We are thrilled to recognize Pam Goldsmith as our March Employee of the Month! Ms. Goldsmith brings more than just her culinary skills to work—she brings heart, compassion, and a genuine love for the students she serves.

If you’ve ever walked through the lunch line at Central DeWitt Middle School, chances are you’ve been greeted by Ms. Goldsmith’s warm smile and cheerful energy. It’s the small, thoughtful gestures she makes—day in and day out—that leave a lasting impact on our students. And they notice.

One nomination shared, “Ms. Goldsmith always has a smile on her face and remembers small details about every student. For example, before I can even say anything, she knows that I want a ranch with my meal.”

Another student wrote, “She always asks how I’m doing, and I noticed how she does this to everyone. There is no possible way to be mad after she greets you.”

These everyday acts of kindness speak volumes about the care and thoughtfulness Ms. Goldsmith brings to her work. She takes time to connect with each student, offering a kind word or a smile at just the right moment. She is truly a beloved presence in the Central DeWitt Middle School cafeteria.

Nutrition Services Director Dede Wagener shared, “Pam is extremely deserving of this recognition. Behind every warm meal is a warm heart, and Pam has the biggest, kindest heart. She takes her job very seriously, and when she's absent, students immediately notice and ask when she’ll be back. Thank you for making our cafeteria feel like a welcoming home to these kiddos.”

We are so fortunate to have Ms. Goldsmith as part of our Saber family. Her influence goes far beyond the lunch line—it’s reflected in the relationships she builds, the joy she brings, and the care she shows every single day. As Ms. Wagener so perfectly put it, “her kindness is the key ingredient in everything she does.”

Congratulations, Ms. Goldsmith!

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!

We are proud to recognize two outstanding educators, Melissa Hansen and Katie Irwin from the CDMS/CDHS Resiliency Room, as the January District Employees of the Month. Their dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to student success have made a profound impact on our school community.

“Together, they are truly a pair of perfection, always going above and beyond for both students and staff,” CDMS Principal Pamela Hayes said. “No matter how full their plates are, they never hesitate to step in and assist teachers or help students in need. They consistently seek out new ways to support students, making sure that everyone feels a sense of belonging, while still upholding high expectations and academic standards. Their dedication to our students is unwavering, and they bring creativity and compassion to everything they do.”

The Resiliency Room is a multifaceted space that provides students with the support they need to navigate challenges and stay on track academically, socially and emotionally. Mrs. Hansen and Ms. Irwin work with students in various capacities—helping those who have been absent from school catch up on missed work, offering a space for emotional regulation, and guiding students through structured curriculum of reflection and connection processes when they return from time away. Their work ensures that students don’t feel like just another number in the school but instead feel seen, valued, and supported.

Beyond academics, they focus on relationship-building, fostering a sense of belonging for students who may not be involved in traditional extracurricular activities. They provide a safe space where students can decompress, talk through concerns, and access additional support from counselors, teachers, or administrators. Their ability to create an environment of trust and encouragement allows students to seek help before situations escalate, which has led to a noticeable decline in behavioral referrals. More students are now proactively using the Resiliency Room as a resource to make better choices.

With a focus on social-emotional learning and executive functioning skills, they not only help students grow but also advocate for their needs. Their efforts have strengthened the bridge between students and the larger school community, ensuring that every student has a support system in place.

Their impact is undeniable, and our school is better because of their dedication. Congratulations to our well-deserving Employees of the Month!

At the heart of every thriving educational community are teachers who go above and beyond —not just to educate, but to connect, inspire, and make a lasting difference. For the month of December, we are thrilled to recognize Preschool Teacher Erin Hughes as our Employee of the Month for her outstanding dedication and remarkable contributions to her students and their families.

Parents consistently praise Mrs. Hughes’s exceptional communication skills and her passion for teaching. One parent shared how Mrs. Hughes has been a “positive experience” for their child, emphasizing her ability to foster meaningful relationships and provide a nurturing learning environment. Her organizational skills and proactive approach stand out as well. Whether it’s reaching out with timely updates or preparing ahead to ensure seamless classroom plans, she is always one step ahead, keeping families informed and involved.

Another parent highlighted a particularly touching example of Mrs. Hughes’s dedication: during a two-hour delay that canceled the morning preschool session, she went out of her way to hand-deliver care packages to students’ homes. These packages, filled with crafts and special goodies, ensured her students didn’t miss out on the joy and excitement of their holiday activities. This thoughtful gesture, done on Mrs. Hughes’s personal time, exemplifies her love for her students and her profession.

Through her creative teaching and genuine care, Mrs. Hughes is preparing our littlest Sabers to become life-long learners who look forward to coming to school every day. Her work lays the foundation for their future success, sparking curiosity and a positive attitude toward education that will last a lifetime.

Central DeWitt is incredibly fortunate to have Mrs. Hughes as part of our team. Her enthusiasm, professionalism, and heartfelt care make her a true asset to our school community.

Congratulations, Mrs. Hughes, on this well-deserved recognition!

At Central DeWitt Middle School, it’s not just the students and staff who are making waves — it’s also the leadership. CDMS Principal Pam Hayes has been recognized as the November Central DeWitt Employee of the Month, a well-deserved honor backed by heartfelt nominations from staff, parents, and students.

Since joining the Saber family this summer, Mrs. Hayes has brought a level of energy and positivity that has transformed the middle school experience. Her infectious enthusiasm and genuine care for everyone around her have earned admiration from colleagues, parents, and students alike.

“Mrs. Hayes is exactly the principal we needed,” said one student. “She has energy and happiness enough for all of us, and we know middle school can be a difficult time to be happy. She also has made us proud of our school. She never stops being positive.”

Her staff highlighted Mrs. Hayes’s exceptional leadership and ability to connect with others.

“She has shown so much kindness and compassion to students, parents, and all employees,” Dede Wagener, Nutrition Services Director, said. “She has a unique gift of putting a twist on difficult situations and turning them into positive ones. Her communication is amazing, and she has been a breath of fresh air to our district.”

Parents have also taken notice of her thoughtful and inclusive approach. “Mrs. Hayes consistently goes above and beyond to help kids through situations,” shared one parent. “She makes sure to consider every available angle before making decisions, follows up, and truly listens. I feel more heard this year than I have in previous years.”

Mrs. Hayes’s commitment to fostering relationships is evident throughout our school community. Again and again, she is praised for how she goes out of her way to make sure staff feel supported and works tirelessly to build relationships with every middle school student. The Saber family is fortunate to have such a dynamic and compassionate leader at the helm. Congratulations to Mrs. Hayes for this well-earned recognition and for making a lasting impact on our school community!

We proudly recognize Karl Burmester, also known as “Mr. B,” as our district’s October Employee of the Month. With an impressive 41 years of teaching experience, including 26 years at Central DeWitt, Mr. Burmester’s career has been marked by unwavering dedication to students, both in and out of the classroom. After retiring as a health and physical education teacher in 2016, he transitioned to transportation shortly after, where he continues to impact the lives of students and their families in remarkable ways.

Mr. Burmester's dedication to helping every child feel comfortable and safe is evident in the extra steps he takes. When one young student faced challenges with transportation, Mr. Burmester took the time to visit the student’s classroom, engaging the child in story reading and playing to help build comfort and trust. He worked patiently through rides that were stressful for the student, handling each moment with calmness, patience, and a genuine care that did not go unnoticed by the student’s parent. Now that student looks forward to riding with "Mr. B" to school each morning.

For Mr. Burmester, driving isn’t just a job—it’s a continuation of his work as an educator. “Transportation is an extension of the classroom,” he says, reflecting his dedication to building strong relationships with both students and their parents. On each ride, he creates a learning environment by reciting the ABCs or counting to 100 with the young students, turning the journey to and from school into a fun and educational experience.

Beyond his role in transportation, Mr. Burmester has a long history of service in athletics. He has coached girls’ basketball, served as the assistant coach for boys’ track, and remains involved as the assistant coach for girls’ track at Central DeWitt today.

Dedicated to student and community safety, Mr. Burmester is also a certified CPR instructor. He offers CPR training throughout the community and for our district’s bus drivers, aiming to ensure as many people as possible are trained in CPR.

We are grateful to Mr. Burmester for the outstanding care, calmness, and dedication he brings to his role. His work is a testament to the positive difference that a compassionate and dedicated individual can make in our students' lives. Thank you, "Mr. B," for being an invaluable part of our school community!

We proudly recognize Sarah Johnston as the September Employee of the Month for her exceptional dedication and contributions as the district’s Chief Financial Officer. Since stepping into this vital role last December, Sarah has put in countless hours to understand the intricacies of the district’s financial position, ensuring that everything is in order and aligned with the district's goals. Her love for math and strong ability to problem solve has helped her navigate the complexities of the district’s financials with precision and confidence.

“Her role is incredibly challenging and often goes unnoticed, yet she has stepped up in a big way to master a new position,” Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Mishler said. “The district is stronger because of her expertise, dedication, and willingness to grow. We are truly fortunate to have her on our team!”

Sarah’s most recent accomplishment includes completing the annual CAR report, which she submitted on time and with meticulous accuracy—a major milestone for the district. Sarah's efforts don’t stop there. She consistently goes above and beyond her job description, and her enthusiasm and commitment extend beyond the administration center reflecting her dedication to the overall success of the district.

Outside of work, Sarah is an avid volunteer in her community, driven by a passion to give back to organizations that have impacted her life. She currently serves as a University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital Family Advisory Council member, is on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing State Advisory Board, teaches religious education at St. Joseph Catholic Church, helps lead the Christ in Others Retreat (COR) for high school students, is on the DeWitt Zoning Board of Adjustment and is the CDCSD school board secretary.

Her ambition, humanitarianism, and positive presence not only make her a joy to work with, but a true inspiration. Congratulations, Sarah, on this well-deserved recognition! Your hard work, passion, and commitment to Central DeWitt and your community are truly appreciated.

The Central DeWitt Community School District Employee of the Month program is meant to show appreciation for the efforts of employees who contribute to our success and help fulfill our mission statement. Outstanding employees deserve to be recognized for both their exceptional performance and for being a role model to our students and other employees.

This district-wide program gives Central DeWitt employees, parents, students and community members the opportunity to help us recognize outstanding employees by sharing positive personal experiences. We encourage you to take a moment to nominate a deserving Central DeWitt employee today!

All full-time and part-time employees are eligible to be nominated for employee of the month. An employee may be chosen as the employee of the month only once during the current school year. Employees who were nominated, but not chosen as the employee of the month, will be recognized as “Saber Superstars” on social media.

We are excited to receive nominations and celebrate the hard work and dedication of our employees!