🌷 Ekstrand Elementary is blooming with creativity, and our students are ready to shine at their upcoming Spring Fine Arts Nights.
On Monday, April 28 at 6:30 PM, our Kindergarten and 1st grade students will take the stage with their performance, “Bada Bing, It’s Spring!”
Then on Tuesday, April 29 at 6:30 PM, our 2nd and 3rd graders will entertain you with their concert, “Big Beautiful Planet.”
And that’s not all — both nights will also feature a stunning display of student artwork! Join us as at the Central DeWitt Performing Arts Center to celebrate the talents and creative spirit of our Ekstrand students!
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #ekstrandelementary #finartsnight #springprogram #EkstrandFineArts #ekstrandart #studentart #saberartists #saberpride
🎓 Our next senior spotlight of the year is Rachel Clark, who has 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 #saberssucceed
It's Work With Us Wednesday! 🚨Our Nutrition Services team is in urgent need of substitute staff to help keep things running smoothly in our kitchens. If you or someone you know is available to jump in and support our amazing team, we’d love to have you! Contact Nutrition Services Director Dede Wagener at dede.wagener@cd-csd.org.
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #workwithuswednesday #joinoursaberfamily #jobopportunities #nutritionservices #nutritionservicessubstitutes
We’re excited to share that the school board approved the 2025–2026 district calendar — and with it comes a few key changes we want to highlight!
The first significant change to the calendar is that early outs will now be on Fridays instead of Wednesdays. This shift brings several benefits for students and staff:
▪️ Consistent learning time: Fridays typically have lower attendance and many students leave early for activities, so this change helps ensure more productive learning throughout the week.
▪️ Better logistics: Early outs on Fridays will improve transportation for evening events.
▪️Alignment with EICC and other partners: The change allows more students to enroll in the EICC academies, take EICC courses, and participate in other educational opportunities.
▪️ Focused planning time: Teachers will have more consistent instruction time and an opportunity to wrap up the week with intentional planning and professional development.
Second, preschool will run Monday through Thursday, with no preschool on Fridays. This schedule provides a more consistent weekly routine for our youngest learners, which supports a smoother transition to a full five-day schedule when they start kindergarten. And, having Fridays off gives their growing minds a three-day break to rest and recharge, setting them up for more focused, meaningful learning when they return on Monday.
We’re confident these changes will lead to a more effective, engaging, and balanced school week for everyone. This calendar along with our athletic and fine arts calendars are available on the district website, www.cd-csd.org, under “Calendars.”
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #schoolcalendar #districtcalendar #schoolcalendar2026 #saberpride #saberssucceeding
🌟 Happy Administrative Professionals Day! 🌟 Today, we celebrate the incredible administrative staff who keep our schools running smoothly every single day. From answering phones to managing schedules, supporting students, assisting staff, and juggling a million tasks behind the scenes all with a smile — your work does not go unnoticed.
Thank you for being the heart of our district. Your dedication, organization, and care make a world of difference in the lives of our students, staff, and families.
💜 We appreciate you today and every day! 💛
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #luckytohaveyou #weloveouradministrativeprofessionals #youarethebest #AdministrativeProfessionalsDay #saberpride #ThankYou
🚌 Happy School Bus Driver Appreciation Day! 🚌 Today we give a big THANK YOU to the dedicated drivers who start their mornings before the sun rises to make sure our students get to school safely and with a smile.
Your patience, kindness, and commitment to safety do not go unnoticed. You’re the first friendly face many students see each day, and the last one before they head home. Thank you for everything you do! Let’s give it up for our amazing bus drivers! 👏👏👏
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #centraldewittbusdrivers #SchoolBusDriverAppreciationDay #ThankYouDrivers #WeAppreciateYou
✈️ SABER COMMUNITY! This is a reminder that students and community members have a chance to join an EFTour to Iceland in the Summer of 2026. Now is the time to start saving for the trip if you would like to join our Adventure Crew. More information about the tour can be found here:
https://www.eftours.com/tour-website/2806194FX
You can also contact Mr. Mercado for more information at eddie.mercado@cd-csd.org.
👑 We’re thrilled to introduce the 2025 CDHS Prom Court! Congratulations to Laura Martens, Anna Rickertsen, Adeline Bloom, Lauren Walker, Matthew Boeding, Parker Petsche, Max Burgmeier and Brady Herington!
King and queen will be announced at Prom on Saturday, April 26th. The Grand March will begin at 5 p.m. in the Central DeWitt Performing Arts Center on Saturday and will be live streamed here: https://youtube.com/live/Z12p40TfNI0?feature=share
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdhsprom #cdhspromcourt #grandmarch #cdhsgrandmarch #cdhsafterprom #saberpride #saberssucceeding
Today, CDHS celebrated 12 incredible seniors who have officially committed to continuing their athletic journeys at the collegiate level! At the Signing Day event, athletes thanked those who have helped them along the way before signing their letters of intent.
Whether on the court, mat, field, or track, these athletes have worked tirelessly to earn this achievement. We’re proud of your dedication and can't wait to see all that you will accomplish at the next level!
ADALYN APPLEBY
Sport: Cross Country and Track
School: Drake University
MAX BURGMEIER
Sport: Football
School: Iowa Western
KADE BURZLAFF
Sport: Baseball
School: Grand View University
CADEN HUFF
Sport: Baseball
School: Grand View University
CALLAN HURSEY
Sport: Wrestling
School: St. Ambrose University
RYAN MCGARRY
Sport: Basketball
School: Wartburg College
CALEB OLSON
Sport: Track
School: Wartburg College
GRACE PATTERSON
Sport: Wrestling
School: Loras College
ANNA RICKERTSEN
Sport: Dance
School: St. Ambrose University
LAUREN WALKER
Sport: Basketball
School: University of Northern Iowa
RYAN WATTERS
Sport: Basketball
School: Winona State University
CHRIS WRAGE
Sport: Wrestling
School: Loras College
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #seniorsigningday2025 #saberathletes #saberpride #saberssucceeding #onceasaberalwaysasaber
💜💛 Thank you to The Education Foundation of Central DeWitt for awarding over $60,000 in grants to our teachers and students this year! The 2025 grant recipients were honored last Thursday at the annual Education Foundation Appreciation Reception, catered by Ms. Sullivan and her talented CDHS culinary students.
Guests also enjoyed a special presentation from sixth-grade students, who demonstrated one of the drones purchased with grant funding from the Ed Foundation. It was an exciting, first-hand look at how impactful these grants are in directly enhancing student learning.
Over the past 31 years, the Ed Foundation has awarded more than $889,000 in grants to Central DeWitt educators — an incredible investment in our schools and community.
A heartfelt thank you to them, and the donors who make these opportunities possible. And, congratulations to this year’s recipients!
To see a list of the grants awarded please visit https://www.cd-csd.org/article/2159887
Things are usually pretty serious in welding class, but today, Mr. Prombo and his students took a break from the grind to have a little fun for Mustache Monday! With creativity and a good sense of humor, they crafted some impressive (and hilarious) mustaches. Just one look at these epic 'staches is sure to brighten your day! Great job, Sabers!
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #weldingclass #MustacheMonday #learningisfun #saberpride #saberssucceeding
This year marks the 15th anniversary of a car being donated to Central DeWitt After Prom — an incredible tradition that gives one lucky senior a new set of keys! For the first 12 years, this amazing gift was made possible by Kriegers, and for the last three years, Ed Morse Chevy GMC of DeWitt has proudly continued the tradition. 💛💜
At the end of this year’s After Prom, one senior will win the 2013 Nissan Centra — but remember — YOU MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN!
We are beyond grateful to have such supportive community partners who believe in creating safe, fun, and memorable experiences for our students. Thank you, Ed Morse, for your continued generosity!
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #seniorscanwinacar #cdhsafterprom #classof2025 #centraldewittafterprom #prom2025 #winprizesatafterprom #weloveourcommunity
SOPHOMORES, JUNIORS AND SENIORS! Check out these awesome opportunities available to students this summer! Each event has various restrictions, so please be sure to reach out to Holly Hansen (holly.hansen@cd-csd.org) if you have any questions!
Big congratulations to our talented Saber artists whose incredible work was selected to represent Central DeWitt in the 2025 High School Fine Arts Show at Clinton Community College! Schools from across the area competed in Graphic Design, Mixed Media, Painting, and Drawing categories.
A special shoutout to Dalani Beuthien, who earned 2nd place in Graphic Design for her piece "Cow Talk!" Dalani received a $50 Hobby Lobby gift certificate for her award-winning work—way to go, Dalani!
To view all the artwork visit https://bit.ly/4ih3Dwx. We’re so proud of all our Sabers’ creativity, dedication, and artistic vision. 💜💛
Saber Art Students with Selected Work:
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Jayden Anderson
Dalani Beuthien * 2nd place
Payton Kaczinski
Shayna Lopez
Kaden Mahler
Kobe Mahler
Miles Manatt
Trevor Marcus
Grant Olson
Griffin Reed
Caelyn Sherwood
Lexi Thiskahone
JJ VanDerGinst
PAINTING
Natalie Costas
Brooklyn Dykstra
Amelia Griffin
Ana Henningsen
Niya Miller
Jacob Moore
Vee Ortner
Ryder Peel
Emily Sons
Lexi Thiskahone
DRAWING
Liliana Hartley
Kennadi Olson
Faith Peterson
Sam Pfeifle
Noah Raes
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdhsart #saberartists #saberart #awardwinning #2025HighSchoolFineArtsShow #ClintonCommunityCollege #CCC #saberpride #saberssuceeding
After a year of preparing and mastering math well beyond their grade level, these three teams of sixth-grade students showcased their skills in the CDIS 6th Grade Math Bee on Wednesday. Way to go, students— your hard work and commitment to learning truly add up to something exceptional!
🏅 1st Place: Caleb Adams & Jaren Nebel
🥈 2nd Place: Tucker Thiel & Paxton Lansing
🥉 3rd Place: Charlee Meyer & Rachel Burke
Thank you to Mrs. Hahn for hosting the event and to Mr. Townsley for moderating and bringing his enthusiasm and expertise to the competition. And a special shoutout to First Central State Bank for generously donating pizza for a well-deserved celebration after the competition.
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdis #cdismathbee #6thgrade #6thgrademathbee #learningisfun #advancedmath #mathematics #saberpride #saberssucceeding
🎓 Our next senior spotlight of the year is Caleb Kruse, who has an exciting future ahead of him!
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 #saberssucceed
Congratulations to all of our outstanding FFA members who had the honor of attending this year’s State Leadership Conference! our dedication, leadership, and relentless pursuit of excellence make us #SaberProud! Keep reaching for excellence! 💜💛
• State Degree Recipients: Adam Wilke, Caden Bernauer, Delaney Barber, Emily Sutton, Hannah Grantz, Kalli Barber, Kamryn Keester, Katlin Truelsen, Kyle Deppe, Lucas Burken, Price Strohman, Taylor Houser, and Ty Henningsen.
• Courtesy Corps: Caden Bernauer, Carlee Garrity, and Ethan Hoeft
• State FFA Chorus: Molly Burken
• Farm Business Management Test: Kalli Barber(Gold), Delaney Barber (Gold), Rachel Clark (Gold), and Katlin Truelsen (Gold).
• Chapter Knowledge Test: Taylor Houser (Gold)
• Discovery Test: Eveylnn Smith (Bronze) and Katie Grantz (Silver)
• Greenhand Test: Cooper Barber (Gold) and Audrina Gordon (Gold)
• Discovery Test: Evelynn Smith (Bronze) and Katie Grantz (Silver)
• Proficiency Award in Swine Entrepreneurship: Hannah Grantz (1st)
• Proficiency Award in Agricultural Communications: Kaitlin Truelsen (1st)
• Stars Over Iowa Finalist: Kaitlin Truelsen
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #dewittcentralffa #ffa #StateLeadershipConference #saberpride #saberssucceeding
REMINDER: There is no school tomorrow, April 18th. Enjoy the long weekend and we’ll see you again on Monday!
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #noschoolApril18th #seeyouMonday
You’re invited to a night of fun and fierce competition as each high school grade level takes on the ultimate dream team of teachers in the Central DeWitt FBLA Students vs. Teachers Volleyball Tournament! 🏐 Who will you be cheering for?
📅 Wednesday, April 30th
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 CDHS Competition Gym
🎟️ $3 Admission
Come cheer on your favorite team, enjoy the energy, and support our future business leaders.
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #centraldewittfbla #fbla #studentvsteachersvolleyballtournament #everyoneiswelcome #supportoursabers
Three Saber students hit the road last Wednesday to explore college opportunities in Dubuque! They visited Clarke University, the University of Dubuque, and Loras College—each campus warmly welcomed our students and gave them a great look at what’s possible after high school. Great job, Sabers, at explore future options!
#gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #clarkeuniversity #universityofdubuque #lorascollege #planningforthefuture #collegeandcareerready #saberssucceeding
