Mrs. Heacock’s kindergarten class had a joyful week filled with holiday fun!

From cozy pajama playtime and yoga with Mrs. Gallagher, to welcoming back some of our traveling gingerbread from across the country, these students have made the most of the season.

They also enjoyed candy canes with friends and even made magical reindeer food to take home! ❤️🎄
6 months ago, WDCSD
Kids playing
Kids playing
Kids playing
Kids playing
Kids playing
Kids playing
Kids playing
Kids playing
Kids playing
Kids playing
Peosta Elementary students had a unique opportunity to participate in an African drumming and culture workshop! They enjoyed creating rhythms on djembe drums and learning about the rich traditions behind the music. 🪘
6 months ago, WDCSD
Three young boys sit in a classroom, each playing a djembe drum, with a cultural tapestry and map of Africa in the background.
A group of children smile and play djembe drums
A student plays a drum with sticks while an instructor in patterned clothing offers guidance during a classroom music activity.
Two boys sit side by side, focused on playing djembe drums together during a classroom music lesson.
Cascade Elementary students and staff got into the holiday spirit with a festive schoolwide celebration! From joyful activities to cheerful smiles, it was a wonderful way to wrap up the week. 🎄
6 months ago, WDCSD
Students sit at cafeteria tables decorating cookies with frosting, using paper liners and plastic utensils.
A long row of students decorates cookies at cafeteria tables while teachers assist during a festive classroom activity.
Girls sit at a cafeteria table, smiling and eating cookies they decorated with colorful frosting and sprinkles.
Smiling boys sit at a table with cookies, frosting, and paper liners, enjoying a cookie decorating activity.
A group of students sits at a lunch table, some enjoying their decorated cookies while others continue frosting them.
Farley Elementary students are exploring careers during guidance class using Xello, a career awareness program. As they explore different career paths, students are also reflecting on their personal skills, practicing critical thinking, and building problem-solving strategies. 💡

It's never too early to start thinking about the future!
6 months ago, WDCSD
Two young boys smile while sitting on the floor with laptops and headphones, each playing educational games.
A group of students wearing headphones work on laptops while seated and lying on the classroom floor during a tech activity.
Students at Cascade Elementary are learning about perseverance in a sweet way by building gingerbread houses with Mrs. Decker from the ISU Extension Office! It’s a hands-on lesson in determination and creativity. 🏠
6 months ago, WDCSD
Children sit at a classroom table decorating small graham cracker gingerbread houses with frosting and cereal pieces.
Students gather at their desks constructing graham cracker houses using icing and cereal, with school supplies nearby.
A smiling boy holds a piping bag of frosting next to his finished gingerbread house decorated with colorful cereal.
Three children sit at desks decorating graham cracker houses with icing, cereal, and plastic bags filled with frosting.
Two girls work intently on decorating graham cracker houses with frosting at their desks
Mr. Wendler brought extra fun to prekindergarten during the gingerbread unit by showing up dressed as a gingerbread man! The smiles and laughter said it all. 🎁
6 months ago, WDCSD
A group of smiling young students poses with an adult dressed in a large gingerbread costume inside a colorful classroom.
Mrs. Hummel’s preschool class went on a gingerbread hunt! 🍪

After making cookies and placing them in the oven, they mysteriously disappeared, leaving clues around the school. We found them back in our classroom, just in time to decorate and enjoy them! 🤗
6 months ago, WDCSD
Young students participate in a festive classroom activity, decorating and baking gingerbread cookies using rolling pins, icing, and toppings.
Young students participate in a festive classroom activity, decorating and baking gingerbread cookies using rolling pins, icing, and toppings.
Young students participate in a festive classroom activity, decorating and baking gingerbread cookies using rolling pins, icing, and toppings.
Young students participate in a festive classroom activity, decorating and baking gingerbread cookies using rolling pins, icing, and toppings.
Young students participate in a festive classroom activity, decorating and baking gingerbread cookies using rolling pins, icing, and toppings.
Young students participate in a festive classroom activity, decorating and baking gingerbread cookies using rolling pins, icing, and toppings.
A teacher places a tray into an oven while a group of young children sit on the floor, watching attentively in a school kitchen.
A teacher shows a tray of gingerbread cookies to a group of young students gathered around a table in a brightly lit classroom.
Young students participate in a festive classroom activity, decorating and baking gingerbread cookies using rolling pins, icing, and toppings.
Western Dubuque High School was proud to host our annual Holiday Dinner—an evening rooted in service, gratitude, and community. Thanks to generous donors and the incredible efforts of our leadership and service learning students and staff, 1,050 free meals were served to community members as our way of giving back.

This tradition reflects the very best of Western Dubuque: Students leading with purpose, staff creating meaningful learning beyond the classroom, and a community united in care and kindness.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who gave their time, resources, and heart to make this night so special. ❤️
6 months ago, WDCSD
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The Western Dubuque Community School District has been recognized as a “High Performing” district based on the 2025 Iowa School Performance Profiles!

This recognition belongs first and foremost to our students, whose effort, growth, and commitment to learning show up every day in classrooms across our district. It is also a testament to the dedication of our teachers, support staff, and leaders, who consistently deliver strong instructional practices and create environments where students can thrive.

Being identified among the top 13% of school districts in Iowa affirms the direction of our work and the systems we have in place to support student success. It reflects a shared commitment to learning, growth, and continuous improvement—alongside families and community partners who actively support our schools.

More information on the Performance Profiles can be found at https://www.iaschoolperformance.gov/ECP/Home/Index.

This recognition reinforces our vision of Better Every Day, and it motivates us to keep improving! 🙌

6 months ago, WDCSD
WDCCSD High Performing (2) - Daniel Butler
Our 5th Graders at Farley Elementary are getting into the holiday spirit with Fun with Buddy the Bobcat, measuring “snowball” distances in a hands-on math activity, and creating heartfelt cards for soldiers deployed overseas. 🇺🇸💌

We’re proud of their creativity, kindness, and festive enthusiasm!
6 months ago, WDCSD
A group of elementary students sit around a classroom table working on drawings or crafts.
A group of students stand in a hallway next to a red holiday-themed photo booth decorated with lights and a drawing of a reindeer wearing a Santa hat. One student smiles through the face cutout of the booth, while others pose beside it.
Three students work together on a floor activity, using a large wooden ruler to measure the distance a small object has traveled.
We’re hiring! 🙌

From classroom educators to essential support roles, every position in our district plays an important part in helping students thrive. WDCSD offers a welcoming environment where staff are supported, valued, and encouraged to do their best work.

Explore job opportunities and take the next step in your career:
https://www.applitrack.com/wdbqschools/onlineapp/
6 months ago, WDCSD
Graphic featuring a cartoon person in a red shirt holding a megaphone, shouting "Join Our TEAM" in bold letters. The Western Dubuque Schools logo is at the top with the slogan “Better Every Day.” The bottom right corner says “Apply Today!” on a red striped background.
Peosta Elementary prekindergarten teachers recently hosted a joyful Family Literacy Night filled with gingerbread-themed fun! Families took part in hands-on activities like picture book reading, sensory table play, letter searches, paint-dobber art, gingerbread play dough, and decorating their own gingerbread ornament to take home. 🎄📚

This event is part of the family night requirement for districts participating in the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program Grant. It offers a wonderful opportunity for families to connect, create, and learn together!
6 months ago, WDCSD
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Hands-on learning is in full swing as Dyersville Elementary students explore mass, length, and volume during Bridges Unit 4. 📏⚖️

These real-world measurement activities are helping students build a strong foundation in math through exploration and teamwork. Learning is always more meaningful when they can see, touch, and experiment!
6 months ago, WDCSD
Four elementary students sit at a desk smiling, working with colorful math manipulatives and open workbooks in a bright classroom.
Four students stand and smile while using a purple balance scale and various shapes at a classroom desk with notebooks open.
Four students at a desk work with a green balance scale and colorful blocks while smiling at the camera
Four students sit around a desk working with an orange balance scale and colorful manipulatives, smiling as they complete a math assignment.
Two students stand near a whiteboard and collaborate while using a measuring tape and spinner cards as part of a measurement activity.
Two girls measure and pour water using various plastic containers, recording results on a worksheet during a hands-on math activity.
A smiling girl uses a measuring tape to record the width of a shelf slot while her classmate observes
Two girls carefully pour water between measuring cups during a capacity experiment, with a worksheet and containers on the table.
Students gather at a table using balance scales, Play-Doh, and shapes during a math activity, collaborating and writing in their notebooks.
Two boys pour water from a large measuring container into a smaller one during a volume-measuring activity, focused on their task.
December is Learn a Foreign Language Month! It’s a wonderful reminder of how language connects us.

We encourage our students to explore the languages that spark their curiosity. Every new word creates a bridge of understanding to a new culture! 🌎✨
6 months ago, WDCSD
Purple graphic featuring speech bubbles with flags from the UK, Spain, Italy, China, France, and Germany, representing different languages. A paper airplane flies from the left. Bold text reads “Learn a Foreign Language Month.” Western Dubuque Schools logo is shown in the lower right corner.
The Drexler Middle School halls have been filled with music and joy, thanks to Mr. McCoy and Mrs. Miles! Their morning performances have brought smiles to students and staff alike. 🎶

We’re also giving a shout out to Mr. Steffen for jumping in! ❄️
6 months ago, WDCSD
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Last week, members of the Western Dubuque School Board visited Dyersville Elementary and heard directly from student leaders across multiple grade levels. Students proudly shared how they take on leadership roles throughout the building—highlighting their responsibilities, expectations, and the ways they model positive behavior for others. 🐾

It was inspiring to see students confidently express what leadership means at DES and how they help shape a positive school culture every day. Experiences like this remind us how important it is to elevate student voice and create meaningful leadership opportunities at every level. 💬

Thank you to the students and staff at Dyersville Elementary for showcasing Bobcat Pride in action.
6 months ago, WDCSD
Dyersville students presenting
Dyersville students presenting
Dyersville students presenting
Our 6th graders at Drexler Middle School celebrated their D.A.R.E. graduation, marking the end of an important journey in learning about making safe, healthy choices. 🎓

A big thank you to School Resource Officer Sheriff Kamm for her commitment to educating students about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. 👏
6 months ago, WDCSD
IMG_5867 - rich hatcher
Last week, we celebrated Computer Science Education Week! 💻

Across the district, students are diving into coding, problem solving, and digital creativity, building skills that will power their futures. From introductory lessons to advanced challenges, it’s exciting to see learners of all ages explore the world of computer science.

Thank you to our staff for making these hands-on experiences possible. The future is bright and full of possibilities! 🚀
6 months ago, WDCSD
coding- epworth 4th (1)
finch robot -EE -nora scarlett (1)
finch robot -FE- skylar addie (1)
jordan -finch robot - DE (1)
First grade students at Farley Elementary had a blast in music class, creating their own vocal exploration lines. This fun activity helped them practice singing both high and low notes. 🎶
6 months ago, WDCSD
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Mrs. Brehm’s class at Peosta Elementary has been diving into all things gingerbread recently! After reading several versions of “The Gingerbread Man,” students baked their own cookies, but the fun didn’t stop there. When the cookies disappeared from the oven, the class had to follow a trail of clues to find them! 🕵️‍♂️

What a fun and creative way to build literacy, problem solving, and classroom memories.
6 months ago, WDCSD
A smiling young girl with glasses and pigtails rolls out gingerbread dough with a rolling pin on a classroom table. Cookie cutters and flour are visible on the table.
A young boy presses a gingerbread-shaped cookie cutter into dough on a classroom table.
: A group of preschool children stand in a line inside a school hallway, looking toward a counter.
A group of preschool children gather around a table smiling, showing trays filled with gingerbread cookies they made.
Four young children sit at a table with water bottles and decorated gingerbread cookies on napkins, smiling cheerfully for the camera.