📚 “Are we reading today in class?” For Kate Heithoff, our middle school reading teacher, the answer seems pretty clear! 😉

Originally from Harlan, Iowa, Kate is celebrating her first year of teaching. She’s a Wartburg College graduate with a degree in elementary education and endorsements in reading and special education. One of her favorite moments so far? Seeing students fall in love with a book series she recommended!

Her own love of books includes memories of her mom reading Junie B. Jones at bedtime. These days, she starts her mornings with an audiobook and enjoys reading on her apartment patio.

Kate also loves plants, singing, antique shopping, and Sudoku. Her classroom fish is named Hermione, while Ron and Harry live at home. 🐠

A few more fun facts: she cheers for the Hawkeyes, has traveled to Morocco, and can juggle!

What makes her smile? “I get to teach a subject I love to some pretty awesome kids.” ❤️🖤

We’re glad you’re starting your teaching story at R-S, Kate!

#SailNorse
1 day ago, Jenny Furlow
📚 Elementary and Middle School Parent/Teacher Conferences are this Wednesday, November 11, from 2–6pm!

We look forward to connecting with families, celebrating student progress, and working together to support a successful school year.

#SailNorse
1 day ago, Jenny Furlow
🇺🇸 You’re invited to our Middle School Veterans Day Program as we come together to honor the brave individuals who have served our country.

Join us Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Middle School North Gym.

This event is open to the public, and we welcome our community to help us recognize our local veterans and thank them for their service!

#SailNorse
1 day ago, Jenny Furlow
The School Board will meet tonight, Monday November 9 at Roland-Story High School. 🏫

5:00pm - Community Conversations
5:15pm - Public Hearings
5:30pm - Regular Meeting

Find the meeting agenda here: https://www.rolandstory.school/documents/school-board/school-board-meeting-agendas/454273

#SailNorse

1 day ago, Jenny Furlow
☕📚 Coffee and a good book: meet Jennifer Ames!

Jennifer is part of our middle school staff and loves working with Roland-Story’s students and families. She has studied education, special education, and educational leadership, and she’s currently working toward her PhD!

A teacher who made a lasting impression on Jennifer was Mrs. Bialas, an amazing math teacher who held high expectations for her students.

Outside of school, Jennifer enjoys tennis, softball, hiking, backpacking, and reading. On weekends, you’ll likely find her working outside on her property or spending time with her many animals.

Her favorite part of being a Norseman? “I love working with the students and families.” ❤️🖤

We’re glad you’re part of R-S, Jennifer!

#SailNorse
5 days ago, Jenny Furlow
🦃 Our November District Newsletter is here! We’re thankful for our school community and excited to share the latest news, celebrations, and upcoming events.

📰 Read it here: https://rolandstorycsdia.edurooms.com/newsletters/rscsd/newsletters/rscsd-nov-2026

Anchored in History. Forged for the Future.

#SailNorse
5 days ago, Jenny Furlow
📸 THROWBACK THURSDAY: FROM THE NORSEMEN ARCHIVES 🔴⚫
🤔 It is Fall Play Week!!!
📅 Flashback to the fall of 2010 and the fall of 2000…..
❓ Can you name the fall play performed on those years?

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

5 days ago, Jenny Furlow
🎭 Radium Girls takes the stage at Dale Henricks Auditorium!

🎟️ Sat, Nov 7 • 7pm
https://tickets.gobound.com/tickets/events/h202608261236104851b6d99df827d48/chart

🎟️ Sun, Nov 8 • 2pm
https://tickets.gobound.com/tickets/events/h20260826123459618ea0a837167f34c/chart

Friday’s show has moved to Sunday. Come cheer on our cast and crew!

#SailNorse
6 days ago, Jenny Furlow
🍎 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
7 days ago, Jenny Furlow
🏐 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
9 days ago, Jenny Furlow
☕ 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
9 days ago, Jenny Furlow
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
11 days ago, Jenny Furlow

🌟 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

12 days ago, Jenny Furlow

📸 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

13 days ago, Jenny Furlow
☕ 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
14 days ago, Jenny Furlow
👻 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
14 days ago, Jenny Furlow
🚨 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
14 days ago, Jenny Furlow
📚 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
16 days ago, Jenny Furlow
🎶 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
19 days ago, Jenny Furlow
🎭 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
20 days ago, Jenny Furlow