At Ekstrand Elementary, Kitchen Manager Stacy Hardison plays an important role in creating a positive and caring experience for students and staff each day. Her dedication, organization and kindness help keep the cafeteria running smoothly while ensuring students are well cared for.
Stacy works hard behind the scenes to make sure meals are prepared accurately and served efficiently. She pays close attention to students with food allergies and dietary needs, making sure every child receives the correct meal safely. Families and staff know they can trust Stacy because she genuinely cares about the health and well-being of every student who comes through the lunch line.
One of the things that makes Stacy so special is the way she knows and recognizes students and staff throughout the building. Whether she is greeting students by name, offering a smile during lunch or helping someone who may need extra assistance, she helps make the cafeteria a welcoming place for everyone.
Her care for students goes far beyond daily lunches. On field trip days, Stacy makes sure every student has a sack lunch if they need one, ensuring no child goes without a meal simply because they forgot to bring one from home. It is one more example of the thoughtful ways she quietly supports students each day.
Stacy also works diligently to ensure there is always enough food available for both students and staff, helping lunches run smoothly even during the busiest times. No matter how hectic the day may become, she remains patient, organized and polite to everyone she encounters.
The impact Stacy has at Ekstrand Elementary extends well beyond the cafeteria. Through her compassion, attention to detail and commitment to students, she helps create a caring school environment where students feel supported every day. Our district is grateful for all she does!
Congratulations, Stacy, on this well-deserved recognition! 💜💛
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdcsdemployeeofthemonth #employeeofthemonth #april2026employeeofthemonth #saberssucceeding #sabersuperstar
📍 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
🕒 3:00 p.m
📍 High School Competition Gymnasium
🚪 Outside doors open at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets are not required! Graduation is free and open to all family and friends who would like to celebrate our seniors. Seating will be available both on the gym floor and in the bleachers.
🚗 SENIOR CRUISE
Immediately following commencement, seniors will participate in the annual Senior Cruise around town so the entire community can celebrate this special milestone together! We encourage everyone to line the streets, wave, cheer and help send off the Class of 2026 in true Saber fashion! 🎉
🗺️ Check out the map to see the cruise route and find the perfect spot to watch.
💻 LIVESTREAM AVAILABLE
Can’t attend in person? Family and friends can still be part of the celebration by tuning into the livestream here: https://youtube.com/live/iF8b5mUwxBY?feature=share
Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 💜💛
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDHSSeniors #Seniors #Classof2026 #Graduation #GraduationCeremony #Commencement2026 #WeAreProudOfYou #Congratulations #OnceASaberAlwaysASaber #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
The Senior Spotlight is created by CDHS AmeriCorps Student Leaders Niya Miller and Zoey Fuglsang. In this role, they serve as a resource for their peers in planning and preparing for post-secondary options. They help with scholarships, college applications, FAFSA, work-based learning opportunities, and more.
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #seniorspotlight #ClassOf2026 #americorpsstudentleaders #careerandcollegeready #postsecondaryoptions #saberssucceeding
As a fun reward for all their hard work and learning, the class celebrated by making delicious dirt cups — complete with chocolate “dirt,” creamy pudding and plenty of gooey gummy worms! The tasty treat tied perfectly into their composting conversations and Earth-themed learning while giving students a chance to celebrate all they’ve discovered about being responsible caretakers of our planet. 💚
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #EkstrandElementary #Kindergarten #AmplifyUnit #TakingCareOfTheEarth #ReduceReuseRecylce #Composting #ResponsibleSabers #LearningIsFun #OutstandingOpportunity #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
💜🧊💛 Our students made a HUGE splash this year, raising $20,000 for Special Olympics Iowa through the Cool School Polar Plunge! Not only will these funds support our very own Unified Special Olympics team, but the impact will reach athletes across the entire state of Iowa.
The fundraiser wrapped up with a chilly celebration as students took the plunge into icy-cold water last Friday, proving once again that Sabers aren’t afraid to jump in when it means supporting inclusion.
📣 A special shoutout to our top fundraisers—6th grader Erik Nicholas and 5th grader Hunter Patchin—who led the way and earned the honor of kicking off the plunge! 👏
💜 Thank you to our students, families, staff, and community members for helping make this a truly powerful moment of giving back. We’re so proud of our Sabers who continue to show what it looks like to include and lead with purpose—and make waves while doing it! 🌊
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdis #cdms #cdhs #saberpride #nationalunifiedchampionschool #choosetoinclude #coolschoolpolarplunge #specialolympicsia #cdcsdspecialolympics #choosetoinclude #inclusion #saberssucceeding Special Olympics
The Senior Spotlight is created by CDHS AmeriCorps Student Leaders Niya Miller and Zoey Fuglsang. In this role, they serve as a resource for their peers in planning and preparing for post-secondary options. They help with scholarships, college applications, FAFSA, work-based learning opportunities, and more.
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #seniorspotlight #ClassOf2026 #americorpsstudentleaders #careerandcollegeready #postsecondaryoptions #saberssucceeding
We’re proud to see our students stepping up, building connections, and giving back to the businesses that continually support our schools! Great job, Sabers! 💜💛
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #centraldewittffa #ffa #GiveBackKIckBackDay #HelpingOurCommunity #Volunteering #saberpride #saberssucceeding
🎶 Tonight, the CDHS Music Department is proud to serve as the host site for the IHSMA State Large Group Festival for Class 1A & 3A!
Bands and choirs from across the area will take the stage throughout the evening, showcasing their hard work, dedication and musical talent. We’re excited to welcome so many outstanding student musicians and directors to Central DeWitt!
🎟 Admission:
Adults — $12
Senior Citizens (62+) — $7
Students — $5
Tickets can be purchased on Bound: https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/centraldewitt/tickets
🎵Performing in the CDPAC are the following:
5:15pm - Calamus-Wheatland Concert Band
5:40pm - North Cedar, Stanwood Concert Band
6:05pm - Midland, Wyoming Concert Band
7:20pm - Maquoketa Concert Band
7:45pm - Assumption, Davenport Concert Band
🌟 8:10pm - Central DeWitt Concert Band
8:35pm - Anamosa Concert Band
🎵Performing in the CDHS Competition Gym are the following:
6:15pm - Calamus-Wheatland Treble Clef Chorus
6:30pm - North Cedar, Stanwood Mixed Chorus
6:45pm - Calamus-Wheatland Mixed Chorus
🌟 7:00pm - Central DeWitt Treble Clef Chorus (Lyrica)
7:15pm - Anamosa Bass Clef Chorus
🌟 7:30pm - Central DeWitt Mixed Chorus (Chamber Singers)
7:45pm - Anamosa Treble Clef Chorus
8:15pm - Maquoketa Bass Clef Chorus
8:30pm - Assumption, Davenport Mixed Chorus
8:45pm - Maquoketa Treble Clef Chorus
🌟 9:00pm - Central DeWitt Bass Clef Chorus
9:15pm - Maquoketa Mixed Chorus
9:30pm - Anamosa Mixed Chorus
🌟 9:45pm - Central DeWitt Mixed Chorus (Concert Choir)
We look forward to a great evening of music and wish all participating groups the best of luck!
The Senior Spotlight is created by CDHS AmeriCorps Student Leaders Niya Miller and Zoey Fuglsang. In this role, they serve as a resource for their peers in planning and preparing for post-secondary options. They help with scholarships, college applications, FAFSA, work-based learning opportunities, and more.
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #seniorspotlight #ClassOf2026 #americorpsstudentleaders #careerandcollegeready #postsecondaryoptions #saberssucceeding
Since January, these students have worked in teams to design their own food truck, creating menus, setting prices, managing budgets, and developing marketing strategies. They also learned firsthand from local food truck owner Mrs. Linda Jacobsen, who shared valuable insight into the realities of running a food truck business.
The presentations showcased not only their creativity, but also their problem-solving, teamwork, and entrepreneurial thinking. From unique menus to eye-catching displays, these students truly delivered! Students who attended the presentations were also invited to rate each food truck on elements like the name, merchandise, overall creativity, and menu options—adding an extra layer of real-world feedback to the experience.
What a creative, hands-on project that built a wide range of real-world skills—way to go, Sabers! 💜💛
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDIS #WIN #FoodTruckProject #OutstandingOpportunity #ExceptionalExperience #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
These chicks will head to Mrs. Griep’s farm, where they’ll grow and thrive. And in a full-circle moment, the eggs they produce will eventually make their way back to the classroom, giving next year’s students the chance to experience the magic all over again.
What an egg-cellent (and adorable) way for students to see science in action! 💜💛
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdms #8thgradscience #eggciting #babychicks #featheredfriends #learningisfun #handsonlearning #saberpride #saberssucceeding
The Senior Spotlight is created by CDHS AmeriCorps Student Leaders Niya Miller and Zoey Fuglsang. In this role, they serve as a resource for their peers in planning and preparing for post-secondary options. They help with scholarships, college applications, FAFSA, work-based learning opportunities, and more.
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #seniorspotlight #ClassOf2026 #americorpsstudentleaders #careerandcollegeready #postsecondaryoptions #saberssucceeding
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #SaberSpotlight #studentssucceeding #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary
Between now and Tuesday, May 12, we encourage you to support your local favorites. If you feel our work makes the grade, we’d be honored to be considered in the following categories:
✨ Excellence in Social Media / Marketing
✨ Excellence in Customer Service
✨ Best Workplace
✨ Business of the Year
🗳 VOTE HERE: https://forms.gle/epuZJLsoLBzRhVkD7
Your assignment is due Tuesday, May 12, when nominations close for this round!
Then get ready…
🗳 Final voting runs May 19 – May 26
🏆 Winners will be announced at the DCDC Annual Meeting / Year in Review on June 18
Thank you for the many ways you continue to support Central DeWitt — we truly appreciate it! 💜💛
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #DCDCMemberChoiceAwards #DeWittChamberAndDevelopmentCompany #VoteForCDCSD #SaberPride
Last week, CDIS students took part in the “Opportunity for Entrepreneurs” market, where 34 student businesses created and sold their own products to students and staff. From developing ideas and calculating costs to branding, production, and sales, students experienced what it takes to bring a product to market. The results were impressive—nearly $1,900 in sales in just four days!
This week, that same entrepreneurial spirit continued with Mrs. Hahn’s WIN class, where students designed, created, and sold handmade Mother’s Day and Father’s Day cards. Just like the market project, students practiced creativity, planning, and communication while producing something meaningful for others.
Together, these experiences highlight what makes our schools special—providing opportunities that go beyond traditional learning. Our students are building creativity, confidence, responsibility, and important life skills they’ll carry far beyond their school years.
Way to go, CDIS entrepreneurs! 👏
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdis #opportunityforentrepreneurs #handsonlearning #lifesskills #outstandingopportunity #saberpride #saberssucceeding #learningisfun
📅 7th Grade – May 14 at 6:30 p.m.
📅 6th Grade – May 19 at 6:30 p.m.
📍 Centra DeWitt Middle School Gym
These evenings are a great chance to get familiar with the building, meet staff, and start the transition to middle school with confidence. We look forward to seeing you there! 💜💛
They play a vital role in supporting both student health and academic success—understanding that when students are healthy, they are better able to learn and thrive. They also help train and prepare our emergency response teams, ensuring we are ready when it matters most. And that’s just a small part of what they do each day.
Their impact is felt across our district, every day—keeping our students and staff healthy, safe, and supported. 💜💛
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #SchoolNurseDay #ThankYouForAllYouDo #HealthyStudents #SchoolHeroes #saberpride #saberssucceeding
🎓✨ What an incredible afternoon it was at CDHS last Friday as we celebrated the many achievements of the Class of 2026 during the Senior Awards Ceremony!
Years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance truly paid off as our seniors were honored with numerous scholarships and awards.
Thank you to our community for making these opportunities possible—and congratulations to our students! 💜💛
📸 For a full list of scholarships and more photos of our award winners visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CentralDeWittCSD
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #classof2026 #seniorawardsceremony #graduation #congratulationsseniors #youdidit #hardwork #perserverence #determination #saberpride #saberssuceeding
The Senior Spotlight is created by CDHS AmeriCorps Student Leaders Niya Miller and Zoey Fuglsang. In this role, they serve as a resource for their peers in planning and preparing for post-secondary options. They help with scholarships, college applications, FAFSA, work-based learning opportunities, and more.
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #seniorspotlight #ClassOf2026 #americorpsstudentleaders #careerandcollegeready #postsecondaryoptions #saberssucceeding
🎨 Congratulations to these talented CDHS students whose artwork was selected to compete at the Clinton Community College High School Art Competition! Central DeWitt artists made an incredible showing—sweeping the painting category and earning both top honors. Even more exciting, Marissa Fee earned a free college class with her first-place finish!
Be sure to stop by the college to see the award-winning pieces by Marissa and Audri on display through May 18th.
Keep shining, Saber Artists! 💜💛
AWARD WINNERS AND PARTICIPANTS:
• Marissa Fee – 1st Place Painting
• Audri Guldner – 2nd Place Painting
• Niya Miller
• Dalani Beuthein
• Emily Sons
• Amelia Griffin
• Lily Pauly
• Taylor Feuss
• Kinley Naughton
• Ember Dykstra
• Shayla Tapke
• Brady Meier
• Breanna Campbell
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #SaberArtists #AwardWinningArtists #ClintonCommunityCollege #CCC #ClintonCommunityCollegeHSArtCompetition #Congratulations #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
