🎯 Recently, some of our Special Olympics athletes took aim and learned the basics of archery! Thanks to Central DeWitt Archery Club Head Coach Aaron Meyers, Coach TJ Appleby, and Coach Andy Johnston for organizing this two-day minicamp where athletes explored key archery terminology, practiced shooting, and tested their skills on the range.
With guidance from the archery coaches and Special Olympics coaches, athletes learned essential concepts like bow safety, range commands, and proper form. Even Special Olympics Coaches Deb Meyne and Terri Smith joined in on the fun—Coach Smith even landed a bullseye!
Coach Johnston shared that their goal was to give Special Olympics athletes the same opportunities as any other kid—to experience the sport of archery.
This is a fantastic example of our Saber community’s commitment to inclusion, ensuring everyone has the chance to learn, grow, and succeed. A huge thank you to all the athletes, coaches, and supporters who made this possible! 💜💛
#gosabers #centralewittcsd #centraldewittarcheryclub #centraldewittspecialolympics #specialolympicathletes #InclusionThroughArchery #SpecialOlympics #AimHigh #ChooseToInclude
We are excited to announce that Michelle Jacobsen will serve as the next principal of Central DeWitt Intermediate School beginning July 1, 2025!
Jacobsen brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the district with over two decades of experience in education, including ten years as both an elementary teacher in the Northeast Community School District and an adjunct professor at Upper Iowa University Quad Cities Center, and twelve years as a Focus Area Consultant with the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency (AEA).
"We are thrilled to welcome Michelle Jacobsen as the next principal of Central DeWitt Intermediate School,” Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Mishler said. “She brings an incredible background as an instructional leader with a strong focus on school improvement. We are excited to see the impact of her leadership and the ways she will support our students, staff, and families."
In addition to her instructional expertise, Jacobsen has developed and facilitated leadership training programs designed to help teachers grow into leadership roles within their districts. She has also worked closely with educators at all levels, focusing on research-based instructional practices, data-driven decision-making, and the implementation of the Iowa Academic Standards.
Jacobsen is eager to begin her role as CDIS principal and looks forward to building strong relationships with Central DeWitt students, staff, and families.
“I am honored and excited to join the Saber community as the new principal of Central DeWitt Intermediate School!” said Jacobsen. “As we embark on this journey together, my goal is to build upon the traditions and strengths of the school while also exploring new opportunities for growth and innovation. I look forward to establishing strong partnerships with students, staff, families, and community members and working alongside each of you throughout the years to come. I am excited for what the future holds and grateful for this incredible opportunity. It’s a great day to be a Saber!”
The Central DeWitt Community School District is confident that Michelle Jacobsen’s passion for education, wealth of experience, and commitment to student success not only align with the district’s goals, but will make a lasting impact on CDIS. As she steps into this leadership role, the district looks forward to the continued growth and excellence of CDIS under her guidance.
Please join us in welcoming her to our Saber family! 💜💛
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdis #cdisprincipal #welcometooursaberfamily
Kindergarten Round Up was a huge success yesterday! It was an exciting time for our future kindergarteners as they met teachers, explored classrooms, and got a taste of kindergarten fun! They played with toys, listened to a story, and showed off their skills—writing their names, coloring, cutting, and counting. The sessions wrapped up with a tasty snack and a tour of all the kindergarten rooms. We can’t wait to welcome these bright young learners in August! 💜💛
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #ekstrandelementary #FutureSabers #KindergartenRoundUp #GrowingAndLearning #saberpride #saberssuceeding
🏆 Congratulations to our March 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
🎓 Our next senior spotlight of the year is Avery Tapke, one of our seniors who has an exciting future ahead!
The Senior Spotlight is created by CDHS AmeriCorps Student Leaders Lauren Walker, Parker Petsche, and Natalie Cagle. In this role, these students 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 #americorpsstudentleaders #careerandcollegeready #postsecondaryoptions #saberssucceeding
🌟 Happy Paraprofessionals Day! 🌟 Today, we celebrate our incredible associates who make a difference every single day!
They’re always going the extra mile to ensure all of our students have every opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. Whether it's providing academic support, assisting in extracurricular activities, offering encouragement, or stepping in wherever they're needed, their impact on our Saber community is immeasurable. 💜💛 Join us in thanking these amazing individuals for everything they do!
A HUGE THANK YOU TO: Camryn Anderson, Dea Banowetz, Tiffany Barr, Meagan Beal, Kimberly Behrend, Sharri Block, Kathy Blumer-Gronewold, Vicki Rae Brainerd, Carolynn Bretschneider, Nicolette Bretschneider, Jennifer Burke, Megan Cahill, Bailey Carstensen, Kendra Casel, Tammy Cousins, Brenna Dalldorf, Amanda Daniels, Brittney Darrow, Amanda Dwinal, Shannon Edwards, Shawn Everett, Tesha Fischer, Faith Fletcher, Melissa Franzen, Luann Freese, Kristen Green, Michele Gruntorad, Renae Havener, Cynthia Henningsen, Lisa Heston, Abbey Hurning, Melisa Jacobsen, Deborah Jasper, Amber Kaczinski, Abby Kampe, Chelsie Lane, Lisa Leab, Kimberly Lueders, Raelynn McAleer, Grace McCaulley, Amber McClain, Colleen McDevitt, Madison Napierkowski, Japatra Person-Cason, Deb Petersen, Sarah Reed, Jessica Sander, Camryn Schnede, Heather Schnoor, Melissa Shady, Mallory Shumate, Elaine Smith, Cassandra Tibbetts, Mary Townsley, Jessica Venden, Leann Walker, Paula Webinger. Michelle Wiebers, Dawn Wright, Anna Zakharchenko
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #ekstrandelementary #cdis #cdms #cdhs #ThankYouAssociates #WeLoveOurAssociates #saberpride #saberssucceeding #NationalParaprofessionalsDay2025
💜💛 Congratulations to our March 2025 District Student of the Month Emery Clark! She is featured in today's edition of The Observer thanks to our friends at First Central State Bank.
Emery is a student who consistently exemplifies the values of empathy, inclusion, and kindness. Known for her warm and approachable personality, she goes above and beyond to ensure those around her feel supported and valued. She works hard every day to make a positive impact on those around her.
"I don’t like when people have bad days” Emery shared. “I like to cheer them up."
In the classroom, Emery is a role model, always treating others with kindness and respect. She understands the power of inclusion and makes it a priority to ensure no one feels left out. It’s important to Emery that her peers know she can always be counted on to be a friend.
Whether it’s helping a classmate with schoolwork, offering a kind word to someone who is struggling, or simply sharing a smile, she spreads positivity wherever she goes. Her ability to lift others up and create a sense of belonging embodies the very best of what it means to be a SABER.
Central DeWitt is grateful for students like Emery who make our schools a better place each and every day. Congratulations, Emery, on this well-deserved recognition! Your commitment to kindness and compassion makes a lasting impact on everyone around you.
#gosabers #cdcsdstudentofthemonth #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #firstcentralstatebank #studentofthemonth #sabepride #saberssucceeding
❄️ TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Join Saber Drama for an unforgettable evening filled with love, laughter, and a little winter magic!
Set on a cold, clear Friday night in the remote, fictional town of Almost, Maine, this play unfolds through nine charming and poignant vignettes. Each scene explores different aspects of love—falling in and out of it, navigating relationships, and searching for deep connections. Featuring a cast of quirky, relatable characters, the stories balance humor and heartache while capturing the magic and unpredictability of romance. The aurora borealis serves as a mystical backdrop, enhancing the play’s dreamlike atmosphere. Known for its warmth, wit, and emotional depth, Almost, Maine offers a fresh and thought-provoking take on the complexities of love.
📅 April 11th & 12th
⏰ 7 P.M.
📍 Central DeWitt Performing Arts Center
Don’t miss this heartwarming production — grab your seats today by scanning the QR code or visiting https://www.cd-csd.org/page/saber-box-office
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdhsspringplay #saberdrama #AlmostMaine #ticketsonsalenow #saberpride #saberssucceeding
🥎 Softball season is right around the corner, and we’d love for you to be part of the excitement! The Central DeWitt Sabers softball team is looking for support from local businesses and community members to help make this season a success. With a variety of fun and flexible sponsorship opportunities available, there’s something to fit every budget. Best of all, every contribution goes directly toward supporting our athletes. To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/4jbUt5n or scan the QR code.
Thank you for supporting our Sabers!
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #centraldewittsoftball #sabersoftball #softballsponsors #supportsoftball #saberpride #sponsorshipopportunity #thankyouforsupportingoursabers
On Friday, Early Childhood Education students, along with Mrs. Barnes and Mrs. Siegel had an amazing opportunity to visit the Bettendorf Family Museum, where they observed preschool classrooms and saw firsthand how children learn through play. From art and construction to music, water play, and social interactions, the creative learning experiences were incredible for our students to witness!
In the afternoon, they visited the Quad City Botanical Center, where they explored the beautiful facilities and participated in a hands-on session. They discovered tropical plants like banana trees, pickle plants, annatto trees, cocoa trees, allspice, and even carnivorous plants! And, they even got to experiment with the Mississippi River replica water stream! What a cool experience!
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #fieldtrip #learningisfun #BettendorfFamilyMuseum #QCBotanicalCenter #saberssucceeding
🎓 Our next senior spotlight of the year is Livy Crandall, who has big plans for her future!
The Senior Spotlight is created by CDHS AmeriCorps Student Leaders Lauren Walker, Parker Petsche, and Natalie Cagle. In this role, these students 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 #americorpsstudentleaders #careerandcollegeready #postsecondaryoptions #saberssucceed
🎺 CDHS and CDMS students were treated to an electrifying performance by the Iowa National Guard’s “Scrap Metal” 34th Army Band this morning! From powerful melodies to high-energy rhythms, their music created an unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance. A huge thank you to these incredible musicians for your service and for sharing your inspiring talents with our students! 🎶
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #IowaNationalGuard #34thArmyBand #ScrapMetal #thankyouforyourservice #LiveMusic #ElectrifyingPerformance #saberpride
💜💛 Good luck to Hannah Moore, Jack Butler, and Niya Miller as they perform at the IHSSA All-State Speech Festival at the University of Northern Iowa today! Jack Butler will be performing Prose, while both Niya Miller and Hannah Moore will present Public Addresses.
Being selected for All-State is a top honor, as participants are considered the best in the state. Last Friday, CDHS held a send-off for the speech team members to wish them well on this incredible achievement. We’re proud to have you represent Central DeWitt, Hannah, Jack, and Niya!
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #saberspeech #allstatespeechfestival #allstate #saberssucceeding #saberpride
🔥 Saber Welders Shine at Competition! 🔥 This past Friday at the welding competition at Clinton High School, senior Sam Robinson dominated the written test, taking 1st place, and showed his skills in welding, earning 3rd place! Junior Abe Vickers also competed with a strong performance! Great job, guys! Your hard work and dedication are paying off!
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #weldingcompetition #weldingskills #saberpride #saberssucceeding
On Friday, six talented Central DeWitt Middle School band members showcased their musical skills at the Loras College Honor Band! 🎵 Congratulations to Chloe Knepper, Shupriya Karki, Nora Prosise, Talia Stroud, Izabella Mayer, and Ember Rucker for sharing your musical talents and representing our school with pride!
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdms #cdmsband #lorascollegehonorband #saberpride #saberssucceeding
We are proud to recognize First Grade Teacher Mrs. Nelson as our February Employee of the Month! A dedicated and compassionate educator, Mrs. Nelson consistently goes above and beyond for her students, ensuring that each child receives the support they need to grow academically and personally. This is her first year teaching at Central DeWitt, and she has already made a significant impact in the lives of her students.
This past month, Mrs. Nelson demonstrated her extraordinary commitment by attending an extracurricular event for each of her students, making the effort to show up and cheer on her students outside of the classroom. Her presence at these events meant the world to her students, proving to them that they are valued and supported not just within the walls of the school, but in all aspects of their lives.
One parent shared, "I have never seen a teacher so dedicated to her class before. She attended my son's basketball game, just to support him outside of school. He was ecstatic to see her there and couldn't wait to chat with her after the game. Her dedication will impact these kids for the rest of their lives, proving to them that they are each important and loved by more than just their own families.”
Mrs. Nelson emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with her students, both inside and outside of the classroom. She believes that fostering a sense of family within the classroom helps students feel supported and valued.
“Establishing strong relationships with the kids is at the foundation of our classroom,” Mrs. Nelson said. “The kids know from day one that we are a family, and I want them to know I care very much about them in and out of the classroom. Seeing kids do 'their thing' away from school is such a fun experience and offers an opportunity to watch them shine in a way I might not otherwise get.”
Mrs. Nelson’s unwavering dedication is a shining example of what it means to be an exceptional educator and a true SABER. Her efforts will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on her students, shaping their confidence and reinforcing the power of kindness and support. Congratulations, Mrs. Nelson, on this well-deserved recognition!
🎓 Order graduation yard signs today and support Central DeWitt After Prom! It’s time to celebrate your graduate and these sign are perfect for grad parties, the senior parade, and more!
📅 Order Deadline: April 11th
📍 Pickup: Early May
📩 Send Orders To: cdafterprom@gmail.com
📸 Include: A JPEG photo of your grad (name the file as FirstLast.jpg)
💡 Ideas for Extra Celebration:
✨ Have multiple entrances at your grad party? Get a sign for each one!
🚗 Participating in the graduate parade? Grab a sign for each side of your vehicle!
📷 Submit multiple photos or use the same one for multiple signs!
What a great way to celebrate our graduates and support an important and fun cause!
#gosabers #centraldewittvsd #cdhs #centraldewittafterprom #seniorsigns #celebrateyoursenior #saberpride
🎨✨ Congratulations to our talented Saber Artists! ✨🎨 We’re proud to announce that artwork from Central DeWitt High School has been selected for the Quad City Arts 48th Annual High School Art Invitational!
Way to go, Amelia Griffin, Lily Hartley, Joellynn Dwinal, Emma Pillers, Kay Tracy, Olivia Ortner, Dalani Beuthien, Griffin Reed, Kobe Mahler, Shayna Lopez and JJ VanDerGinst!
Their incredible pieces will be on display now through May 1st—don’t miss the chance to see their creativity shine! For more information visit https://www.quadcityarts.com/
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdhsart #saberartists #qcartsawards #qcartshsinvitational #saberpride #saberssucceeding
📢 Support Central DeWitt Special Olympics! Join us for a Dine to Donate event at Texas Roadhouse in Davenport on March 31st & April 1st between 3-10 p.m.! Enjoy a delicious meal while making a difference—just mention Central DeWitt Special Olympics, and a portion of your total will be donated to our amazing athletes!
Let’s come together to support inclusion, determination, and teamwork. Tag your friends and spread the word! 💜💛
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #centraldewittspecialolympics #supportoursabers #dineanddonate #texasroadhouse #saberpride
🎓 Our next senior spotlight is Ellie Lake, who has a bright future ahead of her!
The Senior Spotlight is created by CDHS AmeriCorps Student Leaders Lauren Walker, Parker Petsche, and Natalie Cagle. In this role, these students 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 #americorpsstudentleaders #careerandcollegeready #postsecondaryoptions #saberssucceeding
