Central DeWitt School District -

Congratulations to Jodi Prosise and Jed Gaznzer, the winners of yesterday’s special school board election! We are excited to welcome these dedicated individuals to the board and look forward to their leadership and commitment to our students, staff, and community. A heartfelt thank you to all candidates who ran and to every community member who made their voice heard at the polls. Your engagement strengthens our district. Together, we are Saber strong! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #centraldewittschoolboard #specialelection #saberpride #saberstrong

🌎 This past Sunday night, our National Honor Society members came together to package 3,612 meals with Kids Against Hunger Your Quad Cities — an organization dedicated to reducing hunger by providing nutritious, life-saving meals to children and families in need around the world. We’re proud of our students for stepping up to fight against food insecurity and showing what it means to lead through service. A big thank-you to Kids Against Hunger Your Quad Cities for giving our students the opportunity to be part of such meaningful work! 💜💛 #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #NationalHonorSociety #NHS #leadthroughservice #KidsAgainstHunger #ServiceAboveSelf #GlobalImpact #EndHunger #saberpride #saberssucceeding

🎓 Our next senior spotlight of the year is Grace Knutsen, 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

🗳 Let Your Voice Be Heard! Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, a student of voting age, or a proud community member, your voice matters. Make sure to cast your vote in today's special school board election and help shape the future of our schools. 💜💛 ⏰ Polls are open 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. 📍Clinton County Fairgrounds at 328 E 8th St, DeWitt, IA 52742. #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #specialelection #schoolboardelection #centraldewittschoolboard #schoolboardspecialelection

🎉 Congratulations to Saber artist Ryder Peel for earning 2nd place in the Wildlife Forever State Fish Art Contest! This marks the third consecutive year Ryder has placed—an incredible achievement! Way to go, Ryder—we’re proud of you! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdhsart #saberartists #saberpride #sabersucceeding

🥎 Get ready to step up to the plate! The Central DeWitt Sabers Softball Team is hosting a Softball Camp for 4th–7th graders! 📅 Date: May 3rd ⏰ Time: 9:00–11:00 a.m. 📍 Location: Central DeWitt Softball Fields ✅ Register here: https://bit.ly/3XRzb50 Come sharpen your skills, have some fun, and learn from the Sabers themselves! Don't miss this chance to grow your game with the team! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdis #cdms #CentralDeWittSabersSoftball #FutureSabersSoftballPlayers #SabersSoftball #SoftballCamp

🌍 This past week, a group of our incredible CDHS students represented Central DeWitt at the Iowa Model United Nations conference held at the University of Northern Iowa! 👏 Congratulations to Livy Crandall, Hannah Moore, Emma Pillers, Caden Bernauer, Chloe Erskine, Taylor Houser, Isaac Lewis, Alythea Gunn, Sophia Mickelson, Ella Taylor, Emily Wainwright, Eva Burke, and Lane Johnston for two full days of intense debate, critical thinking, and global collaboration. 🏅 A special shoutout to Livy Crandall and Emma Pillers for being named Outstanding Delegates at the conference—what an amazing honor! We’re proud of all of you for stepping up as leaders and global citizens! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #ModelUN #StudentLeaders #GlobalThinkers #saberpride #saberssucceeding

It’s time to nominate Central DeWitt employees for the March Employee of the Month! This district-wide program gives CDCSD parents, students and community members the opportunity to help us recognize our outstanding employees. We look forward to receiving your nominations! 🚨Nominations are due Friday, April 11th! Nomination form: https://forms.gle/ksRVLaYC6XBXkAbw7 #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #employeeofthemonth #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #nominateanemployee

On Thursday, fifth grade students welcomed Rudy Vallejo, a talented Kickapoo storyteller and dancer, as part of our Amplify unit on Native American culture. Rudy shared fascinating insights into his heritage, highlighting the deep symbolism of the eagle, a powerful and sacred animal in many Native American traditions. But that’s not all! Students were not only listeners—they actively participated in traditional honor and war dances, gaining firsthand experience in the vibrant expressions of Native American culture! This immersive experience provided a unique perspective, broadening students' understanding of the rich traditions and history of Native American people. A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Vallejo for sharing his knowledge and talents with us! Students found the experience both engaging and meaningful—what an impactful way to launch the unit and spark curiosity from the start! Special thanks also to the Central DeWitt PTO for funding this enlightening and interactive program. #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdis #fifthgrade #NativeAmericanCulture #KickapooCulture #CultureConnection #AmplifyLearning #HandsOnLearning #learningisfun #saberpride #saberssucceeding #ThankYouPTO

📚 Today is National School Librarian Day, and we’re overdue in showing our appreciation! From inspiring a love for reading to providing valuable resources that support academic success, our library staff creates a welcoming space where all students can learn, explore, and grow. Thank you to our amazing library staff for making our schools a novel place to learn every day! 💜💛 #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary #schoolibraries #librarians #k12mediaspecialist #libraryassociates #NationalSchoolLibrarianDay #weloveourlibrarians #saberpride #saberssucceeding

🎓 Our next senior spotlight is Brady Herington, who has a bright 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

🎯 Recently, some of our Special Olympics athletes took aim and learned the basics of archery! Thanks to Central DeWitt Archery Club Head Coach Aaron Meyers, Coach TJ Appleby, and Coach Andy Johnston for organizing this two-day minicamp where athletes explored key archery terminology, practiced shooting, and tested their skills on the range. With guidance from the archery coaches and Special Olympics coaches, athletes learned essential concepts like bow safety, range commands, and proper form. Even Special Olympics Coaches Deb Meyne and Terri Smith joined in on the fun—Coach Smith even landed a bullseye! Coach Johnston shared that their goal was to give Special Olympics athletes the same opportunities as any other kid—to experience the sport of archery. This is a fantastic example of our Saber community’s commitment to inclusion, ensuring everyone has the chance to learn, grow, and succeed. A huge thank you to all the athletes, coaches, and supporters who made this possible! 💜💛 #gosabers #centralewittcsd #centraldewittarcheryclub #centraldewittspecialolympics #specialolympicathletes #InclusionThroughArchery #SpecialOlympics #AimHigh #ChooseToInclude

🎓 Our next senior spotlight of the year is Avery Tapke, one of our seniors who has an exciting future ahead! 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 our March 2025 #SaberSpotlight students! #SaberSpotlight recognizes Central DeWitt students who stand out in the classroom and represent what it means to be a SABER! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #SaberSpotlight #studentssucceeding #cdhs #cdms #cdis #ekstrandelementary

Kindergarten Round Up was a huge success yesterday! It was an exciting time for our future kindergarteners as they met teachers, explored classrooms, and got a taste of kindergarten fun! They played with toys, listened to a story, and showed off their skills—writing their names, coloring, cutting, and counting. The sessions wrapped up with a tasty snack and a tour of all the kindergarten rooms. We can’t wait to welcome these bright young learners in August! 💜💛 #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #ekstrandelementary #FutureSabers #KindergartenRoundUp #GrowingAndLearning #saberpride #saberssuceeding

We are excited to announce that Michelle Jacobsen will serve as the next principal of Central DeWitt Intermediate School beginning July 1, 2025! Jacobsen brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the district with over two decades of experience in education, including ten years as both an elementary teacher in the Northeast Community School District and an adjunct professor at Upper Iowa University Quad Cities Center, and twelve years as a Focus Area Consultant with the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency (AEA). "We are thrilled to welcome Michelle Jacobsen as the next principal of Central DeWitt Intermediate School,” Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Mishler said. “She brings an incredible background as an instructional leader with a strong focus on school improvement. We are excited to see the impact of her leadership and the ways she will support our students, staff, and families." In addition to her instructional expertise, Jacobsen has developed and facilitated leadership training programs designed to help teachers grow into leadership roles within their districts. She has also worked closely with educators at all levels, focusing on research-based instructional practices, data-driven decision-making, and the implementation of the Iowa Academic Standards. Jacobsen is eager to begin her role as CDIS principal and looks forward to building strong relationships with Central DeWitt students, staff, and families. “I am honored and excited to join the Saber community as the new principal of Central DeWitt Intermediate School!” said Jacobsen. “As we embark on this journey together, my goal is to build upon the traditions and strengths of the school while also exploring new opportunities for growth and innovation. I look forward to establishing strong partnerships with students, staff, families, and community members and working alongside each of you throughout the years to come. I am excited for what the future holds and grateful for this incredible opportunity. It’s a great day to be a Saber!” The Central DeWitt Community School District is confident that Michelle Jacobsen’s passion for education, wealth of experience, and commitment to student success not only align with the district’s goals, but will make a lasting impact on CDIS. As she steps into this leadership role, the district looks forward to the continued growth and excellence of CDIS under her guidance. Please join us in welcoming her to our Saber family! 💜💛 #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdis #cdisprincipal #welcometooursaberfamily

❄️ TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Join Saber Drama for an unforgettable evening filled with love, laughter, and a little winter magic! Set on a cold, clear Friday night in the remote, fictional town of Almost, Maine, this play unfolds through nine charming and poignant vignettes. Each scene explores different aspects of love—falling in and out of it, navigating relationships, and searching for deep connections. Featuring a cast of quirky, relatable characters, the stories balance humor and heartache while capturing the magic and unpredictability of romance. The aurora borealis serves as a mystical backdrop, enhancing the play’s dreamlike atmosphere. Known for its warmth, wit, and emotional depth, Almost, Maine offers a fresh and thought-provoking take on the complexities of love. 📅 April 11th & 12th ⏰ 7 P.M. 📍 Central DeWitt Performing Arts Center Don’t miss this heartwarming production — grab your seats today by scanning the QR code or visiting https://www.cd-csd.org/page/saber-box-office #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #cdhsspringplay #saberdrama #AlmostMaine #ticketsonsalenow #saberpride #saberssucceeding

💜💛 Congratulations to our March 2025 District Student of the Month Emery Clark! She is featured in today's edition of The Observer thanks to our friends at First Central State Bank. Emery is a student who consistently exemplifies the values of empathy, inclusion, and kindness. Known for her warm and approachable personality, she goes above and beyond to ensure those around her feel supported and valued. She works hard every day to make a positive impact on those around her. "I don’t like when people have bad days” Emery shared. “I like to cheer them up." In the classroom, Emery is a role model, always treating others with kindness and respect. She understands the power of inclusion and makes it a priority to ensure no one feels left out. It’s important to Emery that her peers know she can always be counted on to be a friend. Whether it’s helping a classmate with schoolwork, offering a kind word to someone who is struggling, or simply sharing a smile, she spreads positivity wherever she goes. Her ability to lift others up and create a sense of belonging embodies the very best of what it means to be a SABER. Central DeWitt is grateful for students like Emery who make our schools a better place each and every day. Congratulations, Emery, on this well-deserved recognition! Your commitment to kindness and compassion makes a lasting impact on everyone around you. #gosabers #cdcsdstudentofthemonth #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #firstcentralstatebank #studentofthemonth #sabepride #saberssucceeding

🌟 Happy Paraprofessionals Day! 🌟 Today, we celebrate our incredible associates who make a difference every single day! They’re always going the extra mile to ensure all of our students have every opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. Whether it's providing academic support, assisting in extracurricular activities, offering encouragement, or stepping in wherever they're needed, their impact on our Saber community is immeasurable. 💜💛 Join us in thanking these amazing individuals for everything they do! A HUGE THANK YOU TO: Camryn Anderson, Dea Banowetz, Tiffany Barr, Meagan Beal, Kimberly Behrend, Sharri Block, Kathy Blumer-Gronewold, Vicki Rae Brainerd, Carolynn Bretschneider, Nicolette Bretschneider, Jennifer Burke, Megan Cahill, Bailey Carstensen, Kendra Casel, Tammy Cousins, Brenna Dalldorf, Amanda Daniels, Brittney Darrow, Amanda Dwinal, Shannon Edwards, Shawn Everett, Tesha Fischer, Faith Fletcher, Melissa Franzen, Luann Freese, Kristen Green, Michele Gruntorad, Renae Havener, Cynthia Henningsen, Lisa Heston, Abbey Hurning, Melisa Jacobsen, Deborah Jasper, Amber Kaczinski, Abby Kampe, Chelsie Lane, Lisa Leab, Kimberly Lueders, Raelynn McAleer, Grace McCaulley, Amber McClain, Colleen McDevitt, Madison Napierkowski, Japatra Person-Cason, Deb Petersen, Sarah Reed, Jessica Sander, Camryn Schnede, Heather Schnoor, Melissa Shady, Mallory Shumate, Elaine Smith, Cassandra Tibbetts, Mary Townsley, Jessica Venden, Leann Walker, Paula Webinger. Michelle Wiebers, Dawn Wright, Anna Zakharchenko #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #ekstrandelementary #cdis #cdms #cdhs #ThankYouAssociates #WeLoveOurAssociates #saberpride #saberssucceeding #NationalParaprofessionalsDay2025

On Friday, Early Childhood Education students, along with Mrs. Barnes and Mrs. Siegel had an amazing opportunity to visit the Bettendorf Family Museum, where they observed preschool classrooms and saw firsthand how children learn through play. From art and construction to music, water play, and social interactions, the creative learning experiences were incredible for our students to witness! In the afternoon, they visited the Quad City Botanical Center, where they explored the beautiful facilities and participated in a hands-on session. They discovered tropical plants like banana trees, pickle plants, annatto trees, cocoa trees, allspice, and even carnivorous plants! And, they even got to experiment with the Mississippi River replica water stream! What a cool experience! #gosabers #centraldewittcsd #cdhs #fieldtrip #learningisfun #BettendorfFamilyMuseum #QCBotanicalCenter #saberssucceeding