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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.  

Iowa School for the Deaf sending two teams to world competition in robotics

Timothy Rowher The Daily Nonpareil March 20, 2025 A student at Iowa School for the Deaf recently showed The Nonpareil how to throw a ball into a small opening. First, it was one ball, then two balls into two openings — at the same time. But it wasn't the student throwing the ball. It was… Continue Readingabout Iowa School for the Deaf sending two teams to world competition in robotics

ISD cheerleaders finish third at nationals for third straight year after conference title

Timothy Rowher The Daily Nonpareil March 12, 2025 Three cheers — as in three-peat — for the Iowa School for the Deaf cheerleaders. The five-member squad recently finished first among seven schools at the Great Plains Schools for the Deaf Cheer Championship held in Arkansas. It was the third straight year the cheerleaders won that… Continue Readingabout ISD cheerleaders finish third at nationals for third straight year after conference title

New! Resources for families

New website landing page educates, empowers families of deaf and hard-of-hearing children ASL Version Looking for deaf-friendly events for your child? Wondering if they are measuring up academically to their hearing peers? A new website landing page holds resources for families to address these questions and more. The page offers curated, linked resources for Iowa… Continue Readingabout New! Resources for families

Mentoring program for families raising children who are deaf or hard of hearing

ASL Version An Iowa law is creating life-changing opportunities for families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. House File 604 was signed into law in late May, 2022 to promote both American Sign Language (ASL) and English access for these children, especially for those eight years old and younger. Three mentoring programs… Continue Readingabout Mentoring program for families raising children who are deaf or hard of hearing

ISD Student's Artwork on Community-wide Safety Logo

An Iowa School for the Deaf (ISD) student modified a local logo to be more relatable to audiences who are deaf- which just might increase safety, too. Amiya Wood, an ISD sophomore from Kearney, Neb. was asked to modify the Pottawattamie County Threat Assessment Team’s new logo, “Speak Up,” which features a speech bubble. Speak… Continue Readingabout ISD Student's Artwork on Community-wide Safety Logo

The drive for independence

Driver’s education teacher Beth Chadwick shrugs and laughs when asked about her courage level. “I’ve got a brake on my side of the car, and I make use of it!” At Iowa School for the Deaf, she has taught subjects from English to graphic arts but says driver’s education may be her favorite because of… Continue Readingabout The drive for independence

Deaf interpreters fill comprehension gaps

Sometimes, it takes more than a lesson taught in sign language for a student who is deaf or hard of hearing to master an academic concept. Caitlyn Lynch, a Deaf interpreter at Iowa School for the Deaf, works with a student on addition. As a native sign language user, Lynch can get concepts across to… Continue Readingabout Deaf interpreters fill comprehension gaps

Inside the huddle: How Iowa School for the Deaf communicates during volleyball matches

Peter Burtnett The Daily Nonpareil Sep 25, 2024 Updated Sep 29, 2024 It’s not much different than a hearing match. A little quieter, perhaps. A stomp of the foot, a clap of the hands, a motion up or down. Words may not be spoken by the Bobcats bench or players on the court, but just… Continue Readingabout Inside the huddle: How Iowa School for the Deaf communicates during volleyball matches

Apple Festival

Download Apple Festival Flyer Free! Area families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing are invited to join Iowa School for the Deaf (ISD) students and families for Apple Festival at Ditmars Orchard (19475 225th St. in Council Bluffs). Families from Nebraska and Iowa are welcome- even if your child is not enrolled… Continue Readingabout Apple Festival

2024 Homecoming Schedule

Homecoming weekend is fast approaching. We hope you can join us for the festivities on Friday, Saturday, AND Sunday this year, Sept. 27 – 29! You can find the schedule here.… Continue Readingabout 2024 Homecoming Schedule

Prioritizing community, Iowa School for the Deaf welcomes new superintendent

By Hailey Peck, The Daily Nonpareil Photo caption: Iowa School for the Deaf recently welcomed Superintendent Chris Kaftan to Council Bluffs. IOWA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF Trading good seafood and congested traffic commutes for farmland and corn stalks, Chris Kaftan has recently moved from the east coast to the middle of the country. Kaftan recently… Continue Readingabout Prioritizing community, Iowa School for the Deaf welcomes new superintendent

Community 5K

Join ISD's students, staff and community for the inaugural ISD Community 5K on Sunday, Sept. 29! This 3.1-mile trek (5 kilometers) will wind through ISD's campus and onto the Wabash Trace trail. Get off your seat and come join us! There will be food, music, t-shirts, medals, local fire and police departments and more! Bring… Continue Readingabout Community 5K

Sweet success at annual fundraiser

Not only did attendees receive baskets of candy to take home on May Day, they brought home clearer understandings about the services and programs at Iowa School for the Deaf. The Iowa School for the Deaf Foundation held its annual scholarship and general fund fundraising event May 1. About 120 donors and friends of ISD… Continue Readingabout Sweet success at annual fundraiser

Superintendent named

The next superintendent for Iowa Educational Services for the Blind & Visually Impaired and Iowa School for the Deaf has been named. Link to details.… Continue Readingabout Superintendent named

GPSD Track Results

The Iowa Bobcats traveled to Kansas School for the Deaf in April to compete in the GPSD track meet. Here are the results. Shot PutSixth place: Amiya Wood Long JumpFourth place: Rifenta KisichyFifth place: Jenessa Hull 100-meter dashSixth place: Ashley Vera Nieto 400-meter dashSecond place: Jenessa HullFourth place: Kaitlyn Johns 800-meter runSecond place: Ashley Vera… Continue Readingabout GPSD Track Results

You can provide feedback about the candidates after the forum on April 29 forum using these links: Rayburn Boland: https://www.videoask.com/fz79rjst9 Chris Kaftan: https://www.videoask.com/fsgd6zje9 Iowa School for the Deaf and Iowa Educational Services for the Blind & Visually Impaired narrow superintendent search to two finalists Rayburn Boland and Christopher Kaftan will move on for final consideration. … Continue Readingabout

Bobcats back-to-back: ISD wins GPSD cheer tournament again, finishes 3rd at Nationals

Peter BurtnettCopyright: The Daily Nonpareil (used with permission) Iowa School for the Deaf cheerleaders, from left to right: Amiya Wood, Kailani Mefy, Rifenta Kisichy, Jadaella Jeffery, Ashley Vera Nieto, Kaitlyn JohnsCourtesy Iowa School for the Deaf The first time was so nice, they had to do it twice. Winning the GPSD cheer tournament and finishing… Continue Readingabout Bobcats back-to-back: ISD wins GPSD cheer tournament again, finishes 3rd at Nationals

March and April Upcoming Events

Click this link to view Iowa School for the Deaf's family and educator activities for this spring.… Continue Readingabout March and April Upcoming Events

Win a scholarship with an essay

Deaf and hard-of-hearing students across Iowa have the opportunity to earn scholarships through this Optimist-sponsored contest. April 18, 202410 a.m. – 3 p.m.Iowa School for the Deaf Campus To compete you must: live in Iowa be in 10th, 11th or 12th grade be deaf or hard of hearing write and present and 4-5 minute speech… Continue Readingabout Win a scholarship with an essay

Saying and Signing Symposium is April 24

This free learning and fun event will be held at the Science Center of Iowa. Click for details… Continue Readingabout Saying and Signing Symposium is April 24

Deaf Cultural Celebration is April 6

The popular Deaf Cultural Celebration is back, this year with three national presenters who will entertain us with music and magic! Click here for more information.… Continue Readingabout Deaf Cultural Celebration is April 6

Iowa Department of Education and Innivee Strategies Launches Search for ISD and IESBVI Superintendent

This information in American Sign Language (ASL) The Iowa Department of Education is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Innivee Strategies, a Deaf-led leadership and organizational development firm, to lead the search for the next Iowa School for the Deaf (ISD) and Iowa Education Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (IESBVI) Superintendent. The… Continue Readingabout Iowa Department of Education and Innivee Strategies Launches Search for ISD and IESBVI Superintendent

Get some net for the Class of 2025

Grab your buddies, tape up that old high school injury, and register for 6-on-6 volleyball and 3-on-3 basketball tournaments! These fast-paced fun events benefit the ISD Class of 2025. Email event coordinator with questions Basketball: Saturday, March 2, 2024 10 a.m. Lied Multipurpose Complex/Iowa School for the Deaf campus $80 per team/$3 per fan Deadline… Continue Readingabout Get some net for the Class of 2025

Foundation fundraiser is May 1

ASL information Celebrate May Day by supporting Iowa School for the Deaf students! This annual luncheon fundraiser provides scholarships to college-bound students and supports the general foundation. The event will be held Wednesday, May 1, 2024 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Lied Multipurpose Complex on the campus of Iowa School for the… Continue Readingabout Foundation fundraiser is May 1
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Switchboard: 712-366-0571 | VP (videophone): 712-796-0025

3501 Harry Langdon Blvd. Council Bluffs, IA 51503

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Groundskeeping Barn

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

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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