Central DeWitt School District -

🏌️ Congratulations, Coach Jen Froeschle who was named 2026 MAC Boys Golf Co-Coach of the Year!! 💜💛

Following a great season on the course, this honor is a wonderful recognition of Coach Froeschle’s leadership and the impact she has on our Saber golfers. We’re proud of the season this team put together and grateful for the time, guidance and support Coach Froeschle brings to the program.

Congratulations, Coach Froeschle, on this well-deserved honor! 👏

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #SaberBoysGolf #BoysGolf #MACCoachOfTheYear #SaberPride #SaberSpirit #SabersSucceeding

📣 A QUICK REMINDER, SABER FAMILIES!

Tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 15, is an early dismissal day, and there will be NO SCHOOL on Friday, Oct. 16, due to Parent-Teacher Conferences.

We look forward to connecting with families during conferences on Thursday from 2:00–7:30 p.m. Thank you for partnering with us to support your student’s success!

Enjoy the long weekend, Sabers! 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EktrandElementary #ParentTeacherConferences #SchoolSchedule #SaberPride #SabersSuccess

For Mrs. Burzlaff, being a second-grade teacher at Ekstrand Elementary means much more than teaching academics. It means building relationships, celebrating what makes each student unique and making sure every child knows they are loved.

That commitment shows up in big and small ways, both inside and outside the classroom. Earlier this school year, Mrs. Burzlaff asked a student for his baseball schedule and showed up on a Saturday to cheer him on. She also helped her class and school community show support for a student during a hydrocephalus awareness walk.
When the student's associate suggested wearing his favorite color, red, the idea quickly became a team effort. Mrs. Burzlaff and the teaching team wore the student's walk shirts, while classmates and other staff members wore red to show their support.

“Our students are taught and expected to be inclusive of all learners. We, as a team of teachers, associates and school employees, work together to set that example,” Mrs. Burzlaff explained. “It is important that he felt just as supported in his awareness walk as other students feel during a baseball game or other events. We are a school family, that is what you do.”

For Mrs. Burzlaff, these moments reflect the relationships she works to build every day. Her classroom is a place where inside jokes, shared experiences and celebrations help students feel connected to one another and to their teacher.

“I firmly believe in building relationships with my students. It is the foundation of my classroom,” she said. “Seeing my students, and being seen, outside of the classroom and learning more about each other builds another layer of connection.”

She takes the time to learn about her students' interests, activities and personalities, using those connections to create meaningful classroom experiences. Her thoughtful communication keeps families informed about classroom learning, schedules, activities and student needs, strengthening the partnership between home and school.

Ask Mrs. Burzlaff what she hopes her students remember most about their time in her classroom, and her answer gets to the heart of her teaching philosophy.

“Aside from the academics, I hope they remember to be a good human and how loved they are.”

Mrs. Burzlaff says two of her favorite parts of teaching at Central DeWitt are the students and her colleagues. She appreciates the unique personalities and humor students bring to the classroom and feels fortunate to work alongside a supportive team at Ekstrand who share her passion for education. As a member of the community herself, she also values working in the same community that helped shape her own four children.

Behind the scenes, her family plays a role in supporting her work, too. She gave a special shoutout to her husband, Dan, and their children for helping laminate materials, put up bulletin boards, listen to her jokes and even bring pigs to school.

Mrs. Burzlaff exemplifies the Portrait of a Saber competencies of initiative, communication and global awareness through the connections she builds, the inclusive environment she creates and the example she sets for her students. Her impact reaches beyond academic lessons, helping children learn to appreciate others, support one another and understand the importance of kindness.

Congratulations to Mrs. Burzlaff on being named Employee of the Month! Thank you for creating a classroom where students feel supported, families feel connected and every child has the opportunity to know they belong. 💜💛

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

🎳 Congratulations to our Sabers on a great showing at the Unified Special Olympics Bowling Competition earlier this month! The smiles say it all, and we love seeing our students having fun, supporting one another and celebrating their accomplishments together. 👏

Way to roll, Sabers! We’re proud of you! 💜💛

🥇 1ST PLACE:
• Gage Heston & Brighton Wallace
• Adrianna Flick & Izzy Heitz
• Joslynn Mulholland & Avery Burken
• Kayleb Goldensoph & Abbie Thole
• Gabi Campbell & Gertie Weber
• Adam Harney & Zoe Gibson
• Bryson Thomas & Rebekah House

🥈 2ND PLACE:
• Chris Shenker & Adriana Curtner
• Cole Michaelsen & Braelyn Hofstatter
• Marlee Michaelsen & Kennedi Green
• Jack Burken & Roman Kramer
• Nyna Sechrest & Elena Thomas
• Logan Bennett & Finnley Smith

🥉 3RD PLACE:
• Erik Nicholas & Blaire Kueter
• Sawyer Kauffman & Brynn Schroeder
• Sofiia Zakharchenko & Nora Ubel

HELPERS
Anna Rouse
Avery Meek

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

Our Connected Campus plan is about more than updating buildings. It’s about creating better learning opportunities for every Central DeWitt student.

𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗗 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 & 𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗦
• Research shows improved lighting, air quality, temperature control and acoustics create healthier learning environments that support student focus, engagement and achievement.
• Flexible, modern classrooms support the hands-on, collaborative learning today's careers demand.

𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦
• Students will remain in designated, age-appropriate learning areas while a connected campus makes collaboration easier for students and staff.
• Students will have more opportunities for cross-grade mentorship and shared, authentic learning experiences without traveling between buildings across town.

𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 & 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗥𝗨𝗜𝗧𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧
• Facility quality is a documented factor in where teachers choose to work and how long they stay.
• Modern spaces give our staff the tools to teach the way they were trained to teach.

𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗜𝗥 𝗡𝗘𝗫𝗧 𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗧𝗢𝗪𝗡
• School facilities are often a family's first impression of a community.
• Strong schools support property values and help attract new families and businesses to our communities.

𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡 𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 & 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗕𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬
• Every student who chooses Central DeWitt brings state funding that supports all of our programs.
• Competitive facilities help us keep our students and welcome new ones.

𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗫𝗧 𝟯𝟬+ 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦
• These renovated spaces will serve Central DeWitt students for the next 30+ years.
• Building for the future is about opportunities, not appearance.

Check out what some of our teachers think about collaborative learning: https://youtu.be/FYe7mZN7nwg

Learn more about the Connected Campus plan and explore the FAQs at https://www.cd-csd.org/page/bond-referendum.

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #2026BondReferendum #LongTermFacilitiesPlan #InvestingInEducation #SupportOurStudents #InvestingInOurCommunity #ImprovedLearning #VoteNovember3 #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

🎾⛳ What an exciting week for Saber athletics! Best of luck to our Central DeWitt Girls Tennis team as they compete at the State Tournament, and to Central DeWitt Boys Golf team member Dawson Petsche, who teed off this morning at the Boys State Golf Tournament!

You’ve put in the time, represented Central DeWitt with pride, and earned the opportunity to compete among the best. We’re so proud of you and will be cheering you on every step of the way!

Go out there, enjoy the moment, and show them what it means to be a Saber! 💜💛🐾

#SaberPride #GoSabers

🎪🍎 Step Right Up! It’s National School Lunch Week! 🍎🎪

The spotlight is on our cafeterias as we celebrate National School Lunch Week with this year’s theme, “Cafeteria Circus!” From serving up nutritious meals to keeping our Sabers fueled and ready to learn, our nutrition team is the real star of the show!

A big round of applause for our Central DeWitt nutrition staff for all they do to make mealtime happen each day. You deserve a standing ovation! 👏💜💛

#NSLW #GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #NutritionServices #FuelForSuccess #SchoolLunch #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

Here's your chance to 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 #schoolcounselor #specialeducationteacher

🏆 Congratulations to our September 2026 #SaberSpotlight students! #SaberSpotlight recognizes Central DeWitt students who stand out in the classroom and represent what it means to be a SABER!

#SaberSpotlight #GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

The proposed Connected Campus Plan includes several improvements designed to enhance student safety while maintaining four distinct, age-appropriate schools.

Key safety features include:

• 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖 𝗙𝗟𝗢𝗪 & 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Redesigned traffic patterns, parking, and pick-up/drop-off areas to improve safety and reduce congestion.

• 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗬 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗘 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗦: Emergency protocols developed in collaboration with local law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency management.

• 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟 𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘: A new secure entry vestibule requiring visitors to check in through the high school office before entering the building. This will also bring the primary student entrance closer to the high school office, improving supervision and security as students enter and exit the building.

• 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗧 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟𝗦: Each school would maintain its own offices, lunchrooms, and age-appropriate learning spaces. Students of different ages would remain in their designated areas, with interactions planned and supervised.

𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀. 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗰𝘁 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀. 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗴𝗲.

Learn more about the proposed plan and what it means for Central DeWitt students, staff, and families before the November 3 election. Visit https://www.cd-csd.org/page/bond-referendum.

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #2026BondReferendum #LongTermFacilitiesPlan #InvestingInEducation #SupportOurStudents #InvestingInOurCommunity #SafetyAndSecurity #VoteNovember3 #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

We were excited to welcome back motivational speaker Cory Greenwood, who returned to Central DeWitt this year with another inspiring message for our middle school students.

Building on his visit last year, students were encouraged to think about how their decisions and actions may be affecting their:

🌟 Goals and future plans
🌟 Friendships and relationships
🌟 Success in school
🌟 Attitude and outlook
🌟 Ability to handle challenges and setbacks

Cory reminded students that good people can make bad decisions. Sometimes, the first step toward making a change is being honest about the choices we make and the role they play in where we are today.

His message gave students plenty to think about — and a reminder that while we can't control everything that happens to us, we can control what we do next.

Adding even more energy to the morning, American Idol Top 20 artist Hannah Nicolaisen opened and closed the assembly with incredible performances that had everyone singing along! 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDMS #YourStoryMatters #CoryGreenwood #HannahNicolaisen #ChoicesMatter #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

🎶 The Central DeWitt Music Boosters online store is LIVE! 🎶

Show your pride and help support Saber musicians! 💜💛

Purchases from the online store help provide additional opportunities, resources and experiences for our music students.

🛍️ Shop now and get your orders in before the webstore closes October 21!

https://adcraftwebstores.com/csbmc26/

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CentralDeWittMusicBoosters #SaberMusicians #SupportOurStudents #OnlineStore #SaberPride

In recognition of National Manufacturing Day and Manufacturing Month, CDHS students interested in manufacturing, engineering, skilled trades and industrial careers had the opportunity to visit Arconic Learning Center for a hands-on experience.

Students rotated through interactive stations led by Arconic employees, exploring:
🔹 Metallurgical Engineering
🔹 Central Maintenance
🔹 Electrical Trades
🔹 Manufacturing Operations
🔹 Quality & Safety

They also toured the EICC Blong Technology Center, giving students a closer look at the education and training opportunities connected to these careers.

A great opportunity to explore what’s possible beyond the classroom and learn directly from professionals in the field! We love to see our Sabers exploring options. Way to go, Sabers!

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #NationalManufacturingDay #ManufacturingMonth #ExploringCareers #PlanningForTheFuture #HandsOnLearning #CareerAndCollegeReady #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

🍎 It’s Work With Us Wednesday! Looking for a way to earn some extra cash while working when it’s convenient for you? Central DeWitt Nutrition Services is looking for substitute food service staff to work as needed in our school kitchens.

With no nights, weekends or holidays and the flexibility to accept assignments that work with your schedule, this is a great part-time opportunity!

Interested? Contact Nutrition Services Director Dede Wagener at dede.wagener@cd-csd.org.

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

🎾 Good luck at State, Sabers! 🎾

Today, we’re cheering on Kaelyn Denahy, Claire McGarry and Greenley Grell as they compete in the State Tennis Tournament at Waukee Northwest.

Of the more than 50 girls who competed for a spot at state last week, just six athletes from the regional tournament qualified — and three of them are Central DeWitt Sabers!

Kaelyn earned her spot with a regional singles championship, while Claire and Greenley won the regional doubles championship.

Let’s go, Sabers! 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #SaberTennis #GirlsTennis #StateBound #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding #SabersAtState Central DeWitt Girls Tennis

🏫 Why do facility conditions matter?

At Central DeWitt, many of our building systems date back to the 1950s and 60s. Understanding the condition of these systems, and how they affect student learning, is an important part of understanding the district’s facility needs.

Research shows that school building conditions and indoor air quality can affect how students feel, function and perform. In our own classroom testing, CO₂ levels have reached over 1,900 ppm during the school day—nearly twice the acceptable indoor level (800-1000 ppm). Poor indoor air quality can affect students’ focus, concentration, comfort, cognitive performance, standardized test results, health and attendance, creating a less effective learning environment.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻’𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝘀—𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴.

For decades, Central DeWitt has repaired, replaced, and found creative solutions to keep aging systems functioning. But continued patching is not a sustainable long-term solution.

The Connected Campus plan addresses all critical facility needs across the district, including HVAC and ventilation, roofing, plumbing, electrical systems, ADA compliance, classroom finishes and other aging infrastructure.

Waiting won’t make these needs go away. Aging systems continue to require attention, while rising construction costs can make future improvements more expensive. State funding helps support Iowa schools, but it does not provide enough funding to address all major capital improvements. Community support is an important part of how districts like Central DeWitt can address significant facility needs.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll continue sharing more details about the plan so voters can make an informed decision on November 3.

To learn more, visit https://www.cd-csd.org/page/bond-referendum

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #2026BondReferendum #LongTermFacilitiesPlan #InvestingInEducation #SupportingOurStudents #InvestingInOurCommunity #VoteNovember3 #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

🏌️‍♂️ A big congratulations to senior Dawson Petsche, who qualified individually for the boys golf state tournament with a 72 at districts! Dawson will compete next Monday and Tuesday at Davenport Country Club.

And congratulations to the entire Saber Golf team on a great season! We’re proud of the way this group competed and represented Central DeWitt throughout the season. 💜💛

Good luck at state, Dawson! Go Sabers!

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #SaberGolf #BoysGolf #StateBound #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

🇺🇸 Central DeWitt Middle School 6th & 7th Grade Families!

Information about the 2028 Washington, D.C. trip came home this week! If your student is interested in joining this exciting educational experience, come learn more about the trip, pricing and how to reserve their spot.

📅 Parent Meeting: Wednesday, October 7
⏰ 6:00–6:30 PM
📍 Central DeWitt High School Cafeteria

🎉 Bonus: Families who attend the meeting receive $500 off each traveler!

👉 RSVP: https://rsvp.worldclassrooms.com/inperson/59597556372?rsvp_id=59597556372

We hope to see you there!

🧶 What does it mean to belong?

At CDIS, students and staff explored that question through a collaborative art project inspired by the life and artwork of Judith Scott, an artist who had Down syndrome and was profoundly deaf.

After reading Unbound: The Life and Art of Judith Scott in Mrs. Magill’s art class, students learned about Judy’s life, her artwork and the barriers she faced because of her disabilities. For much of her life, Judy was denied opportunities to learn and participate in her community. Later, with the support of her twin sister, Joyce, Judy began attending the Creative Growth Art Center in California, where she found a place to express herself through her unique fiber artwork.

Inspired by Judy’s work, students and staff each contributed something that represented themselves—favorite colors, fabrics, ribbons, yarn and other meaningful objects. Those individual pieces were woven and bound around a chair donated by Sharon Martin, creating one unique work of art.

The project carried a simple but powerful message: Everyone has a place here. 💜

What began as a lesson about Judith Scott became a meaningful reminder of the value, individuality and belonging of every person in the CDIS community.

Watch a video about the experience: https://youtube.com/shorts/o-k-qfe8Svg?feature=share
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDIS #JudithScott #CDISArt #InclusiveArt #HandsOnLearning #EveryoneHasAPlaceHere #AnExceptionalExperience #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding