Waterloo Schools

Serving 11,000 students who speak 45 languages in the 7th largest school district in Iowa. IB, Leader in Me and gifted & twice exceptional education PreK-12

[Waterloo Schools @WaterlooSchools]

🔔 THAT’S A WRAP ON THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR! ☀️
We have officially crossed the finish line! To our incredible students, dedicated staff, and supportive families: THANK YOU for an unforgettable year.
ㅤ
We are so incredibly proud of all the hard work, breakthrough learning moments, and amazing leadership displayed across our classrooms every single day. From the first day of school to the final bell today, you've shown what it truly means to be part of the Waterloo Schools community.
ㅤ
Now, it’s time to celebrate, relax, and recharge. Wishing all of our students, staff, and families a safe, fun, and sun-filled summer break! 😎
ㅤ
Here are some smiling faces from Irving Elementary this morning. We'd love to see your last day photos! Drop them 👇
#LastDayOfSchool #SummerBreak #WaterlooSchools #FlipTheScript #WaterlooProud

[Tim Moses @timmoses68]

Congratulations Mason…👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[Waterloo Schools @WaterlooSchools]

☀️ The Countdown is Over: Last Day of School! ☀️
It’s officially time to celebrate—Wednesday, June 3, is the final day of the 2025-26 school year! Our students have worked hard, grown so much, and now summer vacation is just a few hours away. 🏖️
ㅤ
Important Dismissal Reminder:
To kick off the break, there will be a 2-hour early dismissal on Wednesday. Please make sure to coordinate your afternoon pickup plans accordingly!
ㅤ
📸 We want to see those "Last Day" smiles!Whether they are heading into middle school, high school, or their very first summer break, we want to see the celebration!
Drop your Last Day of School photos in the comments below! 👇
ㅤ
✨Have a safe, fun, and relaxing summer, Waterloo! 🍦📚
#WaterlooSchools #LastDayOfSchool #SummerBreak #WahawkPride #WaterlooIA

[Waterloo Schools @WaterlooSchools]

📚 The Countdown is ON: The Summer Reading Roadshow is Heading Your Way! ✨
Get ready to flip the script on summer boredom! We are thrilled to introduce the Waterloo Schools Summer Reading Roadshow, a weekly pop-up adventure designed to keep our students reading, creating, and fueled up all summer long! 📖
ㅤ
Here is how the roadshow works every Tuesday from 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM:
🎨 The Story & The Craft: Each week, we’ll dive into a fantastic read-aloud book together. But, we don't just stop at the last page—we bring the book to life with a fun, hands-on activity or craft right on-site! ✂️
🍏 Free Lunch: We’ve partnered with the local Lunch Program to provide a delicious, free meal for the kids at every single stop!
📍 On the Move: The roadshow rotates to a different Waterloo Schools location every week, bringing the fun straight to your neighborhood! 🏫
ㅤ
We will be posting a special "Behind the Pages" preview right here every week so you know exactly where to find us, what we are reading, and what silly masterpiece we are building next. Make sure to check our page weekly for updates!
ㅤ
Pack up the family, find your neighborhood stop, and come read with us!
ㅤ
⚠️ Important Note: Children must be accompanied by a grown-up who will stay on-site for the duration of the 30-minute session. Activities take place outside at the front entrance of the buildings, and sessions will be canceled in the event of heavy rain.
ㅤ
See you on the road! 👋
#WaterlooProud #SummerReadingRoadshow #FliptheScript #InfinitePossibilities #WaterlooSchools #SummerLearning

[Waterloo Schools @WaterlooSchools]

🎉 Happy Last Day to our Little Learners! 🖍️
Congratulations to all our amazing students on completing a year of preschool! We are so proud of the growth, curiosity, and joy you’ve brought to our classrooms this year. 🌟
ㅤ
Important Reminders for our Families:
-Preschool: Today, June 1st, is officially the last day of school for our preschool students.
-Grades K-11: The final day of school is Wednesday, June 3.
-Early Dismissal: Please remember that June 3 will include a 2-hour early dismissal.
ㅤ
📸 Show us those smiles!
We want to celebrate our "little learners" as they head into summer break! Drop your favorite Last Day of Pre-K photos in the comments below! 👇✨
#WaterlooSchools #LastDayOfSchool #PreschoolGrads #SummerBreak #WahawkPride #ClassOf2039

[Waterloo Schools @WaterlooSchools]

🚌 READY TO STEER YOUR CAREER IN A NEW DIRECTION? 🚌
We’re Hiring a Transportation Manager!

Come join a fantastic, high-energy team where your leadership makes a real difference every single day! As our Transportation Manager, you’ll be the driving force behind student success, ensuring our routes run smoothly and keeping our community connected. If you are a natural problem-solver who loves people, teamwork, and making an impact, we want you in the driver’s seat!

Check out the details below and apply today! 👇

[Waterloo Schools @WaterlooSchools]

Meet Jyvette Motuli, a resilient and determined member of the West High Class of 2026. For Jyvette, the high school experience has been Rewarding, as she turned the challenge of moving to a new country into a powerful story of success.
ㅤ
Jyvette’s time at West was defined by incredible growth and perseverance. In just over a year, she utilized the school's tools to master a new language and excel in her studies. Her favorite memory is the immense feeling of achievement she felt after her first semester, realizing that all her hard work to adapt was officially paying off. This fall, Jyvette will begin her journey toward a healthcare career at Hawkeye Community College for Nursing, with plans to later transfer to the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) to complete her Bachelor’s degree.
ㅤ
Reflecting on the preparation provided by West High, Jyvette shares: "West High provided an academic environment that helped me adapt to a new country. In only one year and a few months, the school gave me the tools to master the language and succeed in my courses."
ㅤ
With a heart full of ambition, Jyvette encourages her fellow students to push past their hesitations: "My advice is don't let the fear of a new language or a difficult subject stop you. If you work hard and stay focused on your goals, you can achieve anything, no matter where you start."
ㅤ
I am a Wahawk! 🍎🏥
#WestHigh #ClassOf2026 #WahawkPride #FutureNurse #HawkeyeCC #UNI #WaterlooSchools #SeniorSpotlight

[Waterloo Schools @WaterlooSchools]

Meet Elizabeth "Lizzy" Roberts, a history-maker from the West High Class of 2026. Lizzy describes her time as a Wahawk as Guiding, a journey that helped her find her path as both a scholar and a standout student-athlete.
ㅤ
Lizzy’s favorite memories are rooted on the wrestling mat. She was a member of the very first sanctioned girls' wrestling team at West, a group that became more like a family than a roster. With their support, she pushed through the mental and physical rigors of the sport to qualify for State as a freshman. This fall, she’s taking that competitive spirit to Coe College, where she will be part of their first-ever women’s wrestling team while studying Kinesiology to become a licensed athletic trainer.
ㅤ
Reflecting on how West High shaped her discipline, Lizzy shares:
"West has prepared me for my future in many ways... helping me build a steady schedule and develop my time management. Especially being a student-athlete, you need to constantly be aware of the time you have so as to evenly divide it between practice and school work."
ㅤ
Lizzy’s advice for the girls following in her footsteps is deeply personal: "Don't let your self-worth be dictated by those around you or by comparing yourself to others. Don’t let anyone influence you to go against your morals or aspirations. Soak up every bit [of high school] you can."
I am West. 🍎🤼‍♀️
#WestHigh #ClassOf2026 #WahawkPride #GirlsWrestling #StudentAthlete #CoeCollege #WaterlooSchools #SeniorSpotlight

[Waterloo Schools @WaterlooSchools]

🎓✨ Today is West High's Graduation Day! ✨🎓
It’s time to celebrate our amazing Wahawks! Graduation is tonight at 6pm at the McLeod Center.
ㅤ
Can’t make it in person? No worries — you can still be part of the celebration from home or on the go! Watch the live feed of the West High graduation ceremony by clicking the link below:
ㅤ
📺 Watch West Graduation Live: https://t.co/LtxFJiK0M7
ㅤ
The link is also available on our YouTube channel, so you can catch every cheer, smile, and diploma handoff!

Let’s give a giant round of applause to the Waterloo West High School Class of 2026 — your future is so bright! 🎉👏
#WaterlooProud #ClassOf2026 #GraduationDay #CelebrateSuccess #InfinitePossibilities #WaterlooWestHigh

[Waterloo Schools @WaterlooSchools]

Meet Brandon Alcocer Peralta, a compassionate leader from the West High Class of 2026 whose journey has been truly Joyful. Brandon’s time at West was defined by a commitment to personal growth and the courage to step outside his comfort zone to prepare for a career of service.
ㅤ
Brandon credits West’s specialized programs with helping him build a clear roadmap for his future. Beyond academics, he focused on self-improvement, using his high school years to "elevate the best version" of himself by sharpening his communication and social skills. A major milestone in this journey was joining Large Group, where he not only found a wonderful circle of friends but also successfully conquered his fear of performing and being part of a large crowd.
ㅤ
This fall, Brandon is taking his talents to the University of Northern Iowa, where he will enroll in the nursing program. His ultimate goal is to become a Pediatric Nurse, combining his medical knowledge with his heart for helping others.
ㅤ
Reflecting on his growth at West, Brandon shares:
"Thanks to West High and the programs they provided, I have a clear path for my future. They helped me become a better version of myself and elevate my communication and social skills."
By embracing every opportunity to grow, Brandon has turned his high school experience into a launchpad for a meaningful career.
ㅤ
I am West. 🍎🩺
#WestHigh #ClassOf2026 #WahawkPride #FuturePanther #NursingStudent #PediatricNursing #SeniorSpotlight #WaterlooSchools #JoyfulJourney

[Waterloo Schools @WaterlooSchools]

🚌💨 FREE RIDES ALL SUMMER & ALL NEXT SCHOOL YEAR! 💨🚌
We’ve got some absolutely wheel-y great news! Waterloo Schools is teaming up with Met Transit once again to give all students in grades 6–12 FREE bus rides through the summer and the entire 2026–27 school year! 🙌✨
ㅤ
Whether you're heading to summer activities, a part-time job, or getting ready for school in the fall, we've got your ride covered. 🎒☀️
ㅤ
Here’s the scoop on how to catch a free ride:
🆔 Show Your ID: Just flash your Waterloo Schools student ID card when boarding any Met Transit bus, and you are good to go! (Pro tip: Don't forget it, or the fare is $0.75!)
🗺️ Plan Your Route: Need to know where to go? Check out bus routes, schedules, and a real-time tracking map at https://t.co/JtQ0xgab9P or just plug your destination into Google Maps! 📱
📞 Need Help? If you get stuck or need help figuring out which bus to catch, give the friendly team at Met Transit a call directly at [phone].
ㅤ
We love this partnership because it keeps our students moving safely, reliably, and completely free of charge. Let's roll, Waterloo! ❤️
#WaterlooProud #MetTransit #FreeBusRides #SummerVibes #SafeTravels #InfinitePossibilities

[Waterloo Schools @WaterlooSchools]

Meet Jasmine Schirmer, a focused and determined senior from the Expo ALC Class of 2026. Jasmine’s journey has been defined by a clear sense of purpose and the realization that finding the right environment makes all the difference. She describes her high school experience in one word: Amazing.
ㅤ
For Jasmine, the turning point was discovering the unique community at Expo and realizing it was the perfect fit for her learning style. She didn't just meet the standard requirements; she pushed herself further by taking WCC (Waterloo Career Center) classes, gaining specialized skills and a head start on her professional life. This drive is leading her straight toward her dream of becoming a professional Nail Technician, where she can combine her technical training with her creative eye.
ㅤ
Reflecting on her time at Expo, Jasmine says:
"The best part was when I realized this is the school for me. It’s been an amazing experience."
ㅤ
Jasmine’s advice to underclassmen is a masterclass in self-reliance and authenticity. She believes that staying focused on the finish line is the key to success: "Stay true to yourself and work hard to achieve your goals. Never change yourself to feel like you fit in or to have a group of friends."
ㅤ
I am Expo. 🍎💅
#ExpoALC #ClassOf2026 #ExpoStrong #NailTech #WCC #FutureProfessional #SeniorSpotlight #WaterlooSchools

[Waterloo Schools @WaterlooSchools]

🎓✨ Today is Expo's Graduation Day! ✨🎓
Our incredible seniors are crossing the stage today, and the excitement is unreal! Graduation is tonight at 6pm at Central Middle School's Auditorium! 🎓🌟
ㅤ
Can’t make it in person? You can still cheer on our graduates and be part of the celebration! A full video link of the Expo graduation ceremony will be captured and posted right here and on our YouTube channel by May 29. Keep an eye out so you don’t miss a moment of this special milestone!
ㅤ
Let’s give a huge round of applause to the Expo Alternative High School Class of 2026 — you worked hard, you made it, and we are so proud of you! 🎉👏
#WaterlooProud #ClassOf2026 #GraduationDay #CelebrateSuccess #InfinitePossibilities #ExpoHighSchool

[Waterloo Schools @WaterlooSchools]

Meet Josue Beya, a dedicated member of the West High Class of 2026 whose journey has been defined by exploration and school spirit. Josue arrived at West with an open mind, utilizing the school’s diverse opportunities to navigate his interests and carve out a clear path for his future. Through various career exploration programs, he successfully bridged the gap between being a student and becoming a future professional.
ㅤ
Josue’s favorite memories are tied to the energy of the Wahawk community. He fondly recalls traveling to Des Moines with his closest friends to cheer on the girls' basketball team during their State Quarterfinal run. For Josue, being part of that roaring crowd on such a massive stage captured the true essence of West High pride.
ㅤ
This fall, Josue is heading to Hawkeye Community College, where he will channel his passion for justice and community safety into a degree in Criminology.
ㅤ
Reflecting on how West shaped his trajectory, Josue shares:
"West High School helped me prepare for my future by giving me opportunities to explore different careers and figure out exactly what I want to pursue."
ㅤ
Josue’s advice for those following in his footsteps is simple but powerful: "Get involved in everything. Try to minimize regrets." Whether it’s in the classroom or cheering from the bleachers, Josue proves that making the most of every ㅤ moment is the key to a fulfilling high school career.

I am West, and a Wahawk graduate. 🍎📣
#WestHigh #ClassOf2026 #WahawkPride #FutureRedTail #Criminology #WaterlooSchools #SeniorSpotlight

[Waterloo Schools @WaterlooSchools]

Meet Alex Madonna, a high-achieving member of the West High Class of 2026. For Alex, the high school experience has been Quick, but he used every moment to build a solid foundation for a bright future in the sciences.
ㅤ
Alex’s time at West was defined by academic growth and a commitment to giving back. One of the standout highlights of his high school career was the opportunity to lead a community service project, made possible through the resources and support of the West High Instructional Media Center (IMC). This fall, Alex will head to the University of Iowa to major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
ㅤ
Reflecting on the preparation provided by West High, Alex shares:
"West prepared me for the future by giving me the opportunities to grow academically for college."
With an eye toward the future, Alex encourages underclassmen to keep an open mind and stay active in their school community: "My advice is to take every opportunity you get as it can lead you down a different path."
ㅤ
I am a Wahawk! 🍎🔬
#WestHigh #ClassOf2026 #WahawkPride #FutureHawkeye #Biochemistry #WaterlooSchools #SeniorSpotlight

[Waterloo Schools @WaterlooSchools]

Meet Shania Peters, a standout member of the Expo ALC Class of 2026 whose high school journey has been nothing short of Exciting. Defined by her openness to new experiences and her drive to help others, Shania has spent her time at Expo building the foundation for a future centered on care and creativity.
ㅤ
Shania’s time at Expo was enriched by the vibrant social atmosphere and the unique opportunities provided by the ALC. She thrived while meeting new people and embracing the variety of experiences the school offered, all while being supported by a community of staff members who truly cared about her success. She credits much of her growth to the encouraging environment provided by the staff, who helped her stay motivated and focused on her goals.
ㅤ
Looking ahead, Shania is ready to turn her passions into a career. She is currently exploring two paths: bringing out people's confidence through Cosmetology or dedicating her skills to animal welfare as a Veterinarian.
ㅤ
Reflecting on her time at Expo, Shania shares:
"Some staff are very encouraging and helpful. I’ve loved meeting new people and getting to enjoy so many different experiences."
ㅤ
Shania’s perspective on the future is filled with optimism, offering this piece of wisdom to her peers: "Change will bring you opportunities." As she prepares to step into the professional world, she carries with her the adaptability and spirit that made her a vital part of the Expo community.
ㅤ
I am Expo. 🍎🎓
#ExpoALC #ClassOf2026 #ExpoStrong #Cosmetology #VetMed #FutureFocused #SeniorSpotlight #WaterlooProud

[WahawkAD @wahawk_ad]

Get signed up now for United Tennis! @WaterlooSchools @WestWlooIA @WaterlooTrojans

[Wahawk Bands @WahawkBands]

Thank You West High Band members who honored our fallen military service members by marching in the Memorial Day Parade! @WaterlooWest @WaterlooSchools

[Waterloo Schools @WaterlooSchools]

🎓✨ Today is East High's Graduation Day! ✨🎓
The moment our Trojans have been working for is finally here! Graduation is tonight, and we couldn’t be prouder. Graduation will be held at 6pm tonight at the McLeod Center.
ㅤ
Can’t make it in person? No worries — you can still be part of the celebration from anywhere! Watch the live feed of the East High graduation ceremony by clicking the link below:

📺 Watch East Graduation Live: https://t.co/3WOmqal82U
ㅤ
The link will also be available on our YouTube channel, so you won’t miss a single second of your favorite graduate walking across the stage.
ㅤ
Let’s give a massive round of applause to the East High School Class of 2026 — we are so incredibly proud of you! 🎉👏
#WaterlooProud #ClassOf2026 #GraduationDay #CelebrateSuccess #InfinitePossibilities #EastHighSchool

[Waterloo Schools @WaterlooSchools]

Meet Amy Perez-Calderon, a vibrant leader from the West High Class of 2026 whose journey has been nothing short of Adventurous. From starting as a shy freshman to serving as Class Vice President her junior year, Amy’s high school career was defined by her incredible growth in confidence and leadership.
ㅤ
Amy was the heart of student life, playing a key role in Student Senate where she helped plan events like Prom and Homecoming. Beyond the school walls, she found her passion in community service, taking small but meaningful steps to give back to Waterloo. This fall, she’s taking those leadership skills to the University of Northern Iowa, where she plans to major in Psychology and remain an active force in student clubs and the community.
ㅤ
Reflecting on the impact of her time at West, Amy shares:
"West helped me find what I wanted to do in the future as well as ways to make my high school experience fun and memorable. West opened my doors and helped me gain connections."
ㅤ
Amy’s advice to underclassmen is all about balance and self-advocacy: "Prioritize school work before anything else to prevent stress... and when things become overwhelming, it's okay to take a step back. Also, if you're struggling academically, reach out! Teachers are there to help you succeed."
I am West, and a Wahawk graduate. 🍎📣
#WestHigh #ClassOf2026 #WahawkPride #FuturePanther #StudentSenate #WaterlooSchools #SeniorSpotlight