Western Dubuque Community School District

Epworth Elementary 5th graders are learning about agriculture through the Agriculture in the Classroom program with the Dubuque County Farm Bureau.

Mrs. Rachel visits monthly to teach how products like meat, cereal, and ethanol go from research to finished goods! 🌾

3 months ago, WDCSD

Students kneel on a classroom floor arranging printed photos in a line while a teacher observes nearby.

Seven students sit in a circle on the floor, examining and discussing printed images together.

A teacher stands with students gathered around as one student shares printed photos during a classroom activity.

Six students sit in a circle, holding and comparing printed photos spread on the classroom floor.

A teacher speaks to a group of students gathered near a window, with printed images laid out along the floor.

Students sit and kneel around a rug, sorting and discussing printed photos during a small-group classroom task.

Students cluster around desks while a teacher guides them in reviewing a line of printed images on the floor.

Cascade Junior High students are making a meaningful impact through service and compassion. Three 7th grade students recently organized a merchandise fundraiser to support classmate Beau Harvey as he continues his recovery. 💙

Through their efforts, bracelets and T-shirts were sold to help Beau’s family, while also bringing the community together in support of Beau Day. Their project is a great example of students using kindness and teamwork to make a difference.

We are proud of these students for showing what it means to care for one another!

Read the article here: https://archive.ph/6wZnA#selection-1665.0-2313.315

Photo credit: Bennett Ludwig via Cascade Pioneer

3 months ago, WDCSD

Two girls sit side by side, smiling at a table with papers, in front of a sparkly backdrop at a school event.

March is National Nutrition Month! 🍎✨

Good nutrition is a key part of a well-rounded education. We're proud to support healthy eating habits and grateful to the staff and families who help reinforce those habits every day.

3 months ago, WDCSD

As a reminder, due to weather cancellations earlier this winter, the following updates have been made to our school calendar this week:

• Wednesday, April 1 — one-hour early dismissal
• Tuesday, April 7 — school in session

There will be no school on:
• Thursday, April 2
• Friday, April 3
• Monday, April 6

At this time, the final day of school for students has not been finalized. We will share that update in the coming week.

#wdbqschools

3 months ago, WDCCSD

Dyersville Elementary students had a special visit thanks to Mrs. Hoeger, one of our 2nd grade paraprofessionals, who brought in goats and lambs to share with the class! Her husband and grandchildren joined in, helping students hold and gently pet them. 🐐

This hands-on experience brought plenty of smiles and created a memorable learning moment for everyone involved!

3 months ago, WDCSD

Students at Epworth Elementary explored the world of owls with Dubuque County Conservationist Taylor Schaefers! 🦉

Fifth grade students connected their reading of “Hoot” to hands-on learning by dissecting owl pellets and examining feathers, skulls, and taxidermy owls.

3 months ago, WDCSD

Community partnership is what Peosta Elementary Bobcats are all about! First grade classrooms are partnering with Project Rooted to connect students with fresh, local food and hands-on nutrition education right in their school. 🌱

These experiences help foster healthy habits from a young age while building meaningful connections to the community.

3 months ago, WDCSD

Dyersville Elementary students and staff enjoyed a fun and meaningful Artist in Residence experience featuring “Billy Goats Gruff!” 📚

The light-hearted story of kindness kept everyone laughing while sharing an important message.

3 months ago, WDCSD

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!

3 months ago, WDCSD

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! 🎨

3 months ago, WDCSD

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

3 months ago, WDCSD

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. 🐾

3 months 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!

3 months ago, WDCSD

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.

3 months ago, WDCSD

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.

3 months 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

3 months 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! ❤️

3 months 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

3 months ago, WDCCSD

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! 💪

3 months ago, WDCSD

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! 🧸

3 months ago, WDCSD