Oskaloosa Activities Director Highlights Student Success, Upcoming Events and Plans for Growth

Oskaloosa Schools Activities Director Jamie Jacobs stopped by the Oskaloosa News studio to talk about all things activities so far in the 2026 school year.

OSKALOOSA, Iowa – Students in the Oskaloosa Community School District have a lot to celebrate, from a historic marching band achievement to the start of winter sports.

Oskaloosa Activities Director Jamie Jacobs recently stopped by the Oskaloosa News studio to talk about student accomplishments, upcoming events, and his plans to keep improving the district’s extracurricular programs.

Jacobs is now in her second year as activities director and oversees athletics, band, choir, orchestra, drama, speech, and other student activities outside the classroom.

Marching Band Continues Historic Streak

This fall, one of the district’s biggest accomplishments was the Oskaloosa High School Marching Band earning its 53rd consecutive Division I rating at the state marching band competition.

This achievement marks the second-longest consecutive Division I streak in Iowa.

The band’s 2026 show, “All the Lonely People,” also earned several first-place finishes and recognition for its horn line, drum line, and color guard.

Oskaloosa Middle School student Gemma Lahner also found success in the fine arts by being selected for the Opus Honor Choir, a highly competitive statewide honor for young singers.

Several Oskaloosa students are getting ready to audition for All-State honors in band, choir, and orchestra. Last year, a trumpet player from Oskaloosa was selected for All-State.

The drama department is getting ready to present “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” which is scheduled for the first weekend of November.

Other upcoming performances include the orchestra’s dessert concert and the first trimester choir concert. Speech and Storybook activities have also started.

Jacobs encouraged community members to attend performances, pointing out that admission and donations help pay for things like instrument repairs and production equipment.

Fall Sports Wrap Up, Winter Activities Begin

As fall sports wrap up, Jacobs looked back on the accomplishments and challenges of Oskaloosa’s athletic programs.

The girls tennis team made it to the second round of postseason team competition before playing Fairfield.

Girls swimming was nearing the end of its season, with about 12 athletes seen as potential state qualifiers at the time of the interview. The team also celebrated its first meet at the district’s new natatorium.

The volleyball team was getting ready for postseason competition against Pella, and cross country had a state qualifying meet scheduled in Washington. Football has experienced a difficult season, but Jacobs pointed to encouraging development among younger players, particularly the freshman team.

Looking ahead, winter activities will feature basketball, boys and girls wrestling, bowling, boys swimming, competition dance, winter guard, and esports.

Oskaloosa starts the wrestling season with four ranked athletes—two boys and two girls.

Jacobs is optimistic about returning athletes in several programs, though she noted that the girls basketball team will be rebuilding after losing several seniors.

The district’s dance and winter guard programs are also getting ready for competition, with coed dance, pom, jazz, and hip-hop performances.

New Fundraising Gala Planned

One of the biggest new events planned is the district’s first activities department fundraising gala, which is expected to take place in mid-December.

The event will include dinner, table sales, and both live and silent auctions.

Jacobs said the idea partly came from attending a national activities directors conference, wƒe he learned about similar fundraising efforts at other schools.

Money raised will support Oskaloosa student activities.

Student organizations are also planning basketball halftime entertainment, like shooting contests and other activities for the audience. The student council is getting ready for its spaghetti supper.

Building Stronger Programs Through Relationships

Besides competition and performances, Jacobs is focused on building stronger relationships between students and coaches.

In her first year, she focused on getting to know the district’s coaching staff and learning about their programs.

In her second year, she plans to focus more on coaching development, improving organization, and creating more consistency across activities.

Jacobs sees the relationships coaches build with students as one of Oskaloosa’s greatest strengths.

She believes that having trusted adults who encourage and support students is an important part of their development, whether they participate in athletics or fine arts.

Community Involvement Remains Important

Jacobs encouraged families to help students find activities they enjoy, saying that participation helps them build friendships, develop skills, and gain confidence.

Community members can support district programs by joining the activities booster group, making donations, volunteering, or attending events.

The district also offers a $250 annual family activity pass. Individual football tickets are $8, and admission to most other activities is $6.

Families with questions about middle school athletics can contact Activities Director Michael Cox. Coach Dowd can answer questions about strength and speed training, and Jordan Hughes helps with registrations and activity passes.

Jacobs hopes more students will get involved and take advantage of the opportunities available throughout the district.

He believes that whether students are performing on stage, competing on the field, or joining student organizations, getting more young people involved will make Oskaloosa’s programs even stronger.

You can find schedules and more information about upcoming events on the district’s Bound activities calendar.