FIRE Foundation of NE Iowa

06/20/2026

Check out Liam doing amazing work at an inclusive Catholic school in Denver! Keep up the great work and thanks to this school and educators who are growing inclusive Catholic education environments!

06/20/2026

Check out the inclusive Catholic education resource at the National Catholic Education Association. So many inclusion experts put time and effort into making this happen - thank you to all those people.

This resource will serve as a central resource to help schools, systems and dioceses enhance their inclusive Catholic education efforts.

Building an inclusive Catholic school is a journey that requires both a strong commitment to mission and a willingness to continually learn and grow. The following books offer valuable insights, practical strategies, and inspiring examples to help school leaders and educators strengthen their unders...

06/15/2026

Friendship changes everything. ❤️

One of the greatest gifts of inclusive Catholic education isn't found in a classroom lesson—it's found in the friendships that grow when students of all abilities learn, pray, and belong together.

When schools welcome everyone, students gain more than an education. They gain teammates, classmates, role models, and lifelong friends. Inclusion enriches the lives of every child, creating a community where each person is known, valued, and loved.

At FIRE Foundation of Northeast Iowa, we're proud to support schools that make these friendships possible every day.

06/12/2026

Wear the Mission. Share the Message.

We're excited to announce that the FIRE Northeast Iowa Shop is officially open!

From apparel and drinkware to gifts and accessories, every item celebrates inclusion, belonging, and the belief that every child deserves a place in a Catholic school community.

When you shop, you're doing more than making a purchase—you are helping spark opportunities for students of all abilities.

✨ Start shopping today:
FIRE Northeast Iowa Shop - https://fire-ne-iowa.printify.me
Thank you for supporting the mission of inclusive Catholic education.

06/07/2026

This weekend we attended the FIRE Affiliate Network Leadership Retreat. We gather once a year to learn from one another, form stronger relationships and advance the mission of FIRE together. This group has been called to lead important work. We have become a FIRE Family.
Such a wonderful and inspirational weekend together! Thank you FIRE Foundation of Northeast Florida for hosting all 12 FIRE Foundations for this year’s retreat!

05/20/2026

🔥 We are FIRED UP to announce the recipient of the 2026 FIREd Up About Inclusion School Award… St. Joseph Preschool! 🔥

Each year, the FIRE Foundation of Northeast Iowa recognizes one outstanding school that truly demonstrates a culture of belonging and a commitment to inclusion for students of all abilities. This is a very special honor, and we are thrilled to celebrate St. Joseph Preschool, part of the Bosco Catholic School System as this year’s FIRE School of the Year! ❤️

A special thank you to the staff for all of their hard work to collaborate together to make St. Joseph an amazing school.

As part of this award, St. Joseph Preschool received:
🏆 A beautiful FIRE flame trophy
💲 A $1,000 award to be used for fun, inclusive activities for the entire school community
🍪 Cookies for every student and staff member to help celebrate!

We cannot wait to see the school come together to celebrate everyone’s unique gifts and abilities.

Please join us in congratulating St. Joseph Preschool on this incredible recognition! 🎉

05/07/2026

🔥 FIREball Inclusion Leader Award – Ms. Hoselton - St. Edward School in the Cedar Valley Catholic Schools 🔥

On behalf of the FIRE Foundation of Northeast Iowa, we were honored to celebrate an incredible educator at St. Edward!

Each year, the FIRE Foundation recognizes outstanding educators through our FIREball Inclusion Leader Award—honoring those who go above and beyond to create inclusive, supportive environments where every student belongs.

This year, we are proud to recognize Ms. Hoselton as a FIREball Inclusion Leader Award winner! 🎉

Ms. Hoselton is a true leader in building a culture of inclusion. Through her work leading problem-solving meetings and supporting teachers, she ensures that every student receives the academic, social, and behavioral support they need to succeed. Her collaboration with staff, specialists, and families reflects a deep commitment to honoring the dignity of every child.

Because of her leadership, St. Edward continues to grow as a strong, inclusive school where both students and teachers are empowered.

💐 Ms. Hoselton received a trophy and flowers in recognition of her impact.
🍬 Students and staff joined in the celebration with FIREball candy!
💛 St. Edward was also awarded a $500 grant to support inclusive activities.

Today, we celebrate not only Ms. Hoselton—but the spark she brings to inclusion every day.

Congratulations, Ms. Hoselton! 🔥

04/30/2026

Each year, the FIRE Foundation of Northeast Iowa recognizes exceptional educators who go above and beyond to create inclusive school communities through our FIREball Inclusion Leader Award.

This year, we are proud to celebrate Mrs. Junk of St. Athanasius School in Jesup!

Mrs. Junk Lisa Davidson-Junk creates a classroom where inclusion is not just something we talk about—it’s simply the way students learn and live together. She continuously adapts her teaching to meet the needs of every learner, ensuring all students can grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

Through her leadership, she has helped build a culture where students naturally accept one another and celebrate their differences. We have had the privilege of watching her impact over the years, and her commitment to every child is truly inspiring.

💛 To celebrate, Mrs. Junk received a FIREball Award, flowers, and a special surprise—her family joined us for the moment!

🍪 The entire school community joined in the celebration with FIRE flame cookies.

🎉 St. Athanasius School also received a $500 grant to support inclusive activities for their students.

Today, we celebrate not just an incredible teacher—but a true leader of inclusion.

🔥 Congratulations, Mrs. Junk—you are a FIREball! 🔥

04/20/2026

We want to give a HUGE thank you to all of our incredible volunteers at the FIRE Foundation of Northeast Iowa. Your time, passion, and dedication are what make our mission possible. Because of you, more students with disabilities are welcomed, supported, and celebrated in our Catholic schools.

From our founders and board members to our event volunteers and supporters behind the scenes — you are the spark that keeps FIRE burning bright.

We are so grateful for each and every one of you.

Thank you for helping us build a culture of belonging!

04/02/2026

Every child shines in their own way, and those differences make our world more beautiful. This World Autism Day, let’s ignite belonging by ensuring every child is seen, valued, and included.