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

📅 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

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

🔔 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

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #workwithuswednesday #joinoursaberfamily #jobopportunities #preschoolteacher #chidlcaredirector #sabercubscare

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

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

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
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

A win tonight sends the Sabers to STATE! The stakes couldn’t be higher, and they need every ounce of purple and gold support. If you can’t be there in person, you can still cheer them on from wherever you are by tuning in here:
👉 https://team1sports.com/highschool/ia/?S=solonspartans
💜💛 Go Sabers! 💛💜

The day was filled with creativity, curiosity, and meaningful historical learning. Thank you to our teachers for creating an engaging experience that truly brought history to life for our students! 💜💛
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDIS #FourthGrade #AmericanRevolution #AmericanRevolutionDay #HandsOnLearning #ExperiencingHistory #Creativity #Curiosity #LearningIsFun #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding










The celebration wraps up with the Royal Ball Dance Marathon Fundraiser, an enchanting evening benefiting University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital. While the event is especially magical for Ekstrand students, all are welcome—so spread the word far and wide! The castle will come alive with special guest Miss Iowa Teen Fiona Treiber, along with dancing, games, creative activities, and snacks fit for royalty.
ROYAL BALL
📅 Friday, March 6, from 5–8 p.m.
📍Ekstrand Elementary Gym
🎟 Admission is $5, with most activities just $1–$2—and every dollar raised supports Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
Can’t attend? You can still donate by scanning the QR code or visiting:
👉 https://events.dancemarathon.com/centraldewitt26/donate
We’re proud of our CDHS Student Council for leading with kindness and making a difference across our school community. 💜💛
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #EkstrandElementary #RoyalBall #DanceMarathon #UniversityOfIowaSteadFamilyChildrensHospital #KindnessWeek #Inclusion #Positivity #Connection #SaberService #SaberPride


Check out all the great breakfast options we offer here: https://menus.healthepro.com/
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #NationalSchoolBreakfastWeek #NSBW2026 #TheQuestForSchoolBreakfast #StartTheDayRight #EatSchoolBreakfast #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

The team was led by senior captain Caleb Gilmour, alongside seniors Dom Candelaria, Diedrick Chance, Aiden Costas, Avery Kitchen, Jaxon Martin, and Jeremiah Shadle, with juniors Emily Sons and Griffin Reed rounding out the roster.
We’re proud of how you represented Saber Nation with your skill and determination! 💜💛
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDHSEsports #SaberEsports #EsportsStateTournament #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding



As part of the experience, students met with Mrs. Linda Jacobsen, a local food truck owner, who shared valuable insight into what it takes to start and run a food truck business. She spoke candidly about the rewards and challenges of entrepreneurship, what customers look for, and the items her family’s truck, The Hutt, offers.
To wrap up the project, students will design a display and present their food truck concepts to their peers. There is even hope of featuring one of their menu items so classmates can truly experience what their food truck has to offer! This hands-on, real-world learning opportunity is such a cool experience for our students, bringing creativity, collaboration, and practical skills together in an unforgettable way.
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDIS #5thGrade #ProjectBasedLearning #FoodTruck #Entrepreneurship #Collaboration #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
5th Grade:
• Case Knepper
• Oliver Schweitzer
6th Grade:
• Brooklynn Pettitt
• Brayden Lancaster
• Graham Feldpausch
• Levi Kinrade
CDIS talent was on full display and it was an amazing performance all around! Way to go, Sabers! 👏🎵
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdis #cdisband #youngmusicianshonorband #saberssucceeding #saberpride #sabermusicians


During National School Breakfast Week, our nutrition staff is ready to serve up a nutritious breakfast fit for royalty as our students embark on “The Quest for School Breakfast.” There will be extra fun in the mornings with games at breakfast and chances to win prizes! At Ekstrand, there will even be special grand prizes for those who join us for breakfast all week long.
During Inclusion Week, our focus will be on respect and celebrating what makes each of us unique. Students will take part in a variety of activities throughout the week, including school-wide celebrations, visual displays, interactive opportunities, and spirit-filled moments like dress-up days and special recognitions—all designed to highlight the importance of inclusion and kindness in our schools.
Adding to the week’s celebrations, CDHS Student Council will also be promoting Kindness Week, leading a variety of activities throughout the district that encourage compassion, positivity, and making a difference in the lives of others.
Read Across America Week will round out the celebration by shining a spotlight on reading and literacy, encouraging students to enjoy books and build a lifelong love of learning.
It’s shaping up to be a fun, meaningful week of connection, celebration, and school pride across Central DeWitt. We can’t wait to see our students enjoying every moment! 💜💛
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #NationalSchoolBreakfastWeek #InclusionWeek #ReadAcrossAmericaWeek #SaberCelebrations #ChooseToInclude #StartWithSchoolBreakfast #DrSeuss #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding


Now it’s your chance to shine a light on someone who has made a difference—big or small—in your world or in our schools.
💜 WHO CAN BE NOMINATED?
• Any full-time or part-time Central DeWitt employee
• Employees may receive this honor once per school year
• Those not selected for the monthly spotlight will still be celebrated as Saber Superstars throughout the year!
📣 HOW TO NOMINATE:
Submit your nomination here: https://forms.gle/ksRVLaYC6XBXkAbw7
🗓 Nomination Deadline: Wednesday, March 4th
Your nomination matters. One thoughtful story can brighten someone’s week, acknowledge their impact, and remind them why their work is so important.
Thank you for helping us recognize the people who make Central DeWitt such a special place to learn and grow!
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #employeeofthemonth #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #nominateanemployee #SaberPride #SaberSpirit #SabersSucceeding

Whether you’re cheering from the stands or around the community, your support makes a difference. Don’t miss your chance to grab official Saber apparel and rep our athletes with pride.
🛒 Store closes March 5 — order now!
👉 https://www.teamelitesports.com/centraldewitt.html
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #trackandfield #onlinestore #supportoursabers #saberpride

👏 Best of luck to Wyatt Jensen (manager), Avery Kitchen, Jeremiah Shadle, Griffin Reed, Diedrick Chance, Jaxon Martin, Dom Candelaria, Emily Sons, Caleb Gilmour, and Aiden Costas as they represent Central DeWitt on the state stage!
See it in person:
📍 Orpheum Theater – 220 E Main St, Marshalltown, IA
📞 (641) 352-7303
📺 Can’t make it to Marshalltown? No worries—catch all the action live: https://www.youtube.com/@iahsea
Let’s go, Sabers! Make some noise and show them what we’re made of! 💜💛
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDHSEsports #SaberEsports #StateBound #EsportsStateTournament #1 #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding #LetsGoSabers

