Central DeWitt School District -

Come catch the Colt Cadets & Bugle Corps tonight at 7 p.m. at Birney Field (CDHS football field) as they run through their show for a public viewing! They have been here practicing since last Saturday and head out this Friday. Our CDHS band kids will start the show with a short performance of our school fight song, the Star-Spangled Banner, and their summer parade tune. Check it out! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #coltcadets #buglecorps #cdhsband

We have a newly-created position available that is perfect for someone passionate about helping students of all abilities reach their full potential and become successful adults. A TAP specialist will collaborate with our special education teachers and community partners to support students with IEPs and 504s in the career readiness/work-based learning realm. This is a shared position between Northeast Community School District and Central DeWitt. If you are interested in applying or would like to learn more please visit https://phlaptweb36.applitrack.com/CDCSD/onlineapp/ #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #workwithuswednesday #joinoursaberfamily #jobopportunities #TAPspecialist

💜💛 Congratulations to 1999 graduate Colleen Dunnegan who recently won an Emmy! Two weeks ago, her production team for Harpo was honored at the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards with a Daytime Emmy win for their special "Oprah and The Color Purple Journey" in the category for the Arts and Popular Culture Program. Ms. Dunnegan is a Supervising Producer for Harpo Productions and Senior Producer for OWN. “This wouldn't have been possible without the support of my loving family and the incredible teachers in DeWitt - from my time at Ekstrand through Central High School,” Dunnegan said. This Max Original Documentary Special provides a behind-the-scenes look into the making of the new feature film “The Color Purple,” a bold new take on the classic, and the impact the story has had on our culture. Oprah Winfrey takes viewers inside the four-decade phenomenon, exploring the importance of the novel, films and musical, and the ever-evolving conversation around this seminal work. The program is available to watch on @streamonmax. What an incredible achievement! We love to see our graduates accomplishing great things and celebrating their success! Congratulations again, Ms. Dunnegan!

💜💛 Thanks to all of you who voted for us, we took home the award for Excellence in Social Media/Marketing last night! The award was presented at the DCDC Annual Meeting and Year in Review. A special shout out goes to our staff and students who do so many incredible things throughout the year providing great content to share. Congratulations to all of the nominees and winners last night, and thank you to the DeWitt Chamber & Development Co. for a great evening full of celebration! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #dcdcannualmeeting #yearinreview #excellenceinsocialmedia #memberchoiceawards #saberpride #saberssucceeding

The July 1st order deadline for school supplies is just around the corner. Don't wait, order now... these are your final days! Order here: https://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/ 2024-2025 K-12 School Supply List: https://bit.ly/3QQOTtm #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #schoolsupplies #1stdayschoolsupplies #ekstrandelementary #cdis

Congratulations to freshman Jonathan Garrison who earned a spot on the 2A All-State Soccer team! What a great accomplishment! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #saberboyssoccer #sabersoccer #2Aallstatesoccerteam #allstatesoccerteam #saberpride #saberssucceeding

Congratulations to these CDHS athletes on making the All-Conference Teams for spring sports! Way to go, Sabers! GIRLS GOLF 1st Team: Maggie Froeschle 2nd Team: Christina Reyna GIRLS TENNIS 2nd Team: Brooke Bloom Honorable Mention: Brooke Kent, Saydie Roling BOYS TENNIS 2nd Team: Max Froeschle Honorable Mention: Grant Gregoire, Landon Schroeder GIRLS SOCCER Honorable Mention: Makaylea Yackle BOYS SOCCER 2nd Team: Dolan Theisen Honorable Mention: Gus Pickup GIRLS TRACK Honorable Mention: Marie Klostermann (100 Hurdles), Addie Appleby (1500 Meter Run) BOYS TRACK First Team: Brady Freeman, Kyle Olson, Ben Zimmer, Caleb Olson (4x800 Relay), Will Ginter (400 Meter Dash) Tristan Rheingans (110 Hurdles & 400 Low Hurdles), Alex Brown (200 Meter Dash), Caleb Olson (800 Meter Run) Second Team: Ayden McManus, Jameson Gregoire, Cal Kueter, Abe Krukow (Shuttle Hurdle Relay), Kyle Olson (1600 Meter Run) Colton Sullivan, Michael Palmer, Alex Brown, Tristan Rheingans (Sprint Medley Relay) Honorable Mention: Parker Petsche (3200 Meter Run), Nic Reemtsma, Nathan Butler, Caden Huff, Caleb Olson (Distance Medley), Abe Krukow (400 Low Hurdles), Will Ginter, Nathan Butler, Ben Zimmer, Tristan Rheingans (4x400 Relay) #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #sabegirlsgolf #sabergirlstennis #saberboystennis #sabergirlssoccer #saberboyssoccer #sabergirlstrack #saberboystrack #macconference #allconferenceteams #saberssucceeding #saberpride

🏆 Congratulations to these outstanding Central DeWitt Employees! #SaberSuperstars recognizes Central DeWitt employees who make a difference, positively impact the lives of those around them, and serve as a role model to others. Thank you for all you do at Central DeWitt Community School District! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #SaberSuperstars #saberpride #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #operations #nutritionservices #saberfamily #weloveouremployees

Congratulations to 6th grader Lauren Webinger whose poster not only won first place in the local Peace Poster Contest, but also won at the district level! She was presented with this honor by the Lions Clubs International in District 9EC at their District Convention in Anamosa earlier this spring. Way to go, Lauren! “For over three decades, Lions clubs around the globe have been sponsoring a very special art contest in schools and youth groups. Creating peace posters gives children everywhere the chance to express their visions of peace and inspire the world through art and creativity.” – Lions International #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdis #laurenwebinger #peacepostercontest #peacepostercontestwinner #schoolwinner #districtwinner #lionsinternational #saberpride #saberssucceeding

💜💛 We are proud to recognize Kim Behrend as the May Employee of the Month for her outstanding contributions to fostering relationships and creating a more inclusive school environment. Ms. Behrend, a dedicated associate at Ekstrand Elementary, has gone above and beyond in her role by initiating a "Lunch Buddy" program that helps bridge the gap between general education students and students with special needs. She realized that by facilitating meaningful interactions, such as eating lunch together, she could help students not only improve their social skills but give them a chance to get to know each other and find common ground, thus building strong friendships. “I have noticed her efforts paying off,” First Grade Teacher Rebecca Wackerle said. “The kids are learning from her how to interact and include others who might not learn the same way they do, but do have things in common with them. My students can't wait for their turn to eat with her small group to learn more about inclusion.” Since its inception, the Lunch Buddy program has received overwhelming support and has fostered an environment where all students feel valued and included. Ms. Behrend’s determination to make this program succeed has not only enriched the lives of special needs students but also positively impacted the entire student body by promoting empathy, patience, and inclusivity. Ms. Behrend isn’t stopping there, though. This year she began helping coach Special Olympics and she has other ideas and learning opportunities to promote inclusion that she hopes to implement next year. Ultimately, Ms. Behrend would love to see Ekstrand Elementary join the ranks of the other Central DeWitt schools as a National Unified Champion School. To earn that title, schools are chosen by Special Olympics North America for having “an inclusive school climate and exuding a sense of collaboration, engagement, and respect for all members of the student body and staff.” Schools also have to meet 10 national standards of excellence. Currently, CDHS, CDMS, and CDIS are three of only 10 schools in Iowa to ever attain this achievement. It's not just about the title for Ms. Behrend, though. She truly cares about the students she works with wants them to have every opportunity to shine. Parents often credit Ms. Behrend for helping their children “find themselves” and for playing an instrumental role in the success of their children’s’ development and educational journey. Ms. Behrend has always been passionate about education, but feels that working as an associate has solidified her sense of purpose. She is currently pursuing a teaching degree in special education, driven by her commitment to making a long-term impact in this field. Her experience as an associate has provided crucial insight that will help her be an effective and successful special education teacher. Overall, her work is a testament to the power of empathy and the positive impact one individual can have on an entire school. We appreciate all you have done, Ms. Behrend! You are a true SABER! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #ekstrandelementary #employeeofthemonth #mayemployeeofthemonth #districtemployeeofthemonth #saberpride #saberssucceeding

ATTENTION Central DeWitt athletes entering grades 9 and 11! You MUST get a concussion baseline test prior to participating in any contact sport during the 24-25 school year. Please call (563)659-4265 to make an appointment with Central Dewitt Athletic Trainer Brent Yotty at Genesis Physical Therapy during the months of June, July and August. #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #concussionbaselinetesting #sabersports

‼️ Today is the last day to vote for Central DeWitt in the category of Excellence in Social Media/Marketing for the DeWitt Chamber & Development Company Member Choice Awards! If you enjoy seeing all the great things happening at Central DeWitt on our social media, we'd love for you to click the link below to vote for us today! Thank you! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WL8MZYQ #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #dewittchamberanddevelopmmentco #2024memberchoiceawards #saberpride #voteforcdcsd #thankyouforsupportingcdcsd

Seventh grade students and CDMS staff had an awesome time exploring Maquoketa Caves before the school year ended! What a fun way to finish out the year! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdms #7thgradefieldtrip #maquoketacaves #learningisfun

Throughout the school year, Mrs. Franker’s 5th grade students have the opportunity to earn “money” each time they display positive behavior. On Tuesday, the students spent their earnings bidding on items at a class auction. There were more than 150 items to bid on including LED lights, lots of candy, art supplies, pool passes, live fish and so much more! Thank you to all the local businesses and community members who donated more than 150 prizes to help create such a great event for the students: Jared Anderson Trucking, AT Disposal, J&L Lawn Care & Landscaping, DeWitt Operahouse Theatre, DeWitt Parks & Recreation, Subway, DeWitt Travel Mart, Dairy Queen, Angela Rheingans, Smilee's Ice Cream & More, Happy Joe's, Brent's Firehouse Coffee, Purple Bean Coffee and More Store, Blondie’s Outback, The Energy Shack, Weber's Screenprinting and Embroidery, Central Saber Athletic Boosters Club, and Connor Construction. #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdis #5thgradepositivebehaviorauction #saberssuceeding #weloveourcommunity #thankyouforsupportingourstudents

💜💛 We are thrilled to celebrate these amazing staff members who have reached a milestone in their years of service at Central DeWitt! Each one of you brings something unique and special to our schools, and we are so proud to have you in our Saber family! Your hard work and dedication make our schools a better place every day. Here's to many more years of success together! 45 YEARS Teresa Donahue 35 YEARS Gayle Pepmeier 30 YEARS Darlene Johnston Deborah Richmann Laurie Wildes 25 YEARS Jeremy Kuehl Sharon Martin Tracey McCulloh Theresa Wainwright 20 YEARS Lee Penningroth Tiffany Barr Megan Jackson Eric Olson Angela Robinson Richelle Slaymaker Jamie Waleszonia 15 YEARS Matthew Ohnemus 10 YEARS Melisa Jacobsen Deb Petersen Amy Grantz Katelynn Hartman Dorothy Maynard Lucy Melvin Thomas Prombo 5 YEARS Lori McMahon Kimberly Behrend Beth Benhart Ann Bixby Kathy Blumer-Gronewold Jessica Brink Cameron Donovan Krista Dow Jon Fsher Julie Franker Melissa Franzen Jim Hand Hannah Herington Christine Keith David Mess Alicia Patchin Jacob Rogge Mary Beth Schaible Megan Wellman Michelle Wiebers #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #workanniversary #milestone #dedicatedemployees #yearsofservice #weloveouremployees #longevityawards #dedication #saberfamily #saberpride #saberssucceeding

Our 6th graders did a fantastic job performing in a variety of acts during the annual 6th grade talent show on the last day of school! The show opened with the debut of the Everyone Shines! Drum Line featuring Ms. Smith’s Peer STEM class. During the show, students were also recognized for their many achievements this year. Great job to all of the performers and Mrs. Hahn for putting a wonderful show together! See more photos at: https://www.cd-csd.org/article/1635633 6th Grade Medal of Merit winners: Payton Goldensoph Shupriya Karki Peace Poster Contest Winners: Lauren Webinger – 1st Prize, also winner at the district level Payton Goldensoph – 2nd Prize 6th Grade Kindness Crew Members: Tarynne Carney, Shupriya Karki, Samuel Hootman, Nora Prosise, Madison Mommsen, Jayden Hovey, Henry Dollar, Henry Bowe, Gavin Birt, Christopher Shenker, Cade Converse, Anna Rouse, Aevaeh Burke Young Musicians Honor Band: Shupriya Karki, Charlotte Pauly, Talia Stroud, Chloe Knepper, Ben Doerscher, Ashton Heilig Coe College Honor Band: Chloe Knepper, Shupriya Karki, Evan Sandberg, Ben Doerscher Honor Choir: Sophia Alcaraz, Tarynne Carney, Joci Higgins, Ava Johnson, Lauren Webinger, Shupryia Karki, Nora Prosise, Veronica Santos, Avenleigh Sherwood, Mason Waldorf,Lincoln Skinner, Tegan Spain, Nile Steward, Talia Stroud, Isaiah Sunday 6th Grade Math Bee Team: Maddox Grell Chloe Knepper, Talia Stroud, Ryleigh Venden and Bently Paasch Sign Language Club Avery Daniels, Supriya Karki, Willow Cody, Veronica Santos, Nile Steward, Jonah DeSmet, Grace Zeeryp, Cierra Nissen, Sophia Alvarez, Zach Yutesler, Savannah Shenker, Kaydice Jensen, Sawyer Gluba, Talia Stroud, Ayana Gooch Sims #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdis #cdis6thgradetalentshow #sabertalent #saberssucceeding #saberpride

💜💛 As the school year comes to a close, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our retiring employees. Your dedication and passion have profoundly impacted our students and community. We thank you for your unwavering commitment and wish you endless joy, relaxation, and new adventures ahead. Please join us in celebrating their remarkable careers and the countless lives they've touched along the way! Congratulations on your retirement! Deb Richmann, Technology Teacher – 30 years at Central DeWitt George Pickup, High School Principal – 26 years at Central DeWitt Connie Lucky, Special Education Teacher – 24 years at Central DeWitt Kathleen Goetsch, Math Teacher – 23 years at Central DeWitt Kellee Clarke, Spanish Teacher – 2 years at Central DeWitt #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdis #cdms #ekstrandelementary #retiringemployees #congratulationsonyourretirement #ThankYouTeachers #HappyRetirement #EducationExcellence #LegacyOfLearning #wewillmissyou #onceasaberalwaysasaber

CDMS celebrated their last day of school by taking time to recognize all the great accomplishments of our 8th graders before they head to high school next year. With performances from the band, choir and the Peer STEM Everyone Shines! Drumline music filled the air on the 8th graders' big day. Congratulations to everyone! We know you have a bright high school career ahead of you! • Outgoing staff: Brittany Wedeking, Robert Dennis, and Bill Petsche (moving to new position) • Eugene Mcmanus Post #American Legion Award presented by Mike Osmun: Lena Perone and Liam Watters • Rheingans Award presented by Mr. Small: Kolt Miller and Ella Sunday • Vermazen Award presented by Mrs. Quist: Jacqueline Wilkie and Noah Speas • Scribbler Write off presented by The Scribbler staff members Emily Son and Jenny Clausen: 1st- Ella Taylor, 2nd- Lena Perrone, 3rd- Bella Huston, Honorable Mention- Jacqueline Wilkie and Avery Speas • Lahey Award presented by Mr. Dennis: J.J VanDerGinst and Alexa Walther • Bertolino Math Award (Frick) - David Burke and Elayne Trimmer • Special Olympics Robotics: Jack Burken, Chris Shenker, Gage Hesten, Ayana Gooch-Sims, Bella Newton, Noah Speas, and Caelynn Sherwood • STEM Award presented by Ms. Smith: David Burke and Blaire Kueter • Blank Summer Institute Nominees presented by Mr. Mercado: Math - Grace Burzlaff, Science - Noah Speas, Engineering - David Burke, Creative Writing - Bella Houston • “Director’s Choice” Award Band - Ellie Calle • “Director’s Choice” Award Choir - Lena Perrone and Ella Taylor See more photos at: https://www.cd-csd.org/article/1635489 Article and photos by CDCSD Marketing Intern Anthony Meyer who is a 2024 graduate of CDHS. #gosabers #gosabers #centraldewittcd #cdms #cdmsawardsceremony #saberssucceeding #congratulations

We are thrilled to share that Central DeWitt Community School District is a FINALIST in the category of Excellence in Social Media/Marketing for the DeWitt Chamber & Development Company Member Choice Awards! Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote during the first round and now we need you to vote one more time please! If you love all the things we share on our social media please click the link below to vote for us between now and June 10th! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WL8MZYQ Thank you again for voting! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #dewittchamberanddevelopmmentco #2024memberchoiceawards #saberpride #voteforcdcsd #thankyouforsupportingcdcsd

Tuesday was a great day of celebration for our 2024 preschool graduates! During the day, Ekstrand students and staff congratulated the graduates during a graduation walk and then later that night friends and family celebrated at a ceremony where the students performed songs and received their diplomas. We are so proud of our preschool graduates and can’t wait to see all the great things you’ll do next year in kindergarten! Congratulations, graduates! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #ekstrandelementary #preschoolgraduation2024 #saberssucceeding #saberpride #ontokindergarten #waytogo #preschoolclassof2024 #classof2037