The 2026–27 school year is off to a strong start, and there is a lot to share! Read the latest Cardinal Community Newsletter (link: https://app.smore.com/n/rwz1a) for the full story, and check out these highlights below.
🗳️ BOND ELECTION — IMPORTANT COMMUNITY NEWS
Our school board has approved a resolution calling for a bond election to be placed on the November 3, 2026 Statewide General Election ballot. This bond would finance capital improvements for our district, with an academic focus that includes the addition of a cafeteria and kitchen. More details are coming soon. In the meantime, we invite you to see the facilities for yourself:
📅 Community Open House & Tours
Tuesday, October 20 — 7:00–8:30 PM
Saturday, October 24 — 2:00–3:30 PM
If you are interested in serving on the bond information committee, please email Dr. Braden.
🏫 BACK TO SCHOOL — STRONG START
80% of incoming 7th-grade families attended orientation — a fantastic turnout!
Online registration saw record participation and streamlined back-to-school prep for families across the district.
K–3 teachers completed training for a new statewide reading and math screener to better support every student's growth.
Teachers are implementing bi-weekly gap analysis checks to target instruction and identify learning needs early.
📣 ATTENDANCE REPORTING — NEW PROCESS
To make communication easier for families, all Elementary attendance changes should now be sent to one address:
📧 Attendance-Elementary@dtcardinals.org
This includes illnesses, vacations, appointments, bus changes, late arrivals, and early dismissals. You can always call the Elementary Office as well.
🍽️ 2026–27 MEAL PRICES
Board-approved meal prices for the new school year are in effect. Our prices remain at or below the ESU 9 regional average:
• Student Breakfast: $1.95 | K–6 Lunch: $2.95 | 7–12 Lunch: $3.25
Families may qualify for free or reduced-price meals — apply anytime at dtcardinals.org. For questions, contact Shelly Williams at swilliams@dtcardinals.org or 402-845-2282.
🏈 FALL ATHLETICS ARE UNDERWAY!
Cardinals are competing! First contests are here — catch the Cardinals in softball, volleyball, cross country, football, and girls golf. Check the full schedule at dtcardinals.org and livestream home games via Hudl.
🎓 COMMUNITY SUPPORT SPOTLIGHT
A generous $5,000 donation in memory of Candice Unger supports Band, Choir, and student financial assistance.
Central Community College awarded D-T a $7,000 grant to expand CTE programs and purchase new equipment.
📅 UPCOMING DATES
Sept 7 — No School (Labor Day)
Sept 30 — Parent-Teacher Conferences, 4–8 PM
Oct 1 — No School & PT Conferences, 4–8 PM
Oct 2 — No School
Oct 20 & Oct 24 — Bond Election Open Houses
Read the full newsletter and stay connected:
🌐 dtcardinals.org | 📘 /doniphantrumbullschool | 📸 @dtcardinals