Western Dubuque Community School District

We’re excited to welcome Rich Hatcher back to Western Dubuque—pending school board approval—as the next Assistant Principal and Activities Director at Drexler Middle School! Rich most recently served as principal of Kennedy Elementary in the Dubuque Community School District. Prior to that, he spent seven years as the assistant principal at Western Dubuque High School. His commitment to students, staff, and our community makes him a great fit for DMS. Welcome back, Mr. Hatcher! #wdbqschools Photo Credit: Dubuque Community School District

We are thrilled to recognize Mr. Ryan Hoerner, a dedicated educator and coach at Western Dubuque High School, on receiving the prestigious 2025 Wickham Educational Service Award. Mr. Hoerner's commitment to student success, both in the classroom and on the field, has left a lasting mark on our community. His passion for teaching and mentoring has inspired countless students to achieve their best. Join us in congratulating Mr. Hoerner on this well-deserved recognition! #wdbqschools Photo Credit: Dyersville Commercial

May is School Board Recognition Month, and we’re proud to shine a light on the dedicated individuals who help guide our district forward. Thank you to our Western Dubuque School Board members for your leadership, service, and commitment to students: • Mark Tilson, Vice President • Mike Rea • Kari Krogman • Jody Willging • Jessica Pape, President You are a guiding light for student success, and we are grateful for all you do! #wdbqschools

Another incredible season in the books for our Bobcat Girls Golf team! After finishing 5th last year, the team returned to the State Tournament and earned a 6th place finish in Class 4A. Their consistent excellence, dedication, and team-first mindset continue to make us proud. Well done, Bobcats—you’ve set the bar high once again! #wdbqschools

The Bobcats are headed to state! Best of luck to our WDHS Girls Golf Team as they compete in the Class 4A State Golf Tournament at Pleasant Valley Golf Course in Iowa City! #wdbqschools

Last week, Western Dubuque Schools received a $1,000 anonymous donation to help pay off student meal account debt across the District. Acts like this are what make our school communities special. Thank you to our donors for making a difference! #wdbqschools

State Track Standouts! Congratulations to our outstanding Western Dubuque and Cascade High School athletes for their impressive performances at the Iowa State Track & Field Meet. Your hard work and determination made WDCCSD proud! Western Dubuque High School: State Champion – Distance Medley: Drew Burds, Ben Wernimont, Symon McDermott, Quentin Nauman State Champion – 800, 1600, 3200: Quentin Nauman Shot Put – 2nd Place: Garret Kluesner 4x400 – 6th Place: Symon McDermott, Drew Bergfeld, Grey Knepper, John FitzPatrick 4x200 – 8th Place: Dilan Lopez, Drew Bergfeld, Drew Burds, John FitzPatrick Discus – 8th Place: Justin Kurt Sprint Medley – 4th Place: Allie Graber, Lucy Ehlers, Macy Kalb, Haley Williams 4x100 - 4th Place: Haley Williams, Macy Kalb, Lucy Ehlers, Claire Stuntz Shuttle Hurdle – 6th Place: Lexi Vogel, Mya Hogrefe, Addison Mohr, Macy Kalb 100 Hurdles – 6th Place: Macy Kalb 400 - 8th Place: Haley Williams Cascade High School: Ambulatory Shot Put – 1st Place: Josie Green Ambulatory 100 – 2nd Place: Josie Green Ambulatory 200 – 2nd Place: Josie Green 100 Hurdles – 4th Place: Kate Green 4x200 – 4th Place: Jake Hosch, Tanner Topping, Tate Hosch, Spencer Casey 200 – 8th Place: Jake Hosch High Jump – 8th Place: Spencer Casey Incredible efforts by all! Your commitment and grit represent the very best of Bobcat and Cougar athletics. #wdbqschools Photo Credit: Iowa High School Athletic Association

Congratulations, Class of 2025! This past weekend, the gyms at Cascade and Western Dubuque were filled with joy, pride, and celebration as our graduates crossed the stage and tossed their caps in the air. To our seniors: your dedication, leadership, and perseverance have left a lasting mark on our schools and communities. As you take your next steps, know that you carry with you the strength of Cougar and Bobcat pride. Thank you to the families, staff, and community members who supported these students every step of the way. The future is brighter because of them. Well done, Class of 2025 — you made it! #wdbqschools

As graduation approaches this Sunday, our seniors took part in a powerful tradition—returning to the elementary schools where it all began. The annual graduation walk is more than a celebration—it's a chance to reflect, to say thank you, and to inspire the next generation. You could see the pride in the smiles, the joy in the high-fives, and the emotion in every hallway. Staff who once guided these students as children now cheered them on as young adults ready to take their next step. To our seniors—thank you for coming home one more time. And to our elementary students—your future is bright. Graduation is taking place on Sunday, May 18. Ceremonies at CHS begin at 12:30, while WDHS will take place at 2:00 PM. #wdbqschools

On National Teacher Appreciation Day, we honor the educators who bring our district’s mission to life—developing individuals through lasting education and opportunities. In Western Dubuque Schools, teachers are not just instructors—they are mentors, leaders, and difference-makers. Every day, they model our core values by prioritizing people, embracing continual growth, and creating opportunities for all. Whether guiding students through new learning, sparking curiosity, or offering support through life’s challenges, our teachers build the foundation for a brighter future. These images are just a glimpse into the passion, care, and excellence they bring to their classrooms and communities. To our WD teachers: thank you for your commitment to students and for making our district better every day. #wdbqschools

This week, we proudly celebrate the nearly 300 dedicated teachers across Western Dubuque Schools who inspire, support, and empower our students every day. Whether it's in classrooms, labs, music rooms, or shop floors, our teachers meet the unique needs of learners with care, creativity, and compassion. Thank you for making a difference—one student at a time. #wdbqschools

Today, we celebrate the 3,600+ reasons we’re grateful—our students—and the extraordinary team that nourishes them daily across 8 buildings in the Western Dubuque Community School District. To our school nutrition professionals: you are the heart of our schools. From early mornings to the final lunch tray, you serve more than meals—you serve kindness, care, and consistency. You ensure every child is fed, welcomed, and ready to learn. Your dedication doesn't go unnoticed. You are our everyday heroes, and today, we honor you. Thank you for all that you do! #wdbqschools

Today we celebrate the unsung heroes of Western Dubuque Schools—our incredible office professionals. Your organization, support, and care keep our schools running smoothly. Thank you for all you do for our students, staff, and community. #wdbqschools

📣 Western Dubuque Families – Schedule Reminder As we move into the final stretch of the school year, here’s a quick reminder about upcoming calendar adjustments and key end-of-year dates: 🗓️ Make-Up Days • Wednesday, April 16 – School is in session with a 1-hour early dismissal (standard Wednesday schedule) • Tuesday, April 22 – Full day of school • No school on April 17, 18, and 21, as originally scheduled 🎓 End-of-Year Dates • May 15 – Last day for seniors • May 16 – Graduation practice • May 21 – Last day for 3-day preschool (1-hour early dismissal) • May 22 – Last day for 4-day preschool • May 23 – Last day for TK–11th grade (2-hour early dismissal) Please contact your building office with any questions. Thank you for your continued support as we finish the year strong! 📄 Full calendar: 2024–2025 WDCCSD Calendar

As the school year winds down, here are the final academic dates for students in Western Dubuque: May 15 – Last day for seniors May 16 – Graduation practice for seniors May 21 – Last day for 3-day preschool (1-hour early dismissal) May 22 – Last day for 4-day preschool May 23 – Last day for TK–11th grade students (2-hour early dismissal) Please contact your child’s school with any questions. Let’s finish the year strong! #wdbqschools

Paraprofessionals are the heart of our schools, providing essential support to students and staff every day. In #wdbqschools, we are fortunate to have over 100 dedicated paraprofessionals across our eight buildings who make a lasting impact on learning and growth. Their commitment, patience, and care help ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed. On this National Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, we extend our deepest gratitude for all they do. Thank you for making a difference!

We are thrilled to welcome Clif Cameron back to Western Dubuque as our next Director of Food and Nutrition Services! After a thorough selection process, Clif emerged as the top candidate due to his extensive experience in food and nutrition services, including operational management, compliance, and student wellness. Clif previously served as our Director of Food and Nutrition Services from 2014 to 2020 and has most recently worked as a Food Program Consultant for Iowa Area Education Agencies. His leadership emphasizes collaboration, efficiency, and a commitment to providing high-quality meals that support student success. Join us in giving Clif a warm welcome as he returns to WDCCSD! We’re excited for the impact he will have on our students and school community. #wdbqschools

The WDCCSD school board has approved the 2025-2026 school calendar. Visit www.tinyurl.com/wdccsd2526calendars to view the K-12 and Preschool calendars. #wdbqschools

Please join us in welcoming Scott Kriegel as the next Activities Director at Western Dubuque High School! Pending board approval, Scott will officially begin his role on July 1, 2025, as Tyler Lown transitions to the Iowa High School Athletic Association. With over 20 years of experience as an Activities Director, most recently at Center Point-Urbana, Scott is a proven leader who values collaboration, strategic thinking, and student development. His commitment to creating meaningful extracurricular opportunities will greatly benefit our students, coaches, and programs. Welcome to Western Dubuque, Scott! We look forward to the impact you will make. #wdbqschools

Each month, the WDCCSD School Board visits one of our eight schools to learn about focus areas and progress. This month, they visited Western Dubuque High School, where Principal Ethan Lensch and Assistant Principal Andrew Carbajal shared updates on improved grades, the Student Assistance Team process, and higher attendance. Strong systems of support are allowing WDHS to perform as one of the best high schools in Iowa, as measured by the School Performance Profile! During the visit, agricultural students showcased their learning by presenting a creative skit on solar energy’s impact on farming. Their well-researched and engaging performance sparked meaningful discussion among board members and administrators. These visits highlight the great work happening in our schools and the dedication of our students and staff! #wdbqschools