#OurStoriesCRCSD - Harrison

2018-19 School Year
It’s back!!!! #OurStoriesCRCSD Kicking off the 2018-19 school year is Harrison Elementary. This year, Harrison has become a Leader in Me school. Students are learning and gaining future skills to help them become Future Ready!
Thoughts from
Erica Gehrke - 3rd Grade Teacher
I feel I make a difference at Harrison because I spend a lot of time getting to know my kids, building those relationships at the beginning of the year, asking kids how they learn best, asking parents for feedback. Also giving students a voice into how things work.
I feel students will be more successful if they like who is teaching them. If we get along, if we are more like a family they will want to be here, and I want them here every single day.
Thoughts on
The Leader In Me
Annie - 5th Grader
It connects with me by being respectful to the teachers and the students. It's important because when I grow up I need to be respectful to to other people and respect my peers.
Do you know what a WIG is? At Harrison Elementary this word takes on a different meaning.
2017-18 SCHOOL YEAR
Built in 1930, Harrison has a rich history in the Cedar Rapids Community School District. The school’s principal shares how this nearly 90-year-old building is preparing students for the twenty-first century. #OurStoriesCRCSD #Harrison
MEET Harrison'S STAFF
Name -
Sherry Pilarczyk,
Principal's Secretary
Years at Harrison?
7 years
What she loves about Harrison?
“I love working with the staff and the kids. Every day is new and exciting!“
Harrison elementary school’s Learning Supports Team (LST) gathers regularly to determine the best strategy for each student. #OurStoriesCRCSD #Harrison
Super heroes are abundant in Harrison. Since the school adopted the theme, staff have noticed an improvement in behavior and learning because students want to be super heroes. #OurStoriesCRCSD #Harrison
MEET Harrison'S STAFF
Name -
Amanda Wink,
Health Secretary
Years at Harrison?
3 years
What she loves about Harrison?
“My favorite part about working at Harrison as the Health Secretary in the Clinic would be helping the kids and putting a smile on their faces when they don’t feel well. Most times the kids who walk into the clinic are not smiling, But I try to make sure when they leave they are! The best thing I hear every day is Thanks Miss Amanda!“
Harrison has found success through a Small Group Intervention process. Each day students with similar needs are teamed up with a teacher in an intimate setting to focus on what they need for growth. #OurStoriesCRCSD #Harrison

MEET Harrison'S STAFF
Name -
Lydia Quaid,
School Nurse
Years at Harrison?
2 years
What she loves about Harrison?
“My favorite thing about Harrison is the positive vibe I feel throughout the building. As a school nurse, I split my time between buildings so teamwork and communication among the staff are vital to my role. From day one, something that has stood out about the staff at Harrison is that they are invested in meeting student needs by caring for the “whole person”. Education is obviously at the heart of what we do, but it has been proven time and again that healthy children learn better. Taking the “whole person” approach is one of the most important ways Harrison carries out CRCSD’s mission of Every Learner: Future Ready, and I’m proud to be part of it!”