Here's your chance to be part of a team that champions academic excellence, outstanding opportunities and an exceptional experience for every student! To apply, visit https://phlaptweb36.applitrack.com/CDCSD/onlineapp/

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #workwithuswednesday #joinoursaberfamily #jobopportunities #schoolcounselor #specialeducationteacher
about 8 hours ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Associate Job Opening
🏆 Congratulations to our September 2026 #SaberSpotlight students! #SaberSpotlight recognizes Central DeWitt students who stand out in the classroom and represent what it means to be a SABER!

#SaberSpotlight #GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
about 12 hours ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
September 2026 #SaberSpotlight
September 2026 #SaberSpotlight
September 2026 #SaberSpotlight
The proposed Connected Campus Plan includes several improvements designed to enhance student safety while maintaining four distinct, age-appropriate schools.

Key safety features include:

• 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖 𝗙𝗟𝗢𝗪 & 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Redesigned traffic patterns, parking, and pick-up/drop-off areas to improve safety and reduce congestion.

• 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗬 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗘 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗦: Emergency protocols developed in collaboration with local law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency management.

• 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟 𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘: A new secure entry vestibule requiring visitors to check in through the high school office before entering the building. This will also bring the primary student entrance closer to the high school office, improving supervision and security as students enter and exit the building.

• 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗧 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟𝗦: Each school would maintain its own offices, lunchrooms, and age-appropriate learning spaces. Students of different ages would remain in their designated areas, with interactions planned and supervised.

𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀. 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗰𝘁 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀. 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗴𝗲.

Learn more about the proposed plan and what it means for Central DeWitt students, staff, and families before the November 3 election. Visit https://www.cd-csd.org/page/bond-referendum.

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #2026BondReferendum #LongTermFacilitiesPlan #InvestingInEducation #SupportOurStudents #InvestingInOurCommunity #SafetyAndSecurity #VoteNovember3 #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

1 day ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Students arriving at school, high school main entrance, Officer Witt talking about bike safety with students
We were excited to welcome back motivational speaker Cory Greenwood, who returned to Central DeWitt this year with another inspiring message for our middle school students.

Building on his visit last year, students were encouraged to think about how their decisions and actions may be affecting their:

🌟 Goals and future plans
🌟 Friendships and relationships
🌟 Success in school
🌟 Attitude and outlook
🌟 Ability to handle challenges and setbacks

Cory reminded students that good people can make bad decisions. Sometimes, the first step toward making a change is being honest about the choices we make and the role they play in where we are today.

His message gave students plenty to think about — and a reminder that while we can't control everything that happens to us, we can control what we do next.

Adding even more energy to the morning, American Idol Top 20 artist Hannah Nicolaisen opened and closed the assembly with incredible performances that had everyone singing along! 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDMS #YourStoryMatters #CoryGreenwood #HannahNicolaisen #ChoicesMatter #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
1 day ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Motivational speaker Cory Greenwood speaking to Central DeWitt Middle School students
American Idol Top 20 artist Hannah Nicolaisen opened and closed the assembly with incredible performances that had everyone on their feet!
Middle school students singing Country Roads together
Motivational speaker Cory Greenwood speaking to Central DeWitt Middle School students
Middle school students singing Country Roads together
Motivational speaker Cory Greenwood speaking to Central DeWitt Middle School students
American Idol Top 20 artist Hannah Nicolaisen opened and closed the assembly with incredible performances that had everyone on their feet!
Middle school students singing Country Roads together
🎶 The Central DeWitt Music Boosters online store is LIVE! 🎶

Show your pride and help support Saber musicians! 💜💛

Purchases from the online store help provide additional opportunities, resources and experiences for our music students.

🛍️ Shop now and get your orders in before the webstore closes October 21!

https://adcraftwebstores.com/csbmc26/

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CentralDeWittMusicBoosters #SaberMusicians #SupportOurStudents #OnlineStore #SaberPride
1 day ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Saber Music apparel
In recognition of National Manufacturing Day and Manufacturing Month, CDHS students interested in manufacturing, engineering, skilled trades and industrial careers had the opportunity to visit Arconic Learning Center for a hands-on experience.

Students rotated through interactive stations led by Arconic employees, exploring:
🔹 Metallurgical Engineering
🔹 Central Maintenance
🔹 Electrical Trades
🔹 Manufacturing Operations
🔹 Quality & Safety

They also toured the EICC Blong Technology Center, giving students a closer look at the education and training opportunities connected to these careers.

A great opportunity to explore what’s possible beyond the classroom and learn directly from professionals in the field! We love to see our Sabers exploring options. Way to go, Sabers!

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #NationalManufacturingDay #ManufacturingMonth #ExploringCareers #PlanningForTheFuture #HandsOnLearning #CareerAndCollegeReady #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
2 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Students attending a manufacturing event at Arconic Learning Center
Students attending a manufacturing event at Arconic Learning Center
Students attending a manufacturing event at Arconic Learning Center
Students attending a manufacturing event at Arconic Learning Center
Students attending a manufacturing event at Arconic Learning Center
Students attending a manufacturing event at Arconic Learning Center
🍎 It’s Work With Us Wednesday! Looking for a way to earn some extra cash while working when it’s convenient for you? Central DeWitt Nutrition Services is looking for substitute food service staff to work as needed in our school kitchens.

With no nights, weekends or holidays and the flexibility to accept assignments that work with your schedule, this is a great part-time opportunity!

Interested? Contact Nutrition Services Director Dede Wagener at dede.wagener@cd-csd.org.

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #workwithuswednesday #joinoursaberfamily #jobopportunities #nutritionservices
2 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Work With Us Wednesday - Nutrition Substitutes
🎾 Good luck at State, Sabers! 🎾

Today, we’re cheering on Kaelyn Denahy, Claire McGarry and Greenley Grell as they compete in the State Tennis Tournament at Waukee Northwest.

Of the more than 50 girls who competed for a spot at state last week, just six athletes from the regional tournament qualified — and three of them are Central DeWitt Sabers!

Kaelyn earned her spot with a regional singles championship, while Claire and Greenley won the regional doubles championship.

Let’s go, Sabers! 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #SaberTennis #GirlsTennis #StateBound #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding #SabersAtState Central DeWitt Girls Tennis
3 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Greenley Grell, Claire McGarry, Kaelyn Denahy and Coach Dave Moore
🏫 Why do facility conditions matter?

At Central DeWitt, many of our building systems date back to the 1950s and 60s. Understanding the condition of these systems, and how they affect student learning, is an important part of understanding the district’s facility needs.

Research shows that school building conditions and indoor air quality can affect how students feel, function and perform. In our own classroom testing, CO₂ levels have reached over 1,900 ppm during the school day—nearly twice the acceptable indoor level (800-1000 ppm). Poor indoor air quality can affect students’ focus, concentration, comfort, cognitive performance, standardized test results, health and attendance, creating a less effective learning environment.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻’𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝘀—𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴.

For decades, Central DeWitt has repaired, replaced, and found creative solutions to keep aging systems functioning. But continued patching is not a sustainable long-term solution.

The Connected Campus plan addresses all critical facility needs across the district, including HVAC and ventilation, roofing, plumbing, electrical systems, ADA compliance, classroom finishes and other aging infrastructure.

Waiting won’t make these needs go away. Aging systems continue to require attention, while rising construction costs can make future improvements more expensive. State funding helps support Iowa schools, but it does not provide enough funding to address all major capital improvements. Community support is an important part of how districts like Central DeWitt can address significant facility needs.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll continue sharing more details about the plan so voters can make an informed decision on November 3.

To learn more, visit https://www.cd-csd.org/page/bond-referendum

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #2026BondReferendum #LongTermFacilitiesPlan #InvestingInEducation #SupportingOurStudents #InvestingInOurCommunity #VoteNovember3 #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
3 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Ekstrand Elementary Challenges
Intermediate School Challenges
High School and Middle School Challenges
🏌️‍♂️ A big congratulations to senior Dawson Petsche, who qualified individually for the boys golf state tournament with a 72 at districts! Dawson will compete next Monday and Tuesday at Davenport Country Club.

And congratulations to the entire Saber Golf team on a great season! We’re proud of the way this group competed and represented Central DeWitt throughout the season. 💜💛

Good luck at state, Dawson! Go Sabers!

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #SaberGolf #BoysGolf #StateBound #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
3 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Coach Jen Froeschle, Dawson Petsche and Coach Troy Steffens
2026 Saber Boys Golf Team
🇺🇸 Central DeWitt Middle School 6th & 7th Grade Families!

Information about the 2028 Washington, D.C. trip came home this week! If your student is interested in joining this exciting educational experience, come learn more about the trip, pricing and how to reserve their spot.

📅 Parent Meeting: Wednesday, October 7
⏰ 6:00–6:30 PM
📍 Central DeWitt High School Cafeteria

🎉 Bonus: Families who attend the meeting receive $500 off each traveler!

👉 RSVP: https://rsvp.worldclassrooms.com/inperson/59597556372?rsvp_id=59597556372

We hope to see you there!
3 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Students in front of the Capitol Building
🧶 What does it mean to belong?

At CDIS, students and staff explored that question through a collaborative art project inspired by the life and artwork of Judith Scott, an artist who had Down syndrome and was profoundly deaf.

After reading Unbound: The Life and Art of Judith Scott in Mrs. Magill’s art class, students learned about Judy’s life, her artwork and the barriers she faced because of her disabilities. For much of her life, Judy was denied opportunities to learn and participate in her community. Later, with the support of her twin sister, Joyce, Judy began attending the Creative Growth Art Center in California, where she found a place to express herself through her unique fiber artwork.

Inspired by Judy’s work, students and staff each contributed something that represented themselves—favorite colors, fabrics, ribbons, yarn and other meaningful objects. Those individual pieces were woven and bound around a chair donated by Sharon Martin, creating one unique work of art.

The project carried a simple but powerful message: Everyone has a place here. 💜

What began as a lesson about Judith Scott became a meaningful reminder of the value, individuality and belonging of every person in the CDIS community.

Watch a video about the experience: https://youtube.com/shorts/o-k-qfe8Svg?feature=share
#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDIS #JudithScott #CDISArt #InclusiveArt #HandsOnLearning #EveryoneHasAPlaceHere #AnExceptionalExperience #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
4 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
The finished collaborative chair covered in the items students and staff attached
Art student tying their object to the chair as part of a collaborative work
Art student tying their object to the chair as part of a collaborative work
Art student tying their object to the chair as part of a collaborative work
Art student tying their object to the chair as part of a collaborative work
Art student tying their object to the chair as part of a collaborative work
Ready for your next big role? Take your cue and apply to be our Middle School Drama Sponsor! To apply, visit https://phlaptweb36.applitrack.com/CDCSD/onlineapp/

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #workwithus #joinoursaberfamily #jobopportunities
5 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Theater masks
🎾 Congratulations to the Central DeWitt Girls Tennis team and coaches Dave Moore and Mark Wriedt on punching their ticket to the State Tournament! 🎉

Heading to State are Maelea Neilson, Kaelyn Denahy, Quinn Schroeder, Claire McGarry, Adel McAvan, Greenley Grell, and Maddie Thole.

The Sabers will compete in Pella on October 12. We’re proud of this team and can’t wait to see them take the court at State!

And don’t forget there’s more State tennis happening this Wednesday and Thursday!

Kaelyn Denahy will compete in singles, while Claire McGarry and Greenley Grell will compete in doubles in the state tournament at Waukee Northwest.

⏰ Help us send them off on Tuesday morning at 7:45 a.m. in the CDHS Atrium and show these Sabers some love before they head to State!

👕 Want to support the team? ORDER TODAY! The State T-shirt store is only open through today, so don’t miss your chance to get your state tennis gear!

https://stores.teamelitesports.com/centraldewitt_girls_tennis/shop/home

LET’S GO, SABERS! 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #SaberTennis #GirlsTennis #StateBound #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
5 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Girls Tennis team and coaches holding state banner and ticket

🏈 Tonight’s football schedule has been adjusted due to field conditions following this week’s rain.

The 5 p.m. game has been postponed with the new date to be determined. The varsity game will now kick off at 7 p.m., and only one game will be played tonight.

👏 Youth Football & Cheer Recognition is still happening! Times have been adjusted:

• 5:30 p.m. — Youth Spirit Clinic participants arrive at the northwest end of the track near concessions
• 6:15 p.m. — Youth Spirit Clinic performance
• 6:25 p.m. — Youth Football introductions

We’ll share the new date for the 5 p.m. game once it has been determined. Thanks for your understanding, and we’ll see you tonight!

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #SaberFootball #GameUpdate

7 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Football
Congratulations to senior Izzy VanDerGinst and sophomore Karrigan Roth, who were invited to participate in the 2027 All-Iowa Honor Dance Team! 💜💛

This prestigious statewide team selects its members through an audition process held each August. The All-Iowa Honor Dance Team will perform in Des Moines during the girls state basketball tournament in March.

We’re so proud to see Izzy and Karrigan represent Central DeWitt on the statewide stage! Way to go, Sabers!

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDHSCheer #CDHSDance #SpiritTeam #AllIowaHonorDanceTeam #SaberSpirit #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
7 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Izzy VanDerGinst and Karrigan Roth
💜 Let’s give our custodians a little extra credit today! 💛

For National Custodian Day, we’re recognizing these outstanding people who help keep our schools clean, welcoming and ready for learning. From setting up for events and caring for our buildings to jumping in when the unexpected happens, they help keep each school day running smoothly.

Thank you to our incredible custodial team for all you do for the Saber Family! We appreciate you today and every day! 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #NationalCustodianDay #WeLoveOurCustodians #ThankYouForAllYouDo #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
8 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Central DeWitt Custodians
November 3 is an important day for Central DeWitt.

On November 3, our community will decide whether to approve the bond referendum for the proposed Connected Campus plan. Between now and then, we want to make sure voters have clear information about what is being proposed, why it was developed, and what it would mean for our schools and community.

The proposal is the result of nearly two years of facility assessment, planning, and community input involving engineers, financial consultants, educational facility experts, and, most importantly, Central DeWitt students, staff, and community members.

Over the coming weeks, we'll focus on the four major components of the proposal:

🔒 IMPROVE SAFETY & SECURITY
Updates throughout our schools, including secure entrances, improved traffic flow, and age-appropriate separation of students.

🔧 ADDRESS CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Addressing outstanding critical maintenance needs across the district, including building systems dating back to the 1950s and 1960s.

📚 IMPROVE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL PK–12 STUDENTS
Renovations and new construction that would improve learning environments across all grade levels while maintaining four distinct, age-appropriate schools.

🏠 NO INCREASE TO THE DEBT-SERVICE TAX RATE FROM THIS PROPOSAL
The financing plan is structured to maintain the district’s current debt-service levy rate while making the proposed facility improvements.

There is a lot to understand about a project of this size. Over the next few weeks, we’ll break it down, share the details, and answer questions so voters can make an informed decision on November 3.

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #2026BondReferendum #LongTermFacilitiesPlan #InvestingInEducation #SupportOurStudents #InvestingInOurCommunity #VoteNovember3 #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
8 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Photos of students, staff and community members identifying strengths and weaknesses of our facilities

☕️ Fourth graders recently celebrated the end of their first personal narratives unit with Starbucks Day! As part of the celebration, students shared their own personal narratives with classmates while enjoying “lattes” (chocolate milk) and donuts — a fun way to celebrate their hard work.

The day also brought their learning about polio to life. One of the texts students read during the unit was Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio by Peg Kehret, and many of the day’s activities connected to Peg’s story and the experiences of those affected by polio.

Students designed parade floats to represent a significant moment in Peg’s journey, then experienced one of the challenges polio patients faced during physical therapy. Patients once practiced picking up marbles with their toes to help strengthen their muscles, so students used an oven mitt to simulate the difficulty of the task. They also learned how Candy Land was created by a teacher for children with polio before getting to enjoy a game themselves.

Perhaps the most meaningful part of the day came when Mrs. Ellerhoff shared her husband's experience with polio, giving students a firsthand perspective that connected what they had read and learned to a real-life experience.

From sharing their own stories over “lattes” and donuts to stepping into the experiences they learned about, Starbucks Day gave fourth graders a memorable way to connect their learning to the real world. 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDIS #4thGrade #StarbucksDay #PersonalNarratves #HandsOnLearning #AcademicExcellence #OutstandingOpportunities #AnExceptionalExperience #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

9 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
4th grade students playing Candyland
Ms. Pickup serving "lattes" (chocolate milk) to students
4th grade students sharing their personal narratives
4th grade students designing their own parade float
4th grade students sharing their personal narratives
4th grade students playing Candyland
4th graders trying to pick up marbles while using an oven mitt
Students enjoying their "lattes" (chocolate milk)
4th grade students sharing their personal narratives
Mrs. Ellerhoff talking to students about her husband's experience having polio
💜💛 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

9 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Bryant Martens