Central DeWitt School District -

🏴‍☠️ It was an action-packed day at CDIS on Wednesday as fourth grade celebrated the end of their Treasure Island unit.

Students donned their best pirate gear while they crafted “wanted” posters, spun original adventure tales, and set off on a school-wide treasure hunt in search of hidden clues and buried loot. The day was full swashbuckling fun, transforming their learning into an adventure!

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdis #4thgrade #CDIS4thgrade #TreasureIslandDay #TreasureHunt #4thGradeAdventures #LearningIsFun #EndofUnitCelebration #saberpride #saberssucceeding

We invite you to join this meaningful effort on May 14 in support of the Brookins family. 💜

Original message from Central DeWitt Sabers Cross Country Facebook post:

“As many of you are aware, the Central DeWitt Community School District recently lost a valued colleague, teacher, and friend in Trisha Brookins. Her four children are all a part of the Holy Family school system in Dubuque, including her son, Jayden, who is a senior at Wahlert. He is also a part of Wahlert's track and cross country programs.

The Central DeWitt Track and Field Teams along with the Wahlert Track and Field Teams have been working together on an effort to show support to the Brookins Family at the State Qualifying Meet, hosted here at CDHS, on Thursday, May 14.

Jayden will be in attendance that night along with his team and family. The idea is for each team, its coaches, and as many people attending as possible to wear a common shirt in memory of Mrs. Brookins. We are hoping to show a meaningful display of support through this unified effort.

Please consider purchasing a shirt, and attending the state qualifying meet on May 14. Also please share the link to the store in any way you can!

The store will close on TUESDAY, MAY 5 at NOON (the website is a little confusing on closing date). If you select Central DeWitt HS as your delivery location you will receive free shipping. We will let you know when items arrive at the school, and available for pickup.

All proceeds from the sales of these shirts will be used as a donation to the Brookins Family.

Also, a special shoutout to our very own CDMS art teacher, Alexandria Naughton, for creating the shirt design!

Thank you for your support in this unified effort!”

Shirts can be purchased here: https://1800tshirts.chipply.com/brookinsmemorialtee/?action=viewall

#StrongerTogether #LLTB

🎶 The Central DeWitt High School Concert Band Pride will present its final full concert of the year on Sunday, May 3 at 7 PM at the Central DeWitt Performing Arts Center.

The evening will feature a diverse program, including “Procession of the Nobles,” the Irish folk-inspired “Foggy Dew,” and “Elements (Petite Symphony)”—a four-movement work they will perform at Large Group Contest the following week. Additional selections include “Bamboo Warrior” and the traditional John Philip Sousa march “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” featuring a 🌟 special guest conductor! 🌟

🎉 During the concert, 24 senior band members will be recognized, along with a celebration of the many accomplishments of all band students throughout the year.

➡️ A silent auction will also be held, featuring unique items such as student-designed drum heads, a trumpet lamp and a flute lamp, with proceeds supporting the band program.

All students, families, and community members are invited to attend and enjoy a fantastic evening of music and celebration!

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDHSBand #BandConcert #SilentAuction #GuestConductor #SaberMuscisians #SupportOurSabers #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

Happy School Principals’ Day! Help us celebrate the incredible leaders who keep our schools running strong—our principals!

From early mornings to late nights, they are problem-solvers, cheerleaders, mentors, and role models for both students and staff. Their leadership shapes school culture, supports student success, and ensures every day is a great day to learn, grow and be a SABER!

Thank you to our principals for your dedication, your vision, and the countless ways you make a difference behind the scenes and in the spotlight. Our schools are better because of you! 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #WeLoveOurPrincipals #SchoolPrincipalsDay #ThankAPrincipal #SchoolLeadership #MakingADifference #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

🍎🥪 Happy School Lunch Hero Day! 🥛🍕 Did you know our Nutrition Services team prepares and serves more than 273,000 meals to Central DeWitt students, staff, and guests each school year? That number alone is impressive—but it only scratches the surface of the impact they have on our schools.

Just like our educators, their work is essential to student success. A well-fed student is better able to focus, learn, and fully engage in the classroom. Our Nutrition Services team plays a vital role in supporting the whole child—fueling not only bodies, but also creating welcoming spaces where students feel cared for and valued each day.

From early mornings to the final lunch bell, their consistency, kindness, and dedication help set the tone for a positive school experience.

Today, we proudly recognize and thank our incredible Nutrition Services team:
Beth Benhart, Rebecca Berner, Bobbi Boeding, Jessica Brink, Debbie Diercks, Stacy Hardison, Bobbie Hemesath, Angela Henningsen, Rachel Kaczinski, Marita Kagemann, Elizabeth King, Tricia Kitchen, Angela Koranda, Larissa Krukow, Roxanne Kueter, Dawn Marcus, Sharon Martin, Mary McCoy, Shelley McGarry, Amber Meek, Tiffany Metcalf, Jennifer Poell, Leslie Roling, Dede Wagener, and Julie Wisco.

Thank you for all you do for our students and our district—you truly make a difference every single day! 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #CentralDeWittNutritionServices #SchoolLunchHeroDay #FuelingSuccess #ThankYou #SaberPride

🎓 Senior Decision Day is a special opportunity to recognize our graduating seniors and celebrate the exciting paths they’ve chosen for their future!

Yesterday. each student was acknowledged for their postsecondary plans—whether that includes a university, college, trade school, military service, apprenticeship, entering the workforce or still exploring their options. We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2026 and all that lies ahead for them!

We did experience some technical difficulties with the livestream during the event, but you can watch the full celebration here: https://www.youtube.com/live/dE6Ny1PmPmA?si=WOLz3Qjz4yqGd3Z4

And, to see more photos please visit our Facebook Page!

Great job to AmeriCorps Student Leaders Zoey Fuglsang and Niya Miller who helped organize and host this fantastic event!

Congratulations Class of 2026!

COMMUNITY COLLEGES & TECHNICAL SCHOOLS
• Kirkwood Community College – Lucas Burken, Briana Clark, Kelton Collins
• Illinois Central College – Caden Bernauer
• Capri College – Emma Pena
• Iowa Central Community College – Noah Sunday
• College of DuPage – Mariasia Hardy
• Southwest Wisconsin Technical College – Cael McCaulley
• Joliet Junior College – Kyle Deppe

EASTERN IOWA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (EICC)
• Clinton Campus – Susannah Cox, Olivia Lopez, Ixaya Vital, Amelia Griffin, Jhett Kildow, Kazmir Senneff, Mallory McMahon, Caleb Gilmour, Keyone Taylor, Sophia Hovey
• Bettendorf Campus – Nazahra Gambleton, Addison Porter, Olivia Weber, Ryder Peel, James Woolard, Zoey Rooks, Jayden Springsteen, Addison Cronk, Reagan Lange, Michael Ransford
• Muscatine Campus – Dalani Beuthien, Avery Heilig

4-YEAR COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES (IOWA)
• Iowa State University – Kalli Barber, Kinley Birt, Molly Burken, Jack Butler, Camila Reyna, Abe Vickers, Lily Pauly, Emily Sutton
• University of Northern Iowa – Chloe Erskine, Megan Schladetsky, Brynlee Shimp, Ryan Zidarich
• University of Iowa – Maddie Adams, Noah Ericksen, Hailey Gerard, Addison Walls, Sophie House, Niya Miller, Kerrigan Jefford, Landon Paasch, Landre Ruggeberg, Jordan Smith, Brooklyn Quick, Ben Uttech, Aiden Costas

PRIVATE COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES (IOWA)
• Loras College – Clara LeConte
• Clarke University – Tori Brassard, Brooke Crank
• Simpson College – Alexander Brown
• Wartburg College – Adam Wilke
• St. Ambrose University – Avery Kitchen, Diedrick Chance, Ashlie Oronzio, Lucas Johnston, Avery Owens
• University of Dubuque – Brady Meadows, Micheal Palmer
• Grandview University – Hudson Krukow

OUT-OF-STATE COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
• Augustana College (IL) – Audrey Wilke
• University of Missouri–St. Louis – Anna Prosise
• Concordia University–St. Paul – Zoey Fuglsang
• Brigham Young University–Idaho – Lacey Stoker
• Belmont Abbey College (NC) – Jerald Coates
• Truman State University (MO) – Eli Dimmick, Ava Putman
• University of Nebraska–Lincoln – Max Froeschle, Ashton Schneider
• Mississippi State University – Lawson Perrone
• Kansas State University – Kamryn Keester
• Western Illinois University – Nile Hootman
• University of Wisconsin–Platteville – Taylor Houser

TRADES / APPRENTICESHIPS
• Peyton Heileman, Jacob Risden, Colton Penniston, Ty Henningsen, Justin Raymond

WORKFORCE
• Payton Kaczinski, Cal Kueter, Miles Doherty, Kaidric Ayers, Sam Lueth

MILITARY
• Jaxon Martin, Connor Viel

UNDECIDED
• Wyatt Hoffman, John Pawlowski, Benson Blanchard, Jeremiah Shadle, Christian Long, Dominic Candelaria, Avery Evans, Emma Arnold

EARLY GRADUATES
• Paisley Kitchen, Kody Schutterle, Jerald Griffin, Ayden McManus, Peyton Heileman

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #ClassOf2026 #SeniorDecisionDay

A big thank you to Ed Morse Chevrolet GMC DeWitt for their generous support of the Central DeWitt High School Band program! 🎶

Our Jazz One Ensemble had the opportunity to perform at their recent car show, and thanks to their generosity, the proceeds from that event have been donated right back to support our student musicians.

We are so grateful for community partners like Ed Morse Chevy who invest in our students and help keep the music playing! 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS # #SaberPride #SupportingOurStudents #CDHSBand #CommunityStrong #WeLoveOurCommunity #EdMorseDeWitt #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

Big congratulations to Central DeWitt High School senior Anna Prosise! 🎓

Anna was selected as CDHS’s recipient for the Iowa Governor’s Scholar Program, an honor recognizing Iowa’s top academic students. Each year, schools across the state choose one senior who represents the highest level of academic achievement—and Anna has certainly earned that distinction.

She was recognized at a special ceremony held in Des Moines on Sunday, April 26, where honorees received a commemorative certificate and photo plaque celebrating their accomplishments.

We’re incredibly proud of Anna and all she has achieved—her hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence truly represent the best of Central DeWitt! 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #SaberPride #AcademicExcellence #IowaGovernorsScholarAward #ClassOf2026 #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

📣 This is your LAST CHANCE this school year to recognize the incredible people who make Central DeWitt such a special place!

‼️ We are now accepting nominations for BOTH APRIL AND MAY Employee of the Month, and we encourage you to take a moment to highlight a staff member who has made a difference—big or small.

Our employees go above and beyond every day—supporting students, lifting up colleagues, and creating positive, engaging learning environments across our district. Let’s make sure their impact is recognized!

💜 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 will still be recognized as Saber Superstars throughout the year

📣 HOW TO NOMINATE:
Submit your nomination here: https://forms.gle/ksRVLaYC6XBXkAbw7

🗓 Nomination Deadline: Monday, May 4th

Your nomination truly matters. A few thoughtful words can go a long way in celebrating someone’s hard work and dedication.

Thank you for helping us honor the people who make Central DeWitt shine!

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #employeeofthemonth #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #nominateanemployee #SaberPride #SaberSpirit #SabersSucceeding

Earlier this month, our Special Olympic athletes had a great time competing in the area track meet held at North Scott! We are so proud of our athletes who stepped up, gave it their all, and supported one another along the way. What an incredible day for our Central DeWitt Unified Special Olympic team! 👏

🥇 FIRST PLACE FINISHES
Mario Anderson – 100m, Shot Put
Kayleb Goldensoph – 100m, Running Long Jump
Amya Gooch-Sims – Shot Put
Ayana Gooch-Sims – Shot Put
Adam Harney – 100m, Softball Throw
Sawyer Kauffman – Standing Long Jump
Cole Michaelsen – Running Long Jump
Marlee Michaelsen – 25m Walk, Softball Throw
Joslynn Mulholland – 50m, Standing Long Jump
Erik Nicholas – Softball Throw
Lakota Raymond – 50m, Running Long Jump
Skyler Raymond – Running Long Jump
Nyna Sechrest – 50m, Standing Long Jump
Christopher Shenker – 100m, Shot Put
Ryland Taylor – Shot Put
Sofiia Zakharchenko – 50m

🥈 SECOND PLACE FINISHES
Gage Heston – 100m, Shot Put
Cole Michaelsen – 50m
Elliot Mink – 50m, Standing Long Jump
Skyler Raymond – 100m
Tatiana Raymond – 100m
Ryland Taylor – 100m
Sofiia Zakharchenko – Softball Throw

🥉 OTHER TOP FINISHES
Sawyer Kauffman – 50m (3rd)
Jack Burken – 100m, Softball Throw (4th)

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #ChooseToInclude #UnifiedSports #SpecialOlympics #CentralDeWittUnifiedSpecialOlympics #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

The Central DeWitt FFA Greenhouse is officially OPENING its doors on Thursday, April 30 from 3–5 PM! Come shop a HUGE variety of plants grown right here by our talented students. 🌼🌿

📍 Located behind the home football bleachers
🚗 Parking available in the tennis court lot or near the greenhouse

From flowers to vegetables, there’s something for everyone—perfect for sprucing up your home or garden this spring!

🌟 Be sure to check out the Central DeWitt FFA Facebook page for some awesome student-created promo videos showcasing just a few of the items available!

#CentralDeWittCSD #GoSabers #CDHS #CentralDeWittFFA #FFA #CDHS #HorticultureStudents #GrowingAndLearning #FFABoostersPlantSale #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

Central DeWitt Middle School Student Leadership team has created a t-shirt design in memory of their science teacher Mrs. Brookins. This initiative is meant to give students and the community a way to show their support for the Brookins family during this difficult time.

All proceeds from the online store will be donated directly to the Brookins family. The store will remain open through May 5th, and orders are expected to arrive around May 22nd.

Order here: https://stores.teamelitesports.com/central_dewitt_brookins/shop/home

Thank you for helping CDMS honor Mrs. Brookins and support her family. 💜

💜💛 Congratulations to our April 2026 District Student of the Month Dejah Ringo! She is featured in today's edition of The Observer thanks to our friends at First Central State Bank.

We are proud to recognize preschool student Dejah Ringo as the District Student of the Month!

Dejah is a kind and caring student who consistently shows respect and compassion toward others. She brings a positive spirit to the classroom each day and is always ready to lend a helping hand to her classmates and teachers. Her supportive attitude helps create a welcoming and encouraging environment for everyone around her.

Dejah’s kind heart shines through in her own words. When asked what it means to be a good friend, she shared, “Be kind, respectful, and don’t be rude.”

Dejah is also a student of strong character. She demonstrates honesty and takes responsibility for her actions. When challenges arise, Dejah approaches them with patience and understanding, often helping her friends work through difficult situations with kindness and maturity beyond her years.

Looking ahead, Dejah hopes to become “a helper and a mom”—a perfect reflection of the caring and compassionate person she already is.

Her thoughtful nature, integrity, and willingness to help others make her a wonderful role model for her peers. We are proud of you, Dejah, and all the great things you bring to your classroom each day!

#gosabers #cdcsdstudentofthemonth #centraldewittcsd #ekstrandelementary #firstcentralstatebank #studentofthemonth #sabepride #saberssucceeding

Make a difference at Central DeWitt Intermediate School! Whether you’re a Student Support Specialist or Special Education Teacher, you’ll work alongside passionate, supportive educators who are dedicated to helping every student thrive.

Come be part of something special. To apply, visit https://phlaptweb36.applitrack.com/CDCSD/onlineapp/

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #workwithuswednesday #joinoursaberfamily #jobopportunities

We are proud to recognize Katelynn Hartman as our March 2026 Employee of the Month!

As a special education teacher at Central DeWitt Intermediate School, Mrs. Hartman makes a profound difference in the lives of her students every single day. She is deeply committed to helping each student grow, consistently seeking out and implementing the right supports and accommodations to help them succeed. Her work goes far beyond instruction—she builds confidence, fosters independence, and ensures every student feels seen and capable.

Mrs. Hartman is also an outstanding communicator, maintaining strong partnerships with families. She is responsive, thoughtful, and proactive in sharing both successes and challenges, creating a team approach that benefits her students in meaningful ways.

Her passion for helping struggling learners find success is evident in everything she does. Few moments are more meaningful to her than seeing a student gain confidence and independence through the right supports—something she works tirelessly to make happen.

Mrs. Hartman’s impact is lasting, and her dedication does not go unnoticed. Congratulations, Mrs. Hartman, and thank you for the difference you make at Central DeWitt! 💜💛

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdcsdemployeeofthemonth #employeeofthemonth #march2026employeeofthemonth #saberssucceeding #sabersuperstar

CDHS students — don’t miss out! 📘✨ The last day to purchase your yearbook is April 29. Secure your copy and relive all the memories from this year!

Order here: https://yearbookforever.com/

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDHSYearbook #SaberPublications #Yearbook #Memories #SaberPride

🎺We were honored to welcome the Wartburg College Wind Ensemble to CDHS on Friday!

While on tour, the ensemble made a special stop, giving our students the opportunity to rehearse alongside these talented musicians. Experiences like this leave a lasting impact, offering our band members the chance to learn, grow, and be inspired.

A special shoutout to CDHS alum Brody Condon—we’re always proud to see our graduates continuing their musical journey!

Thank you to the Wartburg Wind Ensemble for taking the time to visit and share your talent and expertise with our students. We truly appreciate it!

Listen to a clip here: https://youtu.be/fhOly_9_e4c

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDHSBand #WartburgCollegeWindEnsemble #SaberMusicians #MusicEducation #OutstandingOpportunities #SaberPride