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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Cedar Rapids students will learn from home Friday as schools close for frigid temperatures
The district is piloting its first home-based learning day, a new option under Iowa law for winter weather-related school cancellations
Jan. 22, 2026 12:25 pm
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CEDAR RAPIDS — The Cedar Rapids Community School District Friday is piloting its first home-based learning day, a new option this year for winter weather-related school cancellations.
Students will be expected to complete schoolwork and learning activities from home as the National Weather Service warns of “life threatening cold” with wind chills plummeting to minus 40 degrees. All school buildings will be closed.
The Cedar Rapids school board authorized up to two home-based learning days for the 2025-26 school year. These days count as official school days and do not need to be made up at the end of the year.
Iowa law allows public school districts to use up to five virtual learning days a year when inclement weather prevents in-person instruction.
Home-based learning days will only be used in the Cedar Rapids district when in-person classes are canceled by noon the day before, allowing time for families and staff to prepare. Otherwise, it will be a traditional snow day.
There will never be back-to-back home-based learning days. If the weather remains bad for a second day, it will result in a traditional school cancellation.
If both home-based learning days are used this year, any additional cancellations will follow normal inclement weather-related school cancellation procedures.
Schools will verify participation on a home-based learning day for it to be considered an instructional day by tracking Google forms, phone calls and emails. Students who are ill on a home-based learning day and unable to complete the schoolwork and activities should follow normal attendance procedures to report their absence.
On a home-based learning day, students should take responsibility for their learning and complete all schoolwork and activities assigned by their teachers. Students may complete their assignments at a time that works best for their schedule.
Teachers will be available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to support students and families during home-based learning days and answer any questions or concerns regarding students assigned work. Messages received in the morning will be answered by 11 a.m., and messages received in the afternoon will be answered by 3 p.m. If messages are sent after 3 p.m., they will be responded to the following school day.
Here are the expectations for Cedar Rapids district students on home-based learning days:
- Elementary students receive a printed packet of activities to complete at home. No district-issued devices or internet access is required. Preschoolers will have 30 to 45 minutes of work and kindergarten through fifth-graders will have 60 to 90 minutes of work.
- Middle school students will receive assignments and activities either online through Google Classroom or in a printed packet they will bring home. Depending on their school and assignments, district-issued devices and internet access may be required. They will have 90 to 120 minutes of work.
- High school students will receive assignments and activities either online through Google Classroom or in a printed packet they will bring home. Depending on their assignments, district-issued devices and internet may be required. They will have at least 120 minutes of work.
The district advises families to help students stay engaged and on-track to complete assignments and activities. They should ensure their student has access to the required materials, checking in to confirm assignments and activities are completed and emailing teachers with any questions or concerns.
Comments: (319) 398-8411; grace.king@thegazette.com
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