🎶 Meet Zach Collins, our high school band director!
Originally from Humboldt, Iowa, Zach graduated from Cornell College with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and began working in education in 2022. One of his proudest accomplishments? Taking a band to the Iowa Jazz Championships for the first time in 33 years! 🎷
Outside of school, Zach enjoys mountain biking, camping, trapshooting, and listening to music. His favorites include scrambled eggs and sausage, the color green, and trips to northern Minnesota. His fun fact comes with a bold claim: “I’ve never lost a fight with a grizzly bear.” 🐻😂
Zach credits his high school history teacher, Mr. Feddersen, with encouraging him to think critically and develop his own opinions. What does he appreciate most about R-S? “No other school cares as much about its students, families, and staff members.” ❤️🖤
We’re glad you’re part of Roland-Story, Zach!
#SailNorse
Originally from Humboldt, Iowa, Zach graduated from Cornell College with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and began working in education in 2022. One of his proudest accomplishments? Taking a band to the Iowa Jazz Championships for the first time in 33 years! 🎷
Outside of school, Zach enjoys mountain biking, camping, trapshooting, and listening to music. His favorites include scrambled eggs and sausage, the color green, and trips to northern Minnesota. His fun fact comes with a bold claim: “I’ve never lost a fight with a grizzly bear.” 🐻😂
Zach credits his high school history teacher, Mr. Feddersen, with encouraging him to think critically and develop his own opinions. What does he appreciate most about R-S? “No other school cares as much about its students, families, and staff members.” ❤️🖤
We’re glad you’re part of Roland-Story, Zach!
#SailNorse
🎭 The curtain is rising on Roland-Story High School’s fall play, Radium Girls!
In 1926, radium was considered a miracle cure, and luminous watches were all the rage, until the young women painting them began falling ill. Inspired by a true story, Radium Girls follows dial painter Grace Fryer as she takes on the U.S. Radium Corporation in a powerful fight for justice.
Join us to support our student cast and crew as they bring this story of courage and determination to the stage!
🎟️ Friday, November 6, at 7:00pm
https://tickets.gobound.com/tickets/events/h20260826123459618ea0a837167f34c/checkout
🎟️ Saturday, November 7, at 7:00pm
https://tickets.gobound.com/tickets/events/h202608261236104851b6d99df827d48/checkout
Tickets are also available at the door!
#SailNorse #NorsePride
In 1926, radium was considered a miracle cure, and luminous watches were all the rage, until the young women painting them began falling ill. Inspired by a true story, Radium Girls follows dial painter Grace Fryer as she takes on the U.S. Radium Corporation in a powerful fight for justice.
Join us to support our student cast and crew as they bring this story of courage and determination to the stage!
🎟️ Friday, November 6, at 7:00pm
https://tickets.gobound.com/tickets/events/h20260826123459618ea0a837167f34c/checkout
🎟️ Saturday, November 7, at 7:00pm
https://tickets.gobound.com/tickets/events/h202608261236104851b6d99df827d48/checkout
Tickets are also available at the door!
#SailNorse #NorsePride
📸 THROWBACK THURSDAY: FROM THE NORSEMEN ARCHIVES 🔴⚫
📅 Fall of 1994.
🤔 Norsemen volleyball completes a fantastic season. Finishing with 25 wins, 2 ties, and only 2 losses.
❓ Which schools handed the Norse ladies their only two losses of the season?
First one to get this answer correctly can claim a Norsemen prize!!
Also, let's tag as many of these former Norse as we can in the comments!
Every Thursday, we'll be digging into the Roland-Story archives to bring back the people, places, traditions and moments that helped make us who we are today.
Anchored in History. Forged for the Future.
#SailNorse
📅 Fall of 1994.
🤔 Norsemen volleyball completes a fantastic season. Finishing with 25 wins, 2 ties, and only 2 losses.
❓ Which schools handed the Norse ladies their only two losses of the season?
First one to get this answer correctly can claim a Norsemen prize!!
Also, let's tag as many of these former Norse as we can in the comments!
Every Thursday, we'll be digging into the Roland-Story archives to bring back the people, places, traditions and moments that helped make us who we are today.
Anchored in History. Forged for the Future.
#SailNorse
📚 Meet Terri Denekas, one of the newest faces at Roland-Story Elementary!
Terri began working in education in 2007 and joined our R-S staff this school year. Originally from Blair, Nebraska, she attended Dana College and Tidewater Community College and holds an associate degree in accounting.
Outside of school, Terri enjoys reading, word search puzzles, traveling, and trying new places to eat. You might also find her cheering on R-S, the Huskers, Broncos, or Iowa State! A few more favorites include French toast with lots of syrup, the color red, and trips to Colorado. A fun fact? She’s a twin!
What does Terri love about Roland-Story? “Because it feels like family!” ❤️🖤
We’re glad you’re part of our Norsemen family, Terri!
#SailNorse
Terri began working in education in 2007 and joined our R-S staff this school year. Originally from Blair, Nebraska, she attended Dana College and Tidewater Community College and holds an associate degree in accounting.
Outside of school, Terri enjoys reading, word search puzzles, traveling, and trying new places to eat. You might also find her cheering on R-S, the Huskers, Broncos, or Iowa State! A few more favorites include French toast with lots of syrup, the color red, and trips to Colorado. A fun fact? She’s a twin!
What does Terri love about Roland-Story? “Because it feels like family!” ❤️🖤
We’re glad you’re part of our Norsemen family, Terri!
#SailNorse
Today, we recognize Unity Day and our commitment to creating a positive school environment where bullying has no place. Together, we can make a difference by choosing kindness and standing up for one another. 🧡
Kindness, acceptance, inclusion: 3 things that make our school community stronger. Every Norsemen deserves to feel safe and connected. By including, speaking out and standing up for others, we help make Roland-Story a place where everyone belongs.
#SailNorse
Kindness, acceptance, inclusion: 3 things that make our school community stronger. Every Norsemen deserves to feel safe and connected. By including, speaking out and standing up for others, we help make Roland-Story a place where everyone belongs.
#SailNorse
REMINDER: Today is a 1:35pm/1:45pm early dismissal for all Roland-Story students. ⏰
📊 What do this year’s enrollment numbers mean for Roland-Story?
Superintendent Josh Johnson shares an update on enrollment and how it guides our budgeting and long-term planning:
▪️ Certified enrollment, used to help determine school funding, decreased by 35 students, from 1,002 to 967.
▪️ Served enrollment, the number of students we educate, decreased by 8 students.
▪️ Open enrollment remains a strength: 161 students choose to come to Roland-Story, while 76 attend elsewhere: a net gain of 85 students.
A small decrease in students spread across grade levels and buildings doesn’t automatically reduce the need for teachers, buses, or classrooms. We’ll continue monitoring enrollment, making responsible spending decisions, and planning for student and facility needs.
Our goal remains the same: keep Roland-Story financially strong and a district families choose and our communities are proud to support. ❤️🖤
Please read Superintendent Johnson’s full memo here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F4rSmeelku7vIGaJLWuOVVN9Z-f9ja1F/view?usp=sharing
And please access the Enrollment Q&A for more information here: https://www.rolandstory.school/page/enrollment-qa
#SailNorse
Superintendent Josh Johnson shares an update on enrollment and how it guides our budgeting and long-term planning:
▪️ Certified enrollment, used to help determine school funding, decreased by 35 students, from 1,002 to 967.
▪️ Served enrollment, the number of students we educate, decreased by 8 students.
▪️ Open enrollment remains a strength: 161 students choose to come to Roland-Story, while 76 attend elsewhere: a net gain of 85 students.
A small decrease in students spread across grade levels and buildings doesn’t automatically reduce the need for teachers, buses, or classrooms. We’ll continue monitoring enrollment, making responsible spending decisions, and planning for student and facility needs.
Our goal remains the same: keep Roland-Story financially strong and a district families choose and our communities are proud to support. ❤️🖤
Please read Superintendent Johnson’s full memo here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F4rSmeelku7vIGaJLWuOVVN9Z-f9ja1F/view?usp=sharing
And please access the Enrollment Q&A for more information here: https://www.rolandstory.school/page/enrollment-qa
#SailNorse
🚌 It’s National School Bus Safety Week! October 19-23, 2026
Every school day, Roland-Story buses travel through our communities with some pretty precious cargo - our students! ❤️🖤
This year’s theme, “Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes,” reminds us that keeping students safe takes all of us. Our bus drivers, student riders, families, and motorists each have a part to play.
Thank you to our transportation team for the care, patience, and attention you bring to every route. And thank you to everyone who slows down, stays alert, and watches out for our students!
Let’s keep our Norsemen safe, one bus stop at a time! 🚌
#SailNorse #SchoolBusSafetyWeek
Every school day, Roland-Story buses travel through our communities with some pretty precious cargo - our students! ❤️🖤
This year’s theme, “Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes,” reminds us that keeping students safe takes all of us. Our bus drivers, student riders, families, and motorists each have a part to play.
Thank you to our transportation team for the care, patience, and attention you bring to every route. And thank you to everyone who slows down, stays alert, and watches out for our students!
Let’s keep our Norsemen safe, one bus stop at a time! 🚌
#SailNorse #SchoolBusSafetyWeek
☕ Coffee and a smile: that’s how Resa Pavon starts her day!
Meet Resa, a member of our middle school staff who joined Roland-Story in 2025. Originally from Brownsville, Texas, she’s fluent in Spanish and loves helping others.
Outside of school, Resa enjoys fishing, reading, grilling at home, and cheering on the Houston Astros. A few more favorites? Scones, the color orange, and her pets Bella, Kilo, and Midnight. Her favorite childhood memory is watching Reading Rainbow with a chocolate milk. 📚
What does she appreciate most about Roland-Story? How welcoming everyone is in the community. ❤️🖤
We’re glad you’re part of our Norsemen community, Resa!
#SailNorse
Meet Resa, a member of our middle school staff who joined Roland-Story in 2025. Originally from Brownsville, Texas, she’s fluent in Spanish and loves helping others.
Outside of school, Resa enjoys fishing, reading, grilling at home, and cheering on the Houston Astros. A few more favorites? Scones, the color orange, and her pets Bella, Kilo, and Midnight. Her favorite childhood memory is watching Reading Rainbow with a chocolate milk. 📚
What does she appreciate most about Roland-Story? How welcoming everyone is in the community. ❤️🖤
We’re glad you’re part of our Norsemen community, Resa!
#SailNorse
📚 From Norse student to Norse teacher: meet Ashley Webb!
A Roland native, Ashley has worked in education since 2022 and returned home to Roland-Story this year to teach high school English. She’s a University of Northern Iowa graduate and is finishing her master’s in English education this year. She’s also the author of two novels! ✍️
When she’s not teaching or writing, you might find Ashley participating in Judge Story theater, crocheting, tackling a puzzle, reading, or exploring a hiking trail. A few of her favorite things include her mom’s biscuits and gravy, her cat Thorin, and cheering on the Cyclones and Cardinals.
As a student, Ashley appreciated how Mr. Stutzman made everyone feel welcome while challenging them to improve. What does she love about Roland-Story today? “We excel while still being kind.” ❤️🖤
We’re glad you’re back home at R-S, Ashley!
#SailNorse
A Roland native, Ashley has worked in education since 2022 and returned home to Roland-Story this year to teach high school English. She’s a University of Northern Iowa graduate and is finishing her master’s in English education this year. She’s also the author of two novels! ✍️
When she’s not teaching or writing, you might find Ashley participating in Judge Story theater, crocheting, tackling a puzzle, reading, or exploring a hiking trail. A few of her favorite things include her mom’s biscuits and gravy, her cat Thorin, and cheering on the Cyclones and Cardinals.
As a student, Ashley appreciated how Mr. Stutzman made everyone feel welcome while challenging them to improve. What does she love about Roland-Story today? “We excel while still being kind.” ❤️🖤
We’re glad you’re back home at R-S, Ashley!
#SailNorse
📸 THROWBACK THURSDAY: FROM THE NORSEMEN ARCHIVES 🔴⚫
📅 State XC….
🤔 What year was this?
❓ Who were the coaches and runners?
Every Thursday, we'll be digging into the Roland-Story archives to bring back the people, places, traditions and moments that helped make us who we are today.
Anchored in History. Forged for the Future.
#SailNorse
October is National Principals Month, and we’re celebrating the three people who help keep our schools moving forward! ❤️🖤
⭐ Kyle Formanek — High School
⭐ Shannon Cline — Middle School
⭐ Melissa Jones — Elementary School
From cheering on students to supporting staff and working with families, our principals make a difference every day. Thank you, Kyle, Shannon, and Melissa, for the time, energy, and care you put into Roland-Story!
#SailNorse
⭐ Kyle Formanek — High School
⭐ Shannon Cline — Middle School
⭐ Melissa Jones — Elementary School
From cheering on students to supporting staff and working with families, our principals make a difference every day. Thank you, Kyle, Shannon, and Melissa, for the time, energy, and care you put into Roland-Story!
#SailNorse
🎓 What does it mean to be a Roland-Story Norsemen graduate?
That’s the big question our School Improvement Advisory Committee (SIAC) began exploring last Spring, as we continue to explore the Portrait of a Graduate process!
Together, we're identifying the skills, competencies, and characteristics we want every Roland-Story student to develop before they walk across the graduation stage.
This exciting work is about more than test scores and grades. It's about preparing students for success in school, in their careers, and in life!
The future of Roland-Story starts with a shared community and school vision of our graduates.
Be on the lookout to see how you can get involved in this work!
❤️🖤
#SailNorse
REMINDER: Today is a 1:35pm/1:45pm early dismissal for all Roland-Story students. ⏰
#SailNorse
#SailNorse
Step right up, it’s National School Lunch Week! 🎪🍎 October 12–16, we’re celebrating “Cafeteria Circus: Where Healthy Choices Take Center Stage!”
Across the country, school lunches serve nearly 30 million children each school day. Here at Roland-Story, our food service team puts care into every meal, helping students stay fueled and ready to learn.
From fruits and veggies to whole grains, protein, and milk, healthy choices deserve the spotlight, and so do the people preparing and serving them. ❤️🖤
Thank you, food service team! We appreciate you this week and every week.
#NSLW26 #SchoolNutrition #SchoolLunch #SailNorse
Across the country, school lunches serve nearly 30 million children each school day. Here at Roland-Story, our food service team puts care into every meal, helping students stay fueled and ready to learn.
From fruits and veggies to whole grains, protein, and milk, healthy choices deserve the spotlight, and so do the people preparing and serving them. ❤️🖤
Thank you, food service team! We appreciate you this week and every week.
#NSLW26 #SchoolNutrition #SchoolLunch #SailNorse
Our next School Board meeting is Monday, October 12, at Roland-Story High School. 🏫
📣 A public hearing for the proposed baseball field renovation project will begin at 5:15pm, followed by the regular board meeting at 5:30pm.
#SailNorse
📣 A public hearing for the proposed baseball field renovation project will begin at 5:15pm, followed by the regular board meeting at 5:30pm.
#SailNorse
For 30 years, Rich Olive’s voice was a huge part of Friday Night Lights at Roland-Story. His love for the Norsemen and the community he called home left a lasting mark. ❤️🖤
Join us during halftime of the Roland-Story vs. Hampton-Dumont-CAL varsity home football game at Kerry Van Winkle Field as we name the press box in Rich’s honor.
It’s also Senior Night, and we can’t think of a better way to bring generations of Norsemen together than celebrating our senior athletes and honoring Rich, who invested so much time and energy into making our community and state better for the generations to come.
#SailNorse
Join us during halftime of the Roland-Story vs. Hampton-Dumont-CAL varsity home football game at Kerry Van Winkle Field as we name the press box in Rich’s honor.
It’s also Senior Night, and we can’t think of a better way to bring generations of Norsemen together than celebrating our senior athletes and honoring Rich, who invested so much time and energy into making our community and state better for the generations to come.
#SailNorse
📸 THROWBACK THURSDAY: FROM THE NORSEMEN ARCHIVES 🔴⚫
📅 Roland-Story Norsemen Marching Band!
🤔 What year is it? Name the Director.
❓ Why was this an important year for Roland-Story band?
👀 Continue to tag anyone in the pictures!
Every Thursday, we'll be digging into the Roland-Story archives to bring back the people, places, traditions and moments that helped make us who we are today.
Anchored in History. Forged for the Future.
#SailNorse
📅 Roland-Story Norsemen Marching Band!
🤔 What year is it? Name the Director.
❓ Why was this an important year for Roland-Story band?
👀 Continue to tag anyone in the pictures!
Every Thursday, we'll be digging into the Roland-Story archives to bring back the people, places, traditions and moments that helped make us who we are today.
Anchored in History. Forged for the Future.
#SailNorse
Congratulations to Roland-Story’s Lillian Braucher on her selection for the 2026–2027 Rising Leaders Academy! 👏❤️🖤
Lillian was chosen for her leadership potential, involvement in her school and community, and the unique perspective she brings to the program. Throughout the year, she’ll learn from community leaders, explore career and educational opportunities, and connect with fellow student leaders.
We’re proud of you, Lillian, and can’t wait to see where this opportunity takes you!
#SailNorse
Lillian was chosen for her leadership potential, involvement in her school and community, and the unique perspective she brings to the program. Throughout the year, she’ll learn from community leaders, explore career and educational opportunities, and connect with fellow student leaders.
We’re proud of you, Lillian, and can’t wait to see where this opportunity takes you!
#SailNorse
REMINDER: Today is a 1:35pm/1:45pm early dismissal for all Roland-Story students. ⏰
#SailNorse
#SailNorse
