Central DeWitt FFA members had an outstanding showing at the District FFA Convention held at Cedar Rapids Prairie High School on March 7, sweeping the competition in multiple Leadership Development Events!

🏅 Individual Results:
• Adam Wilke – Ag Broadcasting: 1st Gold, advancing to State
• Kamryn Keester – Ag Sales: 1st Gold, advancing to State
• Taylor Houser – Public Speaking: 1st Gold, advancing to State
• Carlee Garrity – Chapter Website: 1st Gold, advancing to State

In addition, Ruth Whitman and Dalani Beuthien served as voting delegates, helping elect the 2026–2027 District Officer team. Several FFA members also took the discovery, greenhand and chapter knowledge tests!

Congratulations to all of our FFA members for representing Central DeWitt so well! 🎉

These students will compete next at the State FFA Convention in Ames, April 19–21. Best of luck as you prepare for the next level! 💙💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #FFA #CentralDeWittFFA #DistrictFFAConvention #FirstGold #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
about 6 hours ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Carlee Garrity, Adam Wilke, Taylor Houser, Kamryn Keester
Ruth Whitman and Dalani Beuthien
🎉 The total is in! Thanks to the generosity of all who donated or attended the CDHS Student Council Royal Ball last Friday, just over $2,800 was raised for the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

Last Friday, Ekstrand Elementary’s gym was transformed into an enchanting castle as guests enjoyed music, dancing, games, and creative activities such as crown making, castle building, face painting, and a royal photo booth. With the help of 30 dedicated volunteers, the event created a memorable night for everyone who attended!

Great job to the Student Council members, Mrs. Jory, and volunteers who worked so hard to plan and host the event! The Royal Ball was a wonderful success, bringing our community together for a meaningful cause. CDHS Student Council is already looking ahead and making big plans for another great Royal Ball next year! 👑✨

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #EkstrandElementary #RoyalBall #DanceMarathon #SaberService #SaberPride
about 11 hours ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Face painting at the Royal Ball
CDHS Student Council Royal Ball
CDHS Student Council at Royal Ball
Kids building a castle at the Royal Ball
Kids making crowns at the Royal Ball
Girls getting their hair done at the Royal Ball
Face painting at the Royal Ball
Kids enjoying snacks
Kids getting their photo taken in the photo booth
CDHS Student Council Royal Ball
Our CDMS STEM 7 students recently wrapped up an exciting project—designing and building their very own arcade games! 🎮

Through this hands-on project, students applied STEM skills like engineering design, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration as they planned, built, tested, and improved their games.

Yesterday, intermediate students stopped by to play the games, giving our middle school designers a real audience for their work and a chance to see their ideas come to life. What a fun way to showcase learning in action!

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDMS #7thGrade #STEM #ArcadeGames #LearningInAction #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
about 16 hours ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Students playing arcade games built by STEM 7 class
Students playing arcade games built by STEM 7 class
Students playing arcade games built by STEM 7 class
Students playing arcade games built by STEM 7 class
Students playing arcade games built by STEM 7 class
Students playing arcade games built by STEM 7 class
Students playing arcade games built by STEM 7 class
Students playing arcade games built by STEM 7 class
Students playing arcade games built by STEM 7 class
Students playing arcade games built by STEM 7 class
It’s Work With Us Wednesday! Check out this great job opportunity available at Central DeWitt. To apply, visit https://phlaptweb36.applitrack.com/CDCSD/onlineapp/

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #workwithuswednesday #joinoursaberfamily #jobopportunities
1 day ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Work with us Wednesday - Work-Based Learning Coordinator
Parent-Teacher Conferences are here! It’s a great time to connect with your child’s teachers and celebrate the learning and growth happening in our classrooms.

As a reminder, there are a few schedule changes this week:
📅 Thursday, March 12: Early dismissal and no preschool
📅 Friday, March 13: No school

Next week students will head into Spring Break—a well-deserved chance to rest, recharge, and enjoy some time with family and friends. 🌷

We’ll see everyone back at school on Monday, March 23, ready for a strong finish to the school year!

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #ParentTeacherConferences #EarlyOut #NoSchool #HaveAGreatSpringBreak #S
1 day ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Calendar
On Feb.19th, Mrs. Barnes and Mrs. Grantz traveled bright and early to Des Moines with six Central DeWitt students for CTE Day at the Capitol. This important event is where students, educators, and industry partners showcase high-quality Career and Technical Education programs to legislators, highlighting how CTE prepares students for in-demand careers and advocating for continued support.

While at the Capitol, our students were introduced on the Senate floor by Senator Mike Zimmer and received a standing ovation. They also had the opportunity to meet with State Representatives Tom Determan and Norlin Mommsen.

Throughout the day, students explored CTE booths in the Rotunda and networked with other FFA and FCCLA Chapters. They also sat in on a legislative subcommittee meeting, giving them a firsthand look at how a bill moves through the legislative process.

One FCCLA member even had the opportunity to register to vote in front of the Iowa Constitution — a memorable moment highlighting the importance of civic engagement and participating in the democratic process.

What a great a great experience for our students!

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CTE #CareerAndTechnicalEducation #FFA #FCCLA #IowaWorkforce #CTEDay #IowaCapitol #DesMoines #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
1 day ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
FFA and FCCLA students at Capitol
FFA and FCCLA students with Senator Mike Zimmer
Mrs. Barnes and FCCLA students
FFA and FCCLA on Senate floor
FFA and FCCLA students with Norlin Mommsen
FCCLA students standing on library staircase
FFA and FCCLA students with Tom Determen
🎉 What an incredible week we had celebrating Inclusion Week! Our students and staff truly showed what it means to Choose to Include.

The week kicked off with energetic assemblies across the district. At Ekstrand Elementary, the Unified Special Olympics basketball team faced off against the Ekstrand Buddy Leaders in a fun and spirited game. At Central DeWitt Intermediate School, the team took on teachers and staff, bringing plenty of laughs and cheers from the crowd. The excitement continued with a combined Central DeWitt Middle School and High School assembly where the Unified team matched up against the girls JV basketball team.

A highlight at each assembly were the incredible performances by the Unified Special Olympics Dance Teams, who wowed the crowd with their routines. These talented dancers will soon be heading to the Special Olympics State competition, and we wish them the very best!

Midweek, students across the district signed a banner pledging to “Choose to Include,” reinforcing the importance of kindness, acceptance, and belonging for everyone.

Throughout the week, students also participated in dress-up days, coloring contests, and poster contests, all centered around celebrating inclusion.

The week concluded with a parade honoring our athletes and Unified partners, a wonderful way for the school community to recognize the dedication, teamwork, and spirit these students bring to our schools every day.

Thank you to everyone who helped make Inclusion Week such a meaningful celebration. Together, we continue to build a school community where everyone belongs. 💜💛

Check out all the fun: https://youtu.be/5d30T2mX5EU

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #EkstrandElementary #CDIS #CDMS #CDHS #InclusionWeek2026 #ChooseToInclude #InclusionMatters #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding #NationalUnifiedChampionSchools #SpecialOlympics #UnifiedPartners
2 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Inclusion Week
🏆 Congratulations to our February 2026 #SaberSpotlight students! #SaberSpotlight recognizes Central DeWitt students who stand out in the classroom and represent what it means to be a SABER!

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #SaberSpotlight #studentssucceeding #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary
3 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
February 2026 #SaberSpotlight
February 2026 #SaberSpotlight
February 2026 #SaberSpotlight
February 2026 #SaberSpotlight
The Central DeWitt Archery State online store is now open! This is a great opportunity for everyone to grab Central DeWitt Archery gear and show support for the Sabers’ archers as they prepare to compete at the state tournament.

Congratulations to the 66 Central DeWitt archers who will be attending the Iowa NASP State Tournament at the end of March! This is an incredible achievement for the program and a true testament to the hard work and dedication these students have shown throughout the season. We’re proud of you, Sabers! 💜💛

🛒 Order here:
https://stores.teamelitesports.com/central_dewitt_archery/shop/home
⏰ The store closes on March 12.
📦 Order Pickup:
Central DeWitt Intermediate School
March 23 from 6–8 p.m.

Thank you to for supporting the Central DeWitt Archery Club. Your support means so much as these students represent Central DeWitt at the state tournament! 🎯🏹

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #CentralDeWittArcheryClub #StateTournament #StateBound #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
4 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Central DeWitt Archery Club online store
🎓 Meet Anna Prosise, one of our seniors who has a bright future ahead of her! Way to go, Anna!

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
6 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Anna Prosise
🩸 Sign Up to Donate at the NHS Blood Drive! The Central DeWitt High School National Honor Society is hosting a Blood Drive on March 12, 2026, from 2:30–6:30 p.m., and they are looking for donors to help make a life-saving difference.

Every donation helps patients in need, and this is a great way to support a meaningful cause right here in our community. Please consider signing up for a time to donate and help our students make this event a success.

📍 Please note: The location has changed. The blood drive will now be held in the Aux Gym at the high school rather than the cafeteria.

Thank you for supporting our National Honor Society students and helping save lives!

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #NationalHonorSociety #NHS #BloodDrive #SaveLives #SignUpToday #DonateBlood #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
7 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
NHS Blood Drive Flyer

The Blank Summer Institute for the Arts & Sciences (BSI) is an intensive one-week residential summer program at the University of Iowa for our state's most talented 7th- and 8th-grade students nominated by their schools. BSI provides curious and talented students with an intensive educational experience designed to enhance their intellectual and social growth. After a highly competitive application process, 5 of the 6 CDMS students nominated for this program have been accepted. 👏

This summer's BSI participants will include the following Central Middle School students (from left to right): Rachel Burke-Visual Arts, Talia Stroud-Creative Writing, Lauren Webinger-Lab Science, Kenny Marshall-Field Science, and Elijah Blinks-Advanced Math

Congratulations to everyone! Way to represent Saber Nation! 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDMS #BlankSummerInstitute #ArtsAndSciences #7thAnd8thGradeStudents #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

7 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Rachel Burke-Visual Arts, Talia Stroud-Creative Writing, Lauren Webinger-Lab Science, Kenny Marshall-Field Science, and Elijah Blinks-Advanced Math
🍩💜 Treat yourself and support a great cause! 💛🍩 The Central DeWitt After Prom Hurts Donut Fundraiser is back! Every Hurts Dozen for $25 you order helps create a safe, fun, and FREE After Prom night for our juniors and seniors.

📅 Order by March 12 here: https://bit.ly/47dsUVL
📦 Pick up: April 2

Sweet donuts + supporting students = a win-win. Thanks for helping make After Prom unforgettable! ✨

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CentralDeWittAfterProm #Fundraiser #SupportOurStudents #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
8 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
After Prom Hurts Donut Fundraiser
🇺🇸 We are proud to recognize Central DeWitt Middle School ELA Teacher Diana Van Hal, who was honored by the DeWitt American Legion and Auxiliary of Post 238 for her outstanding commitment to patriotism in the classroom.

This meaningful project began when Mrs. Van Hal’s friend reached out asking for letters to be written to members of the Iowa National Guard following the tragic loss of two Iowa soldiers in Syria. Mrs. Van Hal saw this as a great opportunity to teach students the importance of letter writing in ELA, even in an age when technology is relied on so heavily.

After hearing another CDMS teacher, Mr. Machovec, share his positive experience of receiving letters from students while serving in the National Guard, the 8th graders wrote a total of 126 letters to service members. Students worked through the full writing process—drafting, editing, and revising—before hand-writing final copies on decorative paper. Some of the most reluctant writers found the project especially meaningful, knowing their words could make a real difference in a soldier’s life.

The letters were delivered to the Blue Star Mothers of Iowa and included in care packages sent to service members across all branches serving in the Middle East, including members of the Iowa National Guard stationed in Syria.

We are proud of Mrs. Van Hal for creating an authentic learning experience that connected classroom instruction with real-world impact, and proud of our students for showing empathy, patriotism, and a genuine desire to support those serving our country.

What a powerful reminder that classrooms can build both confident learners and compassionate citizens! 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDMS #AmericanLegionAuxiliary #Post238 #Patriotism #LetterWriting #LettersForSoldiers #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
8 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Bridget Miller, Diana Van Hal and Jessica Sunday
‼️ IMPORTANT UPDATES BELOW: The CDHS Student Council invites young princes and princesses to a magical Royal Ball this Friday, March 6, from 5–8 p.m. in the Ekstrand Elementary Gym. This Dance Marathon fundraiser benefits University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital and is especially perfect for Ekstrand students—though all are welcome!

🔔 Before attending, please note these important updates:
➡️ All guests must enter through Door #3
➡️ Parents/guardians must accompany their child for the duration of the event

The castle will come alive with royal fun, including a special appearance by Miss Iowa Teen Fiona Treiber, along with:

👑 Crown making & castle building
🎨 Face painting & glittery hair braiding
🎯 Games, coloring, and more
📸 A royal photo booth
🍿 Snacks fit for royalty
💃 Plenty of dancing

🎟 Admission is $5 and will be PAID AT THE DOOR, with most activities costing $1–$2. Every dollar raised supports children and families served by the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

✨ Please note: While this event is located at Ekstrand Elementary, it is a CDHS Student Council event. For questions, contact CDHS Student Council Advisor Jana Jory at jana.jory@cd-csd.org.

Thank you for supporting this meaningful event that brings students, families, and the school community together for a wonderful cause.

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #EkstrandElementary #RoyalBall #DanceMarathon #SaberService #SaberPride
8 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Royal Ball Flyer
It’s Work With Us Wednesday! Be part of a team that champions academic excellence, outstanding opportunities and an exceptional experience for every student! To apply, visit https://phlaptweb36.applitrack.com/CDCSD/onlineapp/

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #workwithuswednesday #joinoursaberfamily #jobopportunities #preschoolteacher #chidlcaredirector #sabercubscare
8 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Work with us Wednesday - Preschool Teacher and Saber Cubs Care Director
💜💛 Congratulations to our February 2026 District Student of the Month Dalani Beuthien! She is featured in today's edition of The Observer thanks to our friends at First Central State Bank.

Dalani is a student who naturally leads by example. She is known for stepping in when something needs to be done and doing so with confidence, kindness, and a positive attitude. In group settings, she works collaboratively and encourages those around her, helping create an environment where everyone feels supported and motivated.

A dedicated member of FFA, Dalani says her involvement has helped her grow in important ways, including building responsibility, managing her time, developing leadership skills, and becoming a more confident public speaker. These experiences have played a key role in shaping her as both a student and a leader.

Dalani brings energy and enthusiasm into the classroom and takes pride in her academic work, always pushing herself to improve. She is also recognized for her creativity and initiative, especially through her work on the FFA newsletters, where she designs the layout and adds thoughtful, creative elements before each issue is shared.

What truly sets Dalani apart is her genuine happiness in seeing others succeed.

“I like seeing my friends and classmates be successful,” she shared. “I know when I’m successful, it feels really good and I’m proud of myself, so seeing other people experience that makes me happy.”

Dalani’s positive influence, strong work ethic, and commitment to others make her a wonderful SABER role model and a deserving Student of the Month.

#gosabers #cdcsdstudentofthemonth #studentofthemonth #centraldewittcsd #CDHS #firstcentralstatebank #saberssucceeding #saberpride
9 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Dalani Beuthien
🎭 We are incredibly proud of these students for an outstanding showing at District Speech! 15 of 19 events qualified for the Individual State Contest after earning a Division I rating—an amazing accomplishment that reflects their hard work, preparation, and confidence. Congratulations, Sabers! 👏

Next stop: State! The State IE Contest will be held on Saturday, March 14 at Vinton-Shellsburg. Best of luck as you take the stage—we’ll be cheering you on! 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #SaberSpeech #StateBound #StateIEContest #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
9 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Congratulations banner
🏅🛷⛷️🏒At the beginning of February, the 5th-8th grade peer stem class came together and participated in the Winter Olympics challenge, replicating the Olympics that just occurred. Coached by Ms. Smith and Mrs. Jackson, the students competed in bobsledding, skiing, ski-jumping, hockey, and speed-skating.

The soft skills including teamwork, engagement, and rule-following came into play immensely. This activity also promoted global awareness. The students enjoyed participating and it brought joy to those who watched the events. 💜💛

Article by senior Olivia Weber who is the CDCSD Marketing Intern this semester.

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDIS #CDMS #PeerStem #WinterOlympics #GlobalAwareness #ChooseToInclude #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
9 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Peer Stem class doing bobsledding  as part of their recreation of the Winter Olympics
Peer Stem class doing bobsledding  as part of their recreation of the Winter Olympics
Peer Stem class doing speed skating as part of their recreation of the Winter Olympics
Peer Stem class doing speed skating as part of their recreation of the Winter Olympics
Peer Stem class doing bobsledding  as part of their recreation of the Winter Olympics
Peer Stem class doing bobsledding  as part of their recreation of the Winter Olympics
Peer Stem class doing bobsledding  as part of their recreation of the Winter Olympics
Peer Stem class doing bobsledding  as part of their recreation of the Winter Olympics
Peer Stem class playing hockey  as part of their recreation of the Winter Olympics
Peer Stem class play hockey as part of their recreation of the Winter Olympics
🏀💜💛 Good luck to our Central DeWitt Sabers Girls Basketball team and coaches as they compete at the state tournament today in Des Moines!

CDHS was proud to send them off yesterday, and we can’t wait to cheer them on as they take the court and represent Saber Nation with pride, confidence, heart, and determination.

⏰ Tip-off is at 1:30 p.m.
📺 Not heading to Des Moines? Catch all the action live here:
👉 https://www.watchighsau.com/

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #SaberGirlsBasketball #SaberBasketball #StateBound #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
10 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Saber girls basketball team