Every veteran has a story. Through the Iowa Veterans Research Project, students are encouraged to research the lives and service of veterans in their communities- honoring their sacrifices while building research, interview, and civic learning skills. As we commemorate America 250, help ensure those stories are remembered for generations to come. Learn more and get started at bit.ly/4asBBgM. #America250 #IowaHistory

This Independence Day, we also celebrate Iowa's national finalist in the Presidential 1776 Award competition, Cayden Plate. Cayden, a student at North Mahaska, was one of 20 students who recently competed in Washington, D.C., in the final round of the Presidential 1776 Award, a nationwide contest recognizing outstanding knowledge of the American founding. Earlier this week, the finals of the competition were broadcast nationally in primetime on CBS. Read more on Cayden's journey to the finals as one of 8,000 students who started the competition. bit.ly/4eQGhy7

What does America mean to you? Ten Iowa students were recently recognized by Governor Kim Reynolds for their outstanding essays, poems, and videos focused on America’s story and the American founding. As we celebrate #America250, take a moment to be inspired by these outstanding submissions. Later this summer, look for these submissions while visiting the 2026 Iowa State Fair or check them out at bit.ly/4wgamye. #America250

Happy 4th of July! As we celebrate #America250, we observe not just our nation’s birthday, but the enduring spirit that began with the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Wishing you a festive and safe holiday as we honor our country’s rich history and look forward to its bright future. #America250

Remember to tune in tomorrow, July 4, between 10-11 a.m. CDT, as 2025 Iowa Teacher of the Year - Melanie Bloom will be featured on ABC's' 'Disney Celebrates America,' a 24-hour non-stop national television event on July 4. Bloom is part of a segment about generational farming and how agriculture in Iowa, from the first pioneer farmers to today, has helped fuel America's growth and write its success story. The special multi-platform programming will be available across ABC, Disney+, ESPN, Hulu, National Geographic, Freeform, FX and ABC News Live. abc.com/news/a1c1f857-b25c-4…

Congratulations to the 2026 Iowa #NationalCivicsBee State Champion, Michael O. from the Siouxland Chamber region. As the top state finalist, Michael will go on to represent Iowa once again in November at the National Civics Bee Championship in Washington, D.C. Michael placed second at the National Civics Bee competition in 2024 and now he will compete again with other state finalists for the national championship. Iowa couldn’t be more proud! @USCCFoundation @CivicsBuzz

ICYMI: Tomorrow the Pella Marching Dutch are participating in the National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. Read more about the marching band’s trip and planned performance on the national stage. bit.ly/3QAyYmj

Congratulations to middle school student Shal S. from the Cedar Rapids Chamber region, who was one of Iowa’s top finalists, placing second in the state competition for the #NationalCivics Bee. Held at @DrakeUniversity and hosted by the Iowa Chamber Alliance, the competition gives students a platform to showcase their ideas for improving local communities and shaping America’s next 250 years! @USCCFoundation @CivicsBuzz

Did you know? Iowa is the only state bordered by two navigable rivers with the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. As we celebrate #America250, let’s remember how these rivers powered our nation’s growth and connected communities.

Teachers! This summer, don't miss the chance to strengthen mathematics and early numeracy instruction by building fluency and deepening conceptual understandings through Build Math Minds--The Flexibility Formula. This evidence-based professional learning series offers asynchronous learning modules that allow educators to explore and delve deeper into mathematical concepts to help students develop an overall strong number sense. Learn more and register: bit.ly/4wdGD9i

Mark your calendars and set a reminder! 2025 Iowa Teacher of the Year Melanie Bloom will be featured on ABC's' 'Disney Celebrates America,' a 24-hour non-stop national television event on July 4. Ms. Bloom will be featured on July 4 between 10-11 a.m. CDT, talking about how agriculture and farming in Iowa, from the first pioneer farmers to today, have helped fuel America's growth and write its success story. The special multi-platform programming will be available across ABC, Disney+, ESPN, Hulu, National Geographic, Freeform, FX and ABC News Live. abc.com/news/a1c1f857-b25c-4…

Congratulations to middle school student Edison F. from the Siouxland Chamber region, who was one of Iowa’s top finalists, placing third in the state competition for the #NationalCivics Bee. Held at @DrakeUniversity and hosted by the Iowa Chamber Alliance, the competition gives students a platform to showcase their ideas for improving local communities and shaping America’s next 250 years! @USCCFoundation @CivicsBuzz

Congratulations to all of the incredible 6th-8th grade student semifinalists who competed yesterday in the state competition for the #NationalCivicsBee held at @DrakeUniversity and hosted by the Iowa Chamber Alliance. From tackling real-world civic challenges to sharing impactful proposals for improving their local communities, these students showed what civic engagement looks like in action! The top finalist from each state competition will now receive a trip to Washington, D.C. this November to participate in the national competition! @USCCFoundation @CivicsBuzz

As we celebrate #America250, this month we’re highlighting some of the ways in which Iowa’s rich history has helped write our nation’s story since it became the 29th state on Dec. 28, 1846. To help connect America 250 to the classroom this year, visit the Department’s America 250 webpage full of resources and guidance. bit.ly/4fdvr6J

Summer break is a great time for kids to keep learning and build new skills. In honor of July’s National Make a Difference to Children Month, take some time to support a child’s educational journey and future success. Simple activities like reading together, cooking meals, or exploring new places can create positive, lasting memories and help a child grow and thrive.

As we head into July, take a look at what happened across Iowa and the Department in June and what we saw through our lens.

Tune in to CBS tonight (June 30) at 7 p.m. for the broadcast of the final round of the Presidential 1776 Award, featuring North Mahaska's Cayden Plate. Cayden is one of 20 students who are competing in Washington, D.C., in the final round of the Presidential 1776 Award, a nationwide contest recognizing outstanding knowledge of the American founding. Read more on Cayden's journey to the finals as one of 8,000 students who started the competition. educate.iowa.gov/headline-st…

Fuel up to meet the heat! SUN Meals sites are providing free meals for kids and teens 18 and under all summer long. Find your local site by calling: 2-1-1 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479), English 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273), Spanish Text “Summer Meals” to 914-342-7744 or Visit fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefind…

In celebration of #America250, @IowaSTEM launched STEM BEST® 250, a statewide initiative designed to inspire student-led service projects through Iowa’s network of STEM BEST® Program models. Learn more about this campaign that will engage more than 200 school districts in Iowa in community service projects that develop and empower student servant leaders. bit.ly/4eBIm2a

ICYMI: Three Iowa students were named the winners of the first Iowa School Bus Safety Week Poster Contest. Their work will be produced and distributed across the state during School Bus Safety Week in October. bit.ly/4oYK8hw