Home - Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Elementary School

Welcome!

Welcome to Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Elementary!

My name is Jared Carder and I am excited to introduce myself as the principal of Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Elementary. Over the past 13 years, I have worked as a teacher, coach, and administrator, but I consider my most important job to be that of a child advocate.

At CGD Elementary, we want all of our students to belong, lead, and succeed. We will encourage our students every day and let them know they are valued and have a special place in our school community. We are a Leader In Me school and dedicate time to help our students learn and understand the 7 habits of highly effective people.

Be proactive
Begin with the end in mind
Put first things first
Think win-win
Seek first to understand, then to be understood
Synergize
Sharpen the saw

Please let me know if you have any questions, I can be reached by email at jcarder@clargold.org or via phone at 515-532-3423. I am honored to serve the CGD School District.

Why Clarion Goldfield Dows?

Welcome to our school community, where students, families, and staff work together to create a supportive and inclusive environment for every learner. We are proud of the strong sense of connection that defines our schools—students are welcomed into a place where they can find friends, feel a sense of belonging, and be supported as their full selves.

Across our district, collaboration and care are at the heart of everything we do. Our educators focus on both academic growth and personal development, helping students thrive in and beyond the classroom. With active family and community involvement, strong communication, and a shared commitment to student success, we strive to ensure every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed in a place they are proud to call their school community.

District News

Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Elementary School District News

Jul 7, 2026 · Clarion - Goldfield - Dows School District
CGD Elementary Families:

Our new CGD Elementary Principal is inviting all students and families to the community parks for "Popsicles with the Principal." Mrs. Kruckenberg is looking forward to an opportunity to meet as many students and families as possible in Clarion, Goldfield, and Dows communities next week! Check out the flyer to find out when she will be coming to your community!

La nueva directora de la escuela primaria CGD invita a todos los alumnos y sus familias a los parques de la comunidad para el evento "Paletas heladas con la directora". ¡La Sra. Kruckenberg espera con ilusión la oportunidad de conocer a tantos alumnos y familias como sea posible en las comunidades de Clarion, Goldfield y Dows la próxima semana! ¡Consulte el folleto para saber cuándo visitará su comunidad!
Jul 1, 2026 · Clarion - Goldfield - Dows School District
A big thank you to our CGD Elementary staff for helping make High Five Friday such a positive start to the day!

We appreciate everything you do to help our students feel welcomed, encouraged, and ready to learn. 😊
Jun 30, 2026 · Clarion - Goldfield - Dows School District
Our summer 2026 newsletter is now available!
Jun 29, 2026 · Clarion - Goldfield - Dows School District
Check out all the action on the baseball and softball fields this week at CGD! ⚾🥎

https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/clariongoldfielddows/calendar?includePractices=false&v=week&date=2026-07-03

¡No te pierdas toda la acción en los campos de béisbol y sóftbol de CGD esta semana! ⚾🥎

https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/clariongoldfielddows/calendar?includePractices=false&v=week&date=2026-07-03
Jun 26, 2026 · Clarion - Goldfield - Dows School District
We appreciate the Wright County Sheriff’s Office and the Clarion Police Department for taking part in a High Five Friday earlier this year!

The encouragement our students receive from local community partners helps make a positive difference throughout CGD. 👏
Jun 25, 2026 · Clarion - Goldfield - Dows School District
Shout-out to Wright County Family Dental for joining us for a High Five Friday earlier this year! 🪥

Support from community partners like you helps make CGD a welcoming place for students to learn and grow. 😊
Jun 24, 2026 · Clarion - Goldfield - Dows School District
Thank you to the Community Corral for their continued support of our teachers and students! We are grateful for their partnership and commitment to our schools.

If you are interested in becoming a classroom sponsor, please reach out to the Community Corral for more information.
Jun 24, 2026 · Clarion - Goldfield - Dows School District
First Citizens Bank helped bring plenty of smiles during a High Five Friday visit earlier this year, and we are grateful for their support! 🙌

Strong community connections make CGD a great place for students each day. 🤠