and Hana Krommenhoek, ISD reading specialist, will present, “The… Continue Readingabout ISD faculty present at national virtual conference

Caloud named chief academic officer

Iowa School for the Deaf has promoted Tina Caloud to the position of chief academic officer, where she will oversee the academic program. The promotion became effective May 28. Under this appointment, Caloud will maintain her role as outreach director where she established five areas of focus: family resources, assessments, expanded learning program, language resources… Continue Readingabout Caloud named chief academic officer

'Go-to' employee recognized with Regents Staff Award

A customer-first attitude is evident every day in the service Megan Giaffoglione provides for members of the public, faculty and staff at Iowa Education for Deaf and Blind.  She earned recognized the Board of Regents, State of Iowa Staff Excellence Award Nov. 9 for her ability to anticipate the needs of individuals and departments and… Continue Readingabout 'Go-to' employee recognized with Regents Staff Award

Kerekes honored for consistent, best teaching practices

“It is not often in someone’s career they have the opportunity to work with such an exceptional educator, let alone bestow on them an award for their work,” said Justin Cyboron, elementary and 4PLUS principal for Iowa School for the Deaf. Cyboron presented ISD physical education and health teacher Cody Kerekes with the highest faculty… Continue Readingabout Kerekes honored for consistent, best teaching practices

ISD launches 2022 – 2027 strategic plan

Iowa School for the Deaf has a new strategic plan, beginning this August. Along with departments serving both Iowa Educational Services for Blind & Visually Impaired and Iowa School for the Deaf, the five-year plan was formulated over the 2021-2022 school year. At the Board of Regents, State of Iowa meeting in early June, the… Continue Readingabout ISD launches 2022 – 2027 strategic plan

Iowa LEAD-K signed into law

VIEW HF 604  Updated: View story from Radio Iowa  On April 6, the House of Representatives voted to approve Iowa Senate amendments to House File 604, “An act relating to language and literacy development for deaf and hard of hearing children.” This is Iowa’s version of LEAD-K legislation, which now goes to the governor for… Continue Readingabout Iowa LEAD-K signed into law

Iowa LEAD-K close to signing

VIEW HF 604 On April 6, the House of Representatives voted to approve Iowa Senate amendments to House File 604, “An act relating to language and literacy development for deaf and hard of hearing children.” This is Iowa’s version of LEAD-K legislation, which now goes to the governor for signing. LEAD-K is the acronym for… Continue Readingabout Iowa LEAD-K close to signing

"Powerfully Strong" score achieved for accreditation

For the first time, Iowa Education for Deaf & Blind is seeking unified accreditation as an education service agency. In the past, both Iowa School for the Deaf and Iowa Educational Services for the Blind & Visually Impaired sought accreditation as special schools. The result? Official determination on accreditation status won’t be until June, but… Continue Readingabout "Powerfully Strong" score achieved for accreditation

Virtual Run Fundraiser for Class of 2023

Complete a 5K, 10K, half-marathon or full as your time allows! The Class of 2023 is hosting these virtual events as a fundraiser. Events need to be completed between May 4th and 15th. T-shirts included and you can order an optional medal. Register by April 21! Link to registration Form When you complete your virtual… Continue Readingabout Virtual Run Fundraiser for Class of 2023

New! Teen Crew for 6th-8th graders

If you are a 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student who is deaf or hard of hearing in Iowa, Teen Crew is for you! Meet friends, play games, chat and laugh all hour long!  … Continue Readingabout New! Teen Crew for 6th-8th graders

What happens after high school?

Feb 23 & March 2| 6-7 p.m. Last day to register: Feb. 22 Attention teens who are deaf or hard of hearing and their parents! Wondering about getting a job after high school? Spend an hour with us! You'll learn about resources Iowa has to help you transition to employment. Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation, Central Rivers… Continue Readingabout What happens after high school?

New! Virtual social time for middle school students

Every other Wednesday starting Feb. 17 | 6.30-7.30 p.m. via Zoom Introducing the Teen Crew! If you are in 6th – 8th grade and are deaf or hard of hearing, join us! Games, chatting and fun! Free. Held twice a month. Meet new friends and you don't even have to leave your house! Interpreters provided.… Continue Readingabout New! Virtual social time for middle school students
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Bobcat Football Field

Since 1921, football has been a tradition at Iowa School for the Deaf. ISD Bobcats play late weekday afternoons or Saturdays against local junior varsity teams and Great Plains Schools for the Deaf varsity teams. Go ‘Cats!

Click here for the description in ASL.

Lied Multipurpose Complex

Opened in 2002, this was the first new construction on campus in more than 50 years. Health and physical education classes take place here. In addition to the main gym, which has seating for 1,000, this 58,000-square-foot facility has a 115,000-gallon swimming pool, community rooms, racquetball courts, and fitness areas.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Boys Dormitory

Male students board in the administration building’s west wing. Floors divide the boys by age. Residential counselors and houseparents help with homework, encourage calls home, and plan learning, social and service activities for the boys. Boys typically have rooms to themselves. Videophone and computer stations are in the floor lounge areas.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Administration Building

This is the site of the first building on campus when the school was moved from Iowa City in 1870. At the time, the building was a dorm, dining room, staff living quarters, chapel and administration. (There was a separate school building on campus.) This building has experienced four fires and a tornado (but nothing devastating since 1903!). Currently, it houses the ISD Museum, auditorium, cafeteria, teen center, boys dorm, and the school’s central administration offices.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Cafeteria/Kitchen

ISD cafeteria staff work closely with dietitians and federal programs to ensure their offerings meet stringent nutrition guidelines and the preferences of the pickiest eater! Every child is encouraged to try samplings from all food groups. Occasional food fairs are held to introduce students to new dishes as well as to reinforce the importance of a healthy diet.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Auditorium

The ornate auditorium is often home to prom, the school carnival (Celebrate ISD), and other special presentations needing to seat a larger audience. When not in use, its convenient location next to the Teen Center makes it a popular nine-square attraction!

Click here for the description in ASL.

Greenhouse

Need tips on germination or transplanting? Check with a student who has worked in the greenhouse! The structure was dedicated in 2001 in memory of Adam Leitch, a former middle school student, who loved the outdoors. The greenhouse was made possible by donations from Adam’s family.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Staff Residence

Some school officials are required to live on ISD’s campus. Other campus houses and apartments may be occupied by ISD staff who rent the units.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Fleet Garage

The fleet garage holds ISD’s vehicles. Every weekend (weather permitting), students are transported to their hometowns across Iowa and Nebraska. This event operates so efficiently that the average time between school day’s end and the last bus to leave campus is less than 15 minutes. Labor for the original part of this 1941 structure was furnished under the Work Progress Administration.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Groundskeeping Barn

This is headquarters for the groundskeepers and was built in 1984. The staff are also responsible for maintaining ISD’s fleet vehicles.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Dairy Barn

ISD was once a self-sufficient entity, complete with a dairy herd. This 1935 barn initially housed calves and became the cattle barn when the dairy barn burned in 1944. After its farming life, the building has been used as a teen center and now stores various grounds equipment.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Careers Building/4PLUS

Students gain hands-on work experience in metals technology and woods classes at this building. The 4PLUS transition (to work or college) student center is located on the second floor. The central and south wings were built in 1950; the north wing addition was constructed in 1980.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Plant/Power House

This building was completed in 1956 and contains the campus boilers and utility access points. Powerhouse staff are on campus round the clock whenever students are here, too. In addition to keeping utilities running, they respond to emergency alarms and provide extra security. They’ve also been known to attend to the simple, albeit critical, needs on campus (such as fixing a student’s bicycle).

Click here for the description in ASL.

Elementary School

Opened in 1959, this building houses preschool and elementary grades, with lower grades on the bottom floor and upper grades on the second floor. A computer lab, library, and kitchen are also inside.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Outreach

ISD’s Outreach Department is housed in the former infirmary. Programming focuses around five areas: family resources, extended learning, literacy resources, language resources and assessments. Long before this area was renovated for Outreach, it served as ISD’s own hospital. Tonsillectomies were even performed on campus! This building opened in 1938.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Small Gymnasium

This facility is used as an extra physical education facility for younger students. It also serves as a multipurpose activity area and an extra practice gym. Most of our matches, tournaments, and physical education are now held at the Lied Multipurpose Complex.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Science Center

A modern science center featuring two classrooms, two labs, and plenty of storage, opened in the fall of 2010. The space previously contained a swimming pool and locker rooms and was renovated to provide an accessible environment. Private donations from individuals, foundations, and businesses made the $1.5 million project possible.

Click here for the description in ASL.

J. Schuyler Long Hall/High School

Opened in 1929, this building offers three stories of classrooms with most rooms being used on the second floor. A library, student meeting room, and computer lab are under this roof. The Long Hall Science Center, which opened in 2010, is also connected to the building.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Health Center

Registered nurses working 24 hours a day have all the students’ healthcare needs covered! From bandages to flu shots, nurses provide tender loving care and keep parents informed about the health of their children. When students are ill, they are cared for in the health center until they are ready for classes again.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Girls Dormitory

A large kitchen with double appliances is featured on the main floor. Student lounges are on each floor, containing computer and videophone relay access. Usually, students have rooms to themselves. The building opened in 1963; the north wing was added in 1975.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Audiology

Nearly 60 school districts are served through the Green Hills Area Education Agency, one of nine such organizations in Iowa. Green Hills is an intermediate unit providing educational services to local schools. One of Green Hills’ soundproof hearing testing booths is on the campus of ISD.

Click here for the description in ASL.

ISD Museum


Housed on the second floor of Administration Building’s east wing, each room reflects a decade of history at ISD. Free admission; open by appointment, 712.366.0571.

Click here for the description in ASL.

Teen Center

After homework and sports activities but before bed, a flurry of interaction takes place among students at the Teen Center! This modern space has a pool table, comfy couches, a big screen TV, and its own snack bar.

Click here for the description in ASL.