REMINDER: The federal FAFSA application deadline is June 30! ✍️
Whether you’re planning for a four-year university, community college, or vocational program, financial aid can help make it happen.
Learn more at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
Whether you’re planning for a four-year university, community college, or vocational program, financial aid can help make it happen.
Learn more at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

June is National Safety Month. We believe every student deserves to learn in an environment that is safe, secure, and welcoming.
Our district has a comprehensive safety plan in place, and we’re committed to upholding it every day. If you ever have a concern, please reach out—a trusted adult is always available to help!
If you see something, say something!
Our district has a comprehensive safety plan in place, and we’re committed to upholding it every day. If you ever have a concern, please reach out—a trusted adult is always available to help!
If you see something, say something!

As another successful school year comes to a close, district staff gathered for a luncheon and awards ceremony to celebrate this year’s accomplishments and recognize years of service milestones. 🎉
A special thank you to Clif Cameron and the food service team for preparing and serving a wonderful meal.
Staff members were honored for five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, and even 50 years of service. During the program, Superintendent Dan Butler shared a look back at what life was like when each group began their careers, from online learning in 2021 to the arrival of the internet, mimeograph machines, and America's Bicentennial celebration.
Congratulations to our retirees:
➡️ Judy Link, 41 years
➡️ Laura Hoerner, 40 years
➡️ Dee Rahe, 31 years
➡️ Genevieve Gourley, 50 years
➡️ Lisa Ludwig, 32 years
➡️ Cindy McAndrew, 30 years
➡️ Carmen Besler, 25 years
➡️ Tracey Broadbent, 21 years
➡️ Jay Hefel, 28 years
Thank you for the care and commitment you bring to our students each day. We wish everyone a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved summer!
A special thank you to Clif Cameron and the food service team for preparing and serving a wonderful meal.
Staff members were honored for five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, and even 50 years of service. During the program, Superintendent Dan Butler shared a look back at what life was like when each group began their careers, from online learning in 2021 to the arrival of the internet, mimeograph machines, and America's Bicentennial celebration.
Congratulations to our retirees:
➡️ Judy Link, 41 years
➡️ Laura Hoerner, 40 years
➡️ Dee Rahe, 31 years
➡️ Genevieve Gourley, 50 years
➡️ Lisa Ludwig, 32 years
➡️ Cindy McAndrew, 30 years
➡️ Carmen Besler, 25 years
➡️ Tracey Broadbent, 21 years
➡️ Jay Hefel, 28 years
Thank you for the care and commitment you bring to our students each day. We wish everyone a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved summer!

We’re hiring, and we would love to welcome great people to our team! Join us in supporting students, families, and schools across our community. 🤗
View current openings and apply online at https://www.applitrack.com/wdbqschools/onlineapp/.
View current openings and apply online at https://www.applitrack.com/wdbqschools/onlineapp/.

WDCCSD has a full summer of youth activity camps planned for students! ☀️
From athletics to skill-building opportunities, there is something for students to stay active this summer.
Sign up on RevTrak: https://w-dubuque.revtrak.net
From athletics to skill-building opportunities, there is something for students to stay active this summer.
Sign up on RevTrak: https://w-dubuque.revtrak.net

We are proud to celebrate an outstanding group of young mathematicians who have been recognized as 2026 National Math Stars Nominees! 🌟
These 3rd graders scored in the top 2% in mathematics on the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) and are now eligible to apply for the National Math Stars program, a prestigious national enrichment opportunity designed to support and develop advanced young learners.
Congratulations to:
➡️Breck Biechler – Peosta Elementary
➡️Oliver Bildstein – Dyersville Elementary
➡️Jackson Bowles – Peosta Elementary
➡️Ember Hess – Farley Elementary
➡️Delaney Knipper – Peosta Elementary
➡️Benjamin Otting – Dyersville Elementary
➡️Easton Schultz – Cascade Elementary
➡️Eli Ties – Peosta Elementary
➡️Isabella Zavaleta – Farley Elementary
This recognition reflects an incredible amount of hard work, curiosity, perseverance, and support from families and teachers along the way. We are proud of each of these students and excited to see all they accomplish in the future!
These 3rd graders scored in the top 2% in mathematics on the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) and are now eligible to apply for the National Math Stars program, a prestigious national enrichment opportunity designed to support and develop advanced young learners.
Congratulations to:
➡️Breck Biechler – Peosta Elementary
➡️Oliver Bildstein – Dyersville Elementary
➡️Jackson Bowles – Peosta Elementary
➡️Ember Hess – Farley Elementary
➡️Delaney Knipper – Peosta Elementary
➡️Benjamin Otting – Dyersville Elementary
➡️Easton Schultz – Cascade Elementary
➡️Eli Ties – Peosta Elementary
➡️Isabella Zavaleta – Farley Elementary
This recognition reflects an incredible amount of hard work, curiosity, perseverance, and support from families and teachers along the way. We are proud of each of these students and excited to see all they accomplish in the future!

Farley Elementary 5th graders turned sweet treats into musical creativity! 🍬🎶
Students worked with a partner to compose candy rhythms, making thoughtful decisions about what sounded best together. They successfully clapped their rhythms and experimented with a variety of unpitched instruments to bring their compositions to life.
Students worked with a partner to compose candy rhythms, making thoughtful decisions about what sounded best together. They successfully clapped their rhythms and experimented with a variety of unpitched instruments to bring their compositions to life.



On Memorial Day, we hold space for the memory of those who gave their lives in service to our nation. We remember them with gratitude, with respect, and with a promise to never forget. 🇺🇸

Environmental Science students recently welcomed Monica Bailey from Big River Energy, LLC in Dyersville to learn more about ethanol production and its role in everyday life. 🌽
Monica shared samples from the production process and explained how corn is used to fuel NASCAR, jets, maritime cargo carriers, and the fuel blends found at local gas stations.
Students also asked questions about the environmental connections, the production process, and careers in the industry.
Monica shared samples from the production process and explained how corn is used to fuel NASCAR, jets, maritime cargo carriers, and the fuel blends found at local gas stations.
Students also asked questions about the environmental connections, the production process, and careers in the industry.

Farley Elementary 3rd graders explored nature during a field trip to Hurstville Nature Center. 🌿
Students hiked through the prairie, searched for insects and animals in the pond, and even had the opportunity to touch a turtle and several snakes. It was a day full of hands-on learning and outdoor discovery!
Students hiked through the prairie, searched for insects and animals in the pond, and even had the opportunity to touch a turtle and several snakes. It was a day full of hands-on learning and outdoor discovery!





Western Dubuque High School’s Sara Blair has been recognized with the 2026 Wickham Educational Service Award. 🎉
Her dedication to high quality instruction, strong relationships, and student success has made an impact on the WDCCSD community. Through her work teaching mathematics and supporting students both inside and outside the classroom, she has positively influenced countless students throughout her career.
The Wickham Educational Service Award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional service, professionalism, and commitment to education.
Congratulations to Sara on this well-deserved honor, and thank you for the difference you continue to make in Western Dubuque Schools! #wdbqschools
Her dedication to high quality instruction, strong relationships, and student success has made an impact on the WDCCSD community. Through her work teaching mathematics and supporting students both inside and outside the classroom, she has positively influenced countless students throughout her career.
The Wickham Educational Service Award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional service, professionalism, and commitment to education.
Congratulations to Sara on this well-deserved honor, and thank you for the difference you continue to make in Western Dubuque Schools! #wdbqschools

Students in Mrs. Oberbroeckling and Mrs. Pillard’s class had a memorable day playing kickball with a few “ghost players” from the Field of Dreams! ⚾
Students loved the fun, laughter, and silly antics throughout the game. A special thank you to Russ Bullibough and Marv Maiers for taking time out of their busy schedules to join the fun.
Students loved the fun, laughter, and silly antics throughout the game. A special thank you to Russ Bullibough and Marv Maiers for taking time out of their busy schedules to join the fun.







Western Dubuque alumni Eric Wilgenbusch, and Emma Hoefer of Unison Solutions spoke with Environmental Science classes about turning waste into natural gas to power buses and stations. ♻️
Students learned about local environmental solutions, career pathways, and sustainable energy practices happening right here in our community.


Dyersville Elementary welcomed Western Dubuque High School seniors back for a graduation walk through the halls where many began their journey as Bobcats! 🎓










Graduation day was filled with celebration, smiles, and unforgettable memories as we honored the Class of 2026! 🎓
We are grateful for the opportunity to share a few moments from Sunday’s ceremonies. Thank you to everyone who helped make this milestone such a special occasion.
We cannot wait to see where the next chapter takes our graduates!
View more photos here: https://bit.ly/WDBQgrad
We are grateful for the opportunity to share a few moments from Sunday’s ceremonies. Thank you to everyone who helped make this milestone such a special occasion.
We cannot wait to see where the next chapter takes our graduates!
View more photos here: https://bit.ly/WDBQgrad


In May, we observe Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month and embrace the opportunity to learn more about how AAPI cultures and traditions shape our world.
We believe that when we take time to understand one another, we build a stronger and more connected school community. 🌏
We believe that when we take time to understand one another, we build a stronger and more connected school community. 🌏

Pending official board approval, Western Dubuque Schools is excited to announce Mark Ressler as the next Assistant Principal/Activities Director at Cascade Jr./Sr. High School.
Mark brings nearly 20 years of experience in education as a teacher, instructional coach, department leader, and head coach at Hempstead High School. Throughout the selection process, he demonstrated strong relationship building skills, a student-centered approach, and a commitment to continual growth and opportunities for students.
His passion for contributing to positive school culture, supporting students, and creating meaningful opportunities for young people will be a tremendous asset to the Cougar community.
Please join us in welcoming Mark Ressler to Cascade Jr./Sr. High School and Western Dubuque Schools.
#wdbqschools
Mark brings nearly 20 years of experience in education as a teacher, instructional coach, department leader, and head coach at Hempstead High School. Throughout the selection process, he demonstrated strong relationship building skills, a student-centered approach, and a commitment to continual growth and opportunities for students.
His passion for contributing to positive school culture, supporting students, and creating meaningful opportunities for young people will be a tremendous asset to the Cougar community.
Please join us in welcoming Mark Ressler to Cascade Jr./Sr. High School and Western Dubuque Schools.
#wdbqschools

Speech language pathologists help students find their voices, build their confidence, and develop the communication skills they need to thrive.
On National SLP Day, we’re grateful for each of them. The work they do is patient and powerful, and we’re so glad they’re part of our schools! 🙏
On National SLP Day, we’re grateful for each of them. The work they do is patient and powerful, and we’re so glad they’re part of our schools! 🙏

Robotics II students at WDHS are putting innovation into action! When challenged to build an autonomous robot capable of writing “Bobcats,” Charlie Zimmerman went above and beyond by designing and coding a CNC machine to complete the task! 🤖

Students in prekindergarten at Farley Elementary recently wrapped up their April Bridges Math unit focused on ladybugs! 🐞
Students explored an ABB calendar pattern using ladybugs they created themselves. They incorporated handwriting pieces to build their ladybugs and practiced addition using red and yellow pieces, bringing math learning to life.
Students explored an ABB calendar pattern using ladybugs they created themselves. They incorporated handwriting pieces to build their ladybugs and practiced addition using red and yellow pieces, bringing math learning to life.




