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The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

(File Photo) The Iowa City School District sign is seen off of North Dodge Street on Tuesday, September 6, 2016. School start times have been adjusted over the past two years in the district. (The Daily Iowan/Joseph Cress)

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds closes K-12 schools for the rest of the academic year

Sarah Watson, Managing Editor April 17, 2020

All K-12 schools will be closed for the remainder of the school year, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, announced Friday to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus. Schools were previously scheduled to reopen...

High school senior Alex Marsh poses for a portrait outside her home on Saturday, April 11, 2020. Marsh has not yet decided where she will attend school next fall.

Final semesters derailed: Iowa City’s High School seniors prepare for life after high school

Lauren White, News Reporter April 12, 2020

The high-school career of many local seniors ended abruptly amid community spread of the novel coronavirus and suspension of in-person learning for the month of April. Without prom, graduation, and...

The Iowa City Community School District sign is seen on April 29, 2019.

Iowa Youth Writing Project aims to inspire K-12 students digitally as schools are closed

Mary Hartel, News Reporter April 8, 2020

The Iowa Youth Writing Project is tackling a number of new tactics in an effort to maintain continuity and breed creativity among K-12 students in Iowa as schools close to mitigate the spread of the...

The Iowa City Community School District sign is seen on April 29, 2019.

Parents help kids learn from home as school closures are extended

Kelsey Harrell, News Reporter April 2, 2020

Sharon DeGraw pulled her children — a fourth grader at Regina Elementary School and a seventh grader at Southeast Junior High School — out of school a few days before spring break began March 16....

Gov. Kim Reynolds gives the Condition of the State address at the Iowa State Capitol on Tuesday, January 14, 2020.

Iowa covers unemployment costs related to coronavirus, State Hygienic Lab to add second shift as 23rd coronavirus case confirmed

Sarah Watson, Managing Editor March 16, 2020

In a press conference Monday, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced updates to testing, K-12 schools, and unemployment coverage after confirming Iowa's 23rd case of the coronavirus, a resident in Dallas County. The...

The Iowa City Community School District sign is seen on April 29, 2019.

Iowa City schools to close until April 13 following governor’s recommendation to mitigate COVID-19 spread

Marissa Payne, Editor-in-Chief March 16, 2020

The Iowa City Community School District announced Monday it will close its schools until April 13 after Gov. Kim Reynolds recommended Iowa schools shut down for four weeks amid confirmed community...

Gov. Kim Reynolds speaks during the Condition of the State address at the Iowa State Capitol on Jan. 14.

Iowa governor recommends schools close for four weeks based on evidence of COVID-19 community spread

Marissa Payne, Editor-in-Chief March 15, 2020

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on Sunday recommended the state's schools close for four weeks to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 as evidence of community spread of the virus grows within the state. Reynolds...

Photo Illustration by Raquele Decker

Iowa’s K-12 schools prepare for potential move to online learning

Rylee Wilson, Politics Reporter March 12, 2020

As Iowa’s public universities announce they will move to online-only instruction through April 3 because of the COVID-19 outbreak, most K-12 schools remain open — though districts are bracing for...

Associate Professor of Education, David Johnson poses for a portrait in the Lindquist Center on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020. His research, teaching, and service focus on how language policies impact educational opportunities for students in bilingual education and English language education programs.

UI and Iowa City schools address massive growth in English-language learners

Mary Hartel, News Reporter February 28, 2020

Experts in the community and local schools are addressing the needs and resources for the growing population of English-language learners in the state of Iowa. The number of English-language learners...

Members of the Iowa City West High School Boys swim team pose for a picture in the pool after winning the Iowa High School Boys State Swim Meet at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center on Feb. The Trojans finished with 262.5 points, 26.6 points ahead of Ankeny, who finished second.

New team dynamics spur Iowa City West boys’ swimming state title

Eleanor Hildebrandt, News Reporter February 25, 2020

Five years since their last state swimming championship win, the boys on Iowa City West High School’s swim team are taking home the title once again. The team claimed the championship while competing...

Children’s Library Intern Lauren Claeys prepares snacks in the Iowa City Main Library on Wednesday, February 19, 2020. The library began serving snacks to children everyday from 4:00 to 5:00 since Feburary 1st. “Before they would ask and we could only give them a few crackers or raisins,” Claeys said. “Now we can give them much healthier options.”

Iowa City Public Library receives donation to create snack program for children to combat food insecurity

Rachel Schilke, News Reporter February 24, 2020

The Iowa City Public Library implemented a free and daily snack program this year for children that visit the library with a donation from a local church, providing an opportunity to combat food insecurity. Zion...

The Iowa City Community School District sign is seen on April 29, 2019.

Iowa City schools help paint a portrait of a graduate through program to improve students’ post-education skills

Rachel Schilke, News Reporter February 24, 2020

The Iowa City Community School District launched the Portrait of the Graduate program this year in partnership with Battelle for Kids to receive feedback from the community on what skills students...