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










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










#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #EkstrandElementary #PBIS #HotChocolate #CentralDeWittPTO #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding








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

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










🏅 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



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

✨ 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! 💜💛🎶






➡ February 4 | 5:30 p.m. | Boardroom
Board Work Session with Piper Sandler, DLR Group, & Denovo Construction
The purpose of this work session is to review and discuss phasing options related to the District’s long-range facilities plan.
This session is a Board work session, conducted in public but not intended as a public discussion. Community members are welcome to observe and may submit written questions for consideration as the Board prepares for its next meeting. Direct participation during the session will not be available.
➡ February 11 | 6:00 p.m. | Boardroom
Community Forum
The community is invited to learn about the proposed long-range facilities plan, ask questions, and provide input.
Important decisions are ahead, and this work represents a valuable opportunity to thoughtfully plan for the future of our schools! Join us to see the plans, ask questions, see how tax dollars and other resources are being invested, and help create inspiring learning spaces. Input from both meetings will help inform the Board’s work as it prepares to consider approval of the long-range facilities plan in April.
Materials from the Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee are currently available on the District’s website for those who would like to review the work completed to date. Visit https://www.cd-csd.org/page/facility-planning
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #LongRangeFacilityPlanning #FacilityPlanning #ShapingTheFuture #PlanningForTheFuture #OurSchoolsOurFuture #CommunityEngagement #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

The Senior Spotlight is created by CDHS AmeriCorps Student Leaders Niya Miller and Zoey Fuglsang. In this role, they serve as a resource for their peers in planning and preparing for post-secondary options. They help with scholarships, college applications, FAFSA, work-based learning opportunities, and more.
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #seniorspotlight #ClassOf2026 #americorpsstudentleaders #careerandcollegeready #postsecondaryoptions #saberssucceeding

This year, schools in 44 states, Washington, D.C., and six countries nominated 456 student magazines. Magazines from middle school, high school, and higher education were welcomed for the 2025 contest. 135 magazines were awarded the contest’s highest distinction, REALM First Class.
Congratulations to Mrs. Mercado, the 2024-25 Scribbler staff, and all the amazing writers who shared their creative work! We’re proud of you all!
Check out the The Scribbler at https://www.cdhsscribbler.com/
For more information on the REALM contest, please visit the NCTE REALM website: https://ncte.org/awards/realm-awards/
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #TheScribbler #CDHSTheScribbler #REALM #NCTE #REALMFirstClassAward #REALMRecipient #SaberWriters #AcademicExcellence #OutstandingOpportunities #AnExceptionalExperience#SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

✅ Saber Cubs Care provides dependable care in a familiar environment with caring staff who understand kids—and school.
✅ On virtual learning days, students receive help with schoolwork and routines.
✅ Our Saber Cubs enjoy a fun, kid-centric space with a mix of structured activities and free play, along with access to the gym and playground for plenty of room to move and explore.
✅ Best of all, it’s offered at very affordable rates, with Child Care Assistance available for qualifying families, helping make quality care accessible to all (Fees: https://bit.ly/4rmHa6u).
Saber Cubs Care offers before- and after-school care, early-out care, and all-day preschool care on Fridays during the school year. During the summer, care is available Monday–Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
💡 Did you know? Families can sign their child up for Saber Cubs Care only on scheduled non-school days or when school is cancelled due to weather or other reasons. Even if your child doesn’t attend SCC regularly, being registered gives you a reliable option when schedules change. If you think you may ever need care on snow days or non-school days, registering during February 2 enrollment helps ensure SCC is part of your plan when it matters most.
If you want peace of mind when schedules shift, Saber Cubs Care is ready. Registration opens at 8 a.m. on February 2 for summer 2026 and the 2026–2027 school year. The link will be available on our social media channels and website.
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.
We can’t wait to welcome your Saber Cubs! 🐾💜💛
For more information visit https://www.cd-csd.org/o/cdcsd/page/saber-cubs-care or contact Saber Cubs Care Director Sarah Penniston at sarah.penniston@cd-csd.org or (563) 659-4711.
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #SaberCubsCare #EkstrandElementary #SCC #Registration #SaberCubsCareRegistration #EnrollFebruary2 #SaberPride #ChildCare #CaringForYourCubs

💜 WHO CAN BE NOMINATED?
• Any full-time or part-time Central DeWitt employee
• Employees may be selected once per school year
• Staff members not chosen for the Employee of the Month are recognized as Saber Superstars throughout the year
📣 HOW TO NOMINATE:
Please submit your nomination using the form linked below:
https://forms.gle/ksRVLaYC6XBXkAbw7
🗓 Nomination deadline: Monday, Feb. 2nd
Your nomination helps ensure the important work of our staff does not go unnoticed. Thank you for taking the time to recognize the people who make Central DeWitt a supportive and successful place to learn and grow.
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #employeeofthemonth #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #nominateanemployee #SaberPride #SaberSpirit #SabersSucceeding

Do you have a child who will be starting kindergarten next year? If you haven’t already, now is the time to pre-register! Families can easily pre-register by visiting our website and clicking the pre-registration link under the “Kindergarten” tab here:
👉 https://www.cd-csd.org/page/registration
Once the pre-registration form is submitted, you’ll receive a mailed packet with next steps. Completing this form helps us prepare to welcome your child to Ekstrand Elementary and plan for a great year ahead!
✨ Please note:
• Children must be five years old on or before September 15, 2025, to be eligible for kindergarten.
• You will still need to officially register your kindergartener through Infinite Campus when regular registration opens in April.
We can’t wait to welcome the Class of 2039! 💜💛
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #ekstrandelementary #kindergartenpreregistration #cdcsdkindergartenregistration #kindergartenroundup #futuresabers #classof2039

The first day of the 2026–2027 school year will be Monday, August 24, 2026, and the last day will be an early out on Friday, May 28, 2027. Please note that the last day of school may be adjusted if weather-related or other school cancellations occur during the year.
Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, Central DeWitt schools will transition from a semester system to a trimester system. At a basic level, this change is about how the school year is divided for grading and reporting purposes. Instead of two long grading periods, the year will be divided into three shorter ones.
This shift is an advantage for students and families, as it allows for more frequent check-ins and updates on student progress. Students will receive feedback and grades more often, helping families better understand how learning is going and respond sooner when support or enrichment is needed.
While this change applies district-wide, the impact will be most noticeable at the middle and high school levels. Moving to a trimester schedule allows us to be more intentional in how learning time is used. With fewer classes at a time, students can engage more deeply in their coursework, build stronger relationships with teachers, and experience clearer expectations. Trimesters also provide greater flexibility to offer a broad range of courses, respond more quickly to student needs through intervention or acceleration, and better align schedules across the secondary level—helping us maximize instructional time and support student success.
We’re proud of the work happening across our schools and excited for what’s ahead as we prepare for another great start in August!
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #schoolcalendar #districtcalendar #SchoolCalendar20262027 #saberpride #saberssucceeding

• 6th Grade: Ryleigh Spain, Anna Galloway, Kinnick Olsen, Lily Soenksen, Eloise Ohnemus, and Jonathan Stroud
• 7th Grade: Harper Petersen
• 8th Grade: Aiden Paysen
Way to go! 👏🎵
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDMS #MiddleSchoolBand #CDIS #IntermediateSchoolBand #HonorBand #MarionJuniorHonorBand #SaberMusicians #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding



When a famous mystery author dies, his highly dysfunctional family gathers for the reading of the will—only to discover his fortune has been hidden in a single mysterious object. Whoever finds it first wins it all! Add ghost hunters, a nosy news crew, stranded tourists, and plenty of chaos, and you’ve got a madcap mystery where everyone is part of the madness.
📅 February 6 & 7
⏰ 6:30 p.m.
📍 Central DeWitt Performing Arts Center
🎟️ Admission: Donations accepted at the door
Save the date and come support our amazing CDMS performers in a show packed with comedy, surprises, and over-the-top fun! 🎬🎉
It's a Madhouse! is written by Todd Wallinger and produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Denver, Colorado
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDMS #CDMSPlay #ItsAMadhouse #CDMSDrama #CDPAC #SaberPride #SaberSucceeding

The Senior Spotlight is created by CDHS AmeriCorps Student Leaders Niya Miller and Zoey Fuglsang. In this role, they serve as a resource for their peers in planning and preparing for post-secondary options. They help with scholarships, college applications, FAFSA, work-based learning opportunities, and more.
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #seniorspotlight #ClassOf2026 #americorpsstudentleaders #careerandcollegeready #postsecondaryoptions #saberssucceeding

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #VirtualSchoolDay

Just like Michelangelo painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, students challenged themselves to create art from a whole new perspective. Working upside down gave them a deeper appreciation for the skill, patience, and creativity behind one of the most famous works of art in history.
Art is about imagination, perseverance—and sometimes a little neck strain 😄 Who knew a Sistine Chapel–style experience could happen right under our desks?
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDIS #5thgrade #SistineChapel #Michelangelo #Renaissance #creativelearning #handsonlearning #learningisfun #saberpride #saberssucceeding










