🍎 Meet Melissa Jones, our new elementary principal!
A Story City native, Melissa began working in education in 2005. She attended the University of Northern Iowa, with studies in early childhood education, elementary education, and educational leadership, along with a master’s in elementary education.
Her greatest professional accomplishment? Supporting teachers and students as they improve. Watching kids learn and grow gives her plenty of reasons to smile, and she appreciates how great our R-S teachers are to work with! ❤️🖤
Outside of school, Melissa enjoys spending time with family and friends, fishing, and watching or coaching her kids’ sporting events. She cheers for Iowa State, loves donuts, and would happily head to a beach for vacation!
Her household also has quite the animal crew: dogs Willow, Baylee, and Bella; five cats; goats, including Chunk; and chickens, including Mildred! 🐾
We’re glad you’re part of Roland-Story, Mrs. Jones!
#SailNorse
A Story City native, Melissa began working in education in 2005. She attended the University of Northern Iowa, with studies in early childhood education, elementary education, and educational leadership, along with a master’s in elementary education.
Her greatest professional accomplishment? Supporting teachers and students as they improve. Watching kids learn and grow gives her plenty of reasons to smile, and she appreciates how great our R-S teachers are to work with! ❤️🖤
Outside of school, Melissa enjoys spending time with family and friends, fishing, and watching or coaching her kids’ sporting events. She cheers for Iowa State, loves donuts, and would happily head to a beach for vacation!
Her household also has quite the animal crew: dogs Willow, Baylee, and Bella; five cats; goats, including Chunk; and chickens, including Mildred! 🐾
We’re glad you’re part of Roland-Story, Mrs. Jones!
#SailNorse
🏐 State volleyball shirts have arrived! ❤️🖤
If you ordered a shirt, please pick it up TODAY at the high school office or arrange for someone to grab it for you. Shirts will not be delivered to other district buildings.
Get yours so you’re ready to cheer on the Norse in Coralville tomorrow! Questions? Please contact the high school office.
#SailNorse
If you ordered a shirt, please pick it up TODAY at the high school office or arrange for someone to grab it for you. Shirts will not be delivered to other district buildings.
Get yours so you’re ready to cheer on the Norse in Coralville tomorrow! Questions? Please contact the high school office.
#SailNorse
☕ Meet Kyle Formanek, our high school principal!
Originally from Farmersburg, Iowa, Kyle began working in education in 2012. He’s a University of Northern Iowa graduate with a bachelor’s degree in social studies teaching and a master’s in administration.
His proudest professional accomplishment? Helping students who are struggling make it to graduation with plans for their futures. He remembers his own teacher, Mr. Simon, for bringing energy to the classroom and caring about every student.
Outside of school, Kyle enjoys skiing, traveling, listening to podcasts, and walking or hiking a trail. His day starts with coffee, his favorite breakfast is a Taco John’s bacon and potato burrito, and his four boys give him plenty of reasons to smile!
When it’s game time, he cheers for the Hawkeyes, Tennessee Vols, and, of course, the Norsemen! His favorite part of R-S? Community involvement. ❤️🖤
We’re glad you’re part of Roland-Story, Mr. Formanek!
#SailNorse
Originally from Farmersburg, Iowa, Kyle began working in education in 2012. He’s a University of Northern Iowa graduate with a bachelor’s degree in social studies teaching and a master’s in administration.
His proudest professional accomplishment? Helping students who are struggling make it to graduation with plans for their futures. He remembers his own teacher, Mr. Simon, for bringing energy to the classroom and caring about every student.
Outside of school, Kyle enjoys skiing, traveling, listening to podcasts, and walking or hiking a trail. His day starts with coffee, his favorite breakfast is a Taco John’s bacon and potato burrito, and his four boys give him plenty of reasons to smile!
When it’s game time, he cheers for the Hawkeyes, Tennessee Vols, and, of course, the Norsemen! His favorite part of R-S? Community involvement. ❤️🖤
We’re glad you’re part of Roland-Story, Mr. Formanek!
#SailNorse
Happy Halloween! 🎃 We hope your day is filled with fun, laughter, and a few sweet treats, especially Mike and Ike and Sour Patch Kids, two of Superintendent Johnson’s favorites! 🍬
#SailNorse
#SailNorse
🌟 Meet Maddie Borkowski, a new fourth-grade teacher at Roland-Story Elementary this school year!
Originally from Carroll, Iowa, Maddie earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Iowa State University and began working in education in 2024.
On a weekend, you’ll likely find Maddie somewhere outdoors! A few of her favorites include her dog, Iris, the color yellow, and, no surprise for this Iowa State graduate, the Cyclones! 💛❤️
We’re glad you’re part of our Norsemen community, Maddie! ❤️🖤
#SailNorse
📸 THROWBACK THURSDAY: FROM THE NORSEMEN ARCHIVES 🔴⚫
🤔 Three Norsemen fall athletic squads….
📅 To begin name the years of each team!
❓ All three teams have something in common…but what is it?
First one to get this answer correctly will be able to 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 Brittany Beeler, whose day starts with COFFEE!
A Mason City native, Brittany began her career in education this school year, joining our as our new Health Assistant! staff. She attended NIACC and DMACC and earned an Associate of Liberal Arts degree, an accomplishment she’s especially proud of!
Outside of school, Brittany enjoys shopping, sports, and exercise. On weekends, you’ll likely find her watching the Iowa Hawkeyes! She also loves French toast, the color pink, beach getaways, and her golden retriever, Benny. To unwind, she takes a walk and listens to music. 🎶
Growing up, Brittany looked up to her FCS teacher, Mrs. Gealow, and wanted to be just like her. A fun fact from those school days? Brittany was named her district’s seventh-grade Student of the Year!
What does she appreciate about R-S? “The leadership in this district is top notch! And our kids, of course.” ❤️🖤
We’re glad you’re here, Brittany!
#SailNorse
A Mason City native, Brittany began her career in education this school year, joining our as our new Health Assistant! staff. She attended NIACC and DMACC and earned an Associate of Liberal Arts degree, an accomplishment she’s especially proud of!
Outside of school, Brittany enjoys shopping, sports, and exercise. On weekends, you’ll likely find her watching the Iowa Hawkeyes! She also loves French toast, the color pink, beach getaways, and her golden retriever, Benny. To unwind, she takes a walk and listens to music. 🎶
Growing up, Brittany looked up to her FCS teacher, Mrs. Gealow, and wanted to be just like her. A fun fact from those school days? Brittany was named her district’s seventh-grade Student of the Year!
What does she appreciate about R-S? “The leadership in this district is top notch! And our kids, of course.” ❤️🖤
We’re glad you’re here, Brittany!
#SailNorse
👻 BOO! Don’t let the time sneak up on you!
REMINDER that today is an early dismissal:
🎃 Elementary: 1:35 PM
🦇 Middle & High School: 1:45 PM
#SailNorse
REMINDER that today is an early dismissal:
🎃 Elementary: 1:35 PM
🦇 Middle & High School: 1:45 PM
#SailNorse
🚨 On National First Responders Day, we thank the EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, dispatchers, and law enforcement officers who answer the call when our communities need them. Your courage and quick thinking make a difference for our students, families, and neighbors.
Thank you for showing up without hesitation and with dedication. You are there when it matters most! ❤️🖤
#SailNorse
Thank you for showing up without hesitation and with dedication. You are there when it matters most! ❤️🖤
#SailNorse
📚 Meet Bill Heubner, one of our high school English teachers!
Bill began working in education in 1999 and joined Roland-Story this school year! His favorite professional accomplishment happens every day: getting students to read and discuss literature.
He grew up in Pilot Mound, Iowa, and has called Hubbard home for the past 25 years. His education includes a bachelor’s degree in English education, a master’s in curriculum and instruction, and a graduate certificate in English.
Outside the classroom, Bill enjoys hiking, backpacking, fishing, and hunting. He’s traveled to more than 30 countries, and his ideal getaway involves the mountains or the ocean! 🏔️🌊
A few more favorites? Fruity Pebbles, Dr. Pepper, the Green Bay Packers, and his two Brittany dogs, Radley and Maudie. When it’s time to relax, this English teacher reaches for a book.
We’re glad you’ve joined Mrs. Heubner here at R-S, Bill! ❤️🖤
#SailNorse
Bill began working in education in 1999 and joined Roland-Story this school year! His favorite professional accomplishment happens every day: getting students to read and discuss literature.
He grew up in Pilot Mound, Iowa, and has called Hubbard home for the past 25 years. His education includes a bachelor’s degree in English education, a master’s in curriculum and instruction, and a graduate certificate in English.
Outside the classroom, Bill enjoys hiking, backpacking, fishing, and hunting. He’s traveled to more than 30 countries, and his ideal getaway involves the mountains or the ocean! 🏔️🌊
A few more favorites? Fruity Pebbles, Dr. Pepper, the Green Bay Packers, and his two Brittany dogs, Radley and Maudie. When it’s time to relax, this English teacher reaches for a book.
We’re glad you’ve joined Mrs. Heubner here at R-S, Bill! ❤️🖤
#SailNorse
🎶 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
