#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #workwithuswednesday #joinoursaberfamily #jobopportunities #nutritionservices
A new school year is just around the corner, and we’re excited to welcome our newest band musicians! Fifth-grade students are encouraged to sign up for Beginning Band and get ready for a year filled with music, learning, and fun.
Information has been emailed to families, so be sure to watch for it in your inbox. You can also sign up online here:
👉https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXedW0HEHK0i2SmJPbFFqoxuNOOLD5r6C95aOnP3pDf5aC8A/viewform?usp=header
A few important notes for families:
🎺 Need a school-owned instrument? Be sure to sign up as soon as possible! School-owned instruments are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and signing up helps ensure families who need one have the opportunity to receive an instrument.
🎵 Planning to rent from West Music? Now is the time to get your order started! This is a busy time of year for instrument rentals, so ordering early gives your child the best chance of having their instrument ready when band begins.
SAVE THE DATE
📅 Beginning Band Super Lesson
Thursday, September 3
5:30 p.m.
Designated CDIS Classrooms
Questions about 5th Grade Band? Please contact Mr. Knowles at thomas.knowles@cd-csd.org.
We can’t wait to see our fifth-grade musicians get started! 🎶
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDIS #5thGradeBand #BeginningBand #SuperLesson #SaberMusicians #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
🛒 Shop now: https://stores.teamelitesports.com/central_dewitt_xc/shop/home
⏳ Orders close Sunday, August 16!
Thank you for supporting Saber athletes! 💜💛
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #SaberCrossCountry #CrossCountryStore #SaberGear #SaberPride
This is an opportunity to walk through the building, learn more about its history and current condition, and see firsthand the facility needs that are helping shape the district’s long-term planning. Community members will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead for our schools.
📅 Mascot Auditions: August 20
⏰ Time: 11:00 a.m.
📍 Location: CDIS Gym, Enter through Door 11
📣Reach out to Coach Gares, any cheerleader, or email SaberSpiritProgram@gmail.com for details.
Good luck to everyone auditioning—we can't wait to see who will carry on the legacy of Slash! 💜💛
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #Slash #MascotTryouts #SlashTryouts #SaberSpirit
✨ Every new school year brings fresh opportunities—and this year, it also brings a few improvements designed to make the school day even better for our Saber families.
Over the past year, we've listened to feedback from parents, staff, and our transportation team about arrival and dismissal traffic. Using that feedback, we've made a few updates that will help create a safer, smoother experience for everyone.
While some bus stops and routes may look a little different this year, we are not reducing transportation services. These updates are intended to create a smoother experience for students, families, and staff while helping buses get on the road more quickly so students can get home sooner at the end of the day.
⏰ UPDATED SCHOOL HOURS
Grades 3-12 will begin the school day at 8:10 a.m. and dismiss at 3:10 p.m. Ekstrand Elementary will continue with its current schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. All buildings will open at 7:30 a.m., with breakfast available beginning at that time.
🚌 TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION UPDATES
To improve traffic flow and student safety:
• Buses will now load and unload in the north parking lot in front of the high school. After arriving on campus, CDIS and CDMS bus riders will be guided by staff into the building before heading to their classrooms to start the school day.
• CDIS/CDMS parent drop-off and pick-up will take place in the former bus loop in front of the intermediate and middle schools.
• CDHS parent drop-off and pick-up will be in the parking lot by the tennis courts.
• After school, student drivers will exit using the a
📍 Be sure to check out the campus traffic map so you know exactly where to go on the first day!
🚌 BUS RIDER REMINDER
If your child rides the bus:
✅ Watch for additional information from Transportation Coordinator Neil Gray.
✅ Download and activate Crosswalk K-12 to track your student's bus, receive transportation alerts, and view pick-up/drop-off information.
✅ Make sure your student brings their bus ID card every day. Students will receive their cards at Unpack Your Backpack Night and are required to scan them each time they board and exit the bus. If your student has a phone, consider taking a photo of their bus ID so it can be scanned from their device if needed.
We know new routines take a little time, and we appreciate your patience as everyone adjusts during the first few weeks of school. These improvements are all part of our commitment to providing a safer, more efficient experience for our students, families, and staff.
💜💛 We can't wait to start another incredible school year!
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #BackToSchool #Transportation #SchoolHours #AnExceptionalExperience #ReadyForAnotherGreatYear #SaberPride
🎒 The countdown to the first day of school is on!
Join us for Unpack Your Backpack Night on Wednesday, August 19! This is a wonderful opportunity for students and families to meet teachers, explore their school, find classrooms, unpack school supplies, practice locker combinations, and get comfortable before the first day.
📅 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19
🟣 Ekstrand Elementary: 5:30–6:30 p.m.
🟣 Central DeWitt Intermediate School: 6:00–7:00 p.m.
🟣 Central DeWitt Middle School: 6:00–7:00 p.m.
🟣 Central DeWitt High School: 6:30–7:00 p.m.
📬 Watch your inbox and our social media channels over the next few weeks! We'll be sharing important back-to-school information to help your family get ready for a great start to the new school year.
We can't wait to welcome our Saber families back and kick off another fantastic school year. See you on August 19! 💜💛
✏️ If you haven't already, be sure to visit our registration webpage for school supply lists, the district calendar, and other helpful back-to-school resources: https://www.cd-csd.org/page/registration
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #BackToSchool #UnpackYourBackpack #OpenHouse #EkstrandElementary #CDIS #CDMS #CDHS #SaberPride
🛒 Shop now: https://stores.teamelitesports.com/central.../shop/home
⏰ Store closes Wednesday, August 12 — don’t miss out!
Gear up and support Saber Volleyball! 🏐💪
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #SaberVolleyball #VolleyballStore #SaberPride
We're hiring Associates at:
📍 Central DeWitt High School
📍 Central DeWitt Middle School
As an associate, you'll make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students every day while working alongside a supportive team in a positive school environment.
✨ Great hours
✨ Meaningful work
✨ School-year schedule
✨ Make an impact every day
Ready to become a Saber? Apply today and help us make this a great school year! 🎉
Apply here: https://phlaptweb36.applitrack.com/CDCSD/onlineapp/
#WorkWithUsWednesday #JoinOurTeam #CentralDeWittCSD #CDMS #CDHS #Associates #JoinOurSaberFamily #NowHiring #SaberPride
We're excited to introduce Blake Thompson, our new Director of Operations, and Neil Gray, our new Transportation Coordinator. While they're both new to their roles, they've already made a great first impression, and we can't wait for our community to get to know them.
MEET BLAKE THOMPSON
Blake joins Central DeWitt with more than 14 years of operations management experience at ORA Orthopedics in the Quad Cities. The opportunity to work closer to home, spend more time with his family, and join a district he was already familiar with made the position an exciting next step.
"From the outside looking in, it looked like a good place to work," Blake said. "It's certainly good people here. I enjoy working with everyone I've encountered so far. Everybody cares. They take pride in what they do."
During his first weeks, Blake has focused on listening, learning, and building relationships rather than trying to "reinvent the wheel." He has been impressed by the dedication of the district's transportation, maintenance, custodial, and grounds teams, describing Central DeWitt as "a well-oiled machine." His goal is to support the people who keep our schools running by ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to succeed every day.
Outside of work, Blake and his wife stay busy with their three children. Whether they're playing pickleball, participating in 4-H, hunting, fishing, or camping, family time is a top priority.
MEET NEIL GRAY
Neil joins Central DeWitt after retiring as superintendent at Northeast Community School District, bringing decades of educational leadership and transportation experience. While serving as superintendent, he discovered how much he enjoyed the logistics of student transportation. Five years ago, he even stepped behind the wheel as a school bus driver, an experience that gave him a new appreciation for the important role bus drivers play in students' lives. In fact, after teaching elementary physical education, Neil says driving a school bus was one of his favorite roles during his 38-year career in education.
Since arriving at Central DeWitt, Neil has enjoyed getting to know the many dedicated people who work throughout the summer preparing for the school year. He wants families to know that safely transporting students is truly a team effort, with caring staff working behind the scenes every day to make sure students arrive safely at school, activities, and home again.
When he's not at work, Neil helps maintain his family's crop and livestock farm near Miles, spends as much time as possible with his wife, four daughters, and nine grandchildren, and enjoys traveling to scenic destinations where they can explore the outdoors together.
We're excited to welcome Blake and Neil to the Saber family. Their experience, servant leadership, and commitment to supporting students, staff, and families will be tremendous assets to our district. Please help us give them a warm Central DeWitt welcome!
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #DirectorOfOperations #TransportationCoordinator #WelcomeToCentralDeWitt #WelcomeToTheTeam #SaberLeadership #SaberFamily #SaberPride
Now's the time to grab your Saber tennis gear and support our girls tennis program. Whether you're cheering from the stands or showing your Saber pride around town, don't miss out on this opportunity.
🛍️ Shop here: https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/ktmHNr5kSr
Thank you for supporting our Saber girls tennis team! 💜🎾
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #SaberTennis #GirlsTennis #GirlsTennisStore #SupportOurSabers #SaberPride
With student activities on pause during Iowa's statewide "Family Week," our custodial and maintenance teams are making the most of the quiet hallways to tackle projects and prepare for the school year ahead.
All summer long, they've been painting, repairing, cleaning, maintaining, and taking on countless projects behind the scenes. Their work may not always be seen, but its impact is felt by every student, staff member, and visitor who walks through our doors.
Thank you to our amazing custodial and maintenance crews — Andy Sheil, Nichole Tuttle, Alicia Patchin, Jason Weiss, Andy Johnston, Jacob Rogge, Lee Penningroth, Jeremiah Willey, Deb Worrick, Mark McDevitt, Vince Hafner, Brandon Haack and Doug Crank — for everything you do to keep Central DeWitt looking its best and ready to welcome our Sabers back soon! 💜💛
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #WeLoveOurStaff #BehindTheScenes #Teamwork #ThankYou #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #SaberCubsCare #EkstrandElementary #SummerOuting #IceCreamDerby #MinatureGolf #HomemadeIceCream #FieldTrip #SummerFun #SaberPride
SOFTBALL
• 1st Team: Zoey Fuglsang
• Honorable Mention: Kallie Burzlaff, Jaelyn Sinclair, and Anna Prosise
BASEBALL
• 1st Team: Jacob Meier and Dawson Petsche
• Honorable Mention: Colton Penniston, Max Froeschle, and Connor Scott
We’re proud of the hard work, dedication, and leadership these athletes showed throughout the season. Way to represent Central DeWitt with Saber Pride!
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #SabersSoftball #SabersBaseball #AllConference #MACConference #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
A heartfelt thank you to the Clinton County Fair for another fantastic event! We know an incredible amount of planning, coordination, and hard work goes on behind the scenes to make the fair such a success each year. Thank you to the fair board, volunteers, staff, sponsors, and everyone else who dedicates their time and talents to creating an event that brings our community together and provides unforgettable experiences for families across Clinton County and beyond.
If you're headed to the fair today, be sure to stop by the Central DeWitt Community School District booth in the Commercial Exhibitor Hall. Today is our final day at the fair, and we'd love the opportunity to answer your questions and share information about the proposed bond referendum and the district's long-term facilities plan.
Can't make it today? There are still plenty of opportunities to learn more. Visit https://www.cd-csd.org/page/bond-referendum
We hope to see you at the fair today!
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #CentralDeWittBondReferendum #BondReferendum #ConnectedCampus #EndlessPossibilities #VoteNovember3 #ClintonCountyFair #GreatestLittleFair #ThankYou #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
The Central DeWitt Boys Golf online apparel store is now open! Stock up on polos, hoodies, hats, and more while showing your Saber pride all season long.
🛍️ Shop now: https://cdwittfallgolf26.itemorder.com/shop/home/
⏰ Don't wait! The store closes Monday, Aug. 3 at 10 a.m. Be sure to place your order before the deadline.
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #SaberBoysGolf #BoysGolfStore #SaberGolfApparel #SaberPride
Will your student be participating in athletics, band, choir, speech, drama, or another middle or high school activity this school year? Registration through Bound is now open!
📲 Register here: https://bit.ly/4hol15O
📋 Need help? View the step-by-step registration instructions here: https://bit.ly/4yE9fu6
🏃 Athletes: Be sure to upload a current sports physical if one is required. If your student's physical from last year is still valid, it has automatically rolled over.
📞 Questions? Contact the Activities Office at (563) 659-4731.
We can't wait to see our Sabers back in action this school year! 💜💛
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #ActivityRegistration #Bound #SaberPride
A huge congratulations to our Chappy Award winners:
🏆 Coach of the Year – Carl Small (Boys Tennis)
🏃 Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year – Kyle Olson
🤼 Girls Wrestler of the Year – Greenley Grell
🎾 Boys Tennis Player of the Year – Max Froeschle
🎳 Boys Bowler of the Year – JJ Coates
⚽ Girls Soccer Player of the Year – Zoey Fuglsang
🏊 Swimmer of the Year – Cameron Zimmer (Clinton/Central DeWitt)
We're also incredibly proud of our Saber nominees, whose outstanding seasons earned recognition among the area's top athletes and teams:
Ashton Schneider (Male Athlete of the Year, Tennis and Golf), Central DeWitt Boys Tennis Team (Team of the Year), Hudson Krukow (Football Offense), Ryan Paulsen (Football Defense), Bri Clark (Volleyball Offense), Adam Wilke (Cross Country), Cole Niemann (Cross Country), Ashlyn Appleby (Cross Country), Eli Edfors (Wrestling), Alexander Brown (Track Runner), Clara LeConte (Tennis), Greenley Grell (Tennis), the Central DeWitt 4x110 Shuttle Hurdle (Relay Team), Ava Putman (Basketball Offense), Drake Zeeryp (Bowling), Aiden Costas (Soccer), Brooke Crank (Soccer), and Kallie Burzlaff (Softball Batter).
Congratulations to every winner and nominee! Your dedication, perseverance, and countless hours of hard work have paid off. Thank you for representing Central DeWitt with pride and showing what it means to be a Saber.
Photo shared from Clinton Herald
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #SaberAthletes #CHAPYAwards2026 #CongratulationsSabers #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
The Central DeWitt Community School District will be at the Clinton County Fair July 23–25 from 12:00–6:00 p.m. in the Commercial Exhibitor Hall to share information about the proposed bond referendum and the district's long-term facilities plan.
Whether you're just beginning to learn about the proposal or have specific questions, we'd love the opportunity to visit with you. Members of our team will be available throughout the fair to answer questions, provide information, and hear your feedback.
💻 Can't make it to the fair? Our new bond referendum webpage is now live and serves as a central resource for factual, transparent information. There, you can learn about the proposed plan, understand how it would be funded, explore frequently asked questions, and find upcoming community meetings, building tours and other opportunities to learn more. Whether you're just getting acquainted with the proposal or looking to dive into the details, the webpage is designed to help you make an informed decision.
🔗 Visit the website: https://www.cd-csd.org/page/bond-referendum
We look forward to seeing you at the fair! 💜💛
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #CentralDeWittBondReferendum #BondReferendum #ConnectedCampus #EndlessPossibilities #VoteNovember3 #SaberPride
Volunteer firefighters Andy Johnston and Kyle Fox gave students a behind-the-scenes tour of the fire station, introduced them to the different fire trucks and the important jobs they do, and demonstrated how firefighters put on their protective gear. They also shared an important lesson—while the gear may look a little scary, firefighters are there to help, and there's no need to be afraid if they see one during an emergency.
Experiences like this help our students learn about the important role volunteer firefighters play in our community while also teaching them what to do and who they can trust during an emergency. It also introduces students to one of the many ways they can serve their community in the future.
Thank you again to the DeWitt Volunteer Fire Department for taking the time to make this a memorable day for our Saber Cubs! 💜💛
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CentralDeWitt #EkstrandElementary #SaberCubsCare #CommunityConnections #FieldTrip #DeWittVolunteerFireDepartment #ThankYouFirefighters #WeLoveOurCommunity #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
