Central DeWitt School District -

For the second year in a row, Mrs. Hofer’s 5th grade class was honored to receive the Project Jack Grant from the REALTOR® Foundation of Iowa! 🎉 This $250 grant is awarded to 4th and 5th grade classrooms across Iowa to support pay-it-forward projects that make a positive impact in their communities. Mrs. Hofer’s class chose to create Birthday Boxes to donate to the DeWitt Referral Center & Thrift Store. Each box includes a cake mix, frosting, a pan, candles, balloons, and a birthday card — everything needed to celebrate someone special. Visitors to the Referral Center can choose a Birthday Box to help celebrate a friend or family member. 🎂🎈 Project Jack began in the Quad Cities in memory of Jack Lindaman, and it continues to inspire kindness and compassion in students across the state. Mrs. Hofer shared that the lessons her students learn from this experience are some her favorite and most meaningful. We couldn't agree more! ❤️ Way to go, Sabers! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdis #5thgrade #ProjectJack #payitforward #helpingothers #helpingourcommunity #saberpride #saberssucceeding

Ekstrand Elementary staff once again brought the energy and fun during their annual Staff End-of-Year Lip Sync Celebration at the all-school assembly earlier this week. This tradition has become a highlight for students and staff alike, wrapping up the school year with laughter, spirit, and unforgettable performances! 🎤🎶👏 #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #EkstrandElementary #LipSyncBattle #SaberPride #EndOfYearFun

🎤✨ CDIS wrapped up the school year with an incredible display of talent during their annual 6th grade talent show! From singing and dancing to comedy and more, students impressed the audience with their creativity and confidence. During the show, students were also recognized for their many achievements throughout the year — a perfect way to celebrate a successful school year! 👏 Hats off to all the performers for putting together such a fun and memorable event! For more photos visit our Facebook page. #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdis #cdis6thgradetalentshow #sabertalent #saberssucceeding #saberpride

📣 Register now for Saber Summer Camps! These are a great way for students to stay active and engaged this summer. Learn more and sign up here: https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/centraldewitt/camps #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #summercamps #sabersummercamps

💜💛 We are proud to recognize Jill Kleppe as our final Employee of the Month for the 2024-2025 school year! Since 2003, Mrs. Kleppe has served as our Juvenile Court Liaison Officer, providing unwavering support, structure, and guidance to students and staff alike. Her role often happens behind the scenes, but her impact is far-reaching and deeply valued throughout our district. For more than two decades, Mrs. Kleppe has provided critical guidance for at-risk students and those involved with the legal system. Acting as a bridge between the school and the courts, she works tirelessly to make sure these students are given every opportunity to succeed. While she builds strong relationships with all students, but her ability to connect with and care for those who are struggling is truly remarkable. Mrs. Kleppe is a true utility player who is always willing to lend a hand without hesitation. Whether she’s de-escalating a situation, walking a student through difficult emotions, monitoring school safety, stepping in when someone needs a safe space, or helping a colleague, Mrs. Kleppe does it all with patience and professionalism. Even when faced with intense or unregulated behavior, she remains calm, cool, and collected. Her presence brings a sense of safety and stability to those around her—making a difference in ways that are often unseen but always deeply felt. We are incredibly fortunate to have had Mrs. Kleppe on our team for over 20 years. Her dedication to students’ well-being and her commitment to our school community make her truly one of a kind. Congratulations, Mrs. Kleppe—and thank you for everything you do! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdcsdemployeeofthemonth #employeeofthemonth #may2025employeeofthemonth #saberssucceeding #sabersuperstar

💜💛 Yesterday we celebrated a remarkable group of retirees who have poured their hearts into Central DeWitt CSD, contributing a combined 232 years of dedicated service. Their legacy isn’t measured in years alone — it lives on in the students they inspired, the lives they touched, and the countless moments that truly mattered. Whether they were in the classroom or on a bus route, they’ve made Central DeWitt a better place for generations of students and families. As they begin a new chapter, we send them off with deep gratitude and heartfelt thanks. Your impact is lasting, your dedication unmatched, and your presence will be deeply missed. Enjoy your next adventure — and remember, once a Saber, always a Saber. Congratulations to Keith Townsley, LeAnn DePue, Gayle Pepmeier, Heather Haley, Tracey McCulloh, Kelly Siegel, Tami Jaeger, Sharri Block and Mike Selby! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #2025retirees #232years #dedication #inspiring #enjoyretirement #OnceASaberAlwaysASaber

CDMS wrapped up the school year by celebrating the incredible journey of our 8th grade class! 💜💛 They honored their dedication, kindness, and perseverance, and took time to recognize students who truly shined in academics, leadership, athletics, the arts, and community spirit. From classroom achievements to character moments that made a difference, this class has left its mark. We can’t wait to see all they’ll accomplish as they take their next steps into high school. Congratulations, Class of 2029 — your future is bright! ✨ 🏆 AWARDS • Eugene McManus Post #238 - American Legion Award presented by Mike Osmun: Cael Green & Madelyn Thole • Rheingans Award presented by Mr. Small: Kaleb Crandall and Brooklyn Walls • Vermazen Award presented by Mrs. Quist: Eva Burke • Scribbler Write off winners presented by Mr. Mercado: Jadyn Ruggeberg and Brooklyn Walls • Lahey Award presented by Ms. Flynn: Cody Viel • Bertolino Math Award presented by Mr. Frick - Maddie Thole and Cody Viel • Peer STEM Award presented by Ms. Smith: Avery Meek & Carson Gannon • STEM Award presented by Terri Smith: Danill Popov & Avery Speas • Blank Summer Institute Nominees presented by Mr. Mercado: Math Problem Solving - Cody Viel Lab Science - James Garrison Engineering – Lane Johnston Creative Writing – Eva Burke Performing Arts - Aria Soenksen Visual Arts – Grace English • “Director’s Choice” Award Band presented by Mr. Knowles: Lucas Nelson & Ember Rucker • “Director’s Choice” Award Choir presented by Mrs. Olson: Will Vickers and Aria Soenksen 🤩 SUPERLATIVES • Tech Nerd: Daniil Popov • Mr. & Mrs. Sports: Jack Miller and Hailey Grell • Most Likely to Change the World and Future President: Maddie Thole • Amazing Artist: Audrey Lewis • Best Style: Ella Goodall • Musical Maestro: Lucas Nelson • Saber Spirit: Brandt Truelsen • Mr. Nice Guy & Ms. Nice Gal: Liam Rilea and Shayla Tapke • Most Talkative: Jayton Jess • 24 Hour Gamer: Aiden McGarry • Math Whizz: Cody Viel • Invent something new: Weston Lange • Tik Tok famous on accident: Zander Mallinger • Saber Smarty: Eva Burke • Most Contagious Smile: Carson Gannon For more pictures visit our Facebook page! #gosabers #gosabers #centraldewittcd #cdms #cdmsawardsceremony #saberssucceeding #congratulations #saberpride #8thGrade #Classof2029

🍔 Here 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. Central DeWitt Families are also able to receive free meals neighboring school district including Clinton, Davenport, Walcott, and Bettendorf. They will be serving free meals to children throughout the summer. We’re grateful for these area partners who help ensure kids stay healthy, happy, and well-fed all summer! ✅ To learn more, click here: https://www.cd-csd.org/page/nutrition-services #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #summermeals #SummerLunchboxProgram #summerlunchbox #weloveourcommunity #thankyouvolunteers #saberpride

School may be out, but we’re still here for you! Our school buildings will remain open through June 18. After that: 📍 High School Office – Open Wednesdays, 8 AM–3 PM 📍 Administration Office – Open Monday–Thursday, 8 AM–4 PM all #summerhours Feel free to reach out or stop by if you need anything! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #administrationbuilding #summerhours

🎉☀️ It’s official – school’s out for the summer! What a year it’s been! From the first bell to the last cheer, our students have learned, grown, and created moments they’ll carry with them always. To our incredible families and amazing community—thank you. Your support, encouragement, and involvement make all the difference in helping us create academic excellence, exceptional experiences, and outstanding opportunities for every Saber. 💜💛 Now it’s time to relax, recharge, and celebrate all we’ve accomplished. 🎬 Watch our end-of-year video and relive the magic of 2024–2025: https://youtu.be/sN1v2Lc9Upc #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #SchoolsOut #SaberStrong #SaberPride #ThankYou #EndOfYear2025 #RememberWhen #OnceASaberAlwaysASaber #SeeYouInAugust

ATTENTION CDHS AND CDMS STUDENTS! Our summer strength and conditioning program officially kicks off Monday, June 9th at the Central DeWitt High School weight room! These sessions are a great opportunity for athletes to build strength, boost performance, and get prepared for the upcoming seasons. Consistency this summer will pay off big! 📅 Schedule: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 🏈 Football Players: 6:30–7:30 AM 🏋️‍♀️ High School Girls: 7:30–8:30 AM 🏋️ High School Open Group (Boys & Girls): 8:30–9:30 AM Tuesdays, Thursdays 🏃 Middle School Boys: 7:15–8:15 AM 🏃‍♀️ Middle School Girls: 8:15–9:15 AM ⚾ High School Baseball: 9:15–10:15 AM ✅ Come on time, dressed appropriately, and ready to work hard every session. Get stronger together — go Sabers!

💜💛 Congratulations to our 2025 Preschool Graduates! After a year filled with learning, laughter, and big leaps forward, our youngest Sabers are ready for their next chapter! On Monday, Ekstrand students and staff kicked off the celebration with a special graduation walk, and last night 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 2038 will do next year in kindergarten! 🌟 #GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #EkstrandElementary #PreschoolGraduation2025 #SabersSucceeding #SaberPride #OntoKindergarten #WayToGo #PreschoolClassOf2025 #ClassOf2038

💡 Our 4th Grade students recently put their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test at the Invention Convention! 💡 As part of their Eureka! ELA curriculum, which dives into the lives of famous inventors and the invention process, 4th grade students had the opportunity to bring their own innovative ideas to life. From brainstorming to building, they showcased creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial spirit in action. This hands-on event gave our young inventors a meaningful way to apply what they've learned—and their brilliant ideas did not disappoint! 👏 Great job, Sabers! See more pictures on our Facebook page! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdis #4thgrade #InventionConvention #EurekaELA #FutureInventors #CreativeMinds #StudentInnovation #saberpride #saberssucceeding

After noticing her students’ creativity and talent in writing this year, Third Grade Teacher Mrs. Keith was inspired to take things a step further. She discovered Studentreasures Publishing and knew right away—writing a book would be the perfect challenge! When she shared the idea with her class, the excitement was contagious! The students decided to write about the 10 Character Strong Traits they've learned about this year and chose the powerful title: "Changing the World One Third-Grader at a Time." 🌍💜 From brainstorming to publishing, this project was more than just a fun learning experience—it was an opportunity for students to grow as writers, support one another, and make their voices heard. Mrs. Keith shared, “It was amazing to watch them grow as writers and cheer each other on. I will definitely be doing this again with future students!” 🎥 Watch the video to see this inspiring project come to life and hear from our young authors themselves: https://youtu.be/1yR-dhcihQQ Way to go, third grade authors! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #ekstrandelementary #StudentAuthors #CharacterStrong #YoungWriters #ChangingTheWorldOneThirdGraderAtATime #saberpride #saberssuceeding

👏 Congratulations to Coach David Moore on being named the 2025 Golden Plaque of Distinction recipient for tennis by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU)! 🎾 This prestigious honor recognizes not only his successful coaching career but also his outstanding impact on students, the community, and the coaching profession. We are so lucky to have him leading our girls tennis program—what a role model for our athletes! 💜💛 #GoSabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #GoldenPlaqueofDistinction #IGHSAU #IowaTennis #SaberPride #SaberGirlsTennis #sabertennis #saberssuceeding

Fourth graders brought history to life and laughter to the stage during two recent performances at CDIS. Last week, these students performed Girl. Fighter. Hero., a play based on the true story of teen Patriot Sybil Ludington and her vital role in the American Revolution. Often called “the female Paul Revere,” Ludington rode 40 miles through a stormy night to rally the militia in defense of Danbury, Connecticut. In the other performance, students presented their version of the humorous play A Mixed-Up Fairytale. They prepared the play during WIN time and proudly performed it for teachers, parents and classmates, bringing smiles and laughter to the audience. Great job, Sabers! GIRL. FIGHTER. HERO. Historian: Madeline Frame Narrator: Easton Munro Sybil: Mackenzie Mommsen Prosser: Oliver Schweitzer Colonel: Austin Makela Washington: Winston Skidmore Scribner: Cormac Kedley Mrs. Shaw: Ava Frazier Crosby: Case Knepper Bandit 1: Luke Kemmerer Bandit 2: Lane Adams Aide 1: Will Burke Aide 2: Ryne Hoepner Mother: Averi Wilder Mary: Gwen Law Messenger: Lane Adams A MIXED UP FAIRYTALE Cinderella: Allie Kennedy Frog: Lane Adams Wicked Stepmother: Gwen Law Magic Mirror: Piper Dahl Rumpelstiltskin: Winston Skidmore Little Bo Peep: Georgia Speas Little Red Riding Hood: Cami Robinson #gosabers #CDIS #centraldewittsd #centraldewittsabers #amixedupfairytale #girlfighterhero #cdisplay #saberpride #saberssuceeding

It may be the last week of school, but we’re already getting ready for next year — and you can too! Back-to-school can sneak up on you — and suddenly, you’re racing from store to store trying to find school supplies. But what if you could check it off your list today? With 1st Day School Supplies, you can! In just a few clicks, you’ll get exactly what your child’s teacher requested — packed in a beautiful new box and delivered on time, stress-free. ✅ 100% teacher-approved ✅ No guesswork ✅ No crowds ✅ Guaranteed delivery 👉 ORDER HERE: • EKSTRAND ELEMENTARY: https://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/gs/1178430 • CDIS: https://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/gs/38893 Make back-to-school easier than ever — order now and relax all summer! ☀️ #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdis #ekstrandelementary #1stDaySchoolSupplies #BackToSchool #SchoolSupplies

The Little Sabers Preschool Lab at CDHS wrapped up last week, and what an incredible experience it was for both preschoolers and our Early Childhood Development students! From story time and self-portraits to rainbow science experiments, gardening, and even a visit from the Grand Mound Fire Department 🚒—these future educators learned so much while helping these future Sabers grow, explore, and shine. #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #littlesaberspreschoollab ##earlychildhooddevelopment #futureeducators #futuresabers #learningisfun #handsonlearning #saberpride #saberssuceeding

Today, our talented 5th graders wowed their peers with an unforgettable performance of Christmas in July—but with a creative twist! Earlier this year, the students were introduced to the original play, and over the past several weeks, they transformed it into something uniquely their own. From rewriting the script and adding fresh dialogue to memorizing lines and rehearsing scenes, these young performers poured heart and humor into every moment. The play follows New Year, who has just taken over the calendar from Last Year. But things quickly spiral out of control: fall shows up in March, Easter hops into October, and Christmas lands smack in the middle of July! As holidays scramble to find their rightful place, New Year must uncover what went wrong. In a surprising twist, it’s revealed that a trusted friend sabotaged the calendar—just so he could take over. Filled with laughter, lessons, and lots of holiday spirit, the performance was a testament to the students’ creativity, collaboration, and dedication. Bravo to our budding playwrights and performers! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdis #5thgradeplay #ChristmasInJuly #ELP #WINtime #saberpride #sabersucceeding

🏆 Congratulations to our May 2025 #SaberSpotlight students! #SaberSpotlight recognizes Central DeWitt students who stand out in the classroom and represent what it means to be a SABER! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #SaberSpotlight #studentssucceeding #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary