Chemistry II students recently explored mixtures and substances through a hands-on, two-day caffeine lab. Students conducted filtration and crystallization experiments, calculated percent recovery, and tested their results through sublimation, deposition, and reactivity with acids and bases. 🧪

Their hard work paid off, with strong results and thoughtful data analysis!
29 days ago, WDCSD
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Students in 2D Art at Drexler Middle School are exploring texture and value using scratch boards and tools.

Seventh grader Serenity Ritt created a detailed and realistic snow leopard through careful use of line direction and size. Outstanding work! 🎨
29 days ago, WDCSD
Serenity Ritt 2D Art - Kalyn Nadermann
Cascade High School celebrates the legacy of alumnus Greg McDermott as he announces his retirement from Creighton University after a remarkable coaching career. 🏀

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
29 days ago, WDCSD
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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. 🐾

30 days ago, WDCSD
Two students examine a turtle shell at a lab table while classmates watch, with display cases of animals and specimens behind them.
Students gather around a table as an instructor guides one student holding a turtle shell; others watch with curiosity in a nature classroom.
Instructor holds up a turtle shell while students sit at lab tables, raising hands and observing during a hands-on science lesson.
Four students kneel around an animal pelt on the floor, smiling and exploring the specimen during a hands-on learning activity.
Two students hold a coyote pelt and a small sample bag, smiling while standing in a classroom with large windows and wooded scenery outside.
Group of students stand outdoors on a wooden platform, bundled in jackets, posing together in a grassy area with leafless trees.
Two students sit on the floor beside a fox pelt, smiling at the camera while examining the specimen during a classroom activity.
Students gather around a table covered with animal pelts, touching and examining them while an instructor supervises in a learning space.
In recognition of National Nutrition Month, we are proud to highlight the dedicated team supporting student health and wellbeing across our schools! 🥗

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!
about 1 month ago, WDCSD
Nutrition Staff
We are saddened to share the passing of Vicki Recker, a dedicated educator who spent 25 years teaching art and photography.

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.
about 1 month ago, WDCSD
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Farley Elementary 3rd graders had a special visit through the Read with a Farmer program, sponsored by the Dubuque County Farm Bureau! 🐄

Students welcomed a farmer from Jackson County who shared about dairy farms and answered their thoughtful questions.
about 1 month ago, WDCSD
Teacher sits at the front of a classroom speaking with a small group of students seated at desks, listening and engaging in discussion.
Teacher reads from a book while students sit at their desks, listening quietly in a bright classroom with posters and a “Better Together” board.
Teacher stands at the front holding a book, addressing seated students who watch and listen attentively during a classroom lesson.
Teacher holds up a book while speaking to students seated at desks, with a decorated bulletin board and classroom materials in the background.
Western Dubuque High School is proud to celebrate graduates Meredith Riley (Class of 2024) and Rachel March (Class of 2025), whose friendship, determination, and success continue to inspire our community. ❤️

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
about 1 month ago, WDCSD
Two people posing for a picture at a restaurant
Dyersville Elementary’s round two of Delaney’s March Madness Scooping Challenge was a night of connection, laughter, and community. Thank you to our staff for their energy and to our families for your continued support! ❤️
about 1 month ago, WDCSD
Smiling child and two adults sit at a small shop table, holding ice cream and a drink, with candy displays and staff behind the counter.
Group of four sits at a table enjoying ice cream, smiling at the camera in a casual shop with other patrons in the background.
Adult and two children smile while eating ice cream at a table near a foosball table and window inside a cozy shop.
Group of children and an older adult sit around a table eating ice cream, with a server smiling behind the counter and colorful displays nearby.
Three people sit at a table enjoying ice cream, smiling in a relaxed shop setting with wooden walls and games in the background.
We’re excited to share some great news from Western Dubuque Schools! 🎉

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
about 1 month ago, WDCCSD
Steve Driscoll
We are proud to recognize National Athletic Training Month!

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! 💪
about 1 month ago, WDCSD
Red and gray design reads “National Athletic Training Month,” featuring portraits of Maria Klein and Sue Theisen with their athletic trainer titles and district logo.
Prekindergarten students at Farley Elementary wrapped up their teddy bear unit in Bridges Math with a fun celebration. Students brought teddy bears to school and used them during center rotations, including drawing their bears, taking them to the “doctor,” matching alphabet letters, and measuring them with unifix cubes.

It was a great way to combine learning and play! 🧸
about 1 month ago, WDCSD
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Epworth Elementary’s 5th grade leadership club has been having fun with its own March Madness challenge over the past week!

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! 🍬
about 1 month ago, WDCSD
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Chemistry II students at WDHS took advantage of the beautiful weather by heading outside for a hands-on lab experience! ☀️

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.
about 1 month ago, WDCSD
Students wearing safety goggles crouch on pavement observing a small controlled flame in a dish during an outdoor chemistry activity.
A student wearing safety goggles holds boards near a small flame to observe smoke movement during an outdoor science investigation.
Two students wearing safety goggles observe a small burning sample in a dish while recording notes during an outdoor chemistry experiment.
Small metal dish with burning material sits on a wire mesh on pavement, producing bright orange flames during an outdoor science experiment.
Students wearing safety goggles sit on pavement conducting a small flame experiment and recording observations on a worksheet.
Two students wearing safety goggles measure and mix materials at a lab station during a classroom science experiment.
Groups of students sit spaced out in a parking lot conducting science experiments and recording observations outdoors.
Students in the Introduction to Literature course at Cascade High School recently participated in their first Discussion Circle Smackdown, a collaborative activity designed to analyze their class novel through multiple literary lenses. 📚

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! 😀
about 1 month ago, WDCSD
Students sit in small groups reading books, using laptops, and discussing their work during a collaborative classroom activity.
A teacher leads a class discussion while students sit in a circle at desks with books and notebooks open during a literature lesson.
Creative movement opportunities are helping Epworth Elementary students start their mornings on the right foot. 🤗

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!
about 1 month ago, WDCSD
Students run across the gym floor during a physical education activity while archery targets and equipment are set up along the wall.
An instructor speaks to students with a microphone in the gym while students stand and sit along the wall during a physical education lesson.
March is Music in Our Schools Month! 🎶

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!
about 1 month ago, WDCSD
Design featuring photos of students holding band instruments and performing at events with the text “Celebrating Music in Our Schools Month” and a Western Dubuque Schools logo.
Chemistry II students at WDHS have been sharpening their periodic table skills as they prepare for upcoming labs and learning. 🧑‍🔬

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!
about 1 month ago, WDCSD
Students sit at lab tables in a science classroom while discussing and referencing periodic table charts during a lesson.
The 2026-27 property tax information for Western Dubuque County Community School District is now available: https://aptg.co/B7HhNk

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
about 1 month ago, WDCSD
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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

about 1 month ago, WDCCSD
CJSHS - Principal Posting
CJSHS - Principal Posting 2