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Students at Cascade Junior Senior High School recently came together to support a classmate on his road to recovery, showing the true power of community. 💙

After undergoing a heart transplant, Beau Harvey continues to build strength, and his classmates filled the school with encouragement by wearing green and creating heartfelt cards.

It is inspiring to see students rally around one another and show kindness, compassion, and support during challenging times. 👏

Read the article from KCRG-TV9: https://www.kcrg.com/2026/04/09/students-rally-around-cascade-classmate-recovering-heart-transplant-ahead-fundraiser/
2 months ago, WDCSD
Bold blue and yellow design with large text “In the News” and a Western Dubuque Schools logo reading “Better Every Day.”
Farley Elementary School preschoolers in Mrs. Deutmeyer’s class welcomed spring with creative activities that strengthened fine motor skills! 🌸

Students drew their monthly self-portraits, practiced name writing, created bubble-painted circles for ladybug calendar pieces, learned how to draw a bunny, and worked on scissors skills.
2 months ago, WDCSD
A child holding a drawing of a bunny.
A group of students sitting on the floor smiling.
A child painting yellow circles.
A young girl holding up a drawing of herself.
Farley Elementary preschool students have been building their fine motor skills throughout the school year! ✏️

Recently, students practiced writing their classmates’ names on dry erase boards, reinforcing letter names and sounds while discovering how letters come together to form words. Names are especially important at this age, making the experience both engaging and impactful for our young learners.
3 months ago, WDCSD
Two girls practicing writing on a markerboard.
Two boys practicing writing on a markerboard.
Two children practicing writing on a markerboard.
Two girls practicing writing on a markerboard.
April is Financial Literacy Month! 💸

Understanding money is not just a life skill—it's a foundation for independence. Students who learn financial literacy early on are better equipped to make sound decisions, avoid common pitfalls, and work toward their goals.

We're proud to support this important area of education as we prepare students for life!
3 months ago, WDCSD
April is Financial Literacy Month design with red piggy bank and coin, over a money-themed background, plus school logo in corner.
Epworth Elementary 5th Grade Leadership Club students recently visited Bethany Homes to meet the residents they have been pen-paling with over the past few months! 💙

Students and residents enjoyed sharing stories, playing games, and building meaningful connections during this memorable experience, as students put their leadership skills into action.
3 months ago, WDCSD
Smiling girl and older woman sit at a table with small cards, enjoying a quiet game in a care home setting.
Young girl and elderly woman smile at a table with a few game cards between them in a cozy common room.
Girl and elderly woman sit by a window with a tablet on the table, sharing a moment together in a bright room.
Elderly woman and girl play a tabletop game while others sit and talk in the background of a shared living space.
Elderly woman and boy sit together on a couch, smiling warmly in a comfortable common area.
Boy leans beside an older man in a wheelchair, both smiling in a communal room with a piano in the background.
Girl stands behind an elderly woman seated in a chair, both smiling gently in a hallway setting.
Elderly woman holds up an old black-and-white photo at a table, sharing a memory in a social gathering space.
Two girls and two elderly women sit around a table playing a card game, engaged and smiling together.
Group of children and older adults gather around tables playing games in a bright, welcoming community room.
April is Autism Acceptance Month.

We are dedicated to fostering learning environments that embrace every student—celebrating their strengths, supporting their needs, and ensuring they always feel welcome.

Thank you to everyone who makes our schools a place where all students can grow and thrive! 😊
3 months ago, WDCSD
Rainbow heart inside a speech bubble beside text reading “April is Autism Acceptance Month” with a school logo on a purple background.
Western Dubuque County Community School District is proud to recognize the dedication of volunteer announcer Lyle Theisen, whose voice brings energy and excitement to Bobcat events year-round! 🎤

Lyle plays a key role in creating a memorable experience for student-athletes and fans alike. His behind-the-scenes work with audiovisual support and community events further highlights his commitment to excellence.

Lyle’s attention to detail, passion for quality, and willingness to give his time reflect the strong sense of community that defines Western Dubuque. We are grateful for the many ways he supports our students, staff, and families!

Read the full article: https://www.telegraphherald.com/news/tri-state/article_4bae818d-f602-40d3-8be7-2c4f588e0eda.html

Photo credit: Stephen Gassman/Telegraph Herald
3 months ago, WDCSD
Man in a black sweatshirt standing in front of a "Home of the Bobcats" arch.
As part of their literacy pilot, Dyersville Elementary kindergarten students in Mrs. Cogan’s class brought learning to life by creating their own ending to the nursery rhyme, “The Three Little Kittens!” 📚

Students designed character masks and acted out their new stories while exploring how traditional rhymes can inspire creative storytelling.
3 months ago, WDCSD
Four young students stand at the front of a classroom holding colorful animal masks while following along with a projected “Three Little Kittens” poem.
Four students hold handmade cat masks on sticks, standing in front of a classroom screen displaying the “Three Little Kittens” rhyme.
Five students smile and hold up decorated animal masks during a classroom activity in front of a projected story.
Five students stand in a row holding animal masks over their faces while participating in a reading activity about “Three Little Kittens.”
Five students stand together smiling and holding paper props and masks as they act out parts of the “Three Little Kittens” poem.
Five students pose playfully with colorful animal masks and props while acting out a classroom reading activity in front of the board.
Western Dubuque High School Chemistry II students recently conducted flame tests to explore the connection between atomic structure and electron configuration. 🔬

Students observed vibrant results while applying their learning in a hands-on and engaging way!
3 months ago, WDCSD
Two students wearing safety goggles heat a substance over a Bunsen burner, observing a bright yellow-orange flame during a lab experiment.
Close-up of a wooden splint held in a Bunsen burner flame, glowing bright yellow and red as it burns.
Two students in goggles conduct a lab experiment, holding a material over a Bunsen burner while observing the flame and recording results nearby.
A student in goggles holds a strip over a Bunsen burner, producing a pink flame while classmates watch and take notes.
A student wearing goggles observes a flame test while another holds a strip over a Bunsen burner, creating a tall orange flame.
Three students in goggles watch closely as a small flame changes color during a lab experiment at a classroom lab station.
A group of students in goggles gather around a lab table, taking turns holding materials over Bunsen burners while others observe and record data.
Robotics gives students unique opportunities to apply classroom learning in hands-on, meaningful ways—and the results are remarkable!

We're proud of the enthusiasm our students bring to every challenge and grateful for the educators who bring these experiences to them.

Happy National Robotics Week! 🤖
3 months ago, WDCSD
“National Robotics Week” with school logo on a purple background with gear graphics, alongside a photo of a smiling student interacting with a small robot.
Farley Elementary 5th grade students are strengthening their writing skills through a peer feedback protocol as part of their end-of-unit work! ✏️

Students partnered to listen, reflect, and provide thoughtful feedback to help improve each other’s writing.
3 months ago, WDCSD
Two students sit on stools at a classroom table, smiling and reviewing a notebook together while working on an assignment.
A small group of students and a teacher lean over a table, collaborating on a worksheet near a classroom window.
Two students sit across from each other at a table, discussing notes while one holds up a notebook in a classroom lined with books and bins.
Two students sit on the floor against a wall, reading and comparing notes from notebooks during a classroom activity.

During National Assistant Principals Week, we extend a heartfelt thank you to APs Rich Hatcher, Carrie Viel, and Andrew Carbajal.

They provide exceptional leadership and support for our students, staff, and families each day. We’re proud to have them serving our school community! 🤗

3 months ago, WDCSD
National Assistant Principals Week design with school logo and chalk-style pencil, apple, and globe on a textured blue background.

April 4 is National School Librarian Day! 📚

School librarians teach students how to find information, evaluate whether it is trustworthy, and use it effectively. In a world overflowing with content, those skills matter more than ever.

We are proud to have library professionals who equip our students with exactly that!

3 months ago, WDCSD
Celebratory graphic reads “National School Librarian Day” with school logo above, bookshelves below, and warm hanging lights.
Western Dubuque High School Service Learning students have created the Glam Giveback website to support students across our area. This resource allows students to request donated formal attire so everyone has the opportunity to enjoy special events like dances and proms. 💃

To learn more about the Glam Giveback program and request attire, visit https://sites.google.com/view/theglamgiveback?usp=sharing
3 months ago, WDCSD
Curtains with glitter and balloons with text "The Glam Giveback"
Hands-on learning is in full swing in 2nd grade at Peosta Elementary!

Students are strengthening their geometry skills by creating paper quilt blocks for a collaborative classroom quilt, while also stepping into the role of geologists by observing how rocks interact during science.
3 months ago, WDCSD
Student examines and compares small rocks on a desk, holding two pieces while working on a classroom activity.
Student leans over desk, closely inspecting and breaking apart a rock sample during a hands-on science activity.
Student studies a light-colored rock, holding it carefully while other samples rest on black paper nearby.
Display of colorful paper quilt squares arranged in a repeating geometric pattern on a classroom wall.
Student glues paper shapes onto a template, assembling a geometric quilt pattern with scissors and supplies nearby.
Student glues paper shapes onto a template, assembling a geometric quilt pattern with scissors and supplies nearby.
Student applies glue to paper pieces while building a patterned quilt design on a worksheet at their desk.
Dyersville Elementary students are celebrating their participation in State Archery and representing their school with pride! 🎯

Their hard work, focus, and determination led them to this exciting achievement. #wdbqschools
3 months ago, WDCSD
Students shooting archery
Students shooting archery
Two boys standing with an arm around each other.

As a reminder, April 2 and April 6 are teacher comp days, and district offices will be open. On April 3, all buildings and offices will be closed. We hope our students, staff, and families enjoy the long weekend! 🌷

3 months ago, WDCSD
Flowers on red background that says "Spring Break"
Second grade students at Peosta Elementary enjoyed a special agricultural experience while reading with a local farmer. 📚

Their guest even brought along a small visitor that made the day extra memorable for students! 🐷
3 months ago, WDCSD
Adult reads aloud to seated elementary students on a classroom rug during a group lesson.
Five students gather around a bin, gently touching and observing a small pig during a classroom visit.
Student pets a small pig held by an adult while classmates watch with interest in the classroom.
Young student smiles while gently petting a small pig held by an adult, with classmates nearby.
Class group photo with students and an adult holding a small pig, all smiling in a decorated classroom.
Happy Paraprofessional Appreciation Day! 🙌

Our paraprofessionals are mentors, advocates, and trusted adults who help students navigate challenges and celebrate successes.

Thank you, paraprofessionals, for all you do for our school community!
3 months ago, WDCSD
Paraprofessional Appreciation Day on April 1, 2026, with school logo and background of classroom supplies.
Third graders at Farley Elementary have been preparing for ISASP testing with engaging activities in the classroom. Students participated in breakout box challenges designed to practice test examples and strategies in a fun and interactive way! 📚
3 months ago, WDCSD
Three students sit at a table, writing on a worksheet while working with locks and a breakout box activity.
Three students lean over a worksheet, studying clues and tools beside a breakout box during a group challenge.
A teacher sits with students in a circle, explaining a breakout box activity while students listen attentively.