To celebrate National School Counselors Week, Ekstrand Elementary students came together for a special project! Each classroom colored 5–7 pieces of a giant poster, which were then assembled into four unique posters and displayed throughout the building. This fun project promoted creativity and teamwork while showing heartfelt appreciation for the school counselors who support our students every day. Great job, Sabers!

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #schoolcounselors #weloveourschoolcounselors #helpingourstudents #NSCW26 #AmplifyStudentSuccess #ThankYouSchoolCounselors #HelpingStudentsThrive #saberpride #saberssucceeding
1 day ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Posters created by Ekstrand students for National School Counselors Week
Posters created by Ekstrand students for National School Counselors Week
Posters created by Ekstrand students for National School Counselors Week
Posters created by Ekstrand students for National School Counselors Week
Only a few more days left to round up your total when you shop at Randy’s Neighborhood Market to support the Central DeWitt Music Boosters.

The Central DeWitt Music Boosters support all district music programs by funding instruments, music, equipment, clinicians, and experiences that ensure every student has the opportunity to participate, learn and grow through music. and succeed in music.

Your spare change can make a real impact! Thank you for supporting the fine arts in our schools! 💜💛


2 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Music Boosters Round Up flyer
Planning for life after high school can feel overwhelming—for students and families. Whether the path includes college, the military, or entering the workforce, the right information can make all the difference. 🎓

To help families feel confident about what comes next, the Central DeWitt High School Counseling Office is partnering with ICAN® (Iowa College Access Network) to offer a FREE Career & College Planning Presentation for freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and their parents.

📅 Date: Monday, February 9
⏰ Time: 5:00–6:00 PM
📍 Location: Central DeWitt High School – CDPAC/Auditorium

💡 Topics include:
• Career exploration and interests
• Academic preparation and graduation requirements
• College admissions and application processes
• Choosing the right college & planning campus visits
• Understanding financial aid and cost of attendance
• Scholarships and other financial aid options
• Preparing for a successful transition after high school

Families are encouraged to attend together to ask questions, gain clarity, and take the next steps toward the future with confidence.

📩 Questions? Contact Holly Hansen at holly.hansen@cd-csd.org

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #ICAN #CareerAndCollegePlanning #PlanningForTheFuture #FinancialAid #FinancialAidAssistance #SaberFamilies
3 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Clipboard
🍫 These 6th graders enjoyed a sweet, hands-on learning experience with a guest speaker from the Quad City Botanical Center. Students explored how chocolate is made—from bean to bar—and learned about cacao production and sourcing.

The lesson came to life as students taste-tested a variety of chocolates, many from fair trade brands connecting perfectly to the chocolate collection studied in Amplify. From bold cacao flavors to unexpected textures, some samples truly surprised our students!

A big thank you to Central DeWitt PTO for their donation that supported this engaging learning experience!✨

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDIS #6thGrade #Amplify #Chocolate #AmplifyChocolateCollection #QuadCityBotanicalCenter #CentralDeWittPTO #HandsOnLearning #LearningIsFun #saberpride #saberssucceeding
3 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
6th graders looking at picture of cacao plant
6th graders looking a cacao pod
6th graders looking a cacao pod
6th graders trying different varieties of chocolate
6th graders trying different varieties of chocolate
6th graders trying different varieties of chocolate
6th graders trying different varieties of chocolate
Guest speaker from Quad City Botanical Garden
6th graders looking a cacao pod
6th graders looking a cacao pod
🎭 Happening this weekend! 🎭 Mystery, chaos, and plenty of laughs are taking over the stage as Central DeWitt Middle School presents It’s a Madhouse!

The plot kicks off with the sudden death of a famous mystery writer, bringing his eccentric family together for a will reading—only to discover the inheritance is hidden in a single object. Toss in unexpected guests, over-the-top characters, and nonstop confusion, and you’ve got a fantastic performance where anything can happen.

📅 February 6 & 7
🕡 6:30 p.m.
📍 CDPAC
🎟️ Admission by donation at the door

Join us for an evening of big laughs and bold performances as our talented CDMS students bring this outrageous mystery to life. You won’t want to miss it! 🎬✨

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDMS #CDMSPlay #ItsAMadhouse #CDMSDrama #CDPAC #SaberPride #SaberSucceeding
3 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
CDMS cast in "It's a Madhouse!"
CDMS cast in "It's a Madhouse!"
CDMS cast in "It's a Madhouse!"
CDMS cast in "It's a Madhouse!"
CDMS cast in "It's a Madhouse!"
CDMS cast in "It's a Madhouse!"
CDMS cast in "It's a Madhouse!"
CDMS cast in "It's a Madhouse!"
CDMS cast in "It's a Madhouse!"
CDMS cast in "It's a Madhouse!"
🎉 Congratulations, Hagan Ackley! 🎉 We’re proud to celebrate Mr. Ackley, Special Education Teacher at Ekstrand Elementary, who received the Mississippi Bend AEA District Watch Award!

Each semester, Mississippi Bend AEA’s District Watch Award recognizes outstanding educators, administrators, and school staff in our partner districts who go above and beyond for students, colleagues, and their school communities.

Mr. Ackley is an incredible educator who consistently goes above and beyond for students, building strong relationships and working closely with colleagues to meet a wide range of learning needs. His thoughtful, student-focused practices help create positive experiences and support success across learning environments.

👏 Thank you, Mr. Ackley, for the meaningful work you do every day!

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #EkstrandElementary #HaganAckley #MississippiBendAEA #DistrictWatchAward #SaberStaff #SaberSuperstar #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
3 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Hagan Ackley
💜💛 Good luck, Sabers! 💛💜 Wishing Joellyn Dwinal, Serenity Roberts, and Greenley Grell the very best as they begin competition this afternoon at the Girls State Wrestling Tournament!

CDHS proudly sent them off this morning, and we couldn’t be more excited—this is the most wrestlers our girls program has sent to the state tournament in a single season! 🏆🤼‍♀️

🕟 Matches begin today at 4:30 p.m.
• Each athlete will wrestle two matches today
• With a win, they’ll advance to wrestle tomorrow at 1:00 p.m.

🎥 Watch live: https://www.watchighsau.com/?B=3610573

We’re proud of you and cheering you on every step of the way! 💪💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWttCSD #CDHS #SaberGirlsWrestling #SaberWrestling #GirlsWrestling #GoFightWin #StateBound #StateWrestlingTournament #SabersSucceeding #SaberPride
4 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Coach Jeff Ohnemus, Head Coach Adam Grell, Joellyn Dwinal, Serenity Roberts, Greenley Grell and Coach Matt Ohnemus
CDHS Saber Girls Wrestling team
AP Physics 1 students braved the winter elements to put their egg catch projects to the test! After completing a unit on momentum and impulse, students were challenged to design an egg catch capable of safely stopping a raw egg dropped from increasing heights. The results were impressive - Landon Paasch, Luke Pawlowski and Ashton Schneider's eggs survived a drop from the top of the home bleachers!

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #APPhysics #Science #EggCatch #LearningIsFun #HandsOnLearning #CriticalThinking #ProblemSolving #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
4 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
AP Physics Egg Launch from Football Bleachers
AP Physics Egg Launch from Football Bleachers
AP Physics Egg Launch from Football Bleachers
AP Physics Egg Launch from Football Bleachers
💜💛 Congratulations to our January 2026 District Student of the Month Mason Brown! He is featured in today's edition of The Observer thanks to our friends at First Central State Bank.

Mason consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to helping others, a quality that guides his actions both in and out of the classroom. Each morning before the school day begins, he voluntarily gives his time to assist with setting up the middle school gym for a variety of physical education activities. He takes pride in his work and approaches each task with enthusiasm, initiative, and care.

Mason’s willingness to help goes beyond completing tasks. He demonstrates strong critical thinking skills by offering thoughtful suggestions to improve equipment setup or modify activities when he identifies opportunities for improvement.

“Mason’s initiative to help without having been asked, and his positive and proactive attitude is a very refreshing way to start my day,” Carl Small, physical education teacher, said. “Mason is a great reminder we have great kids, doing great things, every day here at school.”

To Mason, helping others is about earning respect and being a positive presence. He believes that being a SABER means showing kindness no matter what, maintaining a good attitude throughout the school day, and staying focused on learning. These values are evident in his interactions with peers and staff alike.

Looking ahead, Mason hopes to pursue a career in kinesiology so he can better understand how muscles work, stay active, and help others improve their physical health. His interests align well with this goal, as he is actively involved in archery, soccer, band, and participates in the Central DeWitt Middle School play. He enjoys being part of a team because it allows him to support and encourage younger students, reflecting his strong sense of teamwork and willingness to help wherever needed.

Mason’s positive attitude, initiative, and dedication to helping others demonstrate his strong character and make him a well-deserving District Student of the Month.

#gosabers #cdcsdstudentofthemonth #centraldewittcsd #cdms #firstcentralstatebank #studentofthemonth #sabepride #saberssucceeding
5 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
District Student of the Month Mason Brown
🏀 CDMS Student Leadership hosted a high-energy Student vs. Staff Basketball Game last Friday, and the gym was buzzing with school spirit! The students came ready to compete, but in the end, the staff members showed they’ve still got some moves—taking home the win. 😄

Thanks to everyone who played, cheered, and helped make this event such a fun and memorable event—what a great way to end a school week! 🎉

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDMS #MiddleSchoolMatters #StudentLeadership #StudentVSStaff #SaberFun #StaffWins #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
6 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
CDMS Student vs. Staff basketball game
CDMS Student vs. Staff basketball game
CDMS Student vs. Staff basketball game
CDMS Student vs. Staff basketball game
CDMS Student vs. Staff basketball game
CDMS Student vs. Staff basketball game
CDMS Student vs. Staff basketball game
CDMS Student vs. Staff basketball game
CDMS Student vs. Staff basketball game
Staff team after the win
‼️ 2026-2027 Preschool registration and Saber Cubs Care registration are now open!

💜 PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION:
Your child must be 4 years old on or before September 15, 2025 to enroll. Click this link to register your child: https://forms.gle/joNsHZtBvprTrPJZ6

💛 SABER CUBS CARE REGISTRATION:
Saber Cubs Care registration is open for the Summer 2026 and 2026-2027 school year! Click this link to enroll your child: https://bit.ly/46iNMuc

Summer Child Care is available for children who will be 4 years old by June 1, 2026, through those entering 4th grade in the 2026-2027 school year, in accordance with state regulations.

School-Year Child Care is available for children who will be 4 years old through 3rd grade during the 2026–2027 school year.

For questions or issues with registration please contact Sarah Penniston at sarah.penniston@cd-csd.org or (563) 659-4711.

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #PreschoolRegistration #SaberCubsCareRegistration #EkstrandElementary #Preschool #FutureSabers #Welcome #ChildCare #SaberPride
7 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
laptop with Saber logo
💚 Happy National School Counseling Week! We are grateful for our school counselors who amplify student success by supporting academic growth, social-emotional well-being, and future readiness every day.

Our school counselors do so much more than many realize—they are mentors, advocates, problem-solvers, and cheerleaders. Their work removes barriers, fosters success, and truly changes lives.

To the more than 131,000 school counselors serving K–12 students across the nation—and especially Mrs. Barbour, Mrs. Cain, Mrs. Wall, and Mrs. Schaible—thank you for your unwavering dedication, compassion, and support. Your impact is immeasurable, and we are so grateful for all you do. 💜💛

Please join us in showing appreciation for our school counselors!

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #schoolcounselors #weloveourschoolcounselors #helpingourstudents #NSCW26 #AmplifyStudentSuccess #ThankYouSchoolCounselors #HelpingStudentsThrive #saberpride #saberssucceeding
7 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Ekstrand Elementary School Counselor Hannah Barbour
CDMS School Counselor Tierra Wall
CDiS School Counselor Anne Cain
CDHS School Counselor Mary Beth Schaible
👑 On Thursday, our kindergartners rolled out the red carpet for a royal tea party to celebrate the end of their royalty unit. Dressed in crowns, gowns, and regal attire, students stepped into the roles of kings and queens as they showcased everything they had learned.

The celebration concluded with a royal ball, where our young royalty danced to Disney favorites and proudly showed off the dance moves they had been practicing. It was a joyful, memorable experience fit for a kingdom—and one our kindergartners will surely remember!

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #ekstrandelementary #kindergarten #royalteaparty #saberroyalty #learningisfun #handsonlearning #saberpride #sabersssucceeding
7 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Kindergartners dancing at their royal ball
Kindergartners enjoying "tea" and treats
Kindergartners enjoying "tea" and treats
Kindergartners enjoying "tea" and treats
Kindergartners dancing at their royal ball
Kindergartners dancing at their royal ball
Kindergartners dancing at their royal ball
Kindergartners dancing at their royal ball
Kindergartners dancing at their royal ball
Kindergartners dancing at their royal ball
🏞️ Ms. Pickup’s 4th graders wrapped up their ELA and science units on geology with an engaging National Parks project! Students researched a National Park of their choice, learning about the animals and plants that inhabit each area, the landforms found there, and other interesting facts. They then created presentations and practiced how to effectively share their learning with an audience.

To wrap up the project, students invited staff, as well as a few students, to attend their presentations and celebrate their hard work.

This project has become a favorite over the years—thanks to an idea originally suggested by Ms. Pickup’s former student Eloise Ohnemus—and it continues to inspire curiosity, learning, and strong presentation skills.

Great job, Sabers!

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDIS #4thGrade #ELA #Science #Geology #NationalParks #NationalParkPresentations #LearningIsFun #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
8 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
4th graders presenting their National Park projects
4th graders presenting their National Park projects
4th graders presenting their National Park projects
4th graders presenting their National Park projects
4th graders presenting their National Park projects
4th graders presenting their National Park projects
4th graders presenting their National Park projects
4th graders presenting their National Park projects
4th graders presenting their National Park projects
4th graders presenting their National Park projects
Thanks to the amazing and generous Central DeWitt PTO Ekstrand students enjoyed hot chocolate with marshmallows during lunch today! This treat was a PBIS incentive selected by students who earned tickets for demonstrating positive behavior. It was the perfect treat to add a little extra warmth to everyone’s day!

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #EkstrandElementary #PBIS #HotChocolate #CentralDeWittPTO #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
8 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Students enjoying hot chocolate during lunch
Students enjoying hot chocolate during lunch
Students enjoying hot chocolate during lunch
Students enjoying hot chocolate during lunch
Students enjoying hot chocolate during lunch
Students enjoying hot chocolate during luncStudents enjoying hot chocolate during lunch
Students enjoying hot chocolate during lunch
Students enjoying hot chocolate during lunch

So proud of these Sabers! 💜💛 Huge congratulations to Greenley Grell, Serenity Roberts, and Joellyn Dwinal on an incredible night at regionals and punching their tickets to the state tournament! Your hard work, determination, and grit are paying off in a big way.

Best of luck as you begin your state medal quest on Thursday at Xtreme Arena—Central DeWitt will be cheering you on every step of the way. Go Sabers! 💪

You can support these girls this week by purchasing a State Tournament T-shirt here: https://stores.teamelitesports.com/central.../shop/home

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #SaberGirllsWrestling #SaberWrestlers #StateBound #TicketPunched #HeadedToState #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

9 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Joellyn Dwinal, Greenley Grell, Serenity Roberts

Wednesday was “Anything But a Backpack Day” at CDIS! As part of the Golden Paw Positive Behavior Recognition Program, this incentive sparked lots of creativity. Students impressed us with their imaginative—and hilarious—alternatives to traditional backpacks for carrying their belongings.

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDIS #AnythingButABackpack #GoldenPaw #GoldenPawIncentive #PBIS #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

9 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Student using a suitcase as a backpack
Student using a bucket as a backpack
Student using a trash can as a backpack
Student using a tool box as a backpack
Student using a wagon as a backpack
Student using a hanging organizer as a backpack
Student using a fish aquarium as a backpack
Student using a traffic cone as a backpack
Student using a cooler as a backpack
Student using a dustpan as a backpack
🎨✨ Saber Artists Shine! ✨🎨 Please help us celebrate junior Kay Tracy, sophomore Bella Houston, and freshman Shayla Tapke for earning prestigious Silver Key awards in the 2026 Scholastic Art Awards—one of the highest honors a high school student can achieve in visual arts!

🏅 Silver Key Winners
• Kay Tracy — Ocean Eyes (Painting)
• Shayla Tapke — That’s a Wrap (Painting)
• Bella Houston — Nosey Nuthatches (Painting)

Their work was recognized by a panel of creative professionals for its outstanding originality, technical skill, and emerging personal voice and vision. Presented by the Belin-Blank Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development at the University of Iowa, in partnership with the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the Scholastic Awards have celebrated young artists since 1923—counting icons like Tschabalala Self, Stephen King, Kay WalkingStick, José Parlá, Amanda Gorman, Charles White, Joyce Carol Oates, and Andy Warhol among their alumni.

We are incredibly proud to count these students among that legacy! Keep creating, Saber Artists—imagine what the world has yet to see! 👏 💜💛

Learn more about the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: artandwriting.org

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #SaberArtists #Painting #SilverKeyAwards #Congratulations #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
10 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Kay Tracy — Ocean Eyes (Painting)
Shayla Tapke — That’s a Wrap (Painting)
Isabella Houston — Nosey Nuthatches (Painting)
REMINDER: Preschool registration for the 2026–2027 school year will open this Monday, Feb. 2 at 8 a.m. The registration link will be shared on our website and social media that morning.

Our preschool program will offer both full-day and half-day options. Children must be 4 years old by September 15, 2026, to be eligible.

Questions about preschool registration may be directed to Sarah Penniston at sarah.penniston@cd-csd.org or (563) 659-4711. For questions regarding the preschool program please contact Principal Mike Miller at mike.miller@cd-csd.org or (563) 659-0750.

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #EkstrandElementary #preschoolregistration #centraldewittpreschoolregistration #preschool #SaberPride #WelcomeSabers
10 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
ABC building blocks
🎶 Saber Sounds on Display! 🎶 We are incredibly proud of our Central DeWitt High School musicians who have represented CDHS with talent, dedication, and Saber pride at multiple prestigious events this winter!
✨ TUBACHRISTMAS – University of Dubuque (Dec. 18)
Mr. Greubel and nine CDHS students joined musicians from across the region to spread holiday cheer through music. L-R -Alexander Brown, Eva House, Mr. Greubel, Melanie Miller, Emily Sutton, Sophie House, Anna Prosise, Oliva Lopez, Kelton Collins, Gracie Garrow

🎷 NEIBA District 3A Honor Jazz Band (Jan. 10)
Three talented CDHS students were chosen to perform under the direction of Ms. Toni LeFebvre, showcasing their jazz skills at the district level. L-R: Onyx Kildow, Gracie Garrow, & Anna Prosise


🎼 University of Dubuque Honor Band (Jan. 16)
Eight CDHS students were selected to perform under the direction of Dr. Nolan Hauta—an outstanding honor recognizing their musical excellence. L-R: Mikaylie Miller, Chloe Erskine, Anna Prosise, Emily Sutton, Melanie Miller, Trinity Tague, Marie Klostermann, & Adelynne Meyer

🎺 MAC Conference Honor Band Festival (Jan. 19)
The CDHS Instrumental Program hosted nearly 200 students from seven MAC Conference schools.Guest conductor Mr. Steve Stickney led the 11/12 Honor Band and Mr. Michael Omarzu directed the 9/10 Honor Band.

L-R (9/10): Front row - Isabel Drew, Trinity Tague, Mikaylie Miller, Colby Stoker, Grace Burzlaff, Ella Sunday. Middle Row - Ember Rucker, Kayley Daehler, Izabella Mayer. Back Row - Ruth Whitman, David Burke, Ben Paarmann, Lucas Nelson, Ellie Cagle

L-R (11/12): Front Row - Niya Miller, Melanie Miller, Sophie House, Adelynne Meyer, Audrey Wilke, Katherine Cloos, Marie Klostermann. Middle Row - Luke Pawlowski, Tori Brassard, Adam Wilke, Gabbie Ciriac, Emily Sutton, Anna Prosise. Back Row - Onyx Kildow, Ashlie Oronzio, Gracie Garrow, Alexander Brown, Aiden Costas
These experiences highlight the hard work of our students and the strength of our instrumental music program. Congratulations to Mr. Greubel and all of our musicians for representing Central DeWitt so well—your dedication hits all the right notes! 💜💛🎶
11 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Front Row - Niya Miller, Melanie Miller, Sophie House, Adelynne Meyer, Audrey Wilke, Katherine Cloos, Marie Klostermann. Middle Row - Luke Pawlowski, Tori Brassard, Adam Wilke, Gabbie Ciriac, Emily Sutton, Anna Prosise. Back Row - Onyx Kildow, Ashlie Oronzio, Gracie Garrow, Alexander Brown, Aiden Costas
Front row - Isabel Drew, Trinity Tague, Mikaylie Miller, Colby Stoker, Grace Burzlaff, Ella Sunday. Middle Row - Ember Rucker, Kayley Daehler, Izabella Mayer. Back Row - Ruth Whitman, David Burke, Ben Paarmann, Lucas Nelson, Ellie Cagle
MAC Conference Honor Band rehearsal
MAC Conference Honor Band rehearsal
Onyx Kildow, Gracie Garrow, & Anna Prosise
Alexander Brown, Eva House, Mr. Greubel, Melanie Miller, Emily Sutton, Sophie House, Anna Prosise, Oliva Lopez, Kelton Collins, Gracie Garrow at TUBACHRISTMAS in Dubuque
Mikaylie Miller, Chloe Erskine, Anna Prosise, Emily Sutton, Melanie Miller, Trinity Tague, Marie Klostermann, & Adelynne Meyer at University of Dubuque Honor Band