Central DeWitt School District -

📅 When the school schedule changes, have peace of mind knowing Saber Cubs Care is already part of your plan. Snow days. Virtual learning days. Non-school days. Summer break. School schedules don’t always line up with work schedules—but Saber Cubs Care is there when families need it most.

✅ Saber Cubs Care provides dependable care in a familiar environment with caring staff who understand kids—and school.
✅ On virtual learning days, students receive help with schoolwork and routines.
✅ Our Saber Cubs enjoy a fun, kid-centric space with a mix of structured activities and free play, along with access to the gym and playground for plenty of room to move and explore.
✅ Best of all, it’s offered at very affordable rates, with Child Care Assistance available for qualifying families, helping make quality care accessible to all (Fees: https://bit.ly/4rmHa6u).

Saber Cubs Care offers before- and after-school care, early-out care, and all-day preschool care on Fridays during the school year. During the summer, care is available Monday–Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

💡 Did you know? Families can sign their child up for Saber Cubs Care only on scheduled non-school days or when school is cancelled due to weather or other reasons. Even if your child doesn’t attend SCC regularly, being registered gives you a reliable option when schedules change. If you think you may ever need care on snow days or non-school days, registering during February 2 enrollment helps ensure SCC is part of your plan when it matters most.

If you want peace of mind when schedules shift, Saber Cubs Care is ready. Registration opens at 8 a.m. on February 2 for summer 2026 and the 2026–2027 school year. The link will be available on our social media channels and website.

Summer Child Care is available for children who will be 4 years old by June 1, 2026, through those entering 4th grade in the 2026-2027 school year, in accordance with state regulations. School-Year Child Care is available for children who will be 4 years old through 3rd grade during the 2026–2027 school year.

We can’t wait to welcome your Saber Cubs! 🐾💜💛

For more information visit https://www.cd-csd.org/o/cdcsd/page/saber-cubs-care or contact Saber Cubs Care Director Sarah Penniston at sarah.penniston@cd-csd.org or (563) 659-4711.

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #SaberCubsCare #EkstrandElementary #SCC #Registration #SaberCubsCareRegistration #EnrollFebruary2 #SaberPride #ChildCare #CaringForYourCubs

Each day, Central DeWitt employees make a difference for students, families, and one another through their dedication, care, and commitment to our schools. Help us recognize those employees by nominating them for the January’s Employee of the Month!

💜 WHO CAN BE NOMINATED?
• Any full-time or part-time Central DeWitt employee
• Employees may be selected once per school year
• Staff members not chosen for the Employee of the Month are recognized as Saber Superstars throughout the year

📣 HOW TO NOMINATE:
Please submit your nomination using the form linked below:
https://forms.gle/ksRVLaYC6XBXkAbw7

🗓 Nomination deadline: Monday, Feb. 2nd

Your nomination helps ensure the important work of our staff does not go unnoticed. Thank you for taking the time to recognize the people who make Central DeWitt a supportive and successful place to learn and grow.

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #employeeofthemonth #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #nominateanemployee #SaberPride #SaberSpirit #SabersSucceeding

💜 KINDERGARTEN PRE-REGISTRATION IS OPEN! 💜

Do you have a child who will be starting kindergarten next year? If you haven’t already, now is the time to pre-register! Families can easily pre-register by visiting our website and clicking the pre-registration link under the “Kindergarten” tab here:
👉 https://www.cd-csd.org/page/registration

Once the pre-registration form is submitted, you’ll receive a mailed packet with next steps. Completing this form helps us prepare to welcome your child to Ekstrand Elementary and plan for a great year ahead!

✨ Please note:
• Children must be five years old on or before September 15, 2025, to be eligible for kindergarten.
• You will still need to officially register your kindergartener through Infinite Campus when regular registration opens in April.

We can’t wait to welcome the Class of 2039! 💜💛

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #ekstrandelementary #kindergartenpreregistration #cdcsdkindergartenregistration #kindergartenroundup #futuresabers #classof2039

The Central DeWitt School Board has approved the 2026–2027 district calendar, and we’re excited to share it with our families. The calendar is posted on the District website (www.cd-csd.org) under the "Calendars" tab and it was emailed to families.

The first day of the 2026–2027 school year will be Monday, August 24, 2026, and the last day will be an early out on Friday, May 28, 2027. Please note that the last day of school may be adjusted if weather-related or other school cancellations occur during the year.

Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, Central DeWitt schools will transition from a semester system to a trimester system. At a basic level, this change is about how the school year is divided for grading and reporting purposes. Instead of two long grading periods, the year will be divided into three shorter ones.

This shift is an advantage for students and families, as it allows for more frequent check-ins and updates on student progress. Students will receive feedback and grades more often, helping families better understand how learning is going and respond sooner when support or enrichment is needed.

While this change applies district-wide, the impact will be most noticeable at the middle and high school levels. Moving to a trimester schedule allows us to be more intentional in how learning time is used. With fewer classes at a time, students can engage more deeply in their coursework, build stronger relationships with teachers, and experience clearer expectations. Trimesters also provide greater flexibility to offer a broad range of courses, respond more quickly to student needs through intervention or acceleration, and better align schedules across the secondary level—helping us maximize instructional time and support student success.

We’re proud of the work happening across our schools and excited for what’s ahead as we prepare for another great start in August!

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #schoolcalendar #districtcalendar #SchoolCalendar20262027 #saberpride #saberssucceeding

🎶 Last weekend, eight of our talented students participated in the Marion Junior Honor Band! They played beautifully and did an outstanding job representing our school. We’re so proud of their hard work and dedication!

• 6th Grade: Ryleigh Spain, Anna Galloway, Kinnick Olsen, Lily Soenksen, Eloise Ohnemus, and Jonathan Stroud
• 7th Grade: Harper Petersen
• 8th Grade: Aiden Paysen

Way to go! 👏🎵

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDMS #MiddleSchoolBand #CDIS #IntermediateSchoolBand #HonorBand #MarionJuniorHonorBand #SaberMusicians #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

🌩️ A dark and stormy night… a mansion full of secrets… and a cast of characters you won’t soon forget. Get ready for mystery, mayhem, and nonstop laughs as Central DeWitt Middle School presents It’s a Madhouse!

When a famous mystery author dies, his highly dysfunctional family gathers for the reading of the will—only to discover his fortune has been hidden in a single mysterious object. Whoever finds it first wins it all! Add ghost hunters, a nosy news crew, stranded tourists, and plenty of chaos, and you’ve got a madcap mystery where everyone is part of the madness.

📅 February 6 & 7
⏰ 6:30 p.m.
📍 Central DeWitt Performing Arts Center
🎟️ Admission: Donations accepted at the door

Save the date and come support our amazing CDMS performers in a show packed with comedy, surprises, and over-the-top fun! 🎬🎉

It's a Madhouse! is written by Todd Wallinger and produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Denver, Colorado

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDMS #CDMSPlay #ItsAMadhouse #CDMSDrama #CDPAC #SaberPride #SaberSucceeding

🎓 Meet Dalani Beuthien, one of our seniors who has a bright future ahead of her! Way to go, Dalani!

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

Due to the Extreme Cold Warning in place for our area through noon on Friday, Central DeWitt schools will switch to a Virtual School Day on Friday, January 23. Saber Cubs Care will remain open during normal hours for families who need it. Stay safe and warm!

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #VirtualSchoolDay

These 5th grade artists took inspiration from Michelangelo and turned the underside of their desks into masterpieces 🎨✨

Just like Michelangelo painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, students challenged themselves to create art from a whole new perspective. Working upside down gave them a deeper appreciation for the skill, patience, and creativity behind one of the most famous works of art in history.

Art is about imagination, perseverance—and sometimes a little neck strain 😄 Who knew a Sistine Chapel–style experience could happen right under our desks?

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDIS #5thgrade #SistineChapel #Michelangelo #Renaissance #creativelearning #handsonlearning #learningisfun #saberpride #saberssucceeding

Last week, Ekstrand Elementary proudly recognized the first-ever Unified Saber Book Club winners! 📚💜💛

During the first semester, 2nd and 3rd grade students participated in the Unified Saber Book Club by reading from the Unified Book Collection. Students who completed 10 books earned a special Unified Saber Book Club wristband, with winners announced during lunch.

The Unified Saber Book Club is part of Ekstrand’s commitment to be a Special Olympics Unified Champion School. The Unified Saber Book Club encourages students to explore differences, build empathy, and become more inclusive, understanding friends.

The Unified Book Collection—purchased through the generous support of The Education Foundation of Central DeWitt—is housed in the Ekstrand library. Inside each book, families and teachers will find helpful discussion questions and activities designed to spark meaningful conversations and deeper understanding.

Congratulations to our first Unified Saber Book Club winners!

⭐2nd Grade
• Tinsley Asby, Madeleine Fox, Bryant Pranschke, Aiden Claussen, Lily Johnson, Macy Mosier, Kody Schroeder, Garrett Pettitt

⭐3rd Grade
• Finley Hahn, Paxtyn Hoepner, Isla MacMillan, Madison Ruiz, Emmeline Feldpausch, Nora McGonegle, Caroline Yotty, Alana Green

We are proud of these Sabers for their commitment to reading, learning, and inclusion—and we look forward to seeing even more Unified Saber Book Club readers in the future!

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #EkstrandElementary #UnifiedSaberBookClub #UnifiedBookCollection #ChooseToInclude #CelebrateDifferences #SpecialOlympics #UnifiedChampionSchool #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

🎓 Meet senior Camila Reyna, one of our seniors who is on the path to success after graduation! Way to go, Camila!


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

Our first Future Ready Day was a tremendous success, giving Saber students meaningful opportunities to explore their interests and begin intentionally planning for their futures. Students in grades 7–12 spent last Friday learning not only about postsecondary options, but also how course selection connects directly to future goals.

2025 graduates shared valuable insight into college life, while current seniors offered practical advice and perspective on making the most of the high school experience. Current CDHS Education Assistants, Office Assistants, and Career Academy students shared their own experiences and encouraged peers to take advantage of similar opportunities.

Business professionals Kale Peterson (River Valley Cooperative), Brigham Tubbs (First Central State Bank), Dr. Stephanie Mishler (Central DeWitt CSD), and Ron Zimmer (Custom Pak, Inc) shared their career pathways and highlighted the wide range of opportunities within manufacturing, education, finance, and agriculture.

Looking ahead to the future of work, Aaron Maurer, STEM Lead at MBAEA, sparked thoughtful conversations about how artificial intelligence is changing the workforce and creating new career opportunities. Chris Caves from the Quad City Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of researching careers and understanding which jobs are in demand locally, encouraging students to explore high-priority careers and workforce needs in our region.

7th and 8th grade students explored careers through hands-on activities and problem-solving experiences that exposed them to a variety of career options, while 8th graders also heard directly from high school faculty about new courses and the many choices available as they plan their high school journey.

Future Ready Day reflects our commitment to helping every Saber explore possibilities, plan with purpose, and feel confident about the road ahead. We’re excited to continue building these experiences for our students and our community. 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #FutureReadyDay #FutureReady #FutureFocused #IntentionalPlanning #PlanWithPurpose #CareerAndCollegeReady #StudentOpportunities #OutstandingOpportunities #AcademicExcellence #AnExceptionalExperience #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

📅 Mark your calendars! Join us as we celebrate the hard work, growth, and dedication of youth basketball players during the upcoming Youth Basketball Recognition Nights.

GIRLS YOUTH BASKETBALL RECOGNITION NIGHT
📅 Tuesday, January 27
⏰ Players announced before the varsity girls game
🏀 JV Game: 4:30 p.m.
🏀 Varsity Game: 6:00 p.m.

BOYS YOUTH BASKETBALL RECOGNITION NIGHT
📅 Friday, February 6
⏰ Players announced between the sophomore and varsity games
🏀 Sophomore Game: 6:00 p.m.
🏀 Varsity Game: 7:30 p.m.

⭐ IMPORTANT DETAILS
✔️ Send team rosters to becky.green@cd-csd.org by Thursday, Jan. 23 to be announced
✔️ Free admission for players
✔️ Players should wear a Sabers shirt or team jersey

We're looking forward to recognizing our future Saber players on the big court! 💜💛

REMINDER: There is no school on Monday, Jan. 19th. Enjoy the long weekend and we’ll see you on Tuesday for the start of the second semester!

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #noschooljan19 #noschoolmonday

🎓 Our next senior spotlight is Brynlee Shimp, who has a great future ahead of her! Way to go, Brynlee!

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

🏆 The Central DeWitt School Board-Superintendent Team has been honored with the Team Achievement Award from the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB)! Only 37 board teams across the state earned this prestigious recognition.

To qualify, a majority of the board earned Individual Achievement Awards, showcasing their dedication to improving their knowledge and skills. Board members completed a minimum of 15 hours of IASB-led learning in one year, joining an elite group of 287 board members statewide.

Additionally, Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Mishler earned the Award of Honor, recognizing her commitment to learning and leadership. Dr. Mishler is one of only 41 superintendents in the state to receive this distinction.

Thank you to our board and superintendent for your dedication to academic excellence, outstanding opportunities and exceptional experiences for our students!

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #centraldewittschoolboard #IowaAssociationofSchoolBoards #IASB #IASBAwards #Leadership #saberpride #saberssucceeding

🎓 Meet Lawson Perrone, one of our seniors who has a bright future ahead of him! Way to go, Lawson!

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 Associate Kendra Casel our December 2025 Employee of the Month!

Kendra plays a vital role in our school community and in the success of the Resiliency Room. Each day, she helps create an environment where students feel welcomed, supported, and respected from the moment they arrive. Her warm demeanor and steady presence set the tone for a space where students know they are valued, regardless of the challenges they may be facing.

Kendra has an exceptional ability to support students during difficult moments. When students arrive feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or shut down, she meets them with patience and understanding. She takes the time to listen, help them process their emotions, and guide them toward a place where they can rejoin their learning with greater confidence. Her ability to read situations and respond with exactly what a student needs—whether that is encouragement, quiet support, or reassurance—makes a meaningful difference in their day.

In addition to providing emotional support, Kendra ensures students’ basic and academic needs are met. She is attentive to students who may need a snack, extra reassurance, or help organizing their work. She also supports students in communicating effectively with teachers, empowering those who struggle to self-advocate to do so respectfully and confidently. Because of her guidance, many students are better able to navigate challenges and remain engaged in their learning.

Kendra’s dedication is evident in everything she does. She takes pride in maintaining a clean, welcoming, and well-organized space and is always proactive in meeting the needs of students and staff. Her strong work ethic and attention to detail help ensure the Resiliency Room functions smoothly and remains a positive place for students to reset and refocus.

What truly sets Kendra apart is her care for others beyond her daily responsibilities. She consistently looks for ways to support colleagues, often offering small gestures of kindness that boost morale and remind others they are appreciated. These thoughtful actions reflect her genuine commitment to building a supportive and connected school community.

Kendra also gives generously of her time, frequently staying late to ensure students are supported and the Resiliency Room is running effectively. She approaches even the most challenging days with positivity, resilience, and a willingness to go above and beyond for those around her.

Kendra Casel’s compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to students make her an invaluable member of our schools. She doesn’t just support students—she helps shape a culture of care and belonging within our building. For these reasons, Kendra is truly deserving of being recognized as Employee of the Month.

Congratulations, Kendra! We are grateful for your dedication and care, and truly lucky to have you in our Saber family. 💜💛

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdcsdemployeeofthemonth #employeeofthemonth #december2025employeeofthemonth #saberssucceeding #sabersuperstar

🚀 We are thrilled to launch Future Ready Day on Friday, January 16! This brand-new, immersive experience is designed to help 7-12th grade students explore their interests, discover strengths, and connect classroom learning to future opportunities. From interactive workshops, escape rooms, and games to career panels and planning sessions, students will see how today’s choices open doors to careers, college, apprenticeships, and beyond.

✨ Just a few of the highlights include:
• Outstanding Opportunities Fair where classmates from the Central DeWitt Education Assistant program and those who have participated in Career Academies will share their experiences with peers.

• Guest speaker Aaron Maurer, STEM Lead at Mississippi Bend AEA, will shed light on the impact of artificial intelligence on future careers, including jobs that are emerging and how AI is being used in the workforce.

• Current Seniors, Alumni and Local Business Professionals Panels will provide high school students with first-hand insight about course selection, career paths, and opportunities available for both high school and four-year degrees within industries, and so much more.

• Future Ready Business Panel will feature Chris Caves from the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, who will share the Quad Cities jobs report and discuss high-demand and growing careers in our region.

• High School Course Preview: To support the transition to high school, 8th grade students will hear directly from high school faculty about course offerings and specialized programs available to them next year.

Future Ready Day is all about intentional planning, bold exploration, and empowering students with the tools and confidence to plan their next steps—both in high school and beyond.

💬 We encourage parents and guardians to take time to talk with your student about Future Ready Day—why it matters, what they’re curious about, and how these experiences connect to their future goals. These conversations at home help reinforce the importance of intentional planning and exploration.

We appreciate your support as we partner together to help every Saber student explore possibilities and plan with purpose! 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #FutureReadyDay #FutureReady #FutureFocused #IntentionalPlanning #PlanWithPurpose #CareerAndCollegeReady #StudentOpportunities #OutstandingOpportunities #AcademicExcellence #AnExceptionalExperience #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding