💜💛 Congratulations to our December 2025 District Student of the Month Noah Steward! He is featured in today's edition of The Observer thanks to our friends at First Central State Bank.

Noah has been selected as Student of the Month for his consistent effort, thoughtful approach to learning, and positive influence in the classroom. In English Language Arts, he approaches each lesson with focus and purpose, using what he learns to strengthen both his reading and writing skills.

“Noah listens thoughtfully during lessons and immediately applies new strategies — whether we’re working on grammar, reading comprehension, or refining our writing. His ability to take feedback, use it purposefully, and continually improve is outstanding,” Mrs. Reedy, his ELA teacher, said.

This commitment to learning sets Noah apart and allows him to grow steadily and confidently as a reader, writer, and thinker. He demonstrates strong independence, often applying new classroom concepts on his own, while consistently showcasing strong communication and critical thinking skills.

In addition to his academic strengths, Noah is a natural leader among his peers. He is known for his kindness and willingness to help others, frequently offering clear explanations and encouragement to classmates who need support. His positive attitude helps create a classroom environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and learning together.

Noah’s dedication, initiative, and respectful approach to learning make him a deserving recipient of this recognition. He exemplifies what it means to be a SABER, and his positive contributions make a meaningful difference in the school community.

#gosabers #cdcsdstudentofthemonth #centraldewittcsd #cdis #firstcentralstatebank #studentofthemonth #sabepride #saberssucceeding

about 1 month ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Noah Steward
🏀 The most thrilling winter rivalry is back – the IHMVCU Shootout! The annual Iowa vs. Illinois girls high school basketball event is happening this Saturday, Jan. 10th and you won’t want to miss it!

24 teams. 12 from Illinois. 12 from Iowa. One border to rule!

✨ Event Spotlight:
The Central DeWitt Sabers Girls Basketball team has been selected for the 8 p.m. main game — a huge honor! Each year, only the top two teams in the area earn this primetime showcase, and our Sabers are ready to bring the heat!

Game Details:
Dewitt Sabers vs. Rock Island Rocks
📅 Saturday, January 10
⏰ 8 p.m.
📍 Augustana College Carver Center
🎟 8th grade and under — free admission

Find more info here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AL8gZeCpd/

Come cheer for our Sabers as they compete for border domination! Bring your friends, family, and all your Sabers spirit — this is one game you’ll be talking about all season. Let’s pack the stands and show everyone what Sabers Nation is all about!

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #SabersBasketball #SaberGirlsBasketball #IowaVsIllinois #BorderBattle #IHMVCUShootout #SaberPride
about 1 month ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
IHMVCU Shootout Schedule
Our phones are currently down across the district. We are actively working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. In the meantime, please email our school secretaries with any absences or changes to after-school transportation. Their contact information is listed below. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

EKSTRAND
angie.herington@cd-csd.org
allison.swanson@cd-csd.org

CDIS
netty.schneider@cd-csd.org

CDMS
tricia.crank@cd-csd.org

CDHS
renee.meier@cd-csd.org
rachel.grager@cd-csd.org
about 1 month ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Phone
🎓 Meet senior Emily Sutton, one of our seniors who is on the path to success after graduation! Way to go, Emily!

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
about 1 month ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Emily Sutton
🎓 Meet senior Clara LeConte, one of our seniors who is on the path to success after graduation and has great advice for underclassmen! Way to go, Clara!

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
about 2 months ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Clara LeConte
🎓 Our next senior spotlight is Nazahra Gambleton, who has a great future ahead of her! Way to go, Nazahra!

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
about 2 months ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Nazahra Gambleton
🎓 Meet senior Miles Doherty, one of our seniors who is on the path to success after graduation! Way to go, Miles!

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
about 2 months ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Miles Doherty
🎄 It was a sweet experience filled with creativity and laughter when our 5th Grade Kindness Crew visited Fieldstone on Dec. 17th to help residents build gingerbread houses! What a fun and meaningful way to celebrate the season together. 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDIS #5thGrade #KindnessCrew #SpreadingHolidayCheer #GingerbreadHouses #SpreadingKindness #CommunityConnections #GingerbreadFun #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
about 2 months ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
5th Grade Kindness Crew helping residents build gingerbread houses
5th Grade Kindness Crew helping residents build gingerbread houses
5th Grade Kindness Crew helping residents build gingerbread houses
5th Grade Kindness Crew helping residents build gingerbread houses
5th Grade Kindness Crew helping residents build gingerbread houses
5th Grade Kindness Crew helping residents build gingerbread houses
5th Grade Kindness Crew helping residents build gingerbread houses
5th Grade Kindness Crew helping residents build gingerbread houses
5th Grade Kindness Crew helping residents build gingerbread houses
5th Grade Kindness Crew at Fieldstone
✨ During Saber Day buddy classroom time on December 18, Ekstrand students learned about the many ways our staff and families celebrate the holiday season. Through a special video created by Hannah Rustan, students heard stories about meaningful traditions, favorite foods, and celebrations that reflect the cultural diversity within our school community.

This experience promoted global awareness and communication, encouraging students to listen thoughtfully, ask questions, and share their own traditions. It was a meaningful reminder that, while our celebrations may look different, the spirit of family, joy, and togetherness connects us all.

Thank you to the Ekstrand staff and families who shared their traditions and stories who made this a wonderful learning experience for our students.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/aOtbEas4754

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #EkstrandElementary #SaberDay #BuddyClassrooms #SharingTraditions #DifferentCultures #CelebratingHolidays #HolidayTraditions #HolidaysAroundTheWorld #GlobalAwareness #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding #HappyHolidays


about 2 months ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Ekstrand student celebrating the Lunar New Year with family
😎 Last week, Principal Hayes set out on a special mission—one centered on gratitude, trust, and connection. She secretly asked all middle school students to submit the name of a staff member they can always trust and count on—and tell why.

The response? Overwhelming! At a special assembly just before winter break, a few students were selected to read their submissions aloud—surprising the staff members with heartfelt recognition. 💛💜

But the students weren’t done yet… they turned the tables and honored Principal Hayes for being a positive, caring leader who makes sure everyone feels included. What a wonderful way to end the year! 👏✨

We are incredibly fortunate to have staff who truly connect with our students, nurture their growth and create a supportive environment that makes every school day meaningful.

🎥 Check out this video showing a few highlights: https://youtu.be/OWeNywOr5m4

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDMS #MiddleSchool #MSAssembly #SpecialAssembly #StaffSurprise #MakingADifference #SaberPride #PositiveImpact #ThankYou #SabersSucceeding
about 2 months ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Principal Hayes surprising staff at a CDMS Special Assembly
🎓 Meet Hailey Gerard, one of our seniors who has a bright future ahead of her! Way to go, Hailey!

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
about 2 months ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Hailey Gerard
If you’ve ever been in the high school office, you know it’s a busy place—which is why student office helpers are essential, providing invaluable support to Secretaries Rachel Grager and Renee Meier.

This year, thanks to CDHS’s Office Helper course, part of our Work-Based Learning Program, students can earn credit while serving as office helpers. This opportunity allows them to build real-world skills like professionalism, communication, organization, and responsibility—all while making a meaningful impact in the office.

Students are trained and supported by Rachel and Renee and complete reflections and grading as part of the course under the supervision of Business Teacher Laura Dion. Experiences like this give students valuable insight into workplace expectations and help prepare them for future career pathways. 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #OfficeHelperCourse #WorkBasedLearning #CareerReady #FutureReady #OfficeHelpers #SaberPride #SabersSucceeing
about 2 months ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Student office helpers with Secretaries Rachel Grager and Renee Meier
🎶 Holiday cheer filled the media center on Friday as our Elf Band performed festive music to greet students on their last day before winter break. Made up of staff from the intermediate, middle and high schools, these talented educators brought their musical skills together to create a joyful and memorable start to the day. What a wonderful tradition to kick off the break for our students! 🎄

Listen here: https://youtu.be/fzN5AFf65AU

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #elfband #centraldewittstaff #weloveourstaff #saberpride #happyholidays
about 2 months ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Elf Band
❄️ Winter break is here! We wish all of our students, families, staff and the entire community a joyful holiday season! Enjoy your well-deserved break, students and staff — we can’t wait to see you back on January 5th!

Central DeWitt Holiday Highlights: https://youtu.be/-DiN22_s4Ao

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #centraldewittwinterbreak #winterbreak #happyholidays

about 2 months ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Happy Holidays from Central DeWitt Community School District
🎓 Meet senior Kelton Collins, one of our seniors who is on the path to success after graduation! Way to go, Kelton!

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
about 2 months ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Kelton Collins
Last Friday, several teams of Central DeWitt Intermediate School students put their reading knowledge to the test during Battle of the Books. Students competed in several rounds of questions based on a variety of books they recently read, highlighting collaboration, critical thinking, and a shared enthusiasm for reading.

👏 Congratulations to the winning team, The Novel-teers! The team is made up of 6th graders Callen Gordon, Calvin McCulloh, Hudson Grell, and Brayden Jess.

Participants credited the experience with introducing them to books they may not have chosen on their own. Through these stories, students shared that they developed a greater sense of global awareness by experiencing life through the eyes of the characters, gaining insight into challenges and experiences very different from their own, and developing a deeper appreciation for their own lives.

This engaging event was organized by Extended Learning Program Teacher Tera Hahn and encouraged both a love of reading and exploration of different genres. Well done to all who participated!

And, thank you to DeWitt Bank & Trust Co. for their generous support in sponsoring the prizes for the winners.

#gosabers #cdis #centraldewittcsd #battleofthebooks #keepourstudentsreading #saberpride #saberssucceeding
about 2 months ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Prizes sponsored by DeWitt Bank & Trust Co.
Battle of the Boosk prizes
The Word Warriers Team
Book Bozos Team
Warrior Cats Team
Reading Madness Team
The Novel-teers Team
Reading Repulic Team
Book Nerds Team
CDIS Battle of the Books
Central DeWitt is midway through its long-range facility planning process, an effort grounded in community engagement, careful analysis, and a commitment to ensuring our schools continue to serve students effectively for decades to come. To learn what’s been accomplished so far and how you can get involved read the full update here: https://www.cd-csd.org/article/2603808

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDMS #CDIS #EkstrandElementary #LongRangeFacilityPlanning #FacilityPlanning #ShapingTheFuture #PlanningForTheFuture #OurSchoolsOurFuture #CommunityEngagement #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

about 2 months ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Committee working with DLR Group on long-range facility planning
Committee working with DLR Group on long-range facility planning
Committee working with DLR Group on long-range facility planning
Committee working with DLR Group on long-range facility planning
Committee working with DLR Group on long-range facility planning
🎓 Our next senior spotlight is Sophie House, who has big plans for her future! Way to go, Sophie!

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
2 months ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Sophie House
🎶⭐ The 6th Grade Choir sang the National Anthem at Friday night’s boys basketball game. What an awesome opportunity for our young singers to showcase their talent, and they did a fantastic job. Way to go, Sabers!

Check it out: https://youtube.com/shorts/QNLnn2BSmT8

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDIS #6thGradeChoir #NationalAnthem #SaberBoysBasketball #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
2 months ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
6th Grade Choir singing the National Anthem at the boys basketball game
🎶 On Saturday, Mr. Knowles and two talented Central DeWitt students participated in TubaChristmas at NorthPark Mall! Sixth grader Jonathan Stroud and 8th grader Ryleigh Venden represented Central DeWitt so well and sounded fantastic. What a fun and festive day of music! 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDMS #CDMSBand #CDIS #CDISBand #SaberMusicians #TubaChristmas #NorthParkMall #SaberMusic #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
2 months ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Jonathan Stroud, Mr. Knowles and Ryleigh Venden at TubaChristmas