Central DeWitt School District -

Thank you to Nurse Practitioner Heather Ohnemus for visiting our 6th graders to give them an inside look at the medical diagnosis process—sharing how healthcare professionals identify illnesses and care for patients. This visit was part of the 6th grade Amplify Yellow Fever unit, where students have been exploring the causes, symptoms, transmission, prevention methods, and historical impact of the disease. What an incredible way to connect classroom learning with real-world practices! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdis #6thgrade #Amplify #AmplifyYellowFeverUnit #interactivelearning #realworld #learningisfun #weloveourcommunity#saberpride #saberssucceeding

Our Transition Alliance Program (TAP) Specialist Ann Green recently collaborated with Mrs. Regenwether's students on activities designed to strengthen their advocacy skills. TAP is a program focused on assisting eligible students to become career and college ready though specialized job exploration counseling, work-based learning experiences, workplace readiness training, post-secondary training opportunities, self-advocacy instruction, job placement and independent living skills. We are so fortunate to have Mrs. Green’s expertise and support guiding our students toward success. Thank you, Mrs. Green, for making such a positive impact! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #TAPspecialist #TransitionAllianceProgram #TAP #careerandcollegeready #saberssucceeding #saberpride

💜💛 Congratulations to our November 2024 District Student of the Month Eva Burke! She is featured in today's edition of The Observer thanks to our friends at First Central State Bank. Eva Burke has been named Student of the Month, a well-deserved recognition for her outstanding dedication, leadership, and commitment to both academics and extracurricular activities. Known for her intellectual curiosity and willingness to challenge herself, Eva is a model student who continually goes above and beyond in all that she undertakes. As a participant in Honors Math and English/Language Arts, Eva thrives in academically rigorous environments. She embraces the challenges of advanced coursework, which push her to think critically and creatively. Her teachers describe her as a deep thinker who sets high expectations for herself and consistently supports and encourages her classmates. Eva’s respect and kindness extend beyond the classroom, as she consistently conducts herself with maturity and integrity in all her interactions. In addition to her academic pursuits, Eva is highly active in the school community. She demonstrates school spirit through her involvement in cheerleading for football, wrestling, and basketball, bringing energy and enthusiasm to every event. A dedicated athlete, she is also a member of both the cross country and track teams, showcasing her resilience and teamwork on and off the field. Eva’s commitment to inclusion is evident in her role as a Unified Buddy with Special Olympics, where she partners with students of all disabilities to foster meaningful friendships and support inclusive activities. Her compassion and dedication to building an inclusive environment make her a positive role model among her peers. Recently, Eva had the opportunity to expand her leadership skills by attending a Iowa Youth Symposium. The eighth-grade teachers at CDMS are proud to nominate Eva Burke for the Student of the Month, recognizing her as an exemplary student who embodies Central DeWitt’s values of excellence, respect, and inclusion. Congratulations to Eva for this well-earned recognition! #gosabers #cdcsdstudentofthemonth #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #firstcentralstatebank #studentofthemonth #sabepride #saberssucceeding

Congratulations to 7th grader Makena Rickertsen and 8th grader William Vickers who were recently selected for participation in the 38th annual Opus Honor Choir Festival! Over 2,400 students were nominated by their directors for 720 positions in the four Opus Honor Choirs. Selections were made by means of a recorded audition. The 2024 Opus Honor Choirs will perform at 4 p.m. on November 21st in C.Y. Stephens Auditorium in the Iowa State Center in Ames. Makena was selected as a soprano 1 to sing in the 7th & 8th grade Treble Clef Honor Choir. William was chosen as a baritone to sing in the 7th & 8th grade Bass Clef Honor Choir. This is a very prestigious achievement and we’re proud to have you represent Central DeWitt! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdms #cdmschoir #opushonorchoir #saberssucceeding #saberpride

Central Dewitt senior parents! Show some love for your senior and buy an ad in the 2024-2025 yearbook! It’s easier than ever this year due to Saber Publications new online software! You can now design your own ad online or simply send the pictures and your special message to the pubs staff over email. Please use Safari as your web browser. 📷 Steps for Publications staff to design your Ads https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SwAK9Pq9vQ 📷 Steps for parent-designed Ads https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9V4kvUaAGQ Yearbook website: https://yearbookforever.com/ Please email jon.fisher@cd-csd.org or pubs.staff@cd-csd.org if you have any questions! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdhsyearbook #saberpublications #pubstaff #yearbookads #classof2025 #seniorparents #seniors #saberpride

It’s time to nominate Central DeWitt employees for the November Employee of the Month! This district-wide program gives CDCSD parents, students and community members the opportunity to help us recognize our outstanding employees. Nominations are due Friday, Nov. 22nd! Nomination form: https://forms.gle/ksRVLaYC6XBXkAbw7 #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #employeeofthemonth #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #nominateanemployee

This week, we’re celebrating American Education Week! Education shapes the future by empowering students to follow their passions and grow into leaders who will make a difference in our community. We’re thankful for the amazing teamwork in our schools, laying a strong foundation for success—teachers who inspire, staff who support, and a community that values education. Together, we’re shaping a future where every Saber can thrive! 💜💛 #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #schoolpride #AmericanEducationWeek #SaberPride #EducationMatters #StrongerTogether #saberssucceeding #empoweringstudents

Please consider rounding your total up this week at Randy’s Neighborhood Market to support National Honor Society and their Thanksgiving Basket service project! Thanks to your generosity in past years NHS has been able to provide a Thanksgiving meal plus other necessities to over 30 local families in need, and they hope to again this year. We appreciate the support of our community and your willingness to help others! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #nationalhonorsociety #nhs #thanksgivingbaskets #randysroundup #supportoursabers #weloveourcommunity

We are thrilled to share that our Esports team has once again qualified for the state tournament in Marshalltown on Thursday, Nov. 21st! Our 11th-ranked Rainbow 6 Siege team advanced to the tournament by defeating the 6th-ranked team from Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs, IA. Now the Sabers will likely face off against the top overall seed from Thomas Jefferson High School, also in Council Bluffs. This is the first season our Esports team has competed in this game title. A hearty congratulations goes out to the following team members: Senior captains Killian McManus and Mitchell Belk, fellow senior Daven Gard, juniors Diedrick Chance, Wyatt Jensen, Jaxon Martin and Connor Scott, and freshmen Jason Claussen, Jaxyn Dingbaum, and James Neuberg. Way to go, Sabers! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdhsesports #Esports #statetournament #headedtostate #statebound #goodluckatstate #saberpride #saberssucceeding

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! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdcsdemployeeofthemonth #employeeofthemonth #october2024employeeofthemonth #saberssucceeding #sabersuperstar

🎓Our first senior spotlight of the year is Hannah Grantz, one of our seniors who is making 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 #saberssucceeding

We are inviting district stakeholders to participate in developing our Long-Range Planning Committee. This committee will play a vital role in guiding our district’s financial priorities and ensuring that decisions reflect the diverse needs and perspectives within our community. As we prepare for necessary budget adjustments, this committee will be instrumental in helping us thoughtfully prioritize expenditures and gather feedback on district priorities. The Long-Range Planning Committee will consist of approximately 20 members, including staff, parents, and community representatives. By bringing together individuals with varied experiences and insights, we hope to create a balanced and inclusive planning process. Committee meetings are scheduled for January 6, January 15, and February 3, from 5:30 to 8:00 PM. Participation in all meetings is essential to providing consistent and valuable input. If you are interested in participating in this important work, please complete the interest survey by 4:00 PM on December 13, 2024. Your voice is essential as we shape the future of our district together. Interest Survey: https://forms.gle/Wk78t9p4hmaRce578 We look forward to working collaboratively to build a sustainable and successful path forward for our schools and community. #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #longerangeplanningcommittee

DO NOT MISS the CDHS fall musical, “The Addams Family,” hitting the stage this weekend! This spookily spectacular performance by our incredibly talented cast is a comical feast for all ages. Tickets are still available, so get yours now before they sell out! 🎟️ Saber Box Office: https://www.cd-csd.org/page/saber-box-office 🍦 The Saber Speech Team will also be there selling these delicious treats during intermission on Friday and Saturday: • $3 - Scoops of Smilee's ice cream • $2 - Ice cream sandwiches • $1 - Bottled water Concessions are cash only. And, look for the Saber Speech “Giving Tree" for extra ways to support the Saber Speech Team. Grab your tickets and join us for a delightfully eerie evening with The Addams Family at CDHS! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdhsmusical #theaddamsfamily #saberdrama #ticketsonsalenow #saberspeech #smileesicecream #supportoursabers

Congratulations to senior Katlin Truelsen who was the recipient of the $10,000 scholarship from the Herbert Hoover Foundation! Earlier this year we shared that she was one of 15 finalists in the state of Iowa who received the Herbert Hoover Uncommon Student Award for her Ladies in Livestock project. After presenting her project to the foundation earlier this month, she was selected as one of only four recipients to receive the top scholarship. We are beyond proud of your accomplishment, Katlin! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #HerbertHooverUncommonStudentAward #scholarship HerbertHooverFoundation #saberssucceeding #saberpride

🏀✨ Our 2nd graders scored big today when they received their very own copy of Just Like Caitlin! Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Jensen family and @justlikecaitlin, EVERY second grader in Iowa received this inspiring book. Just Like Caitlin shares Caitlin Clark’s story, packed with life lessons about dreaming big, working hard, and valuing relationships over winning. A huge thank you to the Jensen family for this gift and for encouraging our students to believe in a future full of possibilities! 🌟 #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #ekstrandelementary #JustLikeCaitlin #InspireIowaKids #WorldKindnessDay #BelieveInYourself #ThankYouJensenFamily

CDHS students traveled to Cedar Rapids last week to explore the main campus of Kirkwood Community Community college. While there they visited the simulation center, the diesel and vet tech buildings and learned all about the opportunities available to them at Kirkwood. Great job exploring options for your future, Sabers! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #collegevisits #careerandcollegeready #futureready #exploringoptions #saberpride #saberssucceeding

It’s Work with Us Wednesday! We are looking for a Spanish Teacher to join our extraordinary CDHS team who will inspire our students to embrace language learning as well as the culture and customs of Spanish-speaking countries. To apply, visit https://phlaptweb36.applitrack.com/CDCSD/onlineapp/ #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #workwithuswednesday #joinoursaberfamily #jobopportunities #spanishteacher

Last Wednesday and Thursday, eight of our middle school and high school students had an incredible opportunity to participate in the Iowa Youth Symposium held at the State Capitol in Des Moines. As part of the Iowa Model United Nations program, students delved into research and debated policy development in search of resolutions for real-world issues faced by the United Nations. The students conducted their work in the House of Representatives chamber and even received a visit from Representative Eddie Andrews from Iowa House District 43. Representing CDMS were Eva Burke and Lane Johnston, while Alivia Crandall, Hannah Moore, Taylor Houser, Isaac Lewis, Sophia Mickelson, and Ella Taylor proudly represented CDHS. We're so proud of our students for stepping up, engaging in policy, and representing Central DeWitt at such an impactful event! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #FutureLeaders #IowaYouthSymposium #IowaModelUnitedNations #saberpride #saberssucceeding

Last week current sophomores and juniors had a chance to explore the DeWitt Career Advancement Center to learn more about the high school academies. There are six academies located in DeWitt, and several more in Clinton. These academies allow students to explore career tech fields their junior and senior year, while earning college credits. We love having these opportunities available to our students! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #dewittcareeradvancementcenter #careerandcollegeready #planningforthefuture #saberpride #saberssucceeding

Today, our entire school district came together to honor Veterans Day, showing their appreciation for our nation's heroes. At an assembly hosted by CDHS Student Council members, our school community recited the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the 8th grade and high school choirs performing the National Anthem. Special guest Sergeant First Class (SFC) Carrion delivered an inspiring message on the importance of recognizing and honoring our heroes, leaving everyone with a renewed sense of gratitude and respect for those who serve. That was followed by the CDHS choir singing “God Bless America” and the CDHS band performing, “American Flourish” by Robert W. Smith. The assembly wasn’t the only way students and staff honored veterans. We shared earlier today how CDIS hosted an assembly last Friday and they also filled their halls with flags and silhouettes of soldiers featuring loved ones who served. Ekstrand Elementary students created pennants with their family members who served on them that were strung together and hung in the “Hall of Heroes.” The heartfelt artwork, assemblies and other thoughtful projects allowed students of all ages to express their gratitude and gain a deeper understanding of the values veterans embody. Thank you to all who serve and have served, and to everyone who made today a powerful reminder of the service and sacrifices of our veterans. #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #saberpride #saberssucceeding #VeteransDay #ThankYouVeterans #ThankYouForYourService #HonoringVeterans