🗳️ It’s Election Day! Don’t forget to get out and vote in the School Board Election today from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Your voice matters—our schools thrive when the whole Saber community gets involved. Thank you for taking the time to show up and make a difference for our Saber students, families, and staff! 💜💛

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the following locations:
DEWITT: Clinton County Fairgrounds Auditorium, 328 E. 8th Street
GRAND MOUND: Grand Mound Community Center, 510 Smith Street
LOW MOOR: Low Moor Community Center, 211 3rd Avenue
WELTON: Welton Fire Station, 95 Main Street

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #schoolboardelection #yourvotematters #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #November4th
19 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Voting sticker
🎾 Congrats to our Saber Girls Tennis Team! 💜💛 We’re proud to celebrate their incredible season, finishing #6 in the state for Class 1A! This achievement is a testament to their hard work, teamwork, and dedication on and off the court.

A special shoutout to Greenley Grell, who was recognized as Freshman of the Year—an outstanding accomplishment and a bright sign of great things to come! 🌟

Way to represent Central DeWitt with excellence and Saber pride! 💪

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #SaberTennis #SaberGirlsTennis #6InTheState #FreshmanOfTheYear #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
20 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Saber Girls Tennis ranked #6 in the State
Greenley Grell named Freshman Of The Year
🗳 YOUR VOICE MATTERS! Tomorrow is the School Board Election and every vote makes a difference. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of Central DeWitt Community Schools. The decisions made by our school board impact everything from classroom resources and student opportunities to staff support and long-term goals for our district.

If you’d like to learn more about candidates Nicholas Strohman, Jed Ganzer and Michelle Martens we encourage you to watch the forum hosted by The Observer: https://youtu.be/kmDQTeuaAKE?si=HxgfTC-ERSkjWV_M
Thank you for taking the time to show up and make a difference for our Saber students, families, and staff!

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the following locations:
DEWITT: Clinton County Fairgrounds Auditorium, 328 E. 8th Street
GRAND MOUND: Grand Mound Community Center, 510 Smith Street
LOW MOOR: Low Moor Community Center, 211 3rd Avenue
WELTON: Welton Fire Station, 95 Main Street

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #schoolboardelection #yourvotematters #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #November4th
20 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Ballot Box with the word "VOTE"

Support Central DeWitt Unified Special Olympics! Order those famous Texas Roadhouse rolls, honey cinnamon butter, or gift cards Nov. 3rd-17th! These are perfect for serving at the holiday gatherings! All proceeds support our athletes. 💜💛

👉 Order here: https://txrhgiftcards.com/collections/txrh-10-100-8-brd-region-2?ref=103CentralDewittSO11032025

📦 IMPORTANT: Even though the site lists Davenport as the pickup location, orders will be picked up at Central DeWitt Intermediate School on November 24th from 4-5 p.m.

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #centraldewittspecialolympics #specialolympics #specialolympicsfundraiser #perfectfortheholidays #supportourathletes #saberpride

20 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Texas Roadhouse Rolls
🎃 What a spooktacular Halloween parade at Ekstrand Elementary on Friday! Under perfect fall skies, students paraded through the front drive in a colorful display of creativity and imagination — from spooky ghosts and brave superheroes to classic storybook characters and clever, one-of-a-kind costumes. 👻

Thanks to our students, staff, and families for making this frightfully fun tradition such a treat! 💜

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #EkstrandElementary #HalloweenParade #HappyHalloween #FestiveFun #SpookySabers #SaberPride
21 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Ekstrand Elementary Halloween Parade
Ekstrand Elementary Halloween Parade
Ekstrand Elementary Halloween Parade
Ekstrand Elementary Halloween Parade
Ekstrand Elementary Halloween Parade
Ekstrand Elementary Halloween Parade
Ekstrand Elementary Halloween Parade
Ekstrand Elementary Halloween Parade
Ekstrand Elementary Halloween Parade
Ekstrand Elementary Halloween Parade
Six Central DeWitt High School students recently participated in the Iowa Youth Symposium — part of the Model United Nations program.

Held each fall at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines, the symposium helps prepare students for the spring Model UN Conference at UNI. During the event, students act as U.S. delegates, researching and writing position papers and formal resolutions on economic, social, political, technological, and scientific issues faced by the United Nations.

Representing Central DeWitt this year were:
Aliza Dimmick, Alythea Gunn, Ella Taylor, Eva Burke, Audrey Lewis, and Athena Sentore.

During the symposium, these students brought our Portrait of a Saber traits to life. They used critical thinking to analyze complex global issues and craft thoughtful, well-supported positions. Through communication, they shared their ideas clearly in discussions and worked collaboratively to draft formal resolutions. And with global awareness, they considered the broader impact of decisions, taking time to understand diverse perspectives on international challenges.

Way to go, Sabers! We're proud of you!💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #IowaYouthSymposium #ModelUN #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
22 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Aliza Dimmick, Alythea Gunn, Ella Taylor, Eva Burke, Audrey Lewis, and Athena Sentore
Aliza Dimmick, Alythea Gunn, Ella Taylor, Eva Burke, Audrey Lewis, and Athena Sentore
Mr. Mercado, Aliza Dimmick, Alythea Gunn, Ella Taylor, Eva Burke, Audrey Lewis, and Athena Sentore

Are you interested in renting Central DeWitt facilities during December, January, or February? Our next round of rental reservations will open Monday, Nov. 3rd, and continue through Friday, Nov. 14th. ‼️ THIS IS THE ONLY TWO WEEKS YOU WILL BE ABLE TO ENTER RENTALS FOR DECEMBER, JANUARY AND FEBRUARY.

Please keep these important details in mind:

* Renters are allowed 90 minutes per team per week.
* Time reserved = time billed: groups are billed for the time they reserved, not the time they actually use (unless the district cancels the reservation)
* The facilities will NOT be available on 12/24, 12/25, 12/31 or 1/1
* School-related activities have first priority. If a school event has to be rescheduled and we have to bump you out of your reservation, you will be allowed to look for an alternative day/time.
* If school is closed or dismissed early due to weather, all rentals for that day will be automatically cancelled and no charges will be assessed
* The District reserves the right to cancel weekend rentals if weather or building conditions are unsafe.
* Groups are permitted to use the specific area reserved in their rental agreement, if groups are found wandering or using unreserved areas, future rental privileges may be revoked
* Once reservations are approved, a contract will be sent and it must be "signed" and then payment must be made. The contract will contain additional information about the rental rules and regulations.
* Renters will have a key card they can use to access the facility for 15 minutes before and after their rental period. At no time should a door be propped open or should you ask a custodian to unlock a door for you during your rental period.
* Any rentals put in early (before November 3rd) or late (after November 14th) will automatically be denied.
* Any rentals put in for dates that are outside of December, January or February will automatically be denied.

➡️ For more details visit https://www.cd-csd.org/page/facilities If you have questions, please reach out to Sarah Johnston at sarah.johnston@cd-csd.org or (563) 659- 4704.

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdis #cdms #ekstrandelementary #SaberNation #FacilityRental

22 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Central DeWitt Performing Arts Center, Central DeWitt High School, Central DeWitt Middle School

🎃 Happy Halloween! 🕸️ Something spooky was brewing at CDMS Wednesday night —our Student Leadership team transformed the school into a Haunted Hallway adventure! 👻 Two classrooms and the cafeteria were transformed into eerie escape rooms filled with hidden clues and creepy surprises. Students had to find specific items in each room to break free—before it was too late! 😱💀

It was a spine-tingling, scream-worthy scavenger hunt that made for a frightfully fun night for middle school students! 🕷️🦇

A huge thank you to our Student Leadership team and staff who helped make this hauntingly good event come to life! 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDMS #MiddleSchool #StudentLeadership #HauntedHallway #Spooky #ScreamWorthy #ScaredSabers #ScreamingSabers #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding

23 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Middle school students getting ready to enter the haunted cafeteria
CDMS Student Leadership
Middle school students in the haunted cafeteria
Student Leadership members dressed as ghosts
CDMS students in a haunted classroom transformed into a spooky forest
CDMS students in a haunted classroom transformed into a spooky forest
CDMS student getting chased by a spooky clown in the  haunted cafeteria
One of the student "ghosts" doing a back bend
CDMS student getting chased in a haunted classroom
Middle school students getting ready to enter the haunted cafeteria
🏈 Vote for Hudson Krukow! 🏈 Quarterback Hudson Krukow is a nominee for The Sporting News Class 3A Iowa High School Football Player of the Year! Today is the LAST DAY TO VOTE, so show your Saber pride and cast your vote here 👉 https://bit.ly/3LD7rgX

Hudson has had an incredible season — completing over 74% of his passes for 2,081 yards and 26 touchdowns with just four interceptions, breaking school records along the way! 💜💛

And don’t forget — tonight the Sabers take on Wahlert Catholic in the first round of the football playoffs! Let’s pack the stands and cheer loud! Purchase tickets here: https://bit.ly/4ol9bds

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #SaberFootball #FootballPlayoffs #SaberNation #PlayoffBound #LetsGoSabers #SaberPride Central DeWitt Sabers Football
23 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Hudson Krukow
🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Good luck to our Sabers at State! 💜💛 Wishing our Boys Cross Country team and individual qualifiers Ashlyn Appleby, Cole Niemann, Kyle Olson, and Adam Wilke the best of luck as they compete at the State Cross Country Meet in Fort Dodge today!

Ashlyn will race at 2:00 p.m., and the boys will compete at 2:45 p.m.

We’re proud of your hard work and dedication—go represent the Sabers with pride! 💪

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #SaberCrossCountry #SabersRunning #SaberPride #SaberStrong #StateBound #NotDoneYet #SabersAtState #SabersSucceeding
23 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Saber cross country state qualifiers
💜💛 October is National Principals Month so join us in celebrating our incredible principals — and all of our administrators — who lead with heart, vision, and a deep commitment to our Saber Family.

Our principals and administrators exemplify the Saber Standard: they’re all in, committed to growth, and dedicated to making Central DeWitt a place where every student can thrive. Through change, challenge, and celebration, they continue to lead with positivity and purpose — always putting students and staff first.

We are so grateful for their dedication, compassion, and the countless ways they help our district grow stronger together.

Thank you CDHS Principal Mark Bloom, CDMS Principal Pamela Hayes, CDIS Principal Michelle Jacobsen, Ekstrand Principal Mike Miller, Activities Director and Dean of Students Erik Johnson, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Bill Petsche and Superintendent Stephanie Mishler for all you do!

#nationalprincipalsmonth #thankaprincipal #centraldewittcsd #ekstrand #cdis #cdms #cdhs #SaberPride #GoSabers #SaberStandard #SabersSucceeding
23 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Central DeWitt Administrators
We know that life can change quickly, and financial circumstances are no exception. If your household income has recently changed due to layoffs, unemployment, or the government shutdown, your child(ren) may now qualify for the Free or Reduced-Price Meal Program.

Here’s what to know:

🍽️ Eligibility is based on your current income.
If your family’s financial situation has changed, eligibility is determined by your income today—not what it was earlier in the year.

🕒 You can apply anytime.
Applications can be submitted at any time throughout the year if your household income or size changes.

📅 Benefits last the rest of the year.
Once approved, your student’s eligibility remains in place for the remainder of the current school year—and continues through the first month of the next school year, if needed.

This program helps ensure that every student has access to healthy, balanced meals—breakfast and lunch—to stay focused and ready to learn throughout the school day.

➡️ How to Apply: To access the free and reduced price meal application as well as more information about food service visit https://www.cd-csd.org/page/nutrition-services

If you have questions or need help completing the form, please contact Nutrition Services Director Dede Wagener at (563) 659-4725 or dede.wagener@cd-csd.org. We’re here to help!

Thank you for partnering with us to support the well-being of all our Saber students.

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #EkstrandElementary #NutritionServices #FreeAndReducedPriceMeals #HereToHelp #SchoolNutrition
24 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Vegetables arranged in the shape of a heart
Our 6th Grade Kindness Crew members have been busy spreading smiles at Fieldstone of DeWitt! This month, they visited residents twice — first helping create fun “Ghost Pets,” and then joining in the Halloween festivities at the annual “Witches Brew!” 🎃👻

We’re so thankful for the partnership Kindness Crew has with Fieldstone and the special connections our students are building there! 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDIS #KindnessCrew #FieldstoneOfDeWitt #SpreadingKindness #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
24 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Kindness Crew at Fieldstone of DeWitt for Witches Brew
Kindness Crew at Fieldstone of DeWitt making "Ghost Pets" with residents
Kindness Crew at Fieldstone of DeWitt making "Ghost Pets" with residents
Kindness Crew at Fieldstone of DeWitt making "Ghost Pets" with residents
Kindness Crew at Fieldstone of DeWitt for Witches Brew
Kindness Crew at Fieldstone of DeWitt for Witches Brew
Kindness Crew at Fieldstone of DeWitt for Witches Brew
Kindness Crew at Fieldstone of DeWitt for Witches Brew
Kindness Crew at Fieldstone of DeWitt for Witches Brew
Kindness Crew at Fieldstone of DeWitt for Witches Brew
🗞️ Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Saber Drama is making headlines this fall with their production of Newsies!

Save the date for an unforgettable show full of energy, heart, and show-stopping performances!
🗓️ November 14th and 15th at 7 p.m. & November 16th at 2 p.m.
📍 Central DeWitt High School
🎟️ Stay tuned for ticket information!

About the show: Inspired by real events, Newsies tells the story of a fearless band of newsboys in 1899 New York City who strike against powerful newspaper publishers to fight for fairness. Filled with high-energy dance numbers and unforgettable songs like “Seize the Day” and “Carrying the Banner,” this inspiring musical is a celebration of courage, friendship, and standing up for what’s right.

Don’t miss your chance to see our talented Saber performers bring this Broadway favorite to life! 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #CDHSMusical #Newsies #SeizeTheDay #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding #SaveTheDate #FallMusical
24 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
CDHS Fall Musical "Newsies" poster
Yesterday 10 of our middle school band students participated in the St. Ambrose Honor Band! These talented musicians spent the day rehearsing with other outstanding students from across the region, wrapping up the day with an afternoon performance. Great job representing Central DeWitt! 💜💛

🎺 7th Grade: Megan Morningstar, Robbie Schultz, Zoe Gibson, Tucker Thiel, and Cael Ceurvorst
🎷 8th Grade: Chloe Knepper, Shupriya Karki, Evan Sandberg, Ben Doerscher, and Zanyel Barys

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDMS #MiddleSchoolBand #HonorBand #StAmbroseHonorBand #SaberMusicians #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
24 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
St. Ambrose Honor Band rehearsing
Chloe Knepper, Shupriya Karki, Zanyel Barys, Evan Sandberg,  and Ben Doerscher
Zoe Gibson, Megan Morningstar, Robbie Schultz,  Tucker Thiel
💜💛 Congratulations to our October 2025 District Student of the Month Addison Tucker! She is featured in today's edition of The Observer thanks to our friends at First Central State Bank.

Addison is a hardworking, kind, and engaged student whose attention to detail and genuine care for others make her stand out. She approaches each day with a positive attitude and a strong sense of purpose, always striving to do her best in everything she takes on. Addison goes above and beyond—reaching out to teachers when she’s absent, offering to help staff or classmates when she finishes her work, and stepping up whenever she sees a need.

“What I appreciate most about Addison is that she doesn't have to be asked and she doesn't always ask—she just sees or hears that something needs to be done or a peer could use help, and she just does it,” said FCS teacher Rebecca Barnes.

That initiative and compassion shine through in everything Addison does. She has always cared deeply about others and wants to make sure that everyone feels included, supported, and confident in what they’re doing. Inspired by her parents and by the kindness she observes in others, Addison strives to bring that same spirit of service to everything she does. Her involvement in FCCLA and her plans to play softball this spring reflect her dedication, teamwork, and positive energy.

Looking ahead, Addison hopes to pursue a career as a pediatric radiologic technologist or pediatric oncology nurse and plans to enter the CNA program next year. Her advice to other students is simple but powerful: “Find the right group of people and just follow what you believe. Don’t always copy other people—be yourself.”

Addison’s initiative, empathy, critical thinking and leadership make her an invaluable member of our school community and a shining example of what it means to be a SABER.

#gosabers #cdcsdstudentofthemonth #centraldewittcsd #CDHS #firstcentralstatebank #studentofthemonth #sabepride #saberssucceeding
25 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Addison Tucker
Join us this Friday night in Dubuque as the Sabers take on Wahlert Catholic in the first round of the football playoffs! Let’s pack the stands, bring the energy, and show everyone what Saber pride looks like! 💜💛

📍 Loras College, 1450 Alta Vista St, Dubuque, IA 52001
🕖 Friday, Oct. 31st at 7 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets must be purchased here: https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/iahsaa/L2VtYmVkL2V2ZW50LzY4ODE%3D

📣 Let’s go, Sabers!

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #SaberFootball #FootballPlayoffs #SaberNation #PlayoffBound #LetsGoSabers #SaberPride Central DeWitt Sabers Football
26 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Football
This week, shoppers at Randy's Neighborhood Market in DeWitt can make a difference for the Saber Speech Team by choosing to “round up” at checkout! Your contributions help fund registration fees, scripts and royalties, props, and equipment—ensuring our students have everything they need for a successful season. Thank you for supporting our Sabers! 💜💛

#GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #CDHS #SaberSpeech #RandysRoundUp #RoundUpForSpeech #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding #ThankYouForSupportingOurSabers
26 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Round Up for the Central DeWitt Speech Team
It’s time to nominate Central DeWitt employees for October’s Employee of the Month! Each day, our staff go above and beyond—supporting students, lifting up their colleagues, and creating welcoming, engaging learning environments across our district.

Now it’s your chance to shine a light on someone who has made a difference—big or small—in your world or in our schools.

💜 WHO CAN BE NOMINATED?

• Any full-time or part-time Central DeWitt employee
• Employees may receive this honor once per school year
• Those not selected for the monthly spotlight will still be celebrated as Saber Superstars throughout the year!

📣 HOW TO NOMINATE:
Submit your nomination here: https://forms.gle/ksRVLaYC6XBXkAbw7
🗓 Nomination Deadline: Friday, October 31st

Your nomination matters. One thoughtful story can brighten someone’s week, acknowledge their impact, and remind them why their work is so important. Thank you for helping us recognize the people who make Central DeWitt such a special place to learn and grow!

#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #employeeofthemonth #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #nominateanemployee #SaberPride #SaberSpirit #SabersSucceeding
26 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Employee of the Month Logo
🐢🦁🐘It was a zoo at Ekstrand Elementary last Wednesday! Third graders brought the wild right into the classroom when they shared their Animal Classification Research Projects with our first graders.
This fun project began with a field trip to Niabi Zoo, where each student “adopted” an animal that sparked their curiosity. They researched facts before the trip, dug even deeper after visiting, and then turned their discoveries into Google Slides presentations to share with their younger peers.

This was more than just a fun project—it was a true showcase of our Portrait of a Saber competencies in action! Students explored habitats and ecosystems around the globe (global awareness), practiced speaking clearly and confidently (communication), took charge of their learning (initiative), and used smart decision-making to highlight the most important facts (critical thinking).

What a great experience for our 3rd Graders to step into the role of a teacher, share their passion, and inspire their younger peers. Now that’s Saber Pride! Great job, Sabers! 💜💛

#PortraitOfASaber #SaberPride #LearningInAction #NiabiZoo #GoSabers #CentralDeWittCSD #EkstrandElementary #ThirdGrade #FirstGrade #LearningIsFun #AnimalExperts #SaberPride #SabersSucceeding
27 days ago, Central DeWitt Community School District
Third graders sharing their Animal Classification Research Projects  with first graders
Third graders sharing their Animal Classification Research Projects  with first graders
Third graders sharing their Animal Classification Research Projects  with first graders
Third graders sharing their Animal Classification Research Projects  with first graders
Third graders sharing their Animal Classification Research Projects  with first graders
Third graders sharing their Animal Classification Research Projects  with first graders
Third graders sharing their Animal Classification Research Projects  with first graders
Third graders sharing their Animal Classification Research Projects  with first graders
Third graders sharing their Animal Classification Research Projects  with first graders
Third graders sharing their Animal Classification Research Projects  with first graders