We are ALL WDMCS
West Des Moines Community Schools | Aug. 7, 2020
Confused About Return-to-Learn? Watch This Three-Minute Video
Please Note: Even though the WDMCS Board of Education approved Hybrid Option 2, we will continue to be flexible and responsive based on the most current guidance from local, state, and/or national health experts. If WDMCS needs to begin the school year with all students learning online, we will communicate this change to staff, students, families, and our broader community.
Three-Quarters of Students To Learn At School This Fall
We gave our WDMCS families the choice between having their students learn at school or online this fall. The final count indicated that 76% of our students will return to school this fall, wearing face coverings and following other safety protocol; 24% will learn online at home.
Whether you chose at school or online, our teachers and staff are working hard to prepare for a great year ahead. While this is an incredibly stressful time, we encourage you to remain positive around your students and encourage them as they take on this new school year. Together, we can make the 2020-21 school year hope-filled and filled with positive experiences.
Percentage on On-Site vs. Online By Grade

Percentage of On-Site vs. Online By School

View demographics by grade, school, race, and other demographics.
Indian Hills, Stilwell to Use Block Scheduling
- reduce transitions during the day,
- reduce exposure with the number of students during a day,
- lessen the number of classes online students would join each day, and
- follow best practices for online and virtual learning.
Classes that would typically meet every day will be scheduled for full block periods, while classes that would typically meet every other day will meet for half of each block period with a shortened passing period between. For example, a student may start the Period 2 block in math resource, then pass halfway through to P.E. An every day Period 2 class would stay in that class for the whole Period 2 block.
Elementary Back-to-School Night PlansElementary back-to-school nights will look a little different this year. Many schools plan to offer a virtual experience so you can take a peek inside your student's classroom. Some schools are planning an outdoor event with social distancing. Whether your student will learn at school or online, you will have an opportunity to connect with your student's teacher prior to the first day of school. Watch for updates from your school with details about their event. | Preparing Online Students for SchoolStudents and families who chose the online learning environment are asking how their students will connect with teachers, get school supplies or Chromebooks, and check off the list many other back-to-school tasks. We are working hard to address all of these questions, and more. Families of online learners will receive specific information from your student's school and teacher in the coming weeks. Thank you for your patience as we continue to plan for a great school year! | Schools' Ventilation Helps Filter Out COVID-19To help mitigate viruses, including COVID-19, The WDMCS Operations Department upgraded the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) filters we use to filter out viral particles. (We changed from MERV 8 to MERV 13-14.) Operations consistently completes and documents preventative maintenance measures taken to ensure all HVAC equipment is operating as designed. This includes quarterly filter changes, visual inspections, belt changes, and coil cleaning as needed. |
Elementary Back-to-School Night Plans
Elementary back-to-school nights will look a little different this year. Many schools plan to offer a virtual experience so you can take a peek inside your student's classroom. Some schools are planning an outdoor event with social distancing.
Whether your student will learn at school or online, you will have an opportunity to connect with your student's teacher prior to the first day of school.
Watch for updates from your school with details about their event.
Preparing Online Students for School
Students and families who chose the online learning environment are asking how their students will connect with teachers, get school supplies or Chromebooks, and check off the list many other back-to-school tasks.
We are working hard to address all of these questions, and more. Families of online learners will receive specific information from your student's school and teacher in the coming weeks. Thank you for your patience as we continue to plan for a great school year!
Schools' Ventilation Helps Filter Out COVID-19
To help mitigate viruses, including COVID-19, The WDMCS Operations Department upgraded the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) filters we use to filter out viral particles. (We changed from MERV 8 to MERV 13-14.) Operations consistently completes and documents preventative maintenance measures taken to ensure all HVAC equipment is operating as designed. This includes quarterly filter changes, visual inspections, belt changes, and coil cleaning as needed.

Potential Delay to Aug. 26 Start Date
The WDMCS Board of Education may consider a vote on Monday, Aug. 10, to a proposed delay to the first day of school.
New Proposed First Day of School: Thursday, Aug. 27
No School: Wednesday, Aug. 26, Friday, Sept. 4, and Monday, Sept. 14
This shift is to add three additional professional development support days for teachers. We understand teachers are being asked to take on a lot of changes to their learning environments and how they may need to instruct students based on whether they are learning at school or online. These additional days will give teachers and staff time to plan and gain new knowledge to support students this year.
The 2020-21 school year looks a little different, but don’t worry: We’ve got you covered!
Find a favorite Tigers-branded mask, hand sanitizer clip, or water bottle AND support your school through the Tigers Together Safety Sale! Now through Friday, August 14, you can pre-order Tigers safety items individually or save money with a Safety Bundle or Mask Pack, with your purchases directly supporting your favorite Tiger community.
Pre-order now through Aug. 14, and your order will ship shortly after!

WDMCS Seeking Substitutes
Connect with the WDMCS Foundation to support families in need.
School/Community Relations
buckl@wdmcs.org
515-633-5023
Alexandra Wade
515-633-5022
Aaron Young
younga@wdmcs.org
515-633-5016