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Prairie Backpack

College Community School District’s “green” approach to distributing information from school sponsored activities and non-profit organizations.

High School

Events

  • The University of Iowa Alumni and Friends’ 48-Hour Flash Writing Contest

    Organization
    University of Iowa Center for Advancement
    Contact
    Tegan Donahue
    Email
    Write.Now@foriowa.org
    Phone
    (319) 467-3393

    Information

    The University of Iowa is hosting its annual Alumni and Friends Flash Writing Contest—a timed, online short story competition. We’ll provide you with a writing prompt that includes a genre, character, and a specific object to incorporate into your story. You’ll have 48 hours and
    up to 1,000 words to come up with the rest.

  • Battle Of the Buckets (HACAP Fundraiser)

    Location
    Each elementary school will have a bucket where you can send your child to school with money
    Audience
    Elementary Students and Parents
    Cost
    No cost - just raising money
    RSVP
    Dec 19, 2025
    Organization
    Cedar rapids Toyota and Prairie High School Student council
    Contact
    Anna Matheny - High school Spanish teacher and student council teacher / Kerry Kilker - High School Community Organzier
    Email
    kkilker@crprairie.org
    Phone
    (319) 848-5340

    Information

    Battle of the Buckets is a fundraiser for the HACAP food reservoir. All 5 elementary schools are participating in raising $500 per school. Cedar rapids Toyota will match the total money raised. This is organized by select members of prairie high school student council.

  • NewBoCo – Girls Who Code Holiday Lights Showcase

    Location
    CSPS - 1103 3rd St SE. Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
    Audience
    All ages and families
    Cost
    Free
    Organization
    NewBoCo
    Contact
    Ashley Turner
    Email
    ashley@newbo.co
    Phone
    (319) 412-5222

    Information

    oin us for an exciting afternoon as we celebrate the incredible achievements of NewBoCo’s local Girls Who Code participants. After 10 weeks of hands-on learning, the participants will unveil their unique light display creations, designed for local businesses in Cedar Rapids. This event will showcase their programming skills and highlight the importance of fostering young talent in tech.

    Event kickoff is at CSPS at 4:15

    Locations: Lu’s Deli, Crosby’s, Raygun, Hangry Lady, Mode, CSPS, Parlor City, Almost Famous.

    This celebration marks a milestone, not only for NewBoCo’s Girls Who Code club but also for the Cedar Rapids community. We aim to inspire more girls to explore coding and connect local businesses with future collaboration opportunities.

    As you enjoy shopping for loved ones and supporting small businesses in our community, take a moment to ENJOY the lights during the holidays, proudly displayed at participating locations!

    This is not a College Community School District publication. It is being distributed through the school district as a community service of the district to inform you of other community activities or services available.

  • Family Puzzle Palooza Night

    Location
    Ely American Legion, 1545 Main Street, Ely IA
    Audience
    All ages - family oriented activity
    Cost
    $30 per team of 5 people
    Organization
    Ely Parks & Recreation
    Contact
    Callie Stulz-O'Brien
    Email
    Callie@elyiowa.com
    Phone
    (319) 936-8056

    Information

    Form a family/friends team of up to 5 people to compete in this fast-paced puzzle challenge at the Legion. There will be a holiday themed movie, and free cookies & hot chocolate. Teams may take their 300-piece puzzle home at the end of the event. Winning team receive a $25 Dan & Debbie’s gift card.

  • Toys for Tots

    Location
    All school buildings
    RSVP
    Dec 05, 2025
    Organization
    Toys for Tots
    Contact
    Michele Matt
    Email
    cedar.rapids.ia@toysfortots.org
    Phone
    (319) 431-7294

    Information

    Toys for Tots – Linn County/Cedar Rapids 2025 Information

    College Community Schools is partnering with Toys for Tots this year! If you would like to donate new, unwrapped toys for local children, you can use any of our school buildings as a convenient drop-off location. Look for the donation bins near the main office in each school to leave your generous contributions. Thank you for helping us make the holidays brighter for children in our community!

    2025 Family Registration

    Dates: October 20 through November 18 Family registrations are processed online by The Salvation Army of Cedar Rapids through the Angel Tree program.

    2025 Toy Collection

    Dates: October 24 through December 5, 2025

    2025 Monetary Donations

    Available: Year Round Monetary donations help purchase toys for older children and infants.

    • Donate via the “DONATE NOW” button or mail a check payable to Toys for Tots to: Toys for Tots – Linn County c/o St John & Gielau LLP 4840 N River Blvd NE Ste 500 Cedar Rapids IA 52411

    All donations received locally are used to purchase toys for kids in Iowa. Thank you for supporting Toys for Tots!