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Creating engaging learning environments
Creating engaging learning environments
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Upcoming Events

Oct 1
Cedar Rapids & Urbandale Marching Band Festival
October 1 (all day)
Oct 7
Fall Walk/ Hunger Hike
October 7, 2:50 PM – 3:50 PM
Oct 8
Valley Fest/Showdown
October 8 (all day)
Oct 11
Wallace PTO Meeting
October 11, 6:45 PM – 7:45 PM
All Events

Latest News

All News
Go Green: Donate a Tree Go Green: Donate a Tree Read More
Feed a Dragon, Feed Our Friends Feed a Dragon, Feed Our Friends Read More
The Last Semester at Johnston
By the Numbers
3
National Merit Scholars in 2016
253
Scholarships awarded to Johnston seniors through the Dragon Scholarship Fund
21
State athletic events where Johnston was represented

Johnston Spotlight Johnston Spotlight

This activity was our first chance as a whole team to place the feelings of others above our own.
– Kelley Harrison
Families know we care and support their students, but we still want to bring happiness to the community.
– Chris Bergman
We had so much fun and saw immediate rewards - lots of thumbs up, waving, horn beeping, and cheering!
– Kelley Harrison
Sprinkling Happiness Around Johnston

Sprinkling Happiness Around Johnston

Smile. Believe you can. You are important.

Timber Ridge Elementary staff kicked off the year by focusing on the core belief that their building was built and designed to serve students. On Wednesday, August 24, this core belief led staff to line 86th street, holding signs that displayed various positive and empowering messages.

The project – known nationally as the Happiness Sprinkling Project – was led by Kelley Harrison, Timber Ridge Elementary principal, and Chris Bergman, JCSD executive director of teaching, learning, and innovation.

Bergman and Harrison got the idea while attending the Culture and Climate Summit held by Des Moines Public Schools in early August. One of the summit speakers, Joelle Hood, spoke on mindfulness and shared a video about sprinkling happiness. After the conference, Bergman and Harrison knew this was something they had to bring back to Johnston.

View more photos on the district’s Facebook page.