Central DeWitt School District -

💜 🎉💛 Today we kicked off Inclusion Week with the Parade of Athletes celebrating our Special Olympic Athletes, Unified Partners and Buddies! 🏅We are so proud of these amazing individuals who work hard every day to create a more inclusive school community for all. Their dedication has earned three of our schools the National Unified Champion School designation, recognizing efforts in promoting inclusive learning, leadership, and opportunities for students of all abilities. We hope you’ll join us in choosing to include! Check it out: https://youtube.com/shorts/-lXQeChz2uw #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdis #cdms #InclusionWeek #ChooseToInclude #Inclusion #NationalUnifiedChampionSchools #SpecialOlympics #CentralDeWittSpecialOlympics #saberpride #saberssuceeding

🎯 Congratulations to the Central DeWitt Archery Club who had a fantastic weekend full of determination and outstanding performances at the 2025 Iowa NASP Bullseye Championship! Take a look at the results: 🏆 Brady Meier is a STATE TOURNAMENT CHAMPION! ⭐ Jacob Meier earned a spot on the prestigious All-State Team! Boys All State Team is based on the archers top two season and state tournament scores. Jacob was 1 of 6. 🥉 Jack Arndt (St. Joseph Catholic School) and Jacob Meier claimed third place finishes! 🎯 Our HS team fought hard and finished in the TOP 10! 💪 And to top it all off—10 archers hit personal records! Way to go archers for stepping up and giving it your all—you’ve made us incredibly proud! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #centraldewittarcheryclub #saberpride #Bullseye #IowaNASPBullseyeChampionship #saberssucceeding

ATTENTION JUNIORS! The AmeriCorps Student Leaders Program at Central DeWitt is looking for TWO student leaders for next year! Work alongside Mrs. Hansen & Mrs. Schaible to promote a college-going culture while gaining leadership experience, professional training, and financial benefits (scholarship + stipend)! Learn more from our current AmeriCorp Student Leaders: https://youtu.be/Q_D0Zpyu5UM 📝 Requirements: ✅ Be a senior next year with plans to attend college ✅ Commit to 300 hours over 42 weeks (most work done during school) ✅ Be motivated, dependable, and able to work with peers 💰 Benefits: 🔹 Scholarship 🔹 Bi-weekly stipend 🔹 Completion bonus 🔹 High school credit opportunity through Cooperative Education Course 🔗 Apply here: https://bit.ly/41DjnVz 📅 Deadline: Friday, March 7! For questions, reach out to holly.hansen@cd-csd.org Make an impact—apply today! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #AmeriCorpStudentLeaders #MakeADifference #SaberPride #AmeriCorps #Leadership #saberssucceeding

🥞It’s National School Breakfast Week! Are you ready to investigate the benefits of eating breakfast at school? Saber detectives, it's time to crack the case — school breakfast is the secret to starting your day strong! The evidence is clear: ✅ Boosts energy ✅ Sharpens focus ✅ Delicious & nutritious Don't let hunger be the missing clue! “Clue in to School Breakfast” and crack the case on the best way to start your day! Check out what’s for breakfast: https://cd-csd.nutrislice.com/menu 🍳Why do eggs make great detectives? Answer: Because they always crack the case! #NSBW25 #ClueInToSchoolBreakfast #NationalSchoolBreakfastWeek #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #saberpride #nutritionservices

📢 EXCITING NEWS FOR INCOMING PRESCHOOL FAMILIES! Ekstrand Elementary will be offering both half-day and full-day preschool programming for 4-year-olds next year, and we couldn't be more excited to provide such a wonderful opportunity for our youngest learners! 🌟 WHY PRESCHOOL MATTERS Preschool is a vital step in a child’s educational journey. ✅ Builds a strong educational foundation ✅ Boosts social & emotional development ✅ Enhances language & communication skills ✅ Develops critical thinking & creativity ✅ Prepares kids for kindergarten & beyond ✅ Encourages independence & self-regulation ✅ Improves long-term success ✅ Supports families & strengthens our community 🌟 WHY CHOOSE EKSTRAND ELEMENTARY FULL-DAY PRESCHOOL ✅ More Time for Play & Learning: Extended hours allow for deeper exploration, creativity, and hands-on learning. ✅ Social Meal & Snack Times: Kids build independence and social skills during structured mealtimes with peers. ✅ Dedicated Nap/Rest Time: Supports healthy development by ensuring kids get the rest they need. ✅ Stronger Routines & Readiness for Kindergarten: Helps children adjust to a full-day school schedule. ✅ Increased Social & Emotional Growth: More time for teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. ✅ Convenience for Families: Full-day preschool provides reliable, high-quality care, easing the burden on working parents. ✅ A Stronger Community: Quality early education leads to long-term academic success and a thriving local workforce. 🌟 Whether you choose our half-day or full-day preschool program, you will be giving your child the best start in a nurturing, engaging, and supportive learning environment! Preschool registration is open – enroll today! https://forms.gle/sA1oKfKqib5jnDBk9 We look forward to welcoming your child to our Saber family! #gosabers #centraldewitt #preschool #preschoolregistration #welcomefutureSabers #buildingbrightfutures #fulldaypreschool #halfdaypreschool #saberpride

SABER FANS, IT'S GO TIME! The boys are one win away from STATE! 💛💜🏀 Let’s pack the gym at Assumption High School and bring the energy! Wear your purple & gold and cheer loud for our Sabers! 📅 Monday | 7:00 PM 📍 Assumption High School 🎟 Get your tickets in advance here: https://www.iahsaa.org/tickets/ Let’s go, Sabers! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #sabersboysbasketball #postseason #saberpride #PackTheStands #CheerOnOurSabers #SupportOurSabers

🎶 On Thursday, the entire 4th-grade class embarked on a musical adventure to the Adler Theater in Davenport for Symphony Day! This event, hosted by the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, treated 4th and 5th graders from surrounding school districts to a free concert filled with the toe-tapping rhythms of swing music—all tied to the curriculum, The Orchestra Swings. Building up to this event, 4th grade students learned about the instruments of the orchestra, terminology and behavior regarding an orchestra concert. They also learned about several swing music artists and their music. But the learning didn’t stop there—students even got to see swing dancing in action and try out a few moves of their own! From the first note to the final bow, Symphony Day was an unforgettable experience that brought music, movement, and learning together in perfect harmony. Thank you to the Quad City Symphony Orchestra for providing this wonderful experience! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdis #4thgrade #SymphonyDay #QuadCitySymphonyOrchestra #finearts #MusicInOurSchools #MusicEducation #learningisfun #handsonlearning #saberssucceeding

🎓 Our next senior spotlight is Ava Lichtenstein, 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

💜💛 A huge congratulations to Central DeWitt Sabers Girls Basketball Coach Ron O’Brien on being named MAC Coach of the Year! 🏆🎉 This honor is so well deserved, recognizing the dedication, passion, and leadership he brings to the program. Under his guidance, the girls basketball team has not only grown as athletes but also as a family—one that is now headed to the state tournament! Coach O’Brien, your hard work and commitment do not go unnoticed, and we couldn’t be prouder. Best of luck at state—let’s bring it home! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #sabergirlsbasketball #sabersbasketball #saberpride #saberssucceeding #MACCoachOfTheYear

Reminder there is no school tomorrow, Feb. 28th — enjoy the long weekend! We’ll see you on Monday when we kick off a week full of celebrations, including Inclusion Week and National School Breakfast Week! 🎉 Get ready for a fun and exciting week ahead! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #NoSchoolFriday #InclusionWeek #NationalSchoolBreakfastWeek

💜💛 We are beyond proud to celebrate Lauren Walker, who has been named the MAC Player of the Year! 🎉👏 This incredible honor is a testament to her relentless dedication, hard work, and outstanding talent on the court. Lauren's leadership, perseverance, and passion for the game set her apart, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to see her recognized for all she’s accomplished. Your Saber family is proud of you, Lauren! Keep shining, keep inspiring, and keep making history! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #sabergirlsbasketball #laurenwalker #MACPlayerOfTheYear #saberpride #saberssucceeding

Don’t miss the action tonight as our Saber boys basketball team compete in the substate game at Waverly-Shell Rock at 7 p.m.! 🎟 Get your tickets now and pack the stands! Let’s bring the energy and show our Saber pride! Let’s go, Sabers! https://www.iahsaa.org/tickets/ If are not able to make the trip you can watch on https://fan.hudl.com/.../924/waverly-shell-rock--high-school #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #sabersboysbasketball #postseason #saberpride #PackTheStands #CheerOnOurSabers #SupportOurSabers

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! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdcsdemployeeofthemonth #employeeofthemonth #january2025employeeofthemonth #saberssucceeding #sabersuperstar

ORDER FORMS DUE TOMORROW! Our Unified Special Olympics team is selling Inclusion Week spirit items to celebrate the upcoming Inclusion Week (March 3rd-7th) which highlights the importance of inclusion and honoring students of ALL abilities. Show your support by grabbing some awesome Inclusion Week swag! HOW TO ORDER • Turn in this order form (https://bit.ly/4gYaLNJ) & cash payment to the school office by Thursday, Feb. 27th. Items will be delivered to students on March 3—just in time to kick off Inclusion Week! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #InclusionWeek #StrongerTogether #SaberPride #UnifiedChampionSchool #ChooseToInclude #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

🎓 Our next senior spotlight is Ana Henningsen, 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

💜💛 Congratulations to Central DeWitt Sabers Girls Basketball team and coaches on their victory over Clear Creek Amana in the Class 4A State Qualifier! With this win, the Sabers punched their ticket to the State Tournament in Des Moines! This team has worked, battled, and earned their shot at glory—now it's time to make some noise in Des Moines! Way to go, Sabers! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdhsbasketball #sabersgirlsbasketball #statebound #sabersatstate #goodlucksabers #saberpride #saberssucceeding

Thinking of open enrolling your child at Central DeWitt next year? Open Enrollment lets families choose the best educational experience, and Central DeWitt Community Schools is the perfect place for your child to learn, grow, and succeed! 📅 IMPORTANT DEADLINES: ➡️ March 1: Application deadline for students in grades 1-12 ➡️ September 1: Deadline for incoming kindergarteners & preschoolers with special education needs 🌟 WHY CHOOSE CENTRAL DEWITT? ✅ Excellence in Academics – Our student-centered curriculum, led by top-tier educators and driven by innovative teaching strategies, prepares learners for success in college, careers, and beyond with a strong commitment to high achievement. From Advanced Placement (AP) courses and dual-credit opportunities to personalized learning and strong support systems, we challenge and empower students at every level. ✅ Outstanding Opportunities – Whether competing at the state level, performing on stage, or innovating in the classroom, Sabers have the support, resources, and coaching to reach their full potential through diverse extracurriculars, including athletics, arts, STEM, and more. ✅ Exceptional Experiences – Every student deserves educational experiences that build essential skills for a rapidly changing world. Through our Portrait of a Saber, we develop Initiative, Communication, Critical Thinking, and Global Awareness, empowering students to think critically, collaborate, and adapt—preparing them to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact. ✅ A Supportive Community – We take pride in fostering a welcoming, inclusive school environment where every student feels valued and supported. This dedication has earned three of our schools the prestigious National Unified Champion School designation, recognizing our efforts in promoting inclusive learning, leadership, and opportunities for students of all abilities. At Central DeWitt, every Saber is empowered to thrive—both in and out of the classroom. READY TO JOIN OUR SABER FAMILY? Visit https://educate.iowa.gov/pk-12/educational-choice/open-enrollment for details and application forms! 📞 Questions? Contact us at (563) 659-0700. #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #JoinOurSaberFamily #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding #OpenEnrollment

We are beyond proud to announce that two of our FFA members have won State Proficiency Awards for their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects—a huge achievement that reflects their hard work, dedication, and passion for agriculture! • Hannah Grantz won in Swine Entrepreneurship for running a farrow-to-finish operation with her pigs. She breeds sows, raises piglets, and sells whole and half hogs directly to customers. • Katlin Truelsen won in Ag Communications for her incredible work in agricultural media. She has been a writer for a Texas bull riding magazine, worked with CAC Media Group for four years, and even has a children’s book on the way! Katlin has traveled across the U.S. and Canada covering ag media stories and will be heading to ISU next year to major in Ag Communications. Both of these outstanding young women have now qualified for Nationals and will represent Central DeWitt and the state of Iowa at the National FFA Leadership Conference in Indiana this October! Katlin was also selected as a STAR Finalist for her State Degree, placing in the top four out of 26 candidates in Iowa! She will be recognized on stage as a finalist in April. Please join us in congratulating Hannah and Katlin on this incredible accomplishment! 👏👏 #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #DeWittCentralFFA #FFAStateWinners #SAEProjects #AgLeaders #FFAProficiency #STARFinalist #saberpride #saberssucceeding

Good luck to Saber bowlers Rylan Edwards and JJ Coates as they compete at the state bowling tournament today at Cadillac Lanes in Waterloo! Yesterday, CDHS held a send off to wish them well. We’re cheering for you! Let’s go, Sabers! For tournament info visit: https://www.iahsaa.org/bowling/state-central/ #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #saberboysbowling #saberbowling #statetournament #saberpride #sabersucceeding

On Valentine’s Day, students from the CDIS and St. Joseph Catholic School had a blast dancing the night away at the Valentine Dance! With over 250 kids in attendance, the night was filled with nonstop fun. The DJ kept the energy high as students hit the dance floor, while others enjoyed photo booths, temporary tattoos, yard games, and activity pages. Glow sticks lit up the night, and everyone enjoyed treats like popcorn, candy, and water. It was a night to remember! A huge thank you to the Central DeWitt PTO for organizing this amazing event and to all the parent volunteers who helped make it possible! 💜💛 #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdis #stjosephcatholicschool #ValentineDance #SabersCelebrate #CommunityFun #ThankYouPTO #ThankYouVolunteers