The results are in for our Homecoming Hallway Decorating Contest!
Our students did an incredible job bringing creativity, teamwork, and school spirit to our halls. Here is how our classes placed this year:
1st Place: Juniors
2nd Place: Sophomores
3rd Place: Freshmen
4th Place: Seniors
Check out the photos below, displayed in order from 1st place to 4th place (2 per class)! Huge shout-out to all of our students for their hard work!
Our students did an incredible job bringing creativity, teamwork, and school spirit to our halls. Here is how our classes placed this year:
1st Place: Juniors
2nd Place: Sophomores
3rd Place: Freshmen
4th Place: Seniors
Check out the photos below, displayed in order from 1st place to 4th place (2 per class)! Huge shout-out to all of our students for their hard work!
We are thrilled to celebrate this year’s Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal, Andrea Raker and Student Parade Chair Kenzi Wallroff!
Behind all the exciting events this week is a mountain of hard work, planning, and dedication. We want to extend a massive shout-out to our Student Council sponsors, Jennie Paxson and Diana Porras, for guiding our Student Council and bringing endless energy and organization to Homecoming week.
We also appreciate all the MCSD staff who helped in planning and preparing for the week of celebrating school PRIDE! Go Cardinals!
Our High School students kicked off Homecoming week today with incredible energy, creativity, and school spirit!
Students celebrated the start of the week with PJ Day and hallway decorating. It was amazing to watch their preplanned designs come to life as each class collaborated to bring maximum creativity to our halls. Throughout the week, students will participate in class competitions, working toward ownership of the “Cardinal Spirit Stick!”
Tomorrow promises even more fun with an assembly of friendly challenges, including Pie the Coach, Duct Tape Wall, an Eating Competition, Human Knot, and Simon Says. We take so much pride in seeing our students connect, work together, and represent our school community so well. Here’s to celebrating our current students as well as those from the past! Go Cardinals!
Stay tuned for more pictures of the Hallway Contest…
Students celebrated the start of the week with PJ Day and hallway decorating. It was amazing to watch their preplanned designs come to life as each class collaborated to bring maximum creativity to our halls. Throughout the week, students will participate in class competitions, working toward ownership of the “Cardinal Spirit Stick!”
Tomorrow promises even more fun with an assembly of friendly challenges, including Pie the Coach, Duct Tape Wall, an Eating Competition, Human Knot, and Simon Says. We take so much pride in seeing our students connect, work together, and represent our school community so well. Here’s to celebrating our current students as well as those from the past! Go Cardinals!
Stay tuned for more pictures of the Hallway Contest…
Middle School Newsletter Correction!
Our preschoolers had a wonderful day exploring, sharing, and practicing our classroom rules! Through clear, consistent expectations and continuous support from our amazing teaching team—Miss Molly, Miss Kaitlyn, and Miss Maddie (bonus today was having a speech lesson with Mr. Budde)—our students are building strong habits of kindness and teamwork.
Whether it was taking turns at learning centers, using kind words with friends, or celebrating great choices during carpet time, the kids showed us just how much fun collaborative learning can be.
A huge thank you to Miss Molly, Miss Kaitlyn, Miss Maddie, and Mr. Budde for creating such a warm, supportive environment where every child gets the chance to practice, learn, and shine! We are so proud of the progress our little learners are making each day.
Whether it was taking turns at learning centers, using kind words with friends, or celebrating great choices during carpet time, the kids showed us just how much fun collaborative learning can be.
A huge thank you to Miss Molly, Miss Kaitlyn, Miss Maddie, and Mr. Budde for creating such a warm, supportive environment where every child gets the chance to practice, learn, and shine! We are so proud of the progress our little learners are making each day.
Exciting things are happening in 2nd grade at Cardinal Elementary!
Today, I had the privilege of stepping into our 2nd-grade classrooms to see our new math curriculum, enVision by Savvas, in action—all while students and staff kicked off Maquoketa Homecoming week in cozy fashion for Pajama Day!
Even in their comfy PJs, our students were wide awake and focused on learning. Our new math focus is centered on student-led learning—giving students the opportunity to explore, talk through their thinking, and discover multiple pathways to solve problems.
Working toward the same learning target, students in Ms. Bahlmann's and Mrs. Dostal's classrooms engaged in interactive "math talks," exploring how flexible numbers can be as they practiced making a 10 to add quickly and accurately. Meanwhile, students in Mrs. Brown's room utilized partner talks to think critically, collaborate, and problem-solve together! Seeing them share different strategies and explain their reasoning was incredible!
This smooth transition into our new curriculum is a true team effort. Our teachers teamed up directly with Cardinal Instructional Coach, Mrs. Hughes, to co-teach across key parts of the lesson—leading math talks, guiding visual learning, and driving hands-on problem solving together.
Kudos to our 2nd-grade team for embracing new instructional strategies and creating multiple pathways for every learner to succeed! Happy Homecoming Week, Cardinals!
Today, I had the privilege of stepping into our 2nd-grade classrooms to see our new math curriculum, enVision by Savvas, in action—all while students and staff kicked off Maquoketa Homecoming week in cozy fashion for Pajama Day!
Even in their comfy PJs, our students were wide awake and focused on learning. Our new math focus is centered on student-led learning—giving students the opportunity to explore, talk through their thinking, and discover multiple pathways to solve problems.
Working toward the same learning target, students in Ms. Bahlmann's and Mrs. Dostal's classrooms engaged in interactive "math talks," exploring how flexible numbers can be as they practiced making a 10 to add quickly and accurately. Meanwhile, students in Mrs. Brown's room utilized partner talks to think critically, collaborate, and problem-solve together! Seeing them share different strategies and explain their reasoning was incredible!
This smooth transition into our new curriculum is a true team effort. Our teachers teamed up directly with Cardinal Instructional Coach, Mrs. Hughes, to co-teach across key parts of the lesson—leading math talks, guiding visual learning, and driving hands-on problem solving together.
Kudos to our 2nd-grade team for embracing new instructional strategies and creating multiple pathways for every learner to succeed! Happy Homecoming Week, Cardinals!
HOMECOMING WEEK IS HERE!
Homecoming is a special time to celebrate our students, activities, schools, alumni, and all the wonderful things happening throughout the Maquoketa community! We are excited for a fun week filled with school spirit, connection, and Cardinal pride.
Please review the attached graphics for this week’s dress-up days so your family is ready to participate.
🎉 HOMECOMING PARADE
📅 Wednesday
⏰ 5:00 p.m.
The parade typically lasts approximately 30 minutes, allowing families and students to participate in other Wednesday evening community activities.
In addition, our Cardinal and Briggs students will be joining the High School Pep Rally on Friday, September 18th at 9:30. The Middle School will have their own Pep Rally at 8:30 am on Friday, September 18th with High School Student Athletes and Activities representatives joining them at the MS.
We hope our families, alumni, and community members will join us in celebrating the many opportunities available to our students and everything that makes Maquoketa a great place to be!
Let’s make it a wonderful Homecoming Week—Go Cardinals! ❤️🖤
Homecoming is a special time to celebrate our students, activities, schools, alumni, and all the wonderful things happening throughout the Maquoketa community! We are excited for a fun week filled with school spirit, connection, and Cardinal pride.
Please review the attached graphics for this week’s dress-up days so your family is ready to participate.
🎉 HOMECOMING PARADE
📅 Wednesday
⏰ 5:00 p.m.
The parade typically lasts approximately 30 minutes, allowing families and students to participate in other Wednesday evening community activities.
In addition, our Cardinal and Briggs students will be joining the High School Pep Rally on Friday, September 18th at 9:30. The Middle School will have their own Pep Rally at 8:30 am on Friday, September 18th with High School Student Athletes and Activities representatives joining them at the MS.
We hope our families, alumni, and community members will join us in celebrating the many opportunities available to our students and everything that makes Maquoketa a great place to be!
Let’s make it a wonderful Homecoming Week—Go Cardinals! ❤️🖤
IMPORTANT LIVESTREAM UPDATE
Unfortunately, tonight’s Maquoketa football game will not be livestreamed due to an unexpected issue with our Hudl camera.
LISTEN LIVE ON KMAQ 95.1 FM
KMAQ Radio will be broadcasting tonight’s game live. We encourage Cardinal fans who cannot attend the game to tune in to 95.1 FM for live coverage!
A new Hudl camera was installed earlier this week and had been working properly. However, during testing this morning, the camera stopped working. Crews have worked throughout the day to resolve the issue but have been unable to restore service in time for tonight’s game.
Anyone who purchased livestream access through Hudl will receive a refund. Please watch for that refund and contact the district if you have not received it by Monday.
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. We will work to have the Hudl camera repaired or replaced as soon as possible so we can resume livestreaming future events.
Thank you for your patience, and go Cardinals!
Unfortunately, tonight’s Maquoketa football game will not be livestreamed due to an unexpected issue with our Hudl camera.
LISTEN LIVE ON KMAQ 95.1 FM
KMAQ Radio will be broadcasting tonight’s game live. We encourage Cardinal fans who cannot attend the game to tune in to 95.1 FM for live coverage!
A new Hudl camera was installed earlier this week and had been working properly. However, during testing this morning, the camera stopped working. Crews have worked throughout the day to resolve the issue but have been unable to restore service in time for tonight’s game.
Anyone who purchased livestream access through Hudl will receive a refund. Please watch for that refund and contact the district if you have not received it by Monday.
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. We will work to have the Hudl camera repaired or replaced as soon as possible so we can resume livestreaming future events.
Thank you for your patience, and go Cardinals!
Mrs. Schleter’s awesome 3rd graders brought incredible energy and strategy to Mr. Schlegel’s PE class today! Inspired by Mr. Schlegel’s summer trip to Alaska, the students took on an exciting new challenge: "Crossing the River."
The mission required real collaboration, problem-solving, and communication. Working together in teams, students had to navigate across the gym floor without letting their feet touch the "water"! Using only three "rocks" (rubber dots) and a "log" (carpet square), they strategized every step of the way to safely reach their "raft" (hula hoop).
Before jumping into the river, the class started with a fast-paced game of line tag and reviewed their expectations, putting a special focus on Rule #4: Encourage Your Classmates! It was inspiring to hear the gym filled with words of support, high-fives, and pure encouragement as teams worked toward a shared goal.
A huge shout-out to Mr. Schlegel for creating such an engaging, creative lesson that connects real-world experiences to hands-on learning, and to Mrs. Schleter's students for demonstrating what true teamwork looks like! 👏🌟
The mission required real collaboration, problem-solving, and communication. Working together in teams, students had to navigate across the gym floor without letting their feet touch the "water"! Using only three "rocks" (rubber dots) and a "log" (carpet square), they strategized every step of the way to safely reach their "raft" (hula hoop).
Before jumping into the river, the class started with a fast-paced game of line tag and reviewed their expectations, putting a special focus on Rule #4: Encourage Your Classmates! It was inspiring to hear the gym filled with words of support, high-fives, and pure encouragement as teams worked toward a shared goal.
A huge shout-out to Mr. Schlegel for creating such an engaging, creative lesson that connects real-world experiences to hands-on learning, and to Mrs. Schleter's students for demonstrating what true teamwork looks like! 👏🌟
What a fantastic Friday morning in Mrs. Dostal’s room! 🌟
Mrs. Dostal welcomed every student with warmth and positivity as they arrived. The students immediately jumped into their morning routines, following clear expectations displayed on the board and showing real enthusiasm for the day ahead.
During their morning meeting, the class reviewed their classroom rules, focused on Rule #3 (Follow directions the first time), proudly recited the classroom pledge they created together as a team during the first week of school, and reviewed the expectations for those that come out to cheer on the Maquoketa Cardinals at our first home game tonight. After setting their goals for the day and sharing what they were looking forward to, it was clear that Mrs. Dostal has created a structured, supportive, and exciting environment for our students to grow.
Thank you, Mrs. Dostal, for setting such a positive tone for learning, and great job to our students for showing up ready to shine! 🌟🏈
Mrs. Dostal welcomed every student with warmth and positivity as they arrived. The students immediately jumped into their morning routines, following clear expectations displayed on the board and showing real enthusiasm for the day ahead.
During their morning meeting, the class reviewed their classroom rules, focused on Rule #3 (Follow directions the first time), proudly recited the classroom pledge they created together as a team during the first week of school, and reviewed the expectations for those that come out to cheer on the Maquoketa Cardinals at our first home game tonight. After setting their goals for the day and sharing what they were looking forward to, it was clear that Mrs. Dostal has created a structured, supportive, and exciting environment for our students to grow.
Thank you, Mrs. Dostal, for setting such a positive tone for learning, and great job to our students for showing up ready to shine! 🌟🏈
Join us tonight for our first home football game as Maquoketa takes on Tipton! Fall activities are a wonderful way for students, families, staff, and community members to come together and celebrate the beginning of a new school year.
As you cheer on our Cardinals, please help us keep Goodenow Field safe, welcoming, and enjoyable by following our Maquoketa Activities Expectations. These expectations were reviewed with students this week and shared with neighboring school districts.
A few reminders:
🔴 Students in fifth grade and younger must attend and sit with an adult.
⚫ Middle and high school students should use their designated seating areas.
🔴 All students must enter through the main gate.
⚫ Please leave footballs and other recreational equipment at home.
🔴 Respectful language and safe behavior are expected from everyone.
Thank you to our families, students, and staff for working together to create a positive experience for all. We can’t wait to see you tonight!
GO CARDINALS! ❤️🖤
As you cheer on our Cardinals, please help us keep Goodenow Field safe, welcoming, and enjoyable by following our Maquoketa Activities Expectations. These expectations were reviewed with students this week and shared with neighboring school districts.
A few reminders:
🔴 Students in fifth grade and younger must attend and sit with an adult.
⚫ Middle and high school students should use their designated seating areas.
🔴 All students must enter through the main gate.
⚫ Please leave footballs and other recreational equipment at home.
🔴 Respectful language and safe behavior are expected from everyone.
Thank you to our families, students, and staff for working together to create a positive experience for all. We can’t wait to see you tonight!
GO CARDINALS! ❤️🖤
Homecoming Dress Up Days for the Elementaries!
Maquoketa Athletics - Thursday September 10th 2026
🏐 Cardinal Volleyball Recap | 9/8/26
The Cardinals battled hard against Northeast on Tuesday night, falling 3–0. While the result wasn’t what we wanted, our team continues to fight, compete, and show signs of really starting to put things together.
We’ll be back in action Tuesday, September 15 at Alburnett. Keep working, Cardinals! 🔴⚫
📸 Photo Credits: Lost Bison — Shelly Hinz
🦷 Thanks to our sponsor: Young Dental
Young Dental — Caring for Your Smile, Caring for Your Family.
Proudly serving Maquoketa and surrounding communities with personalized, comfortable, and affordable dental care for the whole family.
The Cardinals battled hard against Northeast on Tuesday night, falling 3–0. While the result wasn’t what we wanted, our team continues to fight, compete, and show signs of really starting to put things together.
We’ll be back in action Tuesday, September 15 at Alburnett. Keep working, Cardinals! 🔴⚫
📸 Photo Credits: Lost Bison — Shelly Hinz
🦷 Thanks to our sponsor: Young Dental
Young Dental — Caring for Your Smile, Caring for Your Family.
Proudly serving Maquoketa and surrounding communities with personalized, comfortable, and affordable dental care for the whole family.
🏈 Football Recap 🏈
The Cardinals battled hard Friday night at Northeast but came up short, 7–35.
Tough game, but we’ll learn from it, regroup, and get back to work. The Cardinals are back home this week against Tipton.
Let’s pack Historic Goodenow Field and support our Cardinals!
📸 Photos: Lost Bison – Shelly Hinz
Recap Sponsor: McDonald’s
Thank you to our friends at Karpinske/Newman McDonald’s for supporting Cardinal Athletics and our community!
The Cardinals battled hard Friday night at Northeast but came up short, 7–35.
Tough game, but we’ll learn from it, regroup, and get back to work. The Cardinals are back home this week against Tipton.
Let’s pack Historic Goodenow Field and support our Cardinals!
📸 Photos: Lost Bison – Shelly Hinz
Recap Sponsor: McDonald’s
Thank you to our friends at Karpinske/Newman McDonald’s for supporting Cardinal Athletics and our community!
Join Our Team!
Students in Mrs. Hardin’s class did an amazing job following classroom rules today while engaging in Unique Learning System activities! They actively supported their own learning and each other's by sharing ideas while peers cheered on every success. 👏✨
🏈 2 DAYS AWAY! 🏈
Cardinal Football returns to Historic Goodenow Field this Friday, September 11, as Maquoketa takes on Tipton.
Our Junior Cardinals and Middle School football teams will be recognized at halftime of the Fresh/Soph game.
Before you arrive: Please take a moment to review the Maquoketa CSD Activities Expectations graphic for important reminders about seating, younger students, and keeping our home games safe and family-friendly.
Come out and support the Cardinals!
Go Cards! 🔴⚫
🏐 HOME VOLLEYBALL vs. NORTHEAST REBELS! 🏐
Come out and support your Maquoketa Cardinals as we take on the Northeast Rebels at home!
📅 Tonight
📍 Maquoketa High School Main Gym
Game Schedule:
🏐 7th & 8th Grade — 4:00–5:10 PM
🏐 Sophomore & JV — 5:30 PM
🏐 Varsity — Following JV
🎟️ TICKETS — $7
Cash will be accepted at the door, but for a quicker and more efficient entry, we encourage fans to purchase their tickets in advance through Bound:
👉 https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/maquoketa/tickets
📺 WATCH THE CARDINALS ON HUDL
🎟️ $7 — Single Game Pass
🏐 $25 — Season Pass
📺 $50 — Year Pass
👉 https://fan.hudl.com/United-States/IA/Maquoketa/organization/4135/Maquoketa-High-School
Come out and support your Maquoketa Cardinals as we take on the Northeast Rebels at home!
📅 Tonight
📍 Maquoketa High School Main Gym
Game Schedule:
🏐 7th & 8th Grade — 4:00–5:10 PM
🏐 Sophomore & JV — 5:30 PM
🏐 Varsity — Following JV
🎟️ TICKETS — $7
Cash will be accepted at the door, but for a quicker and more efficient entry, we encourage fans to purchase their tickets in advance through Bound:
👉 https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/maquoketa/tickets
📺 WATCH THE CARDINALS ON HUDL
🎟️ $7 — Single Game Pass
🏐 $25 — Season Pass
📺 $50 — Year Pass
👉 https://fan.hudl.com/United-States/IA/Maquoketa/organization/4135/Maquoketa-High-School
🏈 FOOTBALL TONIGHT! 🏈
The Cardinals are on the road tonight at Northeast High School in Goose Lake!
🔴 Freshman/Sophomore: 6:00 PM
🔴 Varsity: Following the Fresh/Soph game
📍 Northeast High School – Goose Lake, IA
🎟️ Admission: $7 per person
TICKETS & ADMISSION INFORMATION:
For quick and efficient entry, Northeast is strongly encouraging fans to purchase tickets in advance through Bound:
Purchase Tickets on Bound
💳 Debit/credit cards will also be accepted at the gate.
💵 Cash will be accepted, but Northeast is strongly encouraging exact admission and will not accept bills larger than $20.
GO CARDS! 🏈🔴⚫
The Cardinals are on the road tonight at Northeast High School in Goose Lake!
🔴 Freshman/Sophomore: 6:00 PM
🔴 Varsity: Following the Fresh/Soph game
📍 Northeast High School – Goose Lake, IA
🎟️ Admission: $7 per person
TICKETS & ADMISSION INFORMATION:
For quick and efficient entry, Northeast is strongly encouraging fans to purchase tickets in advance through Bound:
Purchase Tickets on Bound
💳 Debit/credit cards will also be accepted at the gate.
💵 Cash will be accepted, but Northeast is strongly encouraging exact admission and will not accept bills larger than $20.
GO CARDS! 🏈🔴⚫
