Central DeWitt School District -

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

This past week, our 4th graders celebrated the completion of Unit 1 in ELA with a fun-filled “Starbucks Day!” The classroom was transformed into a cozy “Starbucks Vibes” atmosphere, complete with music that set the perfect backdrop for creativity. Students gathered to share their personal narratives while enjoying “coffee” (a.k.a chocolate milk) and delicious donuts. They also engaged in various Starbucks-themed activities, allowing them to connect learning with celebration. To add to the festivities, they played Candyland, learning about its inspiring history. Did you know it was created by a teacher for children with polio? This popular game turned boredom into fun! What a wonderful way for our students to reflect on their hard work and enjoy each other's company! Well done, Sabers! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdis #4thgrade #learningisfun #celebrating #StarbucksDay #saberpride #sabersucceeding

Our FFA officer team had an awesome time talking with the second graders from both Ekstrand and St. Joseph Catholic School about the origins of their food and how it’s all connected to agriculture. While visiting Randy’s Neighborhood Market, students learned how everyday products are the result of the hard work of our farmers. It was a fun and educational experience for everyone involved! Hannah Grantz (President) was in the dairy section, Ty Henningsen (Sentinel) was in the meats section, Kamryn Keester (Secretary) was in the frozen foods section, Emily Sutton (Public Relations) was in the produce section, Taylor Houser (Vice President) was in the grains section, and Adam Wilke (Reporter) was in the bakery section. Nice job, Sabers! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #ekstrandelementary #FFA #agriculture #thankafarmer

Good luck to our Special Olympic athletes and Unified partners who will be competing in pickleball and volleyball at the Special Olympics Iowa Fall Classic this weekend! Before they left today, Ekstrand Elementary students made sure our athletes had a proper send-off complete with handmade signs, pom poms and lots of cheering. Take a look at the video that was captured! Let’s go, Sabers! https://youtu.be/QMeEXPMzqrk #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #centraldewittspecialolympics #specialolympicsiowa #choosetoinclude #saberpride #saberssuceeding

👻 Get ready for a spooktacular “Haunted Homecoming” Week at Central DeWitt starting Monday, Sept. 30th! Check out the fa-boo-lous activities and dress-up days happening all week. We look forward to seeing everyone’s creativity and school spirit! Let’s make this “Haunted Homecoming” unforgettable! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdcsd #homecoming2024 #HauntedHomecoming #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #saberpride #saberspirit #SpooktackularHomecoming

We are thrilled to kick off our Employee of the Month program for the 2024-2025 school year, celebrating those who inspire excellence, embody our schools’ values, and help make Central DeWitt a place where students and staff can thrive. All full-time and part-time employees are eligible to be nominated for employee of the month. Nominations can be submitted by any Central DeWitt employee, student, parent, or community member using this form: https://forms.gle/eFoU3znPx4XFXX9j8. The deadline for this month’s nominations is Wednesday, Oct. 2nd. We look forward to receiving your nominations! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #employeeofthemonth #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #nominateanemployee

World Travelers, Friday, Sept. 27th is the last day to take advantage of a $200 early registration discount for the 2026 tour of Iceland. Tour details can be found here: www.eftours.com/2806194FX Summer is the perfect time to see Iceland's unique beauty, and tour pricing is bound to increase as we get closer to departure. Take a look at some images of places we'll visit! Contact eddie.mercado@cd-csd.org with questions.