Western Dubuque Community School District

This week, we celebrate the critical work of Mrs. Sarah Smith and Mrs. Laura Foust in #wdbqschools. Their dedication to supporting students’ mental health and well-being makes a lasting impact. From providing guidance and resources to fostering a safe, supportive environment, they play a vital role in helping students thrive. Thank you for your commitment to the well-being of our school community. Your work is truly appreciated.

Western Dubuque High School is looking for a passionate leader to oversee athletics and extracurricular programs, fostering student engagement, school spirit, and a culture of excellence. Key Responsibilities: Lead and support coaches, sponsors, and student programs Manage scheduling, budgets, and facilities Collaborate with staff, families, and the community Promote a positive, inclusive environment for all activities This is a great opportunity to make a lasting impact on students and the school community. Apply today at www.tinyurl.com/wdhsad2025 #wdbqschools

We celebrate the vital work of our elementary school counselors in #wdbqschools. Their dedication to supporting students, staff, and families helps build strong foundations for success. From guiding social-emotional growth to fostering a positive learning environment, they play a key role in shaping the future. Thank you for your commitment to ensuring every young learner has the support and tools they need to thrive. Your impact is felt in every classroom, every day.

This week, we recognize the invaluable contributions of our high school counselors in #wdbqschools. Their dedication to supporting students, staff, and families is essential to our school communities. Whether guiding students through academic and career planning, providing social-emotional support, or working alongside educators to create a positive learning environment, our counselors play a vital role in student success. Thank you for your commitment to ensuring every student has the tools and support they need to thrive. Your impact is felt every day.

This week, February 3-7, 2025, we will celebrate National School Counseling Week by recognizing the vital role our school counselors and mental health counselors play in the success of our students, staff, and families. Their dedication supports academic growth, emotional well-being, and personal development, embodying our core values of putting people first, promoting continual growth, and creating opportunities for all. Join us as we recognize and celebrate these professionals throughout the week. #wdbqschools

Congratulations to our three #wdbqschools state-qualifying wrestlers! Carly Manternach (CJSHS) is heading to the 1A state tournament, while Elli Casey and Ava Pfab will represent WDHS in the 2A competition. These athletes have put in the work, and now it's time to compete at the highest level! The state tournament takes place on Thursday, February 6, and Friday, February 7, at the Xtream Arena in Coralville. Let's rally behind Carly, Elli, and Ava as they take the mat! Best of luck—we’re proud of you! #wdbqschools

Wishing the best of luck to our women wrestlers from Cascade High School and Western Dubuque High School as they compete in the state qualifying tournament today! Your dedication, strength, and perseverance have brought you to this moment—now is the time to showcase your hard work. Compete with confidence, push beyond limits, and leave it all on the mat. Your schools and communities are behind you every step of the way!

Cascade Junior/Senior High School (CJSHS) serves approximately 400 students in grades 6-12 from Cascade, Bernard, Fillmore, Temple Hill, and surrounding communities. CJSHS earned a Commendable rating on the 2024 Iowa School Performance Profile and has achieved this status or High Performing each of the last six years. This reflects our commitment to academic excellence and student success. With 35 school-sponsored activities, CJSHS offers students opportunities to thrive in academics, athletics, fine arts, and extracurricular programs. Recent facility upgrades include a renovated gymnasium, updated classrooms, and improved outdoor spaces. The school is also home to the stunning Ellen Kennedy Auditorium and Performing Arts Center, a cornerstone for our vibrant community. Located in Cascade, CJSHS is proud to collaborate with its community while living out our district values: "People First, Continual Growth, and Opportunities for All."

Speech Success Across the District! Cascade Junior/Senior High School hosted the District Large Group Speech Contest, where four out of eight groups earned a Division I rating and will advance to the State Contest in Decorah on Saturday, February 8th! Advancing groups: Musical Theatre: Legally Blonde One Act: When Bad Things Happen to Good Actors Ensemble Acting: Quick Draw Grandma Group Improv A huge thank you to the coaches and volunteers for making this event a success! Western Dubuque High School also had an outstanding showing at Districts, with five groups advancing to State: Ensemble Acting: Regan Boxleiter and Presten Britton Group Mime: Calvin Blum, Ian Hermsen, and Camrun Werner Group Improv: Calvin Blum, Ian Hermsen, Camrun Werner, and Logan Werner Musical Theatre: Sophia Finzel, Sydney Haxmeier, Etta Lukes, Madison Randall, Haydan Williams, and Evelyn Winkelman Readers Theatre: Elizabeth Bihl, Alanna Boland, Regan Boxleiter, Vienna Hill, Phoebe Huettman, Keenan Klootwyk, Alaina Knepper, Braxton Kremer, Jaclyn Nauman, Ella Sprank, and Logan Werner Congratulations to all students and best of luck at State! #wdbqschools

Peosta Elementary School serves Pre-K through 5th grade students with an enrollment of approximately 430 children from Peosta, Centralia, and surrounding areas. PES is dedicated to fostering a safe, supportive learning environment where students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. The school offers dedicated spaces for regular education, special education, reading intervention, art, music, physical education, transitional kindergarten, a media center, and additional learning spaces. Located in the heart of Peosta, a close-knit and growing community, PES continues to expand and evolve to meet the needs of its students. PES achieved a Commendable ranking on the latest Iowa School Performance Profile and has earned this designation or High Performing status three times in the past six years, reflecting our commitment to academic excellence. At Peosta Elementary, we proudly uphold our district values of "People First, Continual Growth, and Opportunities for All" in everything we do. #wdbqschools

Congratulations to Rylan Smith! Rylan, a vocal soloist from Cascade High School, is 1 of only 24 musicians selected to perform at the 2025 IHSAA State Championship Series! She will sing the National Anthem at the State Wrestling Tournament on Friday, February 21, at 9:00 AM (Session 7). We are so proud of Rylan for representing Western Dubuque and Cascade High School with this incredible honor! #wdbqschools

📢 Join Our Team! Are you ready to lead and make an impact? Western Dubuque Schools is seeking a Director of Buildings and Grounds to help us continue our tradition of excellence. With 8 schools spanning 555 square miles, our district is rooted in strong community values and a commitment to providing opportunities for all. Join a district where small-town pride meets educational success! 💼 Position Highlights: Lead facilities management, construction oversight, and operational leadership. Collaborate with teams to manage schedules, budgets, and facility upgrades. Be part of a district that puts people first and values opportunities for all. 📅 Application Deadline: February 23, 2025. 📍 Interviews: Late February/Early March. 🔗 Apply now: tinyurl.com/WDBandG2025 📞 Questions? Contact Dr. Dan Butler at dan.butler@wdbqschools.org or call 563-663-9461. The full job description can be found at tinyurl.com/WDCCSDBandG2025. Be the leader who helps us grow better every day.

Western Dubuque High School (WDHS) serves approximately 930 students in grades 9-12 from Dyersville, Epworth, Farley, Peosta, and surrounding communities. WDHS earned a High Performing rating on the 2024 Iowa School Performance Profile—its third time in six years! This reflects our commitment to academic excellence and student success. With 43 school-sponsored activities, WDHS offers a wide range of opportunities in academics, athletics, fine arts, and extracurriculars. Recent building upgrades include spaces for career and technical education, fine arts, athletics, a media center, and a new production kitchen and cafeteria. Located in Epworth, WDHS is supported by a growing community and proudly upholds our district values: "People First, Continual Growth, and Opportunities for All." #wdbqschools

Due to an extended extreme cold warning issued by the National Weather Service and dangerous wind chills in our area, there will be no school in Western Dubuque Schools on Tuesday, January 21. If you must travel, please use caution and stay safe. #wdbqschools

Exciting news for Cascade High School alumni and baseball fans! Colin Rea, a 2008 graduate of Cascade High School, has signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Chicago Cubs for the 2025 season, including a club option for 2026. After his time at Cascade, Rea played college baseball at the University of Northern Iowa, St. Petersburg College, and Indiana State University. He previously pitched for the Cubs during the 2020 season and has since gained valuable experience with other teams. This signing brings Rea back to Chicago, where he is expected to add depth to the Cubs' pitching rotation. Join us in celebrating Colin's return to the Cubs and wishing him success in the upcoming season! #wdbqschools

As a reminder, there will be no school tomorrow, Monday, January 20, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 21. #wdbqschools

As a reminder, there will be no school on Monday, January 20. Western Dubuque Schools will observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, as outlined in the school board-approved district calendar. We look forward to seeing students on Tuesday, January 21. #wdbqschools

Congratulations to Western Dubuque High School Baseball Coach Casey Bryant on his induction into the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Coach Bryant's leadership has guided the Bobcats to over 600 victories, seven state tournament appearances, and back-to-back state championships in 2022 and 2023. This honor reflects his dedication and the excellence he has instilled in the program. #wdbqschools

Cascade Elementary serves Pre-K through 5th grade students with an enrollment of approximately 310 children from Cascade and surrounding areas, including Temple Hill, Fillmore, and Bernard. CES earned Exceptional status on the 2019-2020 Iowa School Performance Profile, one of only 25 schools statewide to receive this honor. Additionally, Cascade Elementary has been recognized as High Performing three times in the past four years. The building features 15 regular education classrooms, dedicated spaces for special education, reading intervention, art, music, physical education, English Learner instruction, a media center, and more, with expansions over the years to meet growing needs. CES is located just three blocks east of downtown Cascade, a small and supportive community of about 2,300 residents. At Cascade Elementary, we are proud to embody the values of "People First, Continual Growth, and Opportunities for All" in everything we do. #wdbqschools

In Western Dubuque, every moment is an opportunity to connect, grow, and inspire—whether through the harmonies of our music programs or the energy of our classrooms. Together, we’re shaping brighter futures. #wdbqschools