Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities, recognized globally to promote inclusion and accessibility. This day reminds us that every person has inherent worth and deserves the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of society.

Please join us in recognizing this important mission! 🤝
7 months ago, WDCSD
A graphic recognizing the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. On the left is a circular illustration of diverse disability representations all shown in white outlines over a red-and-blue watercolor globe. On the right, bold text reads “International Day of Persons with Disabilities,” with the date “December 3, 2025” below. The Western Dubuque Schools logo appears above the text on a red-to-blue gradient background.
Farley Elementary 5th graders had a blast playing Nitroball in PE! This exciting twist on volleyball features a smaller court, a slower-moving ball, and allows one bounce, giving every student more chances to succeed and stay active. 💪

Great job staying engaged and having fun while building teamwork skills! 🏐
7 months ago, WDCSD
IMG_2916 - Brooke Hummel
IMG_2913 - Brooke Hummel
WDCCSD is hiring! 💫

We have exciting opportunities for qualified individuals who are passionate about education and want to make a real difference.

Whether you're looking to work directly with students or support our schools behind the scenes, we'd love to have you on our team.

Apply today: https://www.applitrack.com/wdbqschools/onlineapp/
7 months ago, WDCSD
A graphic with a red striped background showing a cartoon person holding a megaphone on the right side. On the left, a blue splash shape displays the text “Join Our TEAM” in bold red and white letters. At the top is the Western Dubuque Schools logo. The bottom right corner reads “Apply Today!” in script.
Farley Elementary students had an incredible opportunity to explore West African drumming and culture this week. Through hands-on drumming and meaningful discussion, K–5 students made powerful connections between music, movement, and cultural understanding. 🪘

After watching a video from Fonziba Koster, students collaborated on a schoolwide Venn Diagram comparing West African culture with life in the United States. Their reflections were thoughtful, curious, and deeply engaged.

This experience is growing across the district, with Fonziba visiting Dyersville, Epworth, and Peosta this year as well. Opportunities for All continues to come alive in unforgettable ways. 🎶
7 months ago, WDCSD
20251117_095234 - Daniel Butler
1000021354 - Daniel Butler
WestAfricaVennDiagram2025 - Daniel Butler
Skylar Klein, a 5th grade student at Farley Elementary, is making a difference in a big way.

With the help of her grandmother, Skylar puts together book bags filled with thoughtful items like a blanket, stuffed animal, journal, markers, a game, and more for students who may not have these extras at home.

Her compassion has brought many heartfelt smiles to classmates at FES. We’re so proud of the kindness she’s spreading! ❤️
7 months ago, WDCSD
A student stands in front of her classmates holding a Battleship game box in one hand and a blue galaxy-pattern backpack in the other. Several students sit on the floor around her, watching and listening.
The same student stands in front of her peers, now holding up a book while still holding the blue galaxy-pattern backpack. Students seated on the floor look up at her attentively.
A classroom scene where a group of students sits on the floor in a circle. At the front, the same student stands holding the blue galaxy-pattern backpack while classmates watch.
REMINDER: There is no school November 26-28. Have a great Thanksgiving Break! 🍂
7 months ago, WDCSD
A graphic announcing “No School” for Western Dubuque Schools. The text “NO SCHOOL” is centered in large red and white letters on a blue gradient background. Below it, a red banner reads “November 26–28, 2025.” At the top is the Western Dubuque Schools logo with the phrase “Better Every Day,” all framed by a red and white border.
The lunchroom was a happy place at Epworth Elementary as students enjoyed the annual Thanksgiving meal. Ms. Tayna and Ms. Katie even had a special guest server, Mark Frasher! 🍽️
7 months ago, WDCSD
Cafeteria workers serve lunch to a group of elementary students standing in line at the counter. Two staff members wearing aprons, gloves, and headbands are preparing food behind the counter while several children hold red lunch trays.
A school staff member wearing a black apron and red shirt serves food to an elementary student holding a red lunch tray.
At Peosta Elementary, we’re dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment where every student feels valued and empowered. 😀

We’re proud to be ranked as a “High Performing” school on the Iowa School Performance Profiles. With innovative teaching, strong family partnerships, and a focus on being “Better Every Day,” our students are set up for success!
7 months ago, WDCSD
Western Dubuque_Social_School Highlight PES
The lunchroom at Peosta Elementary was full of smiles during the annual Thanksgiving dinner tradition. Students enjoyed a festive meal with a touch of elegance—complete with live music and table service! 🦃🎶
7 months ago, WDCSD
A woman wearing a sparkly pink jacket plays the piano in a school cafeteria while young children sit at long lunch tables eating their meals and watching her.
A long cafeteria table is filled with elementary students eating a Thanksgiving-style meal on red trays. A staff member wearing a black apron walks beside the table, and small battery-powered candles line the center of the table.
Three young children smile at the camera while eating lunch in a busy school cafeteria. They sit at the edge of a long table with red lunch trays containing a Thanksgiving-style meal, with many other students seated behind them.
Congratulations to our Cascade Junior High students who were recently recognized for their outstanding collaboration, communication, and productivity in class!

We’re proud of the skills you’re developing and the leadership you demonstrate every day. Keep up the great work! 🌟
7 months ago, WDCSD
IMG_5401 - Ryan Fritz
IMG_5388 - Ryan Fritz
IMG_5391 - Ryan Fritz
IMG_5396 - Ryan Fritz
Professional learning days are all about collaboration, learning from one another, and strengthening our school community.

We were especially grateful to have our paraprofessionals join us. Your insight and support make a tremendous impact on our students every day! 💙
7 months ago, WDCSD
IMG_2735 - Amanda Klaas
IMG_2736 - Amanda Klaas
IMG_2733 - Amanda Klaas
IMG_2734 - Amanda Klaas
Shoutout to our amazing choir and band programs at Drexler Middle School! The recent concerts were outstanding. With so much talent and participation, we might need to build a bigger stage! 😉

Bravo to our student musicians and dedicated staff for an incredible performance season! 👏
7 months ago, WDCSD
band concert - rich hatcher
Throughout November, Mrs. Hoff’s 2nd grade class has been building a Thankful Wall! Students are sharing photos and notes of what they’re grateful for, creating a growing display of kindness and gratitude. 😊
7 months ago, WDCSD
A classroom “Thankful” wall display featuring a banner spelling THANKFUL across the top. The whiteboard is covered with student photos and handwritten words of gratitude, including “family,” “food,” “pets,” “my teacher,” and “friends.” The Western Dubuque Schools logo appears in the upper right corner.
Fifth grade students at Farley Elementary have been busy creating tree art in art class!

Using their knowledge of trees and perspective, they’re learning how to create the illusion of depth in space. They’re also practicing how to blend oil pastels to bring their tree leaves to life. Beautiful work in progress! 🍂🌳
7 months ago, WDCSD
Students sitting at a long table in an art room, coloring fall-themed radial art designs with crayons and cotton swabs.
Students seated around a table in an art room working on black-and-white radial art designs, adding color with crayons and tools from small plastic bins.
A group of students seated at a rectangular table creating fall-themed radial artwork, with an adult assisting a pair of students on the right.
Six square pieces of student radial artwork with fall colors displayed on a white tiled wall, each labeled with a student’s name.
Seven pieces of student-created radial artwork in red, orange, yellow, and black tones displayed on a white tiled wall, each labeled with a student’s name.
It's Substitute Educators Day! 🌟

Our substitute teachers are problem solvers, quick learners, and classroom leaders all rolled into one. Whether it's kindergarten or high school calculus, you show up prepared to make the day a success.

Thank you for all you do! 🤗
7 months ago, WDCSD
Graphic with a purple textured background and the Western Dubuque Schools logo in the top left corner. In the center, a red heart filled with school-related icons—pencil, ruler, books, apple, letters, scissors, crayons—sits above the text “We ♥ our Substitutes!” Red accent lines radiate around the heart. At the bottom, the text reads “Substitute Educators Day | November 21, 2025.”
At Farley Elementary, we’re proud to serve approximately 285 students from preschool through 5th grade in a caring, student-centered environment. 📚

FES is rated as “High Performing” in the Iowa School Performance Profiles.

Our school offers a full range of programs to meet the needs of all learners, with a staff committed to providing a rigorous curriculum while creating a safe and nurturing space for every student to thrive. 🚀
7 months ago, WDCSD
Western Dubuque_Social_School Highlight FES
Mrs. Hummel’s preschool class brought storytime to life with a hands-on pancake-making activity inspired by “If You Give a Pig a Pancake!”

Our young learners loved connecting literacy with real-life experiences, and the pancakes were a delicious bonus! 📚✨
7 months ago, WDCSD
2 - Abbey Hummel
download (1) - Abbey Hummel
download (2) - Abbey Hummel
download (3) - Abbey Hummel
download (4) - Abbey Hummel

Third graders have been diving into the world of orchestral music, learning all about the string, woodwind, brass, and percussion families. Their unit came to life with a visit to the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra at Five Flags Theater, where the live performance had everyone fully engaged! 🎶

Throughout this experience, students connected with key music standards, and many walked away inspired to explore orchestral instruments further, with some eager to learn how to play one!

7 months ago, WDCSD
PXL_20251118_184818028
20251118_124929 - Lisa Ludwig
20251118_125205 - Lisa Ludwig
20251118_125230 - Lisa Ludwig
orchestra 1 - Melissa Feldmann
orchestra 4 - Melissa Feldmann
orchestra 7 - Melissa Feldmann

Today is National Parent Involvement Day! When parents are engaged, students are more successful. Here are some ways to support your child's education:

✅ Keep communication open with teachers

✅ Establish regular routines at home

✅ Show interest in what students are learning

✅ Make reading a daily habit

✅ Participate in conferences and school activities

Your involvement makes a meaningful difference! 😃

7 months ago, WDCSD
Graphic with the text “National Parent Involvement Day — November 20, 2025” at the top. Behind the text are three large sketch-style figures with raised arms. The background shifts from deep blue at the top to light purple in the center. The Western Dubuque Schools logo appears in the bottom left corner.
Fifth grade students at Epworth Elementary are learning about Battle of the Books—an exciting opportunity to build teamwork and a love of reading! 📚

This fun competition is a great way to promote literacy and engage young readers.
7 months ago, WDCSD
Students sit at tables in a school library eating lunch and listening to an adult who is standing and holding a paper. Bookshelves line the back wall, along with colorful murals and a “WELCOME” banner. On the right side of the graphic, bold text reads “Battle of the Books!” above a stack of brightly colored books. The Western Dubuque Schools logo appears in the bottom left corner.