Welcome Home!

We are pleased to announce Sandra Luna as the next principal of Cascade Junior Senior High School, pending official school board approval.

Sandra brings nearly 30 years of experience in education and currently serves as principal at Scarborough Elementary in Northside Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas. She has a strong track record of building relationships, supporting staff, and creating environments where students can grow and succeed.

What makes this especially meaningful is that Sandra is returning home.

As a graduate and member of a multi generational Cougar family, she brings a deep connection to this community. That perspective, combined with her leadership experience, positions her well to serve the students, staff, and families of Cascade.

We are looking forward to what is ahead under her leadership.

Please join us in welcoming Sandra to Western Dubuque Schools.

#wdbqschools

3 days ago, WDCCSD
Sandra Luna
Students have great days at school. Teachers do meaningful work. Families feel informed and connected. None of that happens by accident.

Behind all of it are our administrative professionals, making sure everything is in place so everyone else can do their best. Today, we point the spotlight at them. Happy Administrative Professionals Day—and thank you for everything you do! 🙏
3 days ago, WDCSD
“Happy Administrative Professionals Day” with date April 22, 2026, Western Dubuque Schools logo, and “Thank You” note with pencil.
Happy Earth Day! Today is a great reminder that the natural world is something to be treasured.

We're proud to be part of a community that looks ahead and thinks about the kind of planet we want to leave for future generations. 🌍
3 days ago, WDCSD
Western Dubuque Schools logo above “Earth Day” on a green banner, with hearts and an illustrated globe below.
Epworth Elementary’s Spring Family Night was a wonderful success! We enjoyed dinner and a wide variety of activities that brought our school community together. 🎉

Thank you to our staff for supporting the event, our PTO for providing the food, and our families for showing up and making the evening so special.
4 days ago, WDCSD
Children and an adult sit around a classroom table coloring worksheets and crafting, with markers and supplies spread out.
Adults and children work together on a craft project at a classroom table using colorful materials like pipe cleaners and cups.
Teacher kneels with three children using a floor grid activity mat while another adult observes nearby in a classroom.
Students line up at a school table activity with a “Plinko” board while a staff member hands out materials in a hallway.
Child stands beside a tall tower built from colorful magnetic tiles in a classroom with bins of blocks nearby.
Children dance and move on a classroom rug while following a projected activity on the wall.
Families and children gather around a table with labeled bins, filling out slips during a school event.
School mascot in a jersey gives a high-five to a smiling child while other students watch in a classroom.
Happy Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week!

The individuals who support our students after the final bell are an essential part of our school community. We’re deeply thankful for all they do to provide safe, supportive, and enriching spaces and programs for students! 🙏
5 days ago, WDCSD
Thank you message for Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, April 20–24, 2026, with illustration of adult reading to child and school logo.
Peosta Elementary celebrated the Week of the Young Child with themed days full of fun and learning, including Music Monday, Tasty Tuesday, Work Together Wednesday, and Artsy Thursday! 🎶
5 days ago, WDCSD
Young girl smiles while scooping colorful gummy candy from a metal bowl at a classroom table.
Children and adults sit on a classroom rug building with blocks, including a tall colorful tower nearby.
Child plays with purple kinetic sand and letter molds at a table while an adult smiles beside him in a busy classroom.
Child lies on pavement smiling beside chalk drawings of balloons with the words “Pre-K Rocks.”
Child lies on pavement under chalk barbell drawing labeled “Pre-K Strong,” smiling with arms raised.
Children sit around a table painting butterfly pictures with watercolor sets in a classroom.
In April, we recognize National Volunteer Appreciation Month and the generous individuals who give so much of themselves to support our students and schools. ❤️

Your efforts—big and small—contribute to an amazing experience for our students every day. We are so thankful for your continued support!
8 days ago, WDCSD
Text reads “Celebrating National Volunteer Appreciation Month” alongside people signing papers at a table in a school gym.
Congratulations to Larissa Miles, who was named Anderson-Weber Toyota’s April Teacher of the Month! 🎶

Larissa teaches band at Drexler Middle School and is known for her passion, dedication, and the genuine care she shows each of her students. Whether in daily lessons or concert performances, she celebrates their growth and success.

Thank you, Larissa, for the incredible impact you make each day! 👏
9 days ago, WDCSD
Text reads “Teacher of the Month, Anderson-Weber Toyota | April 2026,” with a quote praising a teacher’s pride in students, alongside a smiling woman seated in a car, labeled “Larissa Miles, DMS Band Teacher.”
April is Counseling Awareness Month, and we want to take a moment to acknowledge the importance of mental health support for young people.

Our school counselors work to ensure students feel heard, supported, and equipped to handle whatever comes their way. We appreciate all they do for our school community! 😀
10 days ago, WDCSD
Text reads “April is Counseling Awareness Month” with speech bubble icons and a Western Dubuque Schools logo on a purple and red background.
Perseverance and determination are on full display as Western Dubuque’s Brett Harris returns to the baseball field after battling a brain tumor. ⚾

After undergoing treatment and continuing his recovery, Brett is back training for the season and looking ahead to playing at the collegiate level.

His journey is a powerful reminder of resilience, strength, and the impact of community support! 👏

Read the article from KWWL: https://tinyurl.com/WDBQNews
11 days ago, WDCSD
Bold black and red design with large text “In the News” and a Western Dubuque Schools logo reading “Better Every Day.”
The final school board building visit of the year brought us to Peosta Elementary, where our 1st grade team, along with three of their students, shared their experience with the literacy pilot process. 📚

What stood out most was the range of opportunities this work is creating for students. Thoughtful instruction, meaningful practice, and strong engagement were all on display.

We are grateful for the work happening in classrooms each day, and for the voices of both staff and students who bring it to life.
11 days ago, WDCSD
Board members sitting around a table listening to a presentation.
During National School Library Month, we reflect on the valuable role our school libraries play in the lives of our students.

In our libraries, students gain the research skills, critical thinking abilities, and love of reading they need to succeed! 📚❤️
12 days ago, WDCSD
Text reads “National School Library Month” beside three children sitting at a table reading books in a school library, with shelves in the background.
Students at Cascade Junior Senior High School recently came together to support a classmate on his road to recovery, showing the true power of community. 💙

After undergoing a heart transplant, Beau Harvey continues to build strength, and his classmates filled the school with encouragement by wearing green and creating heartfelt cards.

It is inspiring to see students rally around one another and show kindness, compassion, and support during challenging times. 👏

Read the article from KCRG-TV9: https://www.kcrg.com/2026/04/09/students-rally-around-cascade-classmate-recovering-heart-transplant-ahead-fundraiser/
12 days ago, WDCSD
Bold blue and yellow design with large text “In the News” and a Western Dubuque Schools logo reading “Better Every Day.”
Farley Elementary School preschoolers in Mrs. Deutmeyer’s class welcomed spring with creative activities that strengthened fine motor skills! 🌸

Students drew their monthly self-portraits, practiced name writing, created bubble-painted circles for ladybug calendar pieces, learned how to draw a bunny, and worked on scissors skills.
14 days ago, WDCSD
A child holding a drawing of a bunny.
A group of students sitting on the floor smiling.
A child painting yellow circles.
A young girl holding up a drawing of herself.
Farley Elementary preschool students have been building their fine motor skills throughout the school year! ✏️

Recently, students practiced writing their classmates’ names on dry erase boards, reinforcing letter names and sounds while discovering how letters come together to form words. Names are especially important at this age, making the experience both engaging and impactful for our young learners.
15 days ago, WDCSD
Two girls practicing writing on a markerboard.
Two boys practicing writing on a markerboard.
Two children practicing writing on a markerboard.
Two girls practicing writing on a markerboard.
April is Financial Literacy Month! 💸

Understanding money is not just a life skill—it's a foundation for independence. Students who learn financial literacy early on are better equipped to make sound decisions, avoid common pitfalls, and work toward their goals.

We're proud to support this important area of education as we prepare students for life!
15 days ago, WDCSD
April is Financial Literacy Month design with red piggy bank and coin, over a money-themed background, plus school logo in corner.
Epworth Elementary 5th Grade Leadership Club students recently visited Bethany Homes to meet the residents they have been pen-paling with over the past few months! 💙

Students and residents enjoyed sharing stories, playing games, and building meaningful connections during this memorable experience, as students put their leadership skills into action.
16 days ago, WDCSD
Smiling girl and older woman sit at a table with small cards, enjoying a quiet game in a care home setting.
Young girl and elderly woman smile at a table with a few game cards between them in a cozy common room.
Girl and elderly woman sit by a window with a tablet on the table, sharing a moment together in a bright room.
Elderly woman and girl play a tabletop game while others sit and talk in the background of a shared living space.
Elderly woman and boy sit together on a couch, smiling warmly in a comfortable common area.
Boy leans beside an older man in a wheelchair, both smiling in a communal room with a piano in the background.
Girl stands behind an elderly woman seated in a chair, both smiling gently in a hallway setting.
Elderly woman holds up an old black-and-white photo at a table, sharing a memory in a social gathering space.
Two girls and two elderly women sit around a table playing a card game, engaged and smiling together.
Group of children and older adults gather around tables playing games in a bright, welcoming community room.
April is Autism Acceptance Month.

We are dedicated to fostering learning environments that embrace every student—celebrating their strengths, supporting their needs, and ensuring they always feel welcome.

Thank you to everyone who makes our schools a place where all students can grow and thrive! 😊
16 days ago, WDCSD
Rainbow heart inside a speech bubble beside text reading “April is Autism Acceptance Month” with a school logo on a purple background.
Western Dubuque County Community School District is proud to recognize the dedication of volunteer announcer Lyle Theisen, whose voice brings energy and excitement to Bobcat events year-round! 🎤

Lyle plays a key role in creating a memorable experience for student-athletes and fans alike. His behind-the-scenes work with audiovisual support and community events further highlights his commitment to excellence.

Lyle’s attention to detail, passion for quality, and willingness to give his time reflect the strong sense of community that defines Western Dubuque. We are grateful for the many ways he supports our students, staff, and families!

Read the full article: https://www.telegraphherald.com/news/tri-state/article_4bae818d-f602-40d3-8be7-2c4f588e0eda.html

Photo credit: Stephen Gassman/Telegraph Herald
17 days ago, WDCSD
Man in a black sweatshirt standing in front of a "Home of the Bobcats" arch.
As part of their literacy pilot, Dyersville Elementary kindergarten students in Mrs. Cogan’s class brought learning to life by creating their own ending to the nursery rhyme, “The Three Little Kittens!” 📚

Students designed character masks and acted out their new stories while exploring how traditional rhymes can inspire creative storytelling.
17 days ago, WDCSD
Four young students stand at the front of a classroom holding colorful animal masks while following along with a projected “Three Little Kittens” poem.
Four students hold handmade cat masks on sticks, standing in front of a classroom screen displaying the “Three Little Kittens” rhyme.
Five students smile and hold up decorated animal masks during a classroom activity in front of a projected story.
Five students stand in a row holding animal masks over their faces while participating in a reading activity about “Three Little Kittens.”
Five students stand together smiling and holding paper props and masks as they act out parts of the “Three Little Kittens” poem.
Five students pose playfully with colorful animal masks and props while acting out a classroom reading activity in front of the board.