Western Dubuque Community School District

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

📢 We're Hiring: Director of Food & Nutrition Services! The Western Dubuque County Community School District is seeking a dedicated leader to oversee our food and nutrition services. This role is vital in ensuring students receive high-quality, nutritious meals while managing operations, compliance, and financial oversight. 🔹 Key Responsibilities: Lead and develop a team of food service professionals Oversee financial management and regulatory compliance Ensure high standards in meal quality and service Drive innovation in school nutrition programs 🔹 What We’re Looking For: Expertise in food service management and leadership Strong financial and operational skills Knowledge of K-12 nutritional guidelines Ability to manage multiple priorities and foster team growth Do you have the vision and expertise to lead our food and nutrition services to new heights? Apply today and be part of our commitment to student wellness and success! #wdbqschools 📌 Application: www.tinyurl.com/wdccsdfsn

🌟 Celebrating Abilities, Embracing Inclusion! 🌟 March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and we are proud to celebrate the incredible students in our district who inspire us every day with their talents, determination, and unique strengths. Let’s continue to build Opportunities For All and a community where everyone belongs, where differences are celebrated, and where all students have the opportunities to grow and thrive! #wdbqschools

Out of an abundance of caution, Western Dubuque Schools will be closed today, Wednesday, March 5, due to anticipated dangerously high winds and blowing snow, creating hazardous travel conditions. Please stay safe. #wdbqschools

Farley Elementary School serves students in grades PK-5, providing a supportive and engaging learning environment where students are encouraged to explore, grow, and succeed. At FES, we celebrate achievements, nurture curiosity, and lay the foundation for lifelong learning. Over the past six years, Farley Elementary has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, earning an Exceptional ranking once, a High Performing ranking once, a Commendable ranking three times, and an Acceptable ranking once on the Iowa School Performance Profile. These distinctions reflect our dedication to student success and continuous improvement. Beyond the classroom, we offer a range of programs and activities designed to enrich student learning and foster growth in academics, the arts, and extracurricular involvement. With a dedicated staff and a supportive community, we strive to create an environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive. At Farley Elementary, we believe every student deserves to feel valued and supported. Guided by the district’s core values—People First, Growth, and Opportunities for All—we work alongside families and the community to cultivate a love for learning and achievement. #wdbqschools

We are pleased to announce that Kevin Maiers has accepted the offer to serve as the next Director of Buildings and Grounds for Western Dubuque Schools, pending Board approval. Kevin will assume this responsibility July 1. Kevin has been a dedicated member of our maintenance department since 2010, consistently stepping up as a leader and earning the trust of his colleagues through his strong skill set and reliability. His expertise spans industrial maintenance, electrical work, emergency management, carpentry, plumbing, HVAC, concrete, and more—making him an invaluable asset to our district. Beyond his technical skills, Kevin’s calm and steady leadership will be instrumental in maintaining and improving our facilities to ensure safe, efficient, and well-managed operations for students, staff, and the community. He will be stepping into this role following the retirement of Bob Hingtgen, who has served Western Dubuque Schools with dedication for over 30 years. We are grateful for Bob’s commitment and leadership, and we look forward to honoring his contributions as he transitions into retirement. #wdbqschools

Due to school cancellations on January 21 and February 12, make-up days will occur as outlined in the WDCCSD 2024-2025 School Calendar. School will be in session on: Wednesday, April 16 (one-hour early dismissal, per our typical Wednesday schedule) Tuesday, April 22 There will be no school on April 17, 18, and 21, as originally scheduled on the school calendar. At this time, a definitive last day for students has not been determined, as we are still in the winter season. We will finalize and communicate the last student day by mid-April. Thank you for your support and engagement. #wdbqschools

The WDHS bowling season has officially come to a close. Huge congratulations to Ethan Potter on his 3rd place finish at the Iowa Class 2A State Tournament, bowling a 268 in his final game! Congrats also to David Pettera for qualifying for the individual tournament! #wdbqschools

In the Western Dubuque County Community School District (WDCCSD), we are proud to serve our students, families, and community through eight outstanding schools. With more than 600 dedicated staff members, we are committed to putting people first, fostering growth, and ensuring opportunities for all. Public schools are the foundation of strong communities, and we are grateful for the educators, students, and families who make WDCCSD a place where learning thrives. This week, we celebrate the impact of public education and the bright future ahead. #wdbqschools

Best of luck to Lanie Kennicker from WDHS as she competes in the Iowa Class 2A State Bowling Tournament in Waterloo! Go Bobcats! #wdbqschools

Good luck to the Cascade Cougars boys' basketball team as they head to Manchester to face Jesup in the IHSAA District 6 Finals! Tip-off is at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, February 25. Bring your best and leave it all on the court! #wdbqschools

Good luck to the Western Dubuque Men’s Basketball team as they take on Wahlert in the Class 3A Substate Quarterfinals tonight at 7:00 PM! The action takes place at Dubuque Wahlert High School. Let’s go, Bobcats! #wdbqschools

Epworth Elementary School serves students in grades PK-5, providing a strong foundation for lifelong learning. EES is a place where curiosity is encouraged, achievements are celebrated, and students are supported in reaching their full potential. Over the past six years, Epworth Elementary has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, earning a High Performing ranking three times and a Commendable ranking three times on the Iowa School Performance Profile. These results reflect an unwavering commitment to student success and high-quality education. Beyond academics, EES offers a variety of programs and activities that promote growth in the classroom, the arts, and extracurricular involvement. Our dedicated staff and supportive community work together to create an environment where every student can thrive. At Epworth Elementary, we take pride in fostering a culture where every student feels valued. Guided by the district's core values—People First, Growth, and Opportunities for All—we partner with families and the community to inspire learning, engagement, and achievement. #wdbqschools