Central DeWitt Community School District

06/04/2026

🌟 What a fantastic showcase of talent, creativity, and school spirit at the 6th Grade Talent Show!

The event kicked off with a special guest performance by the 8th grade jazz band, setting the stage with some great music. The celebration continued with awards and recognition, followed by a memorable appearance from the Peer STEM “Everyone Shines!” Drumline.

From dancing, singing, comedy skits, poetry, and magic acts, our 6th graders truly brought the stage to life with their energy and creativity. The excitement continued with the final round of Grab the Mic, featuring staff finalists, with Mr. Ehlers coming out on top!

The show wrapped up with a fantastic performance by the 6th grade choir.

A special congratulations goes out to our award winners:

6th Grade Medal of Merit Winners
• Eloise Ohnemus
• Calvin McCulloh

Lions International Peace Poster Contest Winners
• Brynlee Dies – 1st Prize
• Dennis Wold – 2nd Prize

The talent show was a wonderful way to celebrate the many talents of our 6th grade class and wrap up the year on a high note! 🎭🎶✨

06/04/2026

🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️Last week, the Central DeWitt PTO hosted the Saber Fun Run, a fundraiser that supports a variety of programs, activities, and opportunities for students and staff at Ekstrand Elementary and CDIS!

Both Ekstrand and CDIS students brought their enthusiasm and plenty of smiles as they ran laps, cheered on their classmates and enjoyed popsicles at the end. This event was a great example of what can happen when students, staff, families, and the community come together to support our schools. 💜💛

A big thank you to the Central DeWitt PTO, volunteers, and everyone who donated to make this event a success. Your support helps create meaningful experiences for our students throughout the year! 🎉👏

06/04/2026

🏆 Congratulations to our May 2026 students! recognizes Central DeWitt students who stand out in the classroom and represent what it means to be a SABER!

06/03/2026

🎾💜💛 Congratulations to the Central DeWitt Boys Tennis Team on a 4th-place finish at the IHSAA State Team Tennis Tournament!

This historic season was filled with hard work, determination, and memorable accomplishments, including becoming the first boys tennis team in school history to qualify for the state team tournament. Competing among the top teams in Iowa and finishing 4th in the state is an achievement to be proud of! 💜💛

Congratulations to the players and coaches on an outstanding season and for representing Central DeWitt with excellence. The future is bright for Saber Tennis! 🎾🏆

06/03/2026

📣✨ Exciting things are ahead for Central DeWitt HS Cheer & Dance Teams! 💜💛

A new chapter is beginning for the Saber Spirit Program, and students interested in being part of the future of CDHS Cheer & Dance Teams are encouraged to complete the tryout interest form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf2iq8x1sS8Q9uT5rzEAwDa7Jpw1JJYMEAm5gjOHcZ5GxS2rw/viewform

Whether you have years of experience or are looking to try something new, there’s a place for you on the team. Coach Alyssa Gares is focused on building a program centered on Saber Spirit, strong team culture, and athlete growth.

📅 Interested in learning more? Attend the Cheer & Dance Information Meeting on Tuesday, June 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the CDHS Atrium.

Bring your energy, enthusiasm, and Saber Pride—we can't wait to see what's ahead! ✨💜💛

➡ For more information about the program follow the Central DeWitt HS Cheer & Dance Teams page.

IT'S TRYOUT TIME!

Join Coach Gares at the program information meeting (for all Cheer & Dance Team hopefuls) on Tuesday, June 9th @ 6:30 PM in the CDHS atrium. Get the scoop on the year ahead and get to know your potential teammates!

TRYOUTS:

Sign up at this link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf2iq8x1sS8Q9uT5rzEAwDa7Jpw1JJYMEAm5gjOHcZ5GxS2rw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=101501249604304549769

To try to accommodate vacation weeks, I have split tryouts over the weekend. Try to attend ALL 4 DAYS, but reach out to me if you are absolutely unable to attend due to prior family commitment/in-season sport.

June 11th, 12th, 15th & 16th
Meet in the CDHS atrium (gym lobby)
Cheer: 9 AM - 10:30 AM
Dance: 10:30 AM - 12 PM

Attire is addressed below. Proper attire is not only important for team uniformity, but overall safety. Attire rules are listed below and expected to be followed in order to participate.

Reach out to me with any questions and remember to share! I'm excited to meet you all! - Coach Gares

06/03/2026

💜💛 Congratulations to our May 2026 District Student of the Month Cora Plumley! She is featured in today's edition of The Observer thanks to our friends at First Central State Bank.

Whether she is encouraging a classmate, challenging herself to improve, or bringing positivity into the classroom, Cora makes a difference each and every day at Central DeWitt.

“Cora is one of those students who truly brightens our classroom every single day,” her teacher Mrs. Hamann said. “Her positivity is genuine and contagious, and she brings a joyful energy that lifts up the people around her.”

One of Cora’s most notable qualities is her quiet determination. She works hard, consistently pushes herself, and strives to do her best in all that she does. She takes pride in her growth and does not settle for anything less than her personal best.

“You should be proud of yourself every day. You should always do stuff and challenge yourself to be good at stuff and always practice all the time,” Cora said. Her mindset reflects the dedication and perseverance she demonstrates in the classroom each day.

Equally impressive is the way Cora treats others. She is a compassionate and thoughtful friend who makes a conscious effort to include everyone. She is attentive to the needs of those around her and responds with kindness and empathy, ensuring others feel seen, valued, and supported. Cora believes, “You should always treat people how you want to be treated,” a message she lives out daily through her actions.

Through her positivity, determination, and kindness toward others, Cora sets a great example for those around her. She is a wonderful role model for all Sabers, and we are proud to recognize her as the Student of the Month!

06/02/2026

🏆CDMS held its End-of-Year Awards Assembly last Friday, bringing the school together to recognize the 8th grade class. The ceremony celebrated their accomplishments, hard work, and growth throughout their middle school journey, while reflecting on the memories made along the way.

The assembly featured performances by the jazz band, reflections from Student Leadership Council members, recognition of outgoing staff, student participation acknowledgments, special awards, and closed with the 8th grade slideshow.

Congratulations to all of this year's award recipients:

⭐ American Legion Award: Shupriya Karki, Cade Converse
⭐ Rheingans Award: Sam VonMuenster, Jaxton Shimp, Isabella McQuistion, Bailey Ruggeberg
⭐ Vermazen Award: Talia Stroud, Brady Dies
⭐ Lahey Award: Shupriya Karki
⭐ Bertolino Math Award: Chloe Knepper, Ethan Grager
⭐ STEM Award: Zanyel Barys, Ben Doerscher
⭐ Peer STEM Award: Will Bauer, Karson Martens, Gunner Henderson, Caden Miller, Charlotte Pauly, Abi Burke, Tegan Spain, Payton Goldensoph
⭐ Band Director's Choice: Chloe Knepper
⭐ Choir Director's Choice: Makena Rickertsen, Tegan Spain
⭐ Blank Summer Institute Nominees:
• Field Science - Kenny Marshall
• Lab Science - Lauren Webinger
• Math Problem Solving - Elijah Blinks
• Creative Writing - Talia Stroud
• Visual Arts - Rachel Burke

STUDENT-VOTED SUPERLATIVES:
💻 Tech Nerd: Piper Hoepner
🏅 Mr. & Ms. Sports: Gavin Birt, Charlotte Pauly
🇺🇸 Future President: Annah Perkins
🎨 Amazing Artist: Lauren Webinger
👗 Best Style: Avenleigh Sherwood
🎵 Musical Maestro: Shupriya Karki
💜 Saber Spirit: Anna Rouse
😊 Mr. Nice Guy: Parker Adolphs
😊 Ms. Nice Gal: Kinzie Gordon
🗣️ Most Talkative: Tegan Spain
🎮 24-Hour Gamer: Henry Bowe
📱 Most Likely to Go TikTok Famous on Accident: Dylan McDermott
😎 Nonchalant Award: Gavin Feldpausch, Ryann Costas
✨ Aura Award: Brady Dies, Payton Goldensoph
📚 Saber Smarty: Talia Stroud
😁 Most Contagious Smile: Brecken McCollam

Congratulations to all of our award recipients and to the entire 8th grade class on a successful middle school chapter. We look forward to watching them continue their journey into high school! 💜💛

06/02/2026

Over the last few weeks, students from Jumpstart Kindergarten through 8th grade enjoyed Field & Fitness Days filled with fun, teamwork, and plenty of smiles. From obstacle courses, ring toss, potato sack races, tug-of-war, basketball, and relay races to a day at the pool for our middle school students, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

These special days gave students a chance for students to get active, have fun, and burn off some of that end-of-year energy. Thanks to all of the staff who helped make these events a success!

Take a look at some of the fun from Field & Fitness Days across the district! 📸

06/02/2026

🎾 Good luck to our boys tennis team and coaches as they compete at the State Team Tournament today!

The Sabers are one of just eight Class 1A teams competing and will take on No. 4 Decorah at 9:00 a.m.
This appearance marks a historic milestone for the program—the first time in Central DeWitt boys tennis history that the team has advanced to the state team competition!

Congratulations on an incredible season, and best of luck as you represent Central DeWitt on the state's biggest stage. Go Sabers! 💜💛🎾

06/01/2026

We get asked about that new shed by the high school a lot, and if you've been wondering what it's for, here's your answer! 🎺🥁🔨

This new storage building was constructed by our CDHS Building Trades students under the guidance of Mr. Marshall and will serve as a storage space for the Marching Sabers Pride equipment.

Instead of transporting instruments and equipment back and forth from the band room for every practice, band members will be able to store them right next to their practice field—saving valuable time and allowing students to focus on learning their music and routines.

We're proud of this collaboration between two outstanding programs. Our Building Trades students gained hands-on construction experience while creating something that will benefit the marching band for years to come.

Great work by our students, staff, and everyone involved in bringing this project to life! 💜 👏 💛