PHOTOS BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS AND JONATHAN MEYER - High school principal Ben Adams (left) and assistant principal Scott Bolen (right) welcome students and families into the high school last Thursday.

On Thursday, Aug. 20 the STC school doors were unlocked to students and families as the 2026-2027 academic year was ushered in. All three school buildings had open houses with recent changes and updates on display.

The addition of an in-school coffee shop and improved concession stand were visible at the high school.

“The update to the concession stand has been a long time coming. As long as I’ve been here, it’s been a conversation,” 7-12 Activities Director Chelsea Ahrens said.

In the elementary school, pre-school classrooms were shifted into their own pod with doors added. The shift comes after more pre-school teachers were hired by the district to improve the program.

The middle school begins its second school year within the remodeled former Iowa Juvenile Home. The school transformation project is currently being recognized in the Iowa League of Cities All-Star Community Awards in a tournament against other community projects from around the state. Quarter final voting is available on Facebook and remains open until the 31st.

What once was a closet has now been remodeled into a school based enterprise. The coffee shop is not complete, with more materials still being delivered before operations fully commence.

School started for the district, and many others around the state, on Monday, Aug. 24.

Parents took their young students to meet their new teachers at the elementary.

The elementary staff were all smiles as they stood at the entrance of the school greeting young learners and helping families find their way.

Morgan McFate the Middle School STEAM teacher will have a program to introduce how to properly and safely use A.I.

STC students run a fundraiser at the High School open house.

School Resource Officer Vern Jefferson went about meeting students and parents during the district's open house night.