Western Dubuque Community School District

Preschool students in Miss Lindsey’s classroom are learning all about pets by naming animals that can be pets, sharing photos of their own, talking about how to care for them, and welcoming special pet visitors into the classroom. 🐾

Our 5th graders celebrated writing by sharing fictional narrative stories inspired by characters from our novel study, The Phantom Tollbooth. ✏️

It’s Dental Health Month! Here are some simple tips to keep in mind:

✅ Brush your teeth twice a day
✅ Floss every single day
✅ Avoid excess sugary foods and drinks
✅ Schedule regular dental checkups

Small changes today can lead to big results down the road. Remember: it’s never too early to develop a good habit! 🦷

Career and Technical Education Month highlights the hands-on learning happening in our Intro to Engineering and Design course. Students use Autodesk Inventor and the design process to solve real-world problems while building skills in teamwork, communication, quality control, and technical documentation. 🛠️

This year, the course serves 43 students across grade levels as they explore future opportunities in design engineering and related careers!

Fifth graders at Peosta Elementary are diving into science by learning all about yeast! Students are creating and caring for their own sourdough starters, observing yeast in action through hands-on experiments—and even taste testing homemade sourdough bread as part of the learning process. 🍞

Students in Mrs. Messer's kindergarten class enjoyed a variety of hands-on activities as they celebrated 100 days of learning together. It was a fun-filled milestone that highlighted growth, creativity, and teamwork! 💯

What happens when you ask preschoolers to wait before eating a marshmallow? At Epworth Elementary, these young learners are building self-control and patience through playful activities like Red Light, Green Light, freeze dances, bubbles, and, of course, marshmallows. 🍬

In their latest challenge, students had to choose whether to eat one marshmallow right away or wait five minutes to earn a second one. They smelled it, touched it, stared at it, and showed impressive focus along the way. An incredible 95% chose to wait, demonstrating strong self-control and patience. This fun and tasty experiment helped students practice skills that support learning and growth for years to come.

WDCCSD was well represented on the state mat this week. Congratulations to Elli Casey and Ava Pfab on earning 5th place at the Iowa Class 2A State Wrestling Tournament, and to Carly Manternach for finishing 8th place in Class 1A. Each competed with toughness, composure, and pride while representing their schools and communities at the highest level. We’re proud of the work, resilience, and example these student-athletes continue to set. Better Every Day. #wdbqschools

We went on a number hunt at Peosta Elementary! Students made learning fun by searching for numbers throughout the hallways while practicing important math skills. 🔢

We are lucky to have Ms. Decker from Dubuque County ISU Extension and Outreach visit our Farley Elementary third graders each month! In January, she taught students an engaging lesson about how the heart works. 🫀

Dubuque County Conservation visited our 3rd graders at Farley Elementary this month, bringing Iowa wildlife learning to life! 🐢

Students explored animals like salamanders, turtles, and snakes. They also discovered the five elements every habitat needs: food, water, shelter, space, and arrangement.

During National School Counseling Week, we're also shining a light on the mental health counselors who provide critical support to our students:

🌟 Laura Foust, Western Dubuque High School & Cascade High School
🌟 Sarah Smith, District-Wide

Your care and support make a profound difference in our students' lives each and every day. Thank you! 🙏

February is Financial Aid Awareness Month, and we want students to know that help is available to fund your college education! 🎓✨

From grants to work-study opportunities, there are many options. In fact, most families qualify for some level of financial aid. The most important thing you can do is fill out the FAFSA, so you know what level of support is available to you.

Get started with your application at https://www.fafsa.gov.

During Career and Technical Education Month, we’re proud to recognize the impact of agricultural education at Cascade High School—where 33% of the student body takes an agriculture class. Through Cascade FFA, students are learning leadership, responsibility, and service while giving back to the community. 🌾

This year, FFA members have supported local nursing homes, schools, veterans, and families through community meals, food pantry donations, Ag Safety Day activities, holiday support, and service projects across Cascade.

Their dedication reflects the FFA motto and the value of career and technical education in agriculture!

Cascade Junior Senior High School held a send-off celebration for state-qualifying wrestlers Carly Manternach and Sophia Stephan!

Students and staff showed their support with music and school spirit, including 6th grade teacher Mr. Ben Urbain joining the band on the drum! 🤼‍♀️🥁

During National School Counseling Week, we're celebrating the elementary school counselors who help our youngest learners build strong foundations for success:

🌟 Jane Boffeli, Farley Elementary
🌟 Carrie Elsinger, Epworth Elementary
🌟 Ashley Gansen, Cascade Elementary
🌟 Christine Jasper, Peosta Elementary
🌟 Chelsey Pederson, Dyersville Elementary

Thank you for the incredible impact you have on our students!

Continuing National School Counseling Week, we're turning our attention to the wonderful high school counselors serving our students:

🌟 Emily Phillips, Western Dubuque High School
🌟 Kyle Webber, Cascade High School
🌟 Casey Bryant, Western Dubuque High School
🌟 Carrie Edgin, Western Dubuque High School

Thank you for your commitment to helping our students reach their full potential! 🌱

As National School Counseling Week rolls on, we're recognizing the middle school counselors who guide students through one of the most transformative periods of their lives:

🌟 Kara Bryte, Drexler Middle School
🌟 Max Steffen, Drexler Middle School

We appreciate your dedication to our students every single day. Thank you so much! 🤗

Happy Groundhog Day!

Tradition tells us that the groundhog's shadow holds the key to our weather forecast for the next several weeks. If the groundhog emerges and sees their shadow, winter stays. No shadow means spring is coming early!

What’s your prediction? 🤔