Central DeWitt School District -

Today we honor our beloved teacher, colleague, and friend, Trisha Brookins, as we say goodbye following her passing.

For 18 years, Mrs. Brookins taught science at Central DeWitt Middle School, leaving a lasting legacy in the more than 2,000 students she impacted, as well as in the colleagues she supported, collaborated with, and inspired.

We have created a video featuring the kind words, memories, and reflections shared by students, families, colleagues, and community members. These messages reflect the many ways Mrs. Brookins showed up each day—with care for her students, dedication to her classroom, and steady support for those around her. Please watch here: https://youtu.be/WSSn6zr5Ib8

Today and always, we remember Trisha with gratitude. Our thoughts continue to be with her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Happy Administrative Professionals Day! What don’t these incredible individuals do? From managing daily office operations and keeping schedules on track to supporting staff, students, and families, they have all the answers and are the backbone of our buildings. They handle communication, solve problems on the fly, and keep everything running smoothly—often before anyone even realizes something is needed.

A special thank you to Angie Herington, Allison Swanson, Tricia Crank, Renee Meier, Rachel Grager, Becky Green, and Laura Meyer, along with our business office team members HR/Payroll Specialist Kehly Kennedy Ivory and Netty Schneider in Accounts Payable/District Support for always going above and beyond!

Your dedication and ability to handle the unexpected with grace make a difference every single day. We appreciate you! 💜💛

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #luckytohaveyou #weloveouradministrativeprofessionals #youarethebest #AdministrativeProfessionalsDay #saberpride #ThankYou

🇱🇷History came to life in kindergarten last week! As part of their Colonial Unit, students dressed the part and proudly shared presentations on colonial trades including cobblers, bakers, tailors, hatters, carpenters, masons, and bricklayers. They presented to parents and fellow students, showing off all they’ve learned!

That same day, Mrs. Petersen’s class also welcomed Ag in the Classroom instructor Jenna Stevens for a hands-on connection to their unit. Students explored George Washington’s role as a farmer, learning about the crops he grew, like corn and wheat.

To top it off, they sampled a colonial favorite, “Johnny Cakes” (cornbread muffins in their case!), known to be one of George Washington‘s favorites! 🌽

Such a fun and meaningful day of learning! To see more photos, visit our Facebook page.

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #EkstrandElementary #Kindergarten #ColonialUnit #ColonialTradesPresentations #LearningIsFun #HandsOnLearning #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

🎨 Congratulations to the CDHS Saber Artists with artwork on display at the First Central Art Gallery at the DeWitt Operahouse Theatre! The show will be up for the next couple of weeks so be sure to stop in anytime the theatre is open to support these talented students.

We are proud to recognize Taylor Feuss*, Lily Pauly*, Avery Seifert*, Cal Kueter*, Benson Blanchard*, Braydan Davis*, Ella Goodall*, Pat Newkirk*, Audri Guldner*, Jacob Risden*, Marissa Fee, Hope Olson, Seth Cummins, Gracie Green, Asher Haedike, Shay Lopez, Liv Gregoire, Jaxyn Dingbaum, Delaney Jacobsen, Liam Kinrade, Bella Houston, Kylie Lake, Amelia Griffin, Aubrey Harris, Lawson Perrone, Julian Coates, Colton Penniston, Brady Meier, Grace English, Paisley Rathje, Lillian Rouse, Camilia Reyna, Brianna Campbell, Sarah Peters, Peyton Goddard, Emeri Ralston, Blake Kent, Skylar Raymond, Jack Burken, JJ Vanderginst, Colby Stoker, and Hudson Orris.

We are love seeing the creativity and dedication of our Saber Artists—keep up the amazing work! 💜💛

*Students with multiple works selected

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #SaberArtists #StudentArtists #FirstCentralArtGallery #DeWittOperahouseTheatre #SupportTheArts #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

🎥 Watch our students make their entrance in style tonight at 5 p.m. during the CDHS Prom Grand March. If you can’t make it in person, you can still catch every moment from wherever you are!

📺 Tune in live: https://youtube.com/live/HvBPZ-xWMi8?feature=share

Join us in celebrating this special tradition—near or far!

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #grandmarch #cdhsgrandmarch #Prom2026 #CDHSProm2026

We are proud to recognize Kenzie Riedesel, School Health & Nursing Assistant at Ekstrand Elementary, as our February Employee of the Month! Kenzie consistently goes above and beyond, creating a safe, supportive, and caring environment for everyone who walks through the doors at Ekstrand.

For students, Kenzie is a trusted and comforting presence. Whether it’s providing a bandage, an ice pack, medication, a change of clothes, an allergy-friendly snack, or simply a reassuring hug, she meets each child’s needs with compassion and care. Her ability to make students feel seen, heard, and supported is truly invaluable.

Kenzie’s impact extends just as meaningfully to staff. She is always willing to lend a helping hand—whether that’s checking a staff member’s blood pressure, offering health guidance, or simply being a listening ear during a busy day. Her kindness and approachability make her a go-to resource for many.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Kenzie’s work is the thoughtful attention she gives to students returning after medical procedures. She takes the time to connect with families, ensuring she fully understands each child’s needs before they return to school. Kenzie then communicates those details with office staff, classroom teachers, and associates, helping ensure a smooth, safe, and supportive transition for every student.

Kenzie’s dedication, attention to detail, and genuine care for others do not go unnoticed. She embodies what it means to serve a school community with heart and professionalism.

Congratulations, Kenzie, and thank you for the incredible difference you make at Ekstrand Elementary and across our district every single day! 💜💛

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdcsdemployeeofthemonth #employeeofthemonth #february2026employeeofthemonth #saberssucceeding #sabersuperstar