During October Number Corner, Epworth Elementary 3rd grade students are busy measuring 250 milliliters of liquid each day to track how many liters they’ll collect by the end of the month. 🧪

It’s a hands-on way to connect math and measurement to a month-long goal!
6 months ago, WDCSD
Western Dubuque_Social_Number Corner 10
Mrs. Topping’s 1st grade students at Peosta Elementary explored the life cycle of owls in a hands-on way by dissecting owl pellets. 🦉

This engaging activity sparked curiosity and helped students discover more about food chains and owl biology!
6 months ago, WDCSD
A young student sits at a classroom table examining a small black object on a tray using a clear magnifying lens. A pair of blue plastic tweezers rests on the tray beside the materials.
Three young students sit together at a classroom table, each using plastic tweezers to examine small black objects on trays.
Drexler Middle School is dedicated to empowering adolescents to achieve their personal best! 💪

We are proud to achieve a “Commendable” rating on the Iowa School Performance Profiles. Serving approximately 700 students in 6th-8th grade, DMS maintains a learning environment that supports academic, social, and personal growth.

Every day at DMS is a chance to grow, discover, and succeed! 🚀
6 months ago, WDCSD
Drexler MS Spotlight
Peosta Elementary 5th grade students explored the Arctic Invasion by using globes to track how plant and animal species moved into the Arctic! 🌍

This hands-on lesson helped students understand the impact of melting sea ice on ecosystems.
6 months ago, WDCSD
Two students sit at a classroom table with open textbooks and small globes. One student looks closely at the globe through a magnifying lens while the other studies the globe in his hands.
Three students sit together at a table with open textbooks and small classroom globes. One student uses a magnifying lens on the globe while the others read and point to the text.
Prekindergarten students at Peosta Elementary have been learning all about leaves. 🍂

They went on a leaf hunt and explored how the leaves were different and the same. It was a fun, hands-on way to observe and compare the world around them!
6 months ago, WDCSD
IMG_6010 - Emily Brehm
IMG_5996 - Emily Brehm
IMG_6002 - Emily Brehm
IMG_6007 - Emily Brehm
Dyersville Elementary 1st graders read the book “Stick and Stone” and learned the importance of standing up for their friends.

After reading, each student painted a stone and found a stick to be its buddy, bringing the story to life in a creative and meaningful way! 🎨📚
6 months ago, WDCSD
A smiling young student stands in a classroom holding up a clear plastic bag with a label that reads, “I always stick by my friends because being a good friend ROCKS!” The bag contains a stick, a painted rock, and a small craft.
Three young students stand side by side in a classroom. The student in the middle holds the book Stick and Stone while the two students on either side hold up small rocks.
Students at Cascade Elementary are learning about growth and change as they explore the life cycles of living things. 🌱

As part of their science unit, they planted grass seed and will observe its growth over time!
6 months ago, WDCSD
students planting seeds
Western Dubuque High School biology students are exploring how cellular respiration creates energy for the body. In a recent lab, they demonstrated the link between exercise intensity and how quickly their body removes carbon dioxide. 💨💪
6 months ago, WDCSD
High school students wearing safety goggles work around a black science lab table with worksheets, beakers, and lab equipment.
A group of high school students gather around a science lab table covered with lab papers and equipment.
During Red Ribbon Week, we want to remind families that positive role modeling makes a difference. When adults in students’ lives demonstrate healthy coping strategies and make positive choices, it reinforces the importance of staying drug free.

Learn more about Red Ribbon Week and get tips for having conversations that help students stay drug-free at www.redribbon.org.

Thank you for being a positive influence! ♥️
6 months ago, WDCSD
Graphic with a large red awareness ribbon against a purple background. Bold text reads “Celebrating Red Ribbon Week” with the dates “October 23–31, 2025” below. The Western Dubuque Schools logo is in the lower right corner with the motto “Better Every Day.”
Congratulations to Farley Elementary teachers Jennifer Burr (2nd grade) and Lori Messer (kindergarten), who were awarded a grant from DuTrac Community Credit Union. 👏

Thanks to this support, their classrooms gained new supplies, equipment, and innovative learning opportunities. Thank you, DuTrac, for investing in our students and staff!
6 months ago, WDCSD
A group of elementary students sit and kneel in rows in a gymnasium holding learning materials and books. An adult stands on the left holding an oversized grant check. The students smile toward the camera.
A smiling adult stands in a gymnasium holding an oversized check labeled “Jennifer Burr” for $150 from DuTrac Community Credit Union.
A group of young students sit and kneel in a gymnasium holding classroom supplies and learning items. An adult stands behind them in the center holding an oversized grant check labeled “Lori Messer.”
A smiling adult stands alone in a gymnasium holding an oversized check labeled “Lori Messer” for $150 from DuTrac Community Credit Union.
Every student deserves to learn in an environment that's safe, supportive, and positive. Today, we recognize Unity Day and reaffirm our dedication to preventing bullying in our schools.

Let's stand together to make our schools a welcoming place for all! 🧡
6 months ago, WDCSD
Graphic with a large blue circle containing three white raised hands of different sizes in front of a world map silhouette. In bold text to the right it reads “Today is UNITY DAY.” Below it says “October 22, 2025.” The Western Dubuque Schools logo is in the lower right corner. Background features overlapping, semi-transparent hand silhouettes in shades of red.
First graders at Cascade Elementary took their science learning outside with a nature hike. 🍂

They searched for plants and colorful leaves while exploring the natural world up close—hands-on learning with a breath of fresh air! 🌿
6 months ago, WDCSD
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IMG_1871 - amy mcelmeel
Western Dubuque High School physical science chemistry students put their investigation skills to the test while exploring the differences between ionic and covalent bonds. 🧪⚡

They tested compounds for appearance, melting point, solubility, and conductivity, then took on a challenge to identify salt from a set of unknown substances using their own lab designs and reasoning. A great mix of critical thinking and hands-on science!
6 months ago, WDCSD
A group of students wearing safety goggles work at a science lab table.
A student wearing safety goggles leans over a hot plate holding foil-wrapped samples during a science experiment.
A teacher and several students wearing safety goggles gather around a lab table, writing on pink and white worksheets
Four students wearing safety goggles work at a science lab counter, bending over worksheets and foil-wrapped samples.
Our Dyersville Elementary students got a taste of fall fun by making pumpkin pie in a cup. 🎃

From mixing ingredients to enjoying every bite, it was a hands-on activity filled with smiles and seasonal spirit!
6 months ago, WDCSD
A smiling young boy sits at a classroom table holding a small cup of caramel-colored pudding and a spoon, looking toward the camera.
A smiling young girl wearing a pink Barbie shirt sits at her desk holding a small cup of pudding with a spoon.
A young girl with a short blonde bob haircut sits at a classroom desk holding a small cup of pudding in one hand and a spoon in the other, smiling at the camera.
A smiling young girl wearing a white vest holds a cup of pudding and a spoon at her desk.
On Monday, October 20, 8th grade students from across Dubuque County attended a career fair at Northeast Iowa Community College! 👩‍🏫

Cascade Junior/Senior High School Instructional Coach Lindsay Schlichtmann was one of the presenters, sharing insights into the teaching profession and inspiring the next generation of educators.
On October 20, 8th grade students from Dubuque County attended a career fair at NE Iowa Community College! 👩‍🏫

Cascade Junior/Senior High School Instructional Coach Lindsay Schlichtmann was one of the presenters, sharing insights into the teaching profession! #wdbqschools
6 months ago, WDCSD
IMG_9713 - Ryan Fritz
IMG_9712 - Ryan Fritz
Sophomore football players took time to visit a Drexler Middle School practice to talk with younger athletes about what it means to be a Bobcat—both on and off the field. They shared advice on transitioning to high school, the value of hard work, and the importance of continually improving every day. 💪🐾

A big thank you to Coach Brosius and his players for making this meaningful experience possible. Go Bobcats!
6 months ago, WDCSD
A large group of football players in white practice jerseys kneels on a grassy field facing a few older students or coaches who are standing and speaking to them.
Football players wearing white jerseys sit or kneel in rows on the grass while three older students or coaches stand in front of them speaking.
Dyersville Elementary is buzzing with pride! 🐝

Congratulations to our Buzz Worthy Students who were recognized for going above and beyond. Your positive choices help make our school a better place every day!
6 months ago, WDCSD
Two young students stand in front of a colorful classroom wall display showing numbers and a chart titled “How many days have we been in school?” They are smiling and holding “Buzz-worthy” award certificates.
Four young students stand in a row in front of a whiteboard, smiling and holding “Buzz-worthy” award certificates. Classroom visuals and alphabet cards line the wall behind them.
October is National Principals Month! We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our outstanding school leaders:

⭐️ Greg Deutmeyer, Epworth Elementary
⭐️ Ryan Fritz, Cascade Junior/Senior High School
⭐️ Jenny Hillebrand, Dyersville Elementary
⭐️ Amanda Klaas, Farley Elementary
⭐️ Adam Kedley, Drexler Middle School
⭐️ Ethan Lensch, Western Dubuque High School
⭐️ Kimberly Reinert, Peosta Elementary
⭐️ Dan Wendler, Cascade Elementary

We’re grateful for all you do for our students, staff, and families!
6 months ago, WDCSD
A red and blue graphic reads “National Principals Month” with the Western Dubuque Schools logo in the center. Eight principals are featured in circular portraits with names and school buildings labeled beneath each: Kimberly Reinert – Peosta Elementary, Dan Wendler – Cascade Elementary, Ethan Lensch – Western Dubuque High School, Adam Kedley – Drexler Middle School, Amanda Klaas – Farley Elementary, Jenny Hillebrand – Dyersville Elementary, Ryan Fritz – Cascade Junior/Senior High School, and Greg Deutmeyer – Epworth Elementary.
Coach Bob Davidshofer has impacted many lives in over 50 years as a teacher, coach, and drama director! 🙌🎭

He was honored by the Tri-County Historical Society with a video tribute, which premiered at a gathering of nearly 100 former students. His legacy lives on through generations of Cascade and Aquin graduates.

Check out these two videos highlighting this honor:

➡️https://youtu.be/nW4BmGpdXEc?si=zxfYAFtkMYb3nKUb

➡️https://youtu.be/TDDBBl8jff8?si=zZjlzt8T27BszxJI

6 months ago, WDCSD
Bob Davidshofer photo
Authors and illustrators are bursting out of Mrs. Topping’s 1st grade class at Peosta Elementary! ✏️📖

Students wrote their own stories at home and shared them with the class. Now, their books are part of the classroom library for everyone to enjoy!
6 months ago, WDCSD
A young girl stands in a classroom holding an open notebook with drawings and writing, speaking while another student sits nearby watching.
A boy in a red shirt stands next to a desk in a classroom, reading from a notebook while other students work around him.
A smiling girl stands in front of organized classroom book bins, proudly holding up a small book she created.
Two kids sit close together at a desk, looking at a handmade booklet as one points to the page while reading.
A boy seated on the classroom rug leans against a bookshelf, smiling and holding up a drawing or story he created.