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Prairie Backpack

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

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.

  • Hoop Shoot

    Location
    Prairie Hill Elementary School
    Audience
    Boys and girls ages 8 - 13 to (ages groups are based on contestant's age on April 1, 2026)
    Cost
    FREE
    RSVP
    Dec 11, 2025
    Organization
    Cedar Rapids Elks Lodge #251
    Contact
    Katie Aarhus
    Email
    katherinedwyer@yahoo.com
    Phone
    (319) 573-5100

    Information

    Hoop Shoot is an opportunity for boys and girls ages 8 – 13 to (ages groups are based on contestant’s age on April 1, 2026) to participate in a free throw contest with opportunities to advance to the regional level and beyond. This is a free event to the public. It will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Prairie Hill Elementary School. Registration starts at 6:00PM and the Hoop Shoot starts at 6:30PM.

  • 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.

  • CoderDojo with StarLabs!

    Location
    NewBoCo - 415 12th Ave SE. Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
    Audience
    Elementary/Middle School students
    Cost
    Free
    RSVP
    Nov 15, 2025
    Organization
    NewBoCo
    Contact
    Ashley Turner
    Email
    ashley@newbo.co
    Phone
    (319) 412-5222

    Information

    CoderDojo is a free program for kids from kindergarten to 5th grade. Children can freely explore any STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) themed stations, with mentors available to help them get started, allowing your child to learn and explore on their own.

    The StarLabs Planetarium experience includes pre-programmed movies and demonstrations on a variety of space topics. The dome can fit up to 30 people, a combination of adults and children. Participants are expected to sit cross-legged on the floor. The dome can accommodate participants with walkers, wheelchairs, and regular chairs.

    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.

  • Prairie Youth Basketball Rec League Registrationn

    Location
    Practices are located at one of Prairie's Elementary Buildings and/or Creek. Games are located at Prairie Creek.
    Audience
    Boys & Girls Grades 1st-6th
    Cost
    $65/player
    RSVP
    Nov 02, 2025
    Organization
    PYBA - Prairie Youth Basketball Association
    Contact
    Jay Sheffner
    Email
    prairiebasketball2021@gmail.com
    Phone
    (000) 000-0000

    Information

    PYBA offers this program to give young athletes the chance to learn, grow, and have fun on the basketball court. Whether your child is picking up a basketball for the first time or already loves to play, they’ll enjoy developing their skills in a positive, supportive environment filled with friendly competition!

  • Block Kids Building Contest

    Location
    Local 125 Training Center - 5101 J St. SW Cedar Rapids 52404
    Audience
    K-6 graders
    Cost
    No cost
    RSVP
    Oct 29, 2025
    Organization
    National Association of Women in Construction
    Contact
    Denise Carnahan
    Email
    dcarnahan@tkroofing.com
    Phone
    (319) 354-3909

    Information

    Students build a construction-related project in one hour