Central DeWitt School District -

🐷 🐷🐷 The three little pigs made a special visit to Ekstrand Elementary on Wednesday! There were plenty of smiles and squeals of delight while students learned all about these adorable animals and even got to pet them. Thank you to Mr. McCulloh for providing this fun and educational experience for our students! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #ekstrandelementary #threelittlepigs #learningisfun #weloveourcommunity #educationalexperiences #saberpride #saberssuceeding

Did you know? 🥁 Every year, a senior member of the Marching Sabers Pride drumline writes an original cadence to be performed during the season. This year, Drumline Captain Natalie Cagle continued the decade-long tradition with her creation, “Flamin’ Hot Cheetos (CAGE-E)”! 🔥 Check it out: https://youtu.be/pGSBjTmkMeM Catch it live tonight at the last home football game of the year, along with their stellar halftime show “EmpowHER!” We also want to wish the Marching Sabers Pride good luck on the upcoming competitions they’ll be performing in over the next few weeks! Go Sabers! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #marchingsaberspride #marchingband #saberdrumline #cadence #flaminhotcheetos #saberpride #saberssucceeding

Our first graders have been learning about the wonders of the human body! Over the past few weeks, as part of the Amplify Human Body unit, they had special guests Dr. Jacob Cram from Cram Chiropractic share his knowledge of the skeletal system, Nurse Practitioner Bethany Oberfoell talk about the five keys to staying healthy and Alyssa Cram explained what muscles are and how our bodies need them to function. The kids loved learning how our bones and muscles support us and how staying healthy helps us be our best every day. Big thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #ekstrandelementary #cramchiropractic #humanbody #amplify #learningisfun #saberssucceeding

💜💛 Congratulations to Central DeWitt High School for being one of only two schools in Iowa to be recognized as a 2024 National Unified Champion School! This is the second time CDHS has earned this prestigious honor! What an incredible achievement and testament to the inclusive spirit of our students and staff! National Unified Champion Schools are chosen based on having “an inclusive school climate and exudes a sense of collaboration, engagement and respect for all members of the student body and staff.” They also have to meet 10 national standards of excellence. CDMS and CDIS were named National Unified Champion Schools last year. We are beyond proud to have schools that continually support, celebrate, and include everyone! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdis #cdms #nationalunifiedchampionschools #saberpride #saberssucceeding #choosetoinclude #inclusion #everyonematters

A huge thank you to the Clinton County Cattleman for grilling up some delicious food for our Homecoming Tailgate Lunch last week! 🍔🔥 Our CDMS and CDHS students enjoyed an amazing meal, and it wouldn’t have been possible without your generosity and hard work. Thank you for making our Homecoming extra special! 💜💛 #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdms #cdhs #SaberPride #Homecoming2024 #Grateful #tailgatelunch #weloveourcommunity

Join us for Central DeWitt PTO Trivia Night on November 1st! This is a fun-filled night with great trivia, laughter, and friendly competition—all in support of the Central DeWitt PTO! Reserve your table by emailing abbyarndt2@gmail.com. Even if you can’t attend, you can still show your support by making a donation. Every bit helps fund classroom materials, fun events, and activities that benefit our students and staff! For questions or to make a donation contact ptoforcentraldewitt@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow the Central DeWitt PTO Facebook page, too! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdis #ekstrandelementary #centraldewittpto #trivianight #supportoursabers #jointhefun

ATTENTION SENIORS AND PARENTS: Jumpstart Your Future Day is this Thursday, Oct. 10th! Take a look at this helpful handout our AmeriCorp Student Leaders made for seniors to be prepared. Jumpstart to Your Future helps us support all seniors with their future endeavors. There will be volunteers from colleges, industries, and the military to assist students with future planning. It is our goal is to touch base with all seniors and help support them with their next steps to their future. Reach out to holly.hansen@cd-csd.org or AmeriCorp Student Leaders Lauren Walker, Parker Petsche, and Natalie Cagle if you have any questions! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #americorpstudentleaders #JumpstartYourFuture #careerandcollegeready #planningforthefuture #saberssucceeding

Congratulations to Liam Jess and Sarah Dever who were crowned the 2024 Homecoming King and Queen last night! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #homecoming2024 #homecomingkingandqueen

🏈 We’ve got a full night of action, and we need YOU to bring the energy! It all starts with the sophomore game at 5 p.m., followed by the Homecoming Coronation Ceremony and Hall of Fame Inductee recognition! Then our varsity team will take on the Cardinals at 7:30 p.m. The Sabers are ready to battle under the lights, and they need the loudest crowd of the season to back them up! Wear your purple and gold, pack the stands and show everyone what Saber pride is all about! 💪💜💛 See you there, Sabers! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #homecoming2024 #homecominggame #saberpride #saberspirit

🔥 Our cross country teams are on fire this season, slashing not just seconds, but minutes off their times, breaking records and racking up the victories—and they're not slowing down! In fact, today they’re taking on something truly EPIC! Starting at 9:30 a.m., our unstoppable runners will take off from the Maquoketa High School football field, carrying the Homecoming game football all the way to Central DeWitt High School! 🏈 They’re expected to arrive around 2 p.m., bringing the energy and fueling our Saber spirit just in time for the CDHS pep assembly! Check out the route they’ll be taking here: https://bit.ly/3XUTNIR We’d love to have our community cheer them on along the way! Let's go, Sabers! Be sure to follow Central DeWitt Saber Cross Country on Facebook as they charge through the rest of the season—there's plenty more excitement to come! Pictured left to right: Keegan Peterson, Nathan Butler, Parker Petsche, Caleb Olson, Jenny Claussen, Grace Knutsen, Addie Appleby, Rylie Dunne #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #sabercrosscountry #crosscountry #unstoppable #homecoming2024 #homecominggame #runningtheball #saberpride #saberssucceeding #saberspirit

👑 It’s Throwback Thursday – Homecoming Edition! Who knew we had so much royalty walking the halls of Central DeWitt? Can you figure out which of our staff members once graced their high school Homecoming courts? Here are the answers: 1. Larissa Krukow, CDIS Nutrition Services – Central DeWitt High School 2. Emily Swanson, CDMS Language Arts Teacer – Central DeWitt High School 3. Laurie Wildes, CDHS Associate - Miles Community High School 4. Bill Petsche, Director of Curriculum & Instruction - Western Dubuque High School 5. Carl Small, CDMS Activities Director and Physical Education Teacher - Maquoketa High School 6. Allison Swanson Ekstrand Elementary Secretary – Northeast High School 7. Tami Jaeger – Ekstrand Elementary Instructional Coach – Central DeWitt High School 8. Renee Meier – CDHS Secretary – Central DeWitt High School 9. Gayle Pepmeier, Executive Administrative Assistant – Durant High School 10. Baylor Crigger, CDHS Social Studies Teacher – Camanche High School 11. Richelle Slaymaker, Ekstrand Elementary Reading Teacher – Washington High School #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #throwbackthursday #centraldewittstaff #homecomingcourt #blastfromthepast #saberpride #saberspirit #homecoming2024

Get ready for some hauntingly good fun tomorrow night! The parade kicks off at 6 p.m., led by none other than our Saber secretaries, chosen as grand marshals by the CDHS Student Council! The parade route will start at the high school and head west on 10th Street to 6th Avenue then south to 8th Street before heading east back to the high school. Before or after the parade, swing by the DeWitt Farmers Market and grab a delicious pork chop sandwich from the DeWitt Nite Lions and The Education Foundation of Central DeWitt in Lincoln Park. While you’re there, be sure to pick up some fresh Saber gear from the Athletic Boosters, stationed right in front of the library. Best of all, proceeds from both the sandwiches and the gear go directly to support our students and teachers! Then head to the Birney Field for some Powderpuff Football – remember admission is one canned good for the Pantry Challenge! Also happening tomorrow night at 7 p.m. is the Central DeWitt Hall of Fame Ceremony in the Central DeWitt Performing Arts Center. We can’t wait to see everyone at these great events tomorrow night! 💜🐾💛 #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdis #cdms #ekstrandelementary #homecomingparade2024 #homecoming2024 #saberspirit #saberpride #hauntedhomecoming

⏰ IMPORTANT TIME CHANGE: The 8th grade football game between Central DeWitt and North Scott Red as well as the 7th grade girls volleyball team who will take on Pleasant Valley White will now start at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3rd. Both games are at home so come out and cheer on our Sabers! Let’s go, Sabers! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdms #8thgradefootball #7thgradevolleyball #gametimechange #saberpride #saberspirit #supportoursabers

💜💛 We’re excited to announce the first district Student of the Month for the 2024-2025 school year – 6th grader Brynn Schroeder! She is featured in today's edition of The Observer thanks to our friends at First Central State Bank. Two years ago, when 6th grader Brynn Schroeder joined the district as a new student, she immediately stood out with her positivity, eagerness to learn, and her initiative to support and encourage her peers. Her willingness to offer a helping hand, whether through kind suggestions or thoughtful actions, has left a lasting impression on her teachers and peers. Recently, a fellow student was struggling to get started in art class and Brynn, in her thoughtful manner, took the time in to reteach the steps that had been demonstrated earlier by CDIS Art Teacher Brianne Magill. When the student finished, they proudly presented their artwork to Mrs. Magill—not because Brynn had completed the work for them, but because the student was thrilled with how their piece turned out thanks to the guidance of Brynn. "She helped him feel successful through her friendly coaching," Mrs. Magill said. "As a parent of a younger student in our district, I've also seen her interact with peers of all ages during extracurricular activities. She is always kind and inclusive to younger students and respectful to older ones, making each person feel valued." When asked why she helps others, Brynn explained that she tries to put herself in their shoes and imagine what it would feel like to be in their position. Her compassion, generosity, and leadership make her an outstanding SABER, and an excellent role model for all. #gosabers #cdcsdstudentofthemonth #centraldewittcsd #cdis #firstcentralstatebank #studentofthemonth #saberssucceeding

It’s National Custodian Day! Without this amazing crew, we would be a mess! They don’t just ensure our schools stay spotless and safe — they also go the extra mile to build meaningful relationships with students and other staff, contributing to the positive and welcoming atmosphere at Central DeWitt. Thank you Mark McDevitt, Deb Worrick, Alicia Patchin, Jason Weiss, Andy Johnston, Lee Penningroth, Andy Sheil, Ross Hair, and Jacob Rogge for your hard work, dedication, and everything you do every day. We truly appreciate you! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #weloveourcustodians #saberpride

💜💛 We’re thrilled to announce our 2024 Homecoming Court! Congratulations to these outstanding Sabers! Don’t miss out on the excitement – join us this Friday before the varsity football game to see who will be crowned Homecoming King and Queen! Let’s go, Sabers! FRONT ROW (left to right): Emma Putman (9), Kallie Burzlaff (10), Addison Walls (11), Sarah Dever (12), Adalyn Appleby (12), Adeline Bloom (12), Lauren Walker (12), Ava Putman (11), Hattie Rickertsen (10), Kaelyn Denahy (9) BACK ROW (left to right): Liam Watters (9), Alex Santos (10), Kazmir Senneff (11), Liam Jess (12), Ryan Watters (12), Max Burgmeier (12), Parker Petsche (12), Hudson Krukow (11), Keaton Hansen (10), David Burke (9) #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #homecoming2024 #homecomingcourt #saberspirit #saberpride

🏆 Join us for the 2024 Central DeWitt Hall of Fame induction Ceremony Thursday, Oct. 3rd at 7 p.m. in the Central DeWitt Performing Arts Center! The event will also be live streamed: https://youtube.com/live/ThVnR402AiQ?feature=share Congratulations to the 2024 inductees Thomas Bradshaw (1981), Verlin Fleagle (1994), Dave Mockridge (1967), Don Kolsrud (1952), Dave Drew (1956), 1956 Boys Track (1956) and the 2000 & 2001Volleyball Team! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #centraldewitthalloffame #inductionceremony #homecoming2024 #centraldewitthomecoming #halloffameceremony #saberpride #saberssucceeding #onceasaberalwaysasaber

Homecoming is about more than just celebration this year – it's about giving back! Central DeWitt is going head-to-head with Northeast and Calamus-Wheatland to see who can collect the most non-perishable goods for the LincolnWay Foundation Pantry Challenge! Donations will be collected all week at our schools and Homecoming events, including Friday’s football game, to support the DeWitt Referral Center and Thrift Store. 🥫 Let’s show everyone how Central DeWitt helps our community! 💜💛 CDHS Student Council has teamed up with Mr. Law’s Business Communications class for the challenge, a partnership that came about when the class sought a service-learning project to support our community. We love seeing our students learn to give back and make a real impact! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #LincolnWayFoundation #pantrychallenge #communityservice #servicelearning #helpingourcommunity #saberpride #saberssuceeding #givingback

Our Unified Special Olympics team made their debut competing in pickleball and volleyball debut on Saturday, Sept. 28 in West Des Moines. Check out the awesome results below. The team would like to thank the DeWitt pickleball club for their help during practices! • Our Unified Volleyball team earned a silver medal. Team members included athletes: Skyler Raymond, Tatiana Raymond, Amya Gooch-Sims, Ayana Gooch-Sims and Unified members Evalyn House and Kennedy Lackas. Our team was coached by staff member Grace McCaulley. • We had two athletes compete in pickleball skills. Marlee Michaelsen earned a gold medal with assistance from Unified member Nora Ubel. Athlete Joslynn Mulholland earned a gold medal. • Pickleball double teams results: Athlete Cole Michaelsen and Unified member Finnley Smith earned a good medal. Athlete Christopher Shenker and Unified member Blaire Kueter earned a gold medal. Athlete Jack Burken and Unified member Izzy Heitz earned a silver medal Athlete Ryland Taylor and Unified member Adriana Curtner earned a silver medal. Athlete Gage Heston and Unified member Abbie Thole earned a bronze medal. Pickleball was coached by Terri Smith. Way to go, Sabers! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #centraldewittspecialolympics #specialolympicsiowa #pickleball #volleyball #dewittpickleball #choosetoinclude #saberpride #saberssuceeding

💜💛 It’s Homecoming Week, and we’re about to turn up the spirit! What better way to kick things off than with our legendary Saber Fight Song? 🎶 https://youtu.be/C30MZFDeqJY Last week, Superintendent Dr. Mishler issued an epic Saber Fight Song challenge to all of our schools, and wow, did they deliver! Now it’s your turn to join the action! Gather your crew—friends, family, coworkers, even your pets—and unleash your inner Saber! Record your best rendition of the Saber Fight Song and share the excitement with us! Don’t forget to tag us on social media and use the hashtag #SaberFightSongChallenge to join the party! Let’s cheer on our Sabers and show everyone how we do school spirit! Who’s ready to show their Saber pride? Let’s go! SABER FIGHT SONG Central Sabers, loyal are we On we fight to victory Fight on you Sabers To our colors true we will be Central Sabers fight tonight Fight, fight, fight with all your might Fight on you Sabers, Fight Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah, Rah Team, Team, Team #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #homecomingweek #SaberFightSongChallenge #saberspirit #saberpride #letushearyoursaberspirit #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #centralsabersloyalarewe #homecoming2024