💜💛 Congratulations to our September 2026 District Student of the Month Bryant Martens! He is featured in today's edition of The Observer thanks to our friends at First Central State Bank.

Bryant, a second grader at Ekstrand Elementary, has been recognized as the Central DeWitt Community School District Student of the Month. He has had a great start to the school year, consistently demonstrating the qualities of a positive SABER.

In class, Bryant takes responsibility for his learning by following directions, staying focused and giving his best effort. He actively participates in lessons and stays engaged in the classroom. He also enjoys helping his classmates whenever he can. His willingness to support others and lead by example makes him a great role model for those around him.

Bryant believes being a good SABER starts with being nice to others. He also says listening to others and following directions are important for success at school. His favorite parts of the school day are PE and recess, where he gets to be active and have fun with his classmates.

Outside of school, Bryant enjoys playing soccer and Gaga Ball. He also has big plans for his future and hopes to become a professional baseball player.

Congratulations, Bryant! We’re proud to celebrate you as Student of the Month!

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

about 7 hours ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Bryant Martens
🎉 Put your trivia skills to the test!

The Central DeWitt PTO is hosting a Trivia Night on November 6 at TYCOGA Winery and Distillery. It’s a fun way to support an organization that provides so many great experiences and resources to students and staff at Ekstrand Elementary and CDIS.

📅 November 6
📍 TYCOGA Winery and Distillery
🚪 Doors open at 5:30 p.m. | Trivia starts at 6:30 p.m.
👥 Teams of 8–10 | $100 per team

Dress in your best patriotic outfit… there might just be bonus points for the best dressed! 😉 Bring snacks to share with your table. All drinks must be purchased from TYCOGA.

All proceeds support Central DeWitt PTO, helping provide opportunities, experiences and support for students and staff throughout the year.

📧 Reserve your table before they’re gone by emailing abbyarndt2@gmail.com.

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #CentralDeWittPTO #TriviaNight #SaberPride
1 day ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
PTO Trivia Night Poster
Our Unified Special Olympics team competed in Unified Pickleball Friday morning in Des Moines. As you can see from their smiles, they had a great time and brought home some great results!

🏆 1st Place
• Chris Shenker & Finnley Smith
• Kayleb Goldensoph & Evelyn Penniston

🥈 2nd Place
• Gage Heston & Izzy Heitz
• Erik Nicholas & Avery Burken

🥉 3rd Place
• Cole Michaelsen & Blaire Kueter

🏅 4th Place
• Jack Burken & Brynn Schroeder

Several athletes also competed in Skills:
• Joslynn Mulholland, Avery Meek & Abbie Thole
• Marlee Michaelsen, Nora Ubel & Tristen Fowler

Congratulations to all of our athletes, Unified partners and coaches! We’re proud of you, Sabers! 💜💛
2 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Unified Special Olympic athletes and partners at Pickleball tournament
Unified Special Olympic athletes and partners at Pickleball tournament
Unified Special Olympic athletes and partners at Pickleball tournament
Unified Special Olympic athletes and partners at Pickleball tournament
Unified Special Olympic athletes and partners at Pickleball tournament
Unified Special Olympic athletes and partners at Pickleball tournament
Unified Special Olympic athletes and partners at Pickleball tournament
Unified Special Olympic athletes and partners at Pickleball tournament
Unified Special Olympic athletes and partners at Pickleball tournament
Unified Special Olympic athletes and partners at Pickleball tournament
🌟 Who Makes Your Day at Central DeWitt? 🌟

Maybe it’s the teacher who always makes time for a student. The staff member who greets everyone with a smile. The colleague who is quick to lend a hand. Or someone whose work often happens behind the scenes but makes a difference throughout the schools.

Now is the time to recognize them!

We’re kicking off the 2026–2027 Employee of the Month program, and we’re inviting students, parents, staff members and community members to nominate a Central DeWitt employee who deserves to be recognized.

💜 Who can be nominated?
• Any full-time or part-time Central DeWitt employee
• Employees may receive the Employee of the Month honor once per school year
• Employees nominated but not selected for the monthly honor will still be recognized as Saber Superstars

📝 How to nominate

September Employee of the Month nominations are due Friday, October 2.
👉 Submit a nomination here: https://forms.gle/ksRVLaYC6XBXkAbw7

Take a moment to recognize someone who contributes to our academic excellence, outstanding opportunities, and creates an exceptional experience for all.

Thank you for helping us celebrate the people who make a difference every day! 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #EmployeeOfTheMonth #SaberSpirit #SaberPride

2 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Employee of the Month
Join us Monday, Sept. 28, at 6 p.m. in the Central DeWitt Performing Arts Center for the next Community Forum on the Connected Campus plan.

Learn more about:
• What students, staff and community members identified as strengths and weaknesses across our facilities
• Why the current plan was selected by the facilities planning committee
• Why the district is proposing this plan now and what factors shaped the recommendation

With the Nov. 3 vote approaching, this forum is an opportunity to learn more about the plan being presented to voters.

📍 Central DeWitt Performing Arts Center
📅 Monday, Sept. 28
⏰ 6 p.m.

More information about the Connected Campus plan and upcoming events can be found here: https://www.cd-csd.org/page/bond-referendum

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #ConnectedCampus #EndlessPossibilities #BondReferendum #CommunityForum #EkstrandElementary #CDIS #CDMS #CDHS #SaberPride
3 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Community Forum Reminder
🏈 Youth Football Recognition Night is one week away! Get ready, Saber Nation — it’s time to celebrate the future of Central DeWitt Sabers Football!

📅 Friday, Oct. 2nd
🕘 After the 5 p.m. game (Varsity vs. Wahlert Catholic kicks off at 7:30 p.m.)
🎟️ Free admission for youth football players only

Let’s pack the stands, bring the energy, and show these young athletes what Saber pride is all about!

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #SaberFootball #YouthFootballRecognitionNight #YouthFootball #FutureSaberFootballPlayers #SaberPride
5 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Youth Football Recognition Night
🍎🥪 Let us take breakfast and lunch off your to-do list!

School meals are an affordable and convenient option for all Saber families. Each day, our Nutrition Services team prepares breakfast and lunch for students, so there’s no shopping, packing or prep for parents. Another benefit? School meals are designed to support growing students’ nutritional needs.

Paying is convenient, too! Families can add funds through Infinite Campus or send cash or a check with their student to give to the cashier. Please note that electronic payment services include a fee.

And, don’t forget families may also qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Learn more at https://www.cd-csd.org/page/nutrition-services

Easy for families. Ready for students. 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #SchoolLunch #SchoolBreakfast #NutritionServices #SaberPride #SchoolMeals #FuelForLearning
5 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
School lunch: Hamburger, fries, salad, soup and chocolate milk
🎾STATE BOUND, SABERS!

Central DeWitt will be represented at the State Tennis Tournament! Kaelyn Denahy won her singles championship match, while Claire McGarry & Greenley Grell won their doubles championship match at regionals to punch their tickets to State.

Also finishing strong were Maelea Neilsen, 4th place in singles, and Quinn Schroeder & Maddie Thole, 4th place in doubles.

Congratulations to the entire Saber Tennis team on a great day at regionals! We’re excited to cheer on Kaelyn, Claire and Greenley at State on October 7 at Waukee Northwest!

Way to go, Sabers! 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #SaberTennis #GirlsTennis #StateBound #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
6 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Saber Girls Tennis State Bound players
💜 WE’D LOVE TO PARTNER WITH YOU! 💛

Central DeWitt’s K–12 Work-Based Learning (WBL) program connects classroom learning with real-world experiences. From kindergarten through high school, students explore careers, gain hands-on experience, and build the skills and connections that prepare them for life after graduation.

Our local employers and community organizations help make these experiences possible by giving students opportunities to learn from industry professionals, explore workplaces and discover careers right here in their own community.

Here are just some of the ways to get involved:

• Speak to a class
• Host a business or industry tour
• Provide a job shadow
• Participate in a mock interview
• Mentor a student
• Partner on an industry-related project
• Host an intern

Whether you have 30 minutes to share your expertise with a class or can provide a student with an internship experience, every connection makes a difference.

By partnering with Central DeWitt, you’re helping students see what’s possible, gain meaningful experience and prepare for their futures while investing in the next generation of workers and helping shape the future workforce.

✍️ Ready to get involved? We’d love to connect!

Getting started is easy! Fill out our Work-Based Learning Business Interest Form to tell us a little about your business/organization and how you’d like to get involved.

👉 Complete the Business Interest Form: https://forms.gle/Q4ChSyerTeW7qnEa9

Or contact Morgan Kuhlman, Work-Based Learning Coordinator, at morgan.kuhlman@cd-csd.org or 563-659-4713.

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #WorkBasedLearning #CommunityPartnerships #CareerExploration #FutureWorkforce #LocalBusiness #BusinessPartnerships #CareerConnections #InvestInOurStudents #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
6 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Work-Based Learning experiences
💜💛 What makes Homecoming at Central DeWitt so special is the way our entire community shows up.

From the Clinton County Cattlemen, who cooked burgers for our students’ “tailgate” lunch, to The Education Foundation, Music Boosters and Athletic Boosters, who provide support, resources and those extra touches that make our events special…

…from the businesses, organizations and individuals who purchased Homecoming banners and sponsored events, to the volunteers who provided and drove convertibles, trucks and flatbeds in the parade, and our police and firefighters who joined us along the parade route…

…and from the many businesses and community members who put their own spin on Homecoming traditions and found special ways to celebrate alongside us—we are so grateful.

To EVERYONE who showed up, pitched in and celebrated with us: THANK YOU. Having our community behind our students means more than you know. 💜💛

And a huge thank-you to Ms. Jory and CDHS Student Council for the incredible job of planning and bringing the entire celebration to life. You created a week everyone will remember for years to come!

Homecoming is a school tradition, but it takes a community to make it special. We’re lucky to have ours. 🐾

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #CentralDeWittHomecoming #Homecoming2026 ##Candyland #SaberSpirit #SaberCommunity #CelebrateTogether #ShowYourSaberSpirit #SaberPride
7 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Pictures of our community celebrating Homecoming
💜💛 Thank you to everyone who has joined us for a tour or attended the community forum so far. We appreciate the time you’ve taken to learn more, ask questions and see the information firsthand as you consider the future of our schools.

There’s another opportunity tonight!

Join us at 6 p.m. tonight for a guided tour of Ekstrand Elementary and see the building firsthand. You’ll learn more about Ekstrand’s history along with the critical needs that are shaping the district’s long-term planning.

📍 Ekstrand Elementary
1140 15th Street
DeWitt, IA 52742
🕕 Tonight at 6 p.m.

The evening will begin with a walk through the building followed by a brief overview of the proposed Connected Campus Bond Referendum with time to ask questions.

We value the opportunity to provide information directly to our community through these tours and forums. If you have questions or would like to learn more, we encourage you to join us tonight.

For more upcoming tours and community forums visit https://www.cd-csd.org/page/bond-referendum

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #ConnectedCampus #EndlessPossibilities #BondReferendum #BuildingTours #EkstrandElementary #CDIS #CDMS #CDHS #SaberPride
7 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Homecoming Week gave us plenty to celebrate—from dress-up days and traditions to the energy at our events, the excitement on the field, the laughter, friendships, and unmistakable Saber Spirit throughout the week.

It’s the memories made with friends, classmates, families, and our community that make Homecoming special.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, cheered loud, and brought the Saber Spirit!

🎬 Relive some of the highlights from an unforgettable Homecoming: https://youtu.be/n3hNjQyHhwk

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #CentralDeWittHomecoming #Homecoming2026 ##Candyland #SaberSpirit #SaberCommunity #CelebrateTogether #ShowYourSaberSpirit #SaberPride

7 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Seniors at Ekstrand Elementary pep assembly giving high fives to kindergartners
🚨🏐 VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE CHANGE! 🏐🚨

Tonight's Sophomore/JV/Varsity matchup against North Scott has been RESCHEDULED!

📅 NEW DATE: Wednesday, September 23
🕔 JV and Sophomore matches begins at 5 p.m.
🕣 Varsity match begins at 6:30 p.m.
📍 LOCATION: CDHS Competition Gym

💜💛 We’ll see you Wednesday, Saber Nation! 🐾🏐
8 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Saber Volleyball
📸 Here’s a snapshot of just some of the fun, smiles and Saber Spirit at Ekstrand Elementary during Homecoming Week! 🐾 Art Teacher Ms. Janaszak captured it all through her creative lens, turning a fun moment at the pep assembly into a little Homecoming keepsake.

👀 Take a look: https://youtube.com/shorts/g5dGRt_Gh78?si=jY7L7xkEamPemgEv

We’ve still got lots to share from the week of celebrating Saber Spirit so stay tuned!

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #EkstrandElementary #HomecomingWeek #Homecoming2026 #SaberSpirit #SaberPride
8 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Polaroid frame showing Slash our Mascot in the backround
🏆 Celebrating our 2026 Central DeWitt Hall of Fame inductees!

It was a special evening, last Thursday, celebrating the accomplishments of this year’s inductees — and hearing them reflect on the people and experiences that helped shape their journeys. We’re excited to share a recording of the ceremony for those who were unable to attend and hope you enjoy hearing their stories:

https://youtu.be/MrtAomotW-k

A common theme throughout the evening was gratitude for the teachers, staff and classmates who encouraged them to try something new, supported them along the way, and challenged them to discover who they were and what they were capable of.

Many of those memories and experiences stayed with them long after they left our schools, becoming meaningful parts of the stories that brought them to where they are today.

Congratulations to our 2026 Hall of Fame inductees:
⭐ Tasha Becker ⭐ Danette Burzlaff Haag
⭐ Ann McGlynn
⭐ Steve Thiltgen
⭐ 1956–57 Boys Basketball Team (Welton)
⭐ 2005 Girls Softball Team

We’re proud to celebrate you and grateful that you are part of the Central DeWitt story. 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CentralDeWittHallOfFame #SaberPride #SabersSuccceeding #OnceASaberAlwaysASaber
9 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Hall of Fame Ceremony
Tonight’s 8th Grade Football game has been postponed until tomorrow night, Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 5:30 p.m. Tomorrow night is now a full night of CDMS Saber football! 🐾

🕓 7th Grade Game: 4:00 p.m.
🏈 5th Quarter: Following the 7th Grade game, both our 7th and 8th Grade teams will take part in a 5th quarter.
🕠 8th Grade Game: 5:30 p.m.

Come out and support our middle school Sabers for a football doubleheader!

See you tomorrow night! 💜💛
9 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
football
🎓 Central DeWitt High School students and families are invited to attend Future Ready Planning Night at Clinton High School on Wednesday, September 30, from 5–7 p.m.

Designed for high school students and parents, the evening will provide information and resources to help students explore and plan for their post-secondary options. The event will include:

• A fair featuring more than 30 college, career and other post-secondary representatives
• A financial aid presentation
• A college match presentation

The event will take place in Clinton High School’s new commons.

A QR code on the event flyer provides access to a continuously updated list of representatives who will be attending the fair.

With multiple resources and opportunities available in one evening, Future Ready Planning Night is a great way for students and families to learn more about their options, ask questions and start thinking about what comes next. We encourage families to take advantage of this opportunity!

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #FutureReadyPlanningNight #ClintonHighSchool #CollegeAndCareerReady #FutureReady #SabersSucceeding
9 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Future Ready Planning Night Flyer
👑 Congratulations to Jacob Meier and Briah Reuss, Central DeWitt’s 2026 Homecoming King and Queen!

Jacob and Briah were crowned Friday night at Birney Field. We’re excited to celebrate them and this special Homecoming tradition! Congratulations again, Jacob and Briah! 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #HomecomingCourt2026 #HomecomingWeek2026 #HomecomingRoyalty #Candyland #Coronation #KingAndQueen #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
11 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Homecoming King Jacob Meier and Queen Briah Reuss
💜🔥 IT’S HOMECOMING GAME DAY. 🔥 💛

And the Sabers are ready. 🐾 Check it out: https://youtube.com/shorts/0O9h-CkVgrQ?feature=share

🏈 VARSITY FOOTBALL | 5:30 P.M.
📍 at Birney Field vs. Mt. Pleasant

REMINDER: Tonight’s varsity kickoff has been moved up to 5:30 p.m. due to field and weather conditions. A decision on the sophomore game will come later today.

👑 Homecoming Coronation will immediately follow the varsity game!

Bring the noise.
Bring the Saber Pride.
And show your Saber Spirit.

LET’S GO, SABERS! 💜💛
12 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Birney Field
🏈 We’re making a change to Friday night’s schedule as we continue to battle Mother Nature and a very wet football field. The varsity football game will now kick off at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18.

We’ve taken on a significant amount of rain over the past week, and with more expected overnight, the field conditions remain a major consideration. The earlier start will also help us get the game in before even more potential bad weather arrives Friday evening.

This change gives us the best opportunity for playable field conditions that keep player safety at the forefront. A decision regarding the sophomore game will be made tomorrow.

👑 Homecoming Coronation will take place immediately following the Varsity game.

Thank you for your flexibility as we race Mother Nature tomorrow and continue to make decisions with our players’ safety in mind. 💜💛

#GameUpdate #HomecomingGame #VarsityFootball #CDHS #Homecoming2026 #GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #SaberPride #SaberSpirit #SaberSafety @centraldewittfootball Central DeWitt Sabers Football
13 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Football helmet