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



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

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

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. 🐾








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!

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.

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




Now working at Round 2 in Peosta, Meredith and Rachel have embraced meaningful employment, built strong connections, and continue to grow in their independence and life skills. Their journey from classmates to coworkers highlights the power of perseverance, support, and lifelong friendship.
We are proud of Meredith and Rachel and all they are accomplishing as they continue to learn, work, and thrive.
Read their story on the Telegraph Herald website: https://archive.ph/qNdSa
Photo credit: Stephen Gassman via Telegraph Herald

Please join us in welcoming Steve Driscoll as our new Director of Transportation. Steve will be stepping into the role as Diane Elgin prepares for her well-earned retirement at the end of the school year.
We are incredibly grateful to Diane for her years of dedicated service and the lasting impact she’s made on our district. 💙
Steve will be joining us in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition, and we’re looking forward to the leadership and experience he brings to our team.
Welcome to Western Dubuque, Steve! 🚍👏
#wdbqschools

A huge thank you to the athletic trainers who work tirelessly to keep our student-athletes healthy, safe, and performing at their best:
⭐ Sue Theisen, District Athletic Trainer
⭐ Maria Klein, Cascade Athletic Trainer (through Dubuque Physical Therapy)
Our athletic programs are stronger because of you! 💪

It was a great way to combine learning and play! 🧸







Students and staff have been sampling different M&M’s flavors and casting their votes for the favorite. It has been wonderful to see a student-led idea come to life and bring our school community together! 🍬




During the “Fire Snake” lab, students used simple household reactants to observe combustion and decomposition reactions in action. The outdoor setting made for an exciting way to connect classroom learning with real-world chemistry.







Students worked in small groups to prepare for different literary theories, and one representative from each group joined the center circle to take part in the discussion. Teams earned points based on the type and quality of their engagement, creating a friendly competition for bragging rights.
The smackdown led to thoughtful conversations and strong participation, with students fully engaged in the learning process! 😀


Morning gym supervisors have been designing fun activities to keep students active while they wait for the school day to begin. In this example, Mrs. Frank leads students through a movement circuit that encourages participation, energy, and a positive start to the day!


Studies show that students who participate in music programs demonstrate stronger working memory and critical thinking skills. We're proud to provide these opportunities across our schools—and to see the difference they make in our students' lives!

To review key concepts, students engaged in a few friendly rounds of Periodic Table Battleship, turning practice into a fun and competitive challenge while reinforcing their understanding of the elements!

Each year, the district publishes this information to provide transparency about school funding and the property tax process. Community members are encouraged to review the published details to learn more about how local resources support students, staff, and school operations across the district. 🏫
Learn more about our tax rate history and how we compare to other schools: https://aptg.co/G7DL-v

Western Dubuque CCSD is seeking an exceptional, student-centered leader to serve as Principal of Cascade Jr/Sr High School. Serving approximately 400 students in grades 6–12, Cascade is grounded in strong traditions, high expectations, and a supportive community.
This is an opportunity to lead a respected secondary school—strengthening culture, advancing instructional practices, and ensuring meaningful opportunities for all students.
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
• Proven secondary leadership with a focus on student outcomes
• Strength in developing and supporting high-performing teams
• Deep knowledge of instruction, assessment, and school improvement
• Clear, effective communication and community engagement
• A commitment to a positive, accountable, and student-centered culture
Position Details:
Salary: $105,000–$120,000 + comprehensive benefits
Application Deadline: April 5
Interviews: Early/Mid-April
Apply: www.tinyurl.com/CJSHS2026


