Central DeWitt School District -

💜💛 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

🎶 This past Saturday, six talented CDIS band students represented our school at the Young Musicians Honor Band at Prairie Creek in Cedar Rapids! It was a fantastic day filled with music-making, and they all did an incredible job! Way to go, Saber musicians! We’re proud of you! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdis #intermediateschool #cdisband #cdismusicians #YoungMusiciansHonorBand #saberpride #saberssucceeding

💜💛 What a season for our Saber wrestlers! Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance on the mat have been incredible to watch. A special shoutout to Chris Wrage, who battled his way to a 4th place finish at State, and Eli Edfors, who secured 7th place! Congratulations! 🎉 We also want to recognize Dolan Theisen and Cale Johnson who gave it their all at State. Your hard work and determination did not go unnoticed! We are so proud of the entire team—thank you for representing the Sabers with pride and grit! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdhswrestling #saberwrestling #saberboyswrestling #state #statetournament #congratulations #saberpride #sabersssuceeding

Our Sabers girls basketball team is headed to the Regional Championship! 🎉 Don’t miss the action—come out and support the team as they battle for the title at home on Tuesday, Feb. 25th at 7 p.m. Let’s bring the energy and show our Saber pride! 🎟 Get your tickets now and pack the stands! Tickets must be purchased in advance here: https://bit.ly/4bg5TCh #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #sabersgirlsbasketball #postseason #saberpride #PackTheStands #CheerOnOurSabers #SupportOurSabers #regionalchampionship

Last week, two of Central DeWitt's juniors toured Scott Community College with Calamus-Wheatland students. Students learned about several career pathways offered through SCC, including degrees covered under the Last Dollar Scholarship program which allows Iowans to earn a college degree for free tuition. In addition, all three of EICC's campuses offer a scholarship to Central DeWitt students who continue their education at EICC after high school graduation. The highest level of the Connections Scholarship allows students to earn half off tuition for their first year of college. If you or your students have any questions about the Last Dollar Scholarship or Connections Scholarship, please email Holly Hansen at holly.hansen@cd-csd.org. #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #careerandcollegeready #planningforyourfuture #scottcommunitycollege #scc #LastDollarScholarship #ConnectionsScholarship #saberssucceeding

💜💛 Congratulations to the Central DeWitt Concert Band Pride for receiving the Guy Blair All-Iowa Concert Band Festival Commitment to Excellence Award! Guy Blair, a longtime band director in Pella set the gold standard for music education across the Midwest. Thanks to the support of Bob Rogers Travel, bands attending for five or more years receive this plaque in his honor. This year marked CDHS’s sixth year hosting the event, welcoming 20 bands over two days. Despite weather cancellations on the second day, more than 800 students attended. The festival featured a panel of five clinicians from the University of Illinois, the University of Southern Mississippi, Kansas State University, Iowa State University, and Missouri Western State University. The All-Iowa Concert Band Festival is a unique, non-competitive performance opportunity for Iowa high school bands, offering an educational experience for students, directors, and audiences. Each band receives expert feedback from a panel of clinicians, with directors also receiving personal conducting evaluations. Beyond performing, students participate as audience members, learning proper concert etiquette and developing their musical tastes through active listening. CDHS Band Instructor Mr. Greubel serves on the All-Iowa Concert Band Board as webmaster and a site host for the festival. The event highlights CDHS’s incredible facilities, leaving visitors amazed that such a venue exists in a 3A high school. Under Mr. Greubel’s guidance, CDHS band students take great pride in hosting, acting as ambassadors for the district and stepping into leadership roles. Way to go, Sabers! For more information about the festival, visit https://sites.google.com/view/all-iowaconcertbandfestival/home #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdhsband #cdhsconcertband #GuyBlairExcellenceAward #GuyBlairAllIowaConertBandFestival #MusicInEducation #HandsOnLearning #saberpride #saberssuceeding

Central DeWitt Sabers track and field apparel is now available! Choose from hundreds of options to choose from – all that help support our Sabers! Store closes Feb. 28th at 10 a.m. so don’t wait! Thanks for supporting Central DeWitt Track and Field! https://www.walloffame247.com/central-dewitt-high-school #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #trackandfield #onlinestore #supportoursabers #saberpride

Who’s ready to cheer on our Sabers boys basketball team? They’re gearing up for postseason play, and we need everyone to come out and cheer them on Monday, Feb. 24th at 7 p.m. in our competition gym. Tickets must be purchased in advance at https://www.iahsaa.org/tickets/ Let’s pack the gym and show our Saber pride! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #sabersboysbasketball #postseason #saberpride #PackTheStands #CheerOnOurSabers #SupportOurSabers

🎓Our next senior spotlight is Logan Huff, who has a great 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 #saberssucceeding