What's New at Dubuque Community Schools

The Dubuque Community School District saw an overall increase of 56 students for the 2019-2020 school year, as compared to last year, according to the district’s tentative certified enrollment numbers. The numbers will be reviewed and finalized by the Iowa Department of Education by November 1.

Certified enrollment is the benchmark formula that districts across the state use to report student attendance – and is the key factor in determining the amount of funding districts receive. Because of the complexity of a district’s student makeup, it is also the most accurate indicator and uniform measure of student attendance in the state.

This year, the district’s tentative certified enrollment is 10,486 students across 18 schools as well as the district’s Alta Vista Campus, which houses the Alternative Learning Center, Summit Program, HEART Program and the district’s new Cornerstone Academy.

“Rising enrollment numbers are a positive sign for the district, even with the increase being small,” said Stan Rheingans, superintendent of schools. “We hope to see this trend of incremental growth continue moving forward and, as always, remain committed to providing the highest-quality education to each and every student who walks through our door.”

Families of 6th- and 9th-grade students — We are excited to welcome you for Orientation Day this Friday, Aug. 23!

This will be a full day for your student, with the day beginning at your school’s normal Monday through Thursday start time.

Start times are as follows:

Jefferson Middle School
Building opens at 7:20 a.m., classes start at 7:35 a.m.

Roosevelt Middle School
Building opens at 7:30 a.m., classes start at 7:38 a.m.

Washington Middle School
Building opens at 7:25 a.m., classes start at 7:40 a.m.

Dubuque Senior High School
Building opens at 7 a.m., classes start at 7:35 a.m.

Hempstead High School
Building opens at 6:45 a.m., classes start at 7:35 a.m.

If your student is eligible for school bus transportation, buses will run on the normal Monday through Thursday route times listed in the transportation letter your family received.

If you have any questions, please contact your school office. We can’t wait to see you Friday!

Dubuque Community School District staff members kicked of the 2019-2020 school year today with an Opening Gathering. Check out the excitement of #TeamDCSD as the year gets underway!

This year, we celebrated the first students to receive the State of Iowa Seal of Biliteracy. Here’s a snapshot:

Click the image above to enlarge or view the PDF version.

Brenda Duvel

The Dubuque Community School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Brenda Duvel as the district’s next executive director of special education. Duvel will assume this position after serving as principal of Kennedy Elementary School during the 2018-2019 school year.

In this role, Duvel will be responsible for the overall management and coordination of the district’s special education program, while also serving as a liaison between the district, the Area Education Agency, parents and the various community agencies.

“As our search progressed, it became increasingly clear that Brenda possesses the right special education expertise, leadership experience and interpersonal skills to lead this critical area of the district into the future,” said Stan Rheingans, superintendent of schools. “We are pleased to welcome her to our executive leadership team.”

Read More about “Kennedy Principal Named District Executive Director of Special Education”