Please join us in welcoming Gwendolyn Kass as a family consumer science teacher at Western Dubuque High School and Cascade High School! 🌟

Ms. Kass will be helping students build valuable life and career-ready skills for their future. We are excited to see the impact she will make.
8 months ago, WDCCSD
Kass

Who says custodians can’t have fun at work? 😃

Mr. Matt Smith took time to play a game of rock, paper, scissors with our Cascade Elementary students at lunch!

8 months ago, WDCSD
Rock, paper, scissors
Rock paper scissors
Rock paper scissors

Smiles, excitement, and a big day of new beginnings for our youngest learners! 🎒

We loved capturing these special first-day moments at all five of our elementary schools — Peosta, Epworth, Farley, Dyersville, and Cascade. 💛

Here’s to a wonderful school year ahead for our preschoolers!

8 months ago, WDCSD
Preschool
Preschool
Preschool
Preschool
Preschool
Preschool
Preschool
Preschool
Preschool
Preschool
Welcome to the first day of preschool! 🌟

We are so excited to see our youngest learners walk through the doors today. Our teachers have been preparing warm, fun, and safe classrooms where students will begin their school journey, make new friends, and discover the joy of learning.

Here’s to a wonderful start to the year! 🎉 #wdbqschools
8 months ago, WDCCSD
First day of preschool
We are excited to welcome Carley Steffen as the new transitional kindergarten teacher at Peosta Elementary! 🎨

We look forward to watching Ms. Steffen build strong foundations for learning and guiding students as they take this important first step in their school journey.
8 months ago, WDCCSD
Carley Steffen
Our 9th grade chemistry students kicked off their first lab of the term! 🔬

They explored the effect of soap on the surface tension in water, sparking curiosity and hands-on learning that will continue all year long. 🌟
8 months ago, WDCSD
Chemistry
Athletes, parents, and coaches are invited to a sports nutrition collaboration on September 3 at 6:30pm in the Western Dubuque High School Auditorium! 🏅

The Performance Collective will share strategies to enhance performance, optimize recovery, and reduce injury risk through proper fueling.

Topics include:
➡️ Fueling foundations
➡️ Nutrition for endurance and strength
➡️ Building a positive fueling culture
8 months ago, WDCSD
sports nutrition graphic
Welcome to Kirsten Schroeder, who joins Farley Elementary as a special education teacher!

Ms. Schroeder is passionate about helping every student feel supported and empowered in their learning. We are thrilled to have her on our team. 📚
8 months ago, WDCCSD
Kirsten Schroeder
The first week of school is wrapping up strong! Western Dubuque High School and Dyersville Elementary were buzzing with energy and excitement as students filled the halls, connected with friends, and kicked off the school year with enthusiasm. The buzz in our buildings shows that our students and staff are ready for a year of learning, growth, and opportunities.

We can’t wait to see all that 2025–26 will bring! #wdbqschools
8 months ago, WDCCSD
DES Kindergarten 1
DES Library
DES Lunch
DES Assembly
WDHS 1
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WDHS 5
WDHS 6
Bring the whole family for an evening of fun, learning, and connection at our Family Wellness Event! From food trucks and kids activities to wellness booths and prize drawings, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. 🎉

Join us from 5:30 to 7:30pm on Tuesday, September 23, in the Western Dubuque High School Commons.

Admission is free. See you there! ✨
8 months ago, WDCSD
health event
August is National Truancy Prevention Month. When students attend school consistently, they experience greater engagement and improved academic outcomes.

Every day in school creates opportunities for growth and discovery. Let’s prioritize attendance together! 🙌
8 months ago, WDCCSD
Chalkboard-style graphic with the Western Dubuque Schools logo at the top. Large text reads: “This school year, Emphasize Consistent Attendance.” A hand writes chalk lines across the board, with doodles of a clock, light bulb, and stars. At the bottom, a blue banner reads: “National Truancy Prevention Month.”
We are happy to welcome Tori Freiburger as the new preschool teacher at Cascade Elementary!

Ms. Freiburger is excited to help our youngest learners grow through curiosity, creativity, and exploration. Please join us in welcoming her to the Western Dubuque family. 🌟
8 months ago, WDCCSD
Tori Freiburger
Each Wednesday, students dismiss one hour early so our staff can engage in professional learning and collaboration. This week, Cascade Jr./Sr. High School teachers gathered to dive into meaningful discussions on grading equity—ensuring fair, consistent, and student-centered practices across classrooms. Investing in our educators’ growth directly benefits our students and helps us live out our vision of being Better Every Day. #wdbqschools
8 months ago, WDCCSD
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CJSHS 3
We are proud to see Dr. Biechler, one of our cross country and track coaches, featured for the incredible work she does to support student-athletes! Her dedication, knowledge, and passion for running make a lasting impact on our schools. 🏃‍♀️

View the full story:
https://www.kcrg.com/2025/08/25/shes-running-nerd-doctor-exercise-coach-behind-one-americas-best-high-school-runners/
8 months ago, WDCSD
In the news
Please join us in welcoming Meg Besler as our new 4th grade teacher at Farley Elementary!

Ms. Besler is eager to inspire her students through meaningful learning experiences and a supportive classroom community. 🌍

She brings energy and vision that align with our goal of enhancing student growth and achievement. 🌸
8 months ago, WDCCSD
Meg Besler
Today is the first day of school for our transitional kindergarten students! 🎒

We’re excited to welcome our youngest learners as they begin their journey with us. 🤗
8 months ago, WDCCSD
Red background graphic with playful school-themed illustrations including blocks, books, crayons, a school bus, and a chair. In the center, text reads: “August 27, 2025 – Happy First Day of School to our Transitional Kindergarten Students!” The Western Dubuque Schools logo with the phrase “Better Every Day” is shown at the bottom right.
The first days of school have been filled with smiles, new routines, and countless opportunities to learn and grow. From classrooms to cafeterias, our students and staff are already showing the importance of relationships, growth, and belonging. Here’s to a year of being Better Every Day in Western Dubuque Schools! #wdbqschools
8 months ago, WDCCSD
3rd grade
Drexler Middle
5th grade
EES Cafeteria
PES small group
5th grade small group
PES 1st grade
PES 3rd grade
coloring
PES First Grade
Our preschoolers begin on Tuesday, September 2, but our teachers and paraeducators are already preparing to meet the needs of every learner! 🌟

Today’s professional learning with Janet Felton from Keystone AEA focused on building vocabulary, strengthening instruction, and using prompts to support independence.

We are grateful for the collaboration of all preschool staff working to give every child the best start. 📚
8 months ago, WDCSD
professional learning
We are excited to introduce Dana Rector as a new member of our food service team at Drexler Middle School! 🍽️

Ms. Rector looks forward to serving students with care, contributing to their wellbeing and readiness to learn.

Her work reflects our mission to prioritize all people within our school community. 😊
8 months ago, WDCCSD
Dana Rector
The first day of school is here in Western Dubuque Schools! 🌟

Our halls are filled with smiles, energy, and excitement as students and staff begin the 2025-26 school year together. Here’s to a year of learning, growth, and new opportunities for every student!
8 months ago, Emily Williams
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