Central DeWitt School District -

🎉 That’s a wrap on another incredible school year at Central DeWitt! 🎉

From classrooms filled with learning and laughter to concerts, competitions, celebrations, and everyday moments in between — thank you to our students, staff, families, and community for making this year so special. We are so proud of everything our students accomplished and grateful for everyone who helped make it happen.

Now it’s time for a well-deserved summer break filled with sunshine, popsicles, late nights, sleeping in, and making memories. ⛱️

Have a safe, relaxing, and fun summer, Sabers! 💜💛

☀️ CENTRAL DEWITT SUMMER HOURS
• School buildings will be open regular hours (7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.) through June 12
• The high school will be open Wednesdays from 8 a.m.–12 p.m. through July 8
• Administration Center hours for June and July: Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #SchoolIsOut #LastDayOfSchool #YouDidIt #CongratulationsOnAGreatYear #SaberPride #SabersSucceded #EnjoyYourSummer #SeeYouInAugust

💜💛 As the 2025–2026 school year comes to a close, we are proud to recognize a remarkable group of employees beginning their retirement. Together, these retirees represent an incredible 179 years of dedication, service, and care for our students, staff, families, and community.

Throughout their careers, they have made a lasting difference through their hard work, compassion, and commitment to helping others succeed. Their impact can be seen in the relationships they built, the lives they touched, and the positive influence they brought to our schools each day. 🌟

We are deeply grateful for everything they have given to our district over the years. While they will be greatly missed, we are excited for them as they begin this next chapter.

Please join us in celebrating and congratulating our 2026 retirees! 🎉

• Vicki Brainerd, Ekstrand Library Associate — 15 years of service
• Susan Canaday Bormann, Secondary Instructional Facilitator — 25 years of service
• Tonia Dirksen, 1st Grade Teacher — 30 years of service
• Amy Haack, Preschool Teacher — 26 years of service
• Bobbie Hemesath, Ekstrand Cook — 10 years of service
• Roxy Kueter, CDHS Cook/Cashier — 15 years of service
• Penny Loomis-Roberts, Ekstrand Reading Teacher — 25 years of service
• Kim Lueders, CDIS Associate — 4 years of service
• Leann Walker, CDHS Associate — 29 years of service

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #2026retirees #179years #dedication #inspiring #enjoyretirement #OnceASaberAlwaysASaber #thankyou

🥪 FREE SUMMER MEAL OPPORTUNITIES ☀️ There are several great opportunities for Central DeWitt families to access free, nutritious meals all summer long!

The DeWitt Referral Center & Thrift Store, along with volunteers from DeWitt United Methodist Church, First Congregational United Church of Christ, Grace Lutheran Church, St. Joseph Catholic Church, and the DeWitt Farmers Market, will once again offer the Summer Lunchbox Program. Families interested in signing up for this free program can contact the DeWitt Referral Center & Thrift Store.

Since 2014, the Summer Lunchbox Program has helped 2,746 children in the Central DeWitt Community School District by providing weekly summer food kits.

💛 Want to support the Summer Lunchbox Program?
You can donate in three ways:
• Purchase items from the wishlist: tinyurl.com/3kkbe9pm
• Make a monetary donation: https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZY05/campaign/C-16BDA
• Donate in person at the DeWitt Farmers Market (3:30–6:30 PM at Lincoln Park)

Most-needed items include peanut butter, fruit cups, fruit or granola bars, crackers and canned pasta.

🍎 Central DeWitt families can also access free summer meals through neighboring school districts including Clinton, Davenport, Walcott, and Bettendorf. And, families can visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/sitefinder to find additional summer meal sites in nearby communities.

➡️ Learn more about those summer meal options here: https://www.cd-csd.org/page/nutrition-services

We’re so grateful for these community partners and volunteers who help ensure kids stay healthy, happy, and well-fed throughout the summer months! 💜💛

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #summermeals #SummerLunchboxProgram #summerlunchbox #weloveourcommunity #thankyouvolunteers #saberpride

We are proud to recognized Scott Steffens as our May 2026 Employee of the Month!

A caring attitude, genuine compassion, and a commitment to students are just a few of the qualities that make bus driver Scott Steffens deserving of this recognition. Whether he is greeting students on the bus, checking in with them at activities, or cheering them on throughout the year, Scott consistently goes above and beyond to make students feel supported and valued.

Those who work alongside Scott appreciate the way he communicates with kindness, asks thoughtful questions, and treats everyone with respect. At track meets and other school events, he always makes sure students and staff are taken care of while proudly following and celebrating the success of Central DeWitt students.

Scott is well respected for the consistency, reliability, and care he brings to his role as a bus driver each day. His dedication to students and pride in the community make a positive impact across the district.

Congratulations, Scott, on being named Employee of the Month, and thank you for all you do for our students and school community!

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdcsdemployeeofthemonth #employeeofthemonth #may2026employeeofthemonth #saberssucceeding #sabersuperstar

💜💛 Congratulations to our 2026 Preschool Graduates! From learning new skills and making new friends to growing in confidence each day, our youngest Sabers have accomplished so much this year and are more than ready for their next big adventure!

Last Thursday, Ekstrand students and staff helped kick off the celebration with a special graduation walk complete with high fives, cheers, and bubbles as they celebrated the preschool graduates. Later that evening, friends and family gathered for a heartwarming ceremony where our preschoolers performed songs and proudly received their diplomas.

We can’t wait to see all the amazing things our Class of 2039 will accomplish next year in kindergarten! 🎓🫧

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #EkstrandElementary #PreschoolGraduation2026 #SabersSucceeding #SaberPride #KindergartenHereWeCome #WayToGo #Classof20239

✂️ Take the stress out of back-to-school shopping this summer by ordering your child’s school supplies through 1st Day School Supplies!

Our teachers worked directly with 1st Day School Supplies to build next year’s lists, so when you order, you’re getting exactly what your child’s teacher requested—no substitutions and no second-guessing. It’s a simple, organized way to start the school year feeling confident and prepared.

‼️ DEADLINE to order school supply kits is JULY 1.
🛒 Order here: https://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #EkstrandElementary #CDIS #SchoolSupplies #1stDaySchoolSupplies

🎾 Good luck to Max Froeschle and Ashton Schneider as they compete in doubles at the State Tennis Championships today starting at 10 a.m.! 🎾

These two are not only representing the Sabers at state — they’re also making school history as the first district champions in Saber boys tennis history for either singles or doubles competition! 👏🔥

Help us cheer on Max and Ashton as they compete among the best in the state. Let’s go, Sabers! 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWIttCSD #CDHS #CentralDeWittBoysTennis #BoysTennis #SaberTennis #StateBound #SabersAtState #SchoolHistory #DistrictChamps #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

🌟 Last Friday, our 5th graders took the stage for the very first CDIS 5th Grade Talent Show! The morning was filled with plenty of entertainment as students performed skits, dances, magic and musical pieces for their classmates and families. 🎭🎶

Students were also recognized for their involvement in Peer Music and the Kindness Crew, while Mrs. Magill presented special art awards. 🎨

One of the highlights was “Grab the Mic,” a hilarious staff competition where staff members faced off to see who could be the first to sing a song featuring a word they were given. The finalists will return to compete during the 6th Grade Talent Show later this week! 🎤

To close out the event, students surprised Mrs. Hahn with a heartfelt thank you for all of the time, effort, and care she put into organizing the show and giving students the opportunity to share their talents. ❤️

Thank you to everyone who helped make this first-ever 5th Grade Talent Show such a memorable event and great job to all of the performers!

For more pictures visit our Facebook page.

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDIS #CDISTalentShow #5thGradeTalentShow #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

🏋️‍♀️💪 The Summer Strength Lifting Program starts Monday, June 1! CDHS and CDMS students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to stay active, build strength, and prepare for the upcoming seasons. Check out the schedule below:

📅 Monday, Wednesday, Friday
• 6:30–7:30 AM — High School Boys
• 7:30–8:30 AM — High School Girls
• 8:30–9:30 AM — High School Boys & Girls

📅 Tuesday, Thursday
• 7:30–8:30 AM — Middle School Boys
• 8:30–9:30 AM — Middle School Girls
• 9:30–10:30 AM — High School Baseball

📅 College Athletes
• Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:30–9:30 AM
• Tuesday, Thursday: 7:30–8:30 AM

Make the most of the summer and keep working toward your goals! 💥

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdms #cdhs #summerliftingschedule #summerliftingprogram

📚✍️ The Scribbler, Central DeWitt High School’s award-winning literary magazine, is proud to present Volume 18!

The newest edition highlights the creativity and talent of CDHS students through original writing, poetry, artwork, and more. Volume 18 is a reflection of the hard work and creativity of the students who helped bring the publication to life. 💜💛

Read Volume 18 at https://www.cdhsscribbler.com/!

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #thescribbler #literarymagazine #saberwriters #saberartisits #saberpride #StudentVoices #CreativeWriting #saberssucceeding #thescribblervolume18

As we head into our final week of school, we want to take a moment to recognize our school board members. May is School Board Recognition Month and this year’s theme, “Because of You,” is a fitting reminder of the impact their leadership has on our students, staff, and community each and every day.

Because of their dedication and service, our students have the tools, opportunities, and support they need to succeed. Thank you to Jodi Prosise, Jed Ganzer, Michelle Martens, Roger Hill, and Dan Smicker for your leadership, guidance, and continued commitment to our schools and community! 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #CentralDeWittSchoolBoard #SchoolBoard #SchoolBoardRecognitionMonth #AcademicExcellence #OutstandingOpportunities #AnExceptionalExperience #CelebrateIASchoolBoards #SaberPride

❤️ Today, on Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. From the mud and ashes left behind by war grew a symbol of remembrance that still carries meaning today. After World War I, red poppies flourished across Europe, especially in France and Belgium where the soil had been enriched with lime from the leftover rubble. The red poppy soon became a symbol of the blood shed during battle following the publication of the famous wartime poem “In Flanders Fields,” written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae while serving on the front lines.

Today, Poppy Day is celebrated around the world, and here in the United States, the American Legion Family helped establish National Poppy Day on the Friday before Memorial Day as a way to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

At Ekstrand Elementary, Ms. Janaszak’s art students recently took part in that tradition by creating beautiful poppy-inspired art projects to share with the Eugene McManus Post #238 American Legion here in DeWitt. The sea of red flowers created by our students was not only stunning to see, but also served as a meaningful reminder of what freedom is truly about.

Two students from each grade level were chosen for outstanding pieces of art, but every student has made an impact. Congratulations to this year’s featured artists!

🌺 Kindergarten: Lucas Horihan & Caroline Ohnemus
🌺 1st Grade: Nellee Gruntorad & Taylor Weiskircher
🌺 2nd Grade: Macy Mosier & Emmalinn Barr
🌺 3rd Grade: Claire McCarville & Tucker Galloway

Pictured alongside the student winners are American Legion member Jessica Sunday and art teacher Courtney Janaszak. Thank you to everyone who helped make this meaningful project possible and for helping our students connect art, history, and remembrance. ❤️🤍💙

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #ekstrandelementary #poppyproject #nationalpoppyday #memorialday #poppycontestwinners #saberssucceeding #memorialday #dewittamericanlegionauxilary

💡 Creativity was on full display at this year’s Invention Convention! Our 4th grade students recently had the chance to showcase their imagination, innovation, and problem-solving skills as they presented inventions of their very own.

As part of their ELA curriculum, students have been learning about famous inventors, the invention process, and what it takes to turn an idea into reality. From identifying everyday problems to designing creative solutions, these young inventors impressed us with their hard work, originality, and entrepreneurial thinking. 👏

The Invention Convention was a fun and meaningful way for students to apply their learning in a hands-on setting—and their incredible ideas definitely did not disappoint. Great job, Sabers! 💜💛

📸 To see more photos from the Invention Convention visit our Facebook page!

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdis #4thgrade #InventionConvention #FutureInventors #CreativeMinds #StudentInnovation #saberpride #saberssucceeding

⚡ These Central DeWitt students recently competed in the EICC Weld Competition at the EICC Blong Technology Center in Davenport! Events like this are an outstanding opportunity to showcase the skills they’ve developed through our industrial technology programs.

Dekari Ritz competed in the Gas Metal Arc Welding Competition. Drew Jones and Aaden Lanning competed in the Shielded Metal Arc Welding Competition, with Drew advancing to the final round of five welders! Abe Vickers competed in the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Competition. Way to go, Sabers!

We are proud to have these students for represent Central DeWitt and showcase their awesome welding skills! 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #IndustrialTechnology #Welding #EICC #EICCWeldCompetition #OutstandingOpportunities #HandsOnLearning #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

The CDIS music room was filled with all kinds of silly sounds this week as fourth grade students tried out a variety of musical instruments. 🎶🎺🥁

Next year these students will have an opportunity to join 5th grade band and this gives them a chance to discover which instruments they enjoy playing.

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdis #cdisband #bandinstrumenttryout #instrumenttesting #SaberPride #saberssucceeding

Inspired by the incredible work of Danish artist Thomas Dambo and his giant troll sculptures now calling Clinton home, Peer STEM students took on a creative challenge of their own!

Students designed and built their very own troll creations, using imagination, teamwork, and problem-solving skills throughout the project. Once completed, the trolls were hidden throughout the middle and intermediate schools for others to discover.

To complete the experience, the class took a field trip to visit the troll sculptures in Clinton and see firsthand how art, imagination, recycling, and community can come together in such an inspiring way.

What an amazing example of hands-on learning, creativity, collaboration, and STEM in action! Great work, Sabers! 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDMS #PeerSTEM #STEM #ThomasDambo #FieldTrip #Trolls #Creativity #Collaboration #Teamwork #HandsOnLearning #AcademicExcellence #OutstandingOpportunities #AnExceptionalExperience #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

🚨 GOOD NEWS, SABER FANS! 🚨 Central DeWitt has made it to the final round of the DCDC Member Choice Awards in the Excellence in Social Media / Marketing category! 💜

Thank you to everyone who voted for us in the first round! Getting to highlight the accomplishments and everyday moments of our students and staff is something we love to do, and we’re grateful so many of you follow along and support what we do each day.

Congratulations to all of the other finalists across every category! It’s exciting to see so many outstanding businesses and organizations recognized for the positive impact they make in our community each day. 👏

If you’d like to support Central DeWitt in the final round in the Excellence in Social Media/Marketing category, we’d truly appreciate your vote!

🗳 FINAL ROUND VOTING: ttps://forms.gle/rU4ZJPH1m7NAwUTb9

📅 Final voting ends Friday, May 29th

Thank you again for supporting Central DeWitt and the many great people and organizations that help make our community such a special place. 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #DCDCMemberChoiceAwards #DeWittChamberAndDevelopmentCompany #VoteForCDCSD #SaberPride

⚽ Congratulations to Zoey Fuglsang on becoming Central DeWitt’s all-time career goals leader! 💜💛

Zoey recently broke the school record for most career goals and currently sits at an impressive 69 goals — with a few games still left to play this season. 👏

This accomplishment reflects the hard work, talent, and consistency she has shown throughout her high school career. Congratulations, Zoey, on an amazing milestone! ⚽

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #SaberSoccer #GirlsSoccer #HistoryMade #GoalLeader #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding