Western Dubuque Community School District

Dyersville Elementary students are celebrating their participation in State Archery and representing their school with pride! 🎯

Their hard work, focus, and determination led them to this exciting achievement. #wdbqschools

7 months ago, WDCSD

Two boys standing with an arm around each other.

As a reminder, April 2 and April 6 are teacher comp days, and district offices will be open. On April 3, all buildings and offices will be closed. We hope our students, staff, and families enjoy the long weekend! 🌷

7 months ago, WDCSD

Flowers on red background that says "Spring Break"

Second grade students at Peosta Elementary enjoyed a special agricultural experience while reading with a local farmer. 📚

Their guest even brought along a small visitor that made the day extra memorable for students! 🐷

7 months ago, WDCSD

Adult reads aloud to seated elementary students on a classroom rug during a group lesson.

Five students gather around a bin, gently touching and observing a small pig during a classroom visit.

Student pets a small pig held by an adult while classmates watch with interest in the classroom.

Young student smiles while gently petting a small pig held by an adult, with classmates nearby.

Class group photo with students and an adult holding a small pig, all smiling in a decorated classroom.

Happy Paraprofessional Appreciation Day! 🙌

Our paraprofessionals are mentors, advocates, and trusted adults who help students navigate challenges and celebrate successes.

Thank you, paraprofessionals, for all you do for our school community!

7 months ago, WDCSD

Third graders at Farley Elementary have been preparing for ISASP testing with engaging activities in the classroom. Students participated in breakout box challenges designed to practice test examples and strategies in a fun and interactive way! 📚

7 months ago, WDCSD

Three students sit at a table, writing on a worksheet while working with locks and a breakout box activity.

Three students lean over a worksheet, studying clues and tools beside a breakout box during a group challenge.

A teacher sits with students in a circle, explaining a breakout box activity while students listen attentively.

Epworth Elementary 5th graders are learning about agriculture through the Agriculture in the Classroom program with the Dubuque County Farm Bureau.

Mrs. Rachel visits monthly to teach how products like meat, cereal, and ethanol go from research to finished goods! 🌾

7 months ago, WDCSD

Students kneel on a classroom floor arranging printed photos in a line while a teacher observes nearby.

Seven students sit in a circle on the floor, examining and discussing printed images together.

A teacher stands with students gathered around as one student shares printed photos during a classroom activity.

Six students sit in a circle, holding and comparing printed photos spread on the classroom floor.

A teacher speaks to a group of students gathered near a window, with printed images laid out along the floor.

Students sit and kneel around a rug, sorting and discussing printed photos during a small-group classroom task.

Students cluster around desks while a teacher guides them in reviewing a line of printed images on the floor.

Cascade Junior High students are making a meaningful impact through service and compassion. Three 7th grade students recently organized a merchandise fundraiser to support classmate Beau Harvey as he continues his recovery. 💙

Through their efforts, bracelets and T-shirts were sold to help Beau’s family, while also bringing the community together in support of Beau Day. Their project is a great example of students using kindness and teamwork to make a difference.

We are proud of these students for showing what it means to care for one another!

Read the article here: https://archive.ph/6wZnA#selection-1665.0-2313.315

Photo credit: Bennett Ludwig via Cascade Pioneer

7 months ago, WDCSD

Two girls sit side by side, smiling at a table with papers, in front of a sparkly backdrop at a school event.

March is National Nutrition Month! 🍎✨

Good nutrition is a key part of a well-rounded education. We're proud to support healthy eating habits and grateful to the staff and families who help reinforce those habits every day.

7 months ago, WDCSD

As a reminder, due to weather cancellations earlier this winter, the following updates have been made to our school calendar this week:

• Wednesday, April 1 — one-hour early dismissal
• Tuesday, April 7 — school in session

There will be no school on:
• Thursday, April 2
• Friday, April 3
• Monday, April 6

At this time, the final day of school for students has not been finalized. We will share that update in the coming week.

#wdbqschools

7 months ago, WDCCSD

Dyersville Elementary students had a special visit thanks to Mrs. Hoeger, one of our 2nd grade paraprofessionals, who brought in goats and lambs to share with the class! Her husband and grandchildren joined in, helping students hold and gently pet them. 🐐

This hands-on experience brought plenty of smiles and created a memorable learning moment for everyone involved!

7 months ago, WDCSD

Students at Epworth Elementary explored the world of owls with Dubuque County Conservationist Taylor Schaefers! 🦉

Fifth grade students connected their reading of “Hoot” to hands-on learning by dissecting owl pellets and examining feathers, skulls, and taxidermy owls.

7 months ago, WDCSD

Community partnership is what Peosta Elementary Bobcats are all about! First grade classrooms are partnering with Project Rooted to connect students with fresh, local food and hands-on nutrition education right in their school. 🌱

These experiences help foster healthy habits from a young age while building meaningful connections to the community.

7 months ago, WDCSD

Dyersville Elementary students and staff enjoyed a fun and meaningful Artist in Residence experience featuring “Billy Goats Gruff!” 📚

The light-hearted story of kindness kept everyone laughing while sharing an important message.

7 months ago, WDCSD

Chemistry II students recently explored mixtures and substances through a hands-on, two-day caffeine lab. Students conducted filtration and crystallization experiments, calculated percent recovery, and tested their results through sublimation, deposition, and reactivity with acids and bases. 🧪

Their hard work paid off, with strong results and thoughtful data analysis!

7 months ago, WDCSD

Students in 2D Art at Drexler Middle School are exploring texture and value using scratch boards and tools.

Seventh grader Serenity Ritt created a detailed and realistic snow leopard through careful use of line direction and size. Outstanding work! 🎨

7 months ago, WDCSD

Cascade High School celebrates the legacy of alumnus Greg McDermott as he announces his retirement from Creighton University after a remarkable coaching career. 🏀

A member of the CHS Hall of Fame, Coach McDermott has made an impact on our community. His leadership, dedication, and success continue to inspire our students and athletes.

We congratulate Coach McDermott on an outstanding career and thank him for representing Cascade with pride!

Read the article here: https://archive.ph/A4TL3#selection-523.25-523.44

Photo credit: Adam Cairns/IndyStar

7 months ago, WDCSD

Dyersville Elementary 5th graders explored the natural world during a field trip to the EB Lyons Interpretive Center! 🌿

Students learned about amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds, deepening their understanding of living systems and habitats. 🐾

7 months ago, WDCSD

Two students examine a turtle shell at a lab table while classmates watch, with display cases of animals and specimens behind them.

Students gather around a table as an instructor guides one student holding a turtle shell; others watch with curiosity in a nature classroom.

Instructor holds up a turtle shell while students sit at lab tables, raising hands and observing during a hands-on science lesson.

Four students kneel around an animal pelt on the floor, smiling and exploring the specimen during a hands-on learning activity.

Two students hold a coyote pelt and a small sample bag, smiling while standing in a classroom with large windows and wooded scenery outside.

Group of students stand outdoors on a wooden platform, bundled in jackets, posing together in a grassy area with leafless trees.

Two students sit on the floor beside a fox pelt, smiling at the camera while examining the specimen during a classroom activity.

Students gather around a table covered with animal pelts, touching and examining them while an instructor supervises in a learning space.

In recognition of National Nutrition Month, we are proud to highlight the dedicated team supporting student health and wellbeing across our schools! 🥗

Director of Food and Nutrition Services Clif Cameron, along with kitchen managers Stephanie Knapp at Western Dubuque High School, Kelli Wessels at Drexler Middle School, and Shelly Ludwig at Cascade High School, work each day to provide nutritious meals for our students. We appreciate all they do!

7 months ago, WDCSD

We are saddened to share the passing of Vicki Recker, a dedicated educator who spent 25 years teaching art and photography.

Vicki made a lasting impact on her students and colleagues through her creativity, kindness, and passion for learning. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 26, from 2:00 to 8:00pm at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville, with additional visitation from 9:00 to 10:00am on Friday. Funeral services will take place at 10:30am on Friday, March 27, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville.

7 months ago, WDCSD

Farley Elementary 3rd graders had a special visit through the Read with a Farmer program, sponsored by the Dubuque County Farm Bureau! 🐄

Students welcomed a farmer from Jackson County who shared about dairy farms and answered their thoughtful questions.

7 months ago, WDCSD

Teacher sits at the front of a classroom speaking with a small group of students seated at desks, listening and engaging in discussion.

Teacher reads from a book while students sit at their desks, listening quietly in a bright classroom with posters and a “Better Together” board.

Teacher stands at the front holding a book, addressing seated students who watch and listen attentively during a classroom lesson.

Teacher holds up a book while speaking to students seated at desks, with a decorated bulletin board and classroom materials in the background.