Central DeWitt School District -

💜💛 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

A huge congratulations to these Central DeWitt students and recent EICC graduates! On May 19th, several Saber students proudly graduated from Eastern Iowa Community Colleges. Their dedication, hard work, and motivation have led them to achieve this incredible milestone while still in high school. We are proud to share the names of the Central DeWitt students who earned college credentials this year—an outstanding accomplishment that reflects their commitment to academic excellence. Associates of Arts: Lily Hartley Hannah Moore Christina Reyna Amaya Tallman Maddie Thiel Associates of Science: Isabelle Ostert Parker Petsche Matthew Shelby Automotive Certificate: Marana Boeding Xavier Brown Luke Detterman Megan Kramer Fundamentals of Welding Certificate: Benjamin Boyd Jayden Flammang Peyton Heileman Karson Hoenig Trevor Schmidtke Certified Nurse Aide: Mya Campbell Zoey Fuglsang Nazahra Gambleton Hailey Gerard Avery Owens Michael Palmer Addison Porter Ava Putman Zoey Rooks Brynlee Shimp Jordan Smith Landre Ruggeberg Ava Staub Small Business Management Certificate: Matthew Boeding Bryson Brewer Hailey Green Caden Huff IT/Networking for Systems & Security Certificate: Nathan Griffin Killian McManus CNC Machine Operator Certificate: Sam Robinson Ethan Roth Grant Roth Owen Willimack #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #eicc #associatesdegree #certificate #graduates #earningcollegecredit #saberpride #saberssucceeding

💜💛 Congratulations to our May 2025 District Student of the Month Jenny Claussen! She is featured in today's edition of The Observer thanks to our friends at First Central State Bank. Jenny is a shining example of leadership, academic excellence, and selfless service, and she has made an extraordinary impact on the school community. From early on, Jenny knew she wanted to be a leader, and she has fully embraced that role at Central DeWitt. This year, one of her greatest sources of pride has been mentoring younger students—whether in cross-country, drama, or band—and knowing her example has helped shape future leaders. Throughout her high school career, Jenny has volunteered in numerous demanding leadership roles. One of her most notable contributions has been to The Scribbler, the school’s literary magazine. After just two years on the team, she was named managing editor—a volunteer position that requires vision, dedication, and organization. In this role, Jenny leads meetings and events, supports team members, solves problems, and ensures publication deadlines are met. Her advisor describes her as the best student to ever hold the position, calling her leadership “invaluable.” She also serves as a student leader in the band program, a captain of the cross-country team, and the lights manager for Saber Drama. In addition, she is an active member of Saber Speech, the National Honor Society, and the girls' track team. This year, Jenny also stood out in the classroom, taking two college-level courses and distinguishing herself through her exceptional work ethic, strong writing skills, and critical thinking. She brings a growth mindset to every challenge, always pushing herself to learn more and do better. Looking ahead, Jenny plans to attend the University of Iowa, where she will apply for the nursing program to continuing to help others, learn from new experiences, and make a difference wherever she goes. Jenny embodies what it means to be a Saber—motivated, compassionate, and committed to leading with integrity. We’re proud to honor her as Central DeWitt’s Student of the Month. #gosabers #cdcsdstudentofthemonth #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #firstcentralstatebank #studentofthemonth #sabepride #saberssucceeding

🏆Our Special Olympics team had an incredible showing at the Summer State Games in Ames on Thursday, May 22, and Friday, May 23! Check out the results below. 💜💛 The biggest highlight though was that Coach Megan Jackson was named the Special Olympics Coach of the Year and Coach Terri Smith received the Special Olympics Adult Volunteer of the Year award! These two outstanding leaders are the only recipients of these honors in the entire state of Iowa. We’re so proud of our athletes and grateful for the dedication, heart, and leadership of coaches Jackson and Smith. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! 🥇 RESULTS Our Saber purple unified soccer team earned a bronze medal. Team members included athletes Nyna Sechrest, Christopher Shenker, Adrianna Flick and Skyler Raymond. Unified partners included Brynn Schroeder, Kennedy Lackas, Avery Meek, Molly Morris and Paityn Dingbaum. The team was coached by Unified partner Adriana Curtner. The Saber Gold Unified soccer team also earned a bronze medal. Team members included athletes Cole Michaelsen, Joslynn Mulholland, Jack Burken, Kayleb Goldensoph and Tatiana Raymond. Unified partners included Anna Rouse, Blaire Kueter and Finnley Smith. The team was coached by unified partner Evalyn House. Athletes also competed in track events: • Kayleb Goldensoph- running long jump bronze medal • Skyler Raymond- running long jump gold medal and 100 m dash gold medal • Marlee Michaelsen-25m walk gold medal (assisted by Unified partner Kennedi Green) • Joslynn Mulholland-50m dash- silver medal • Nyna Sechrest-50m dash- bronze medal • Erik Nicholas-50m dash- bronze medal and softball throw- bronze medal • Christopher Shenker-50m dash- 6th place • Ryland Taylor-shot put-silver medal Our cycling team was unable to compete due to the competition being canceled canceled because of the weather. Team members included: • Marlee Michaelsen and Lily Gruntorad • Erik Nicholas and Kennedi Green • Adam Harney and Emily Freeman • Ryland Taylor and Izzy Heitz • Ayana Gooch-Sims • Amya Gooch-Sims • Gage Heston #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #centraldewittspecialolympics #specialolympics #summergames #saberpride #saberssucceeding #choosetoinclude #coachoftheyear #adultvolunteeroftheyear

Saber Fans! Our boys soccer team hits the road to face Maquoketa tonight at 7:00 p.m.! Tickets must be purchased ahead of time through Bound: https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/iahsaa/L2VtYmVkL2V2ZW50LzYyOTE%3D Let’s all head north and cheer on our Sabers! 💜💛 #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #sabersoccer #saberboyssoccer #boysoccer #substate #saberpride #saberssucceeding

🎾 Wishing the best of luck to the doubles team of Hudson Krukow and Ashton Schneider, individual player Max Froeschle, and their coaches as they compete in the Iowa Boys State Tennis Tournament today! This is a historic moment—the first time in Saber boys tennis history that athletes have advanced to state. Your grit, dedication, and hard work have led you here, and we couldn’t be prouder. Go out there, give it everything you’ve got, and show ‘em what it means to be a Saber! 💜💛 #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #centraldewitttennis #boystennis #StateTennisTournament #SabersTennis #MakingHistory #StateBound #saberpride #saberssucceeding