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COVID-19/Safety PlansTo prepare for the 2021-22 school year, we reviewed the 2020-21 Return-to-Learn plans. We are continuing to finalize our health and safety protocol for the school year. A recommended plan will be shared with the Board of Education for review and approval at the upcoming Board of Education meeting on Monday, Aug. 9. The full agenda and Return-to-Learn plan will be posted online Friday afternoon, Aug. 6. | Back-to-School EventsELEMENTARY
INDIAN HILLS JUNIOR HIGH Aug. 18, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 23, 5-7 p.m. (with open house/meet the teachers) STILWELL JUNIOR HIGH VALLEY SOUTHWOODS Aug. 9, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 10, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. VALLEY Aug. 10, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Aug. 11, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
WALNUT CREEK CAMPUS Aug. 25, 3:30-7:30 p.m.
| Free/Reduced Meals and Fee WaiversThe free and reduced meals form must be filled out each year. Even though all meals are free this year, it is still important to apply for free or reduced meals. This form also includes fee waiver information. Families that qualify and sign a fee waiver may receive the following free or reduced school fees:
If you meet the federal income eligibility guidelines, please submit your confidential application to WDMCS Nutrition Services online or in print. |
COVID-19/Safety Plans
To prepare for the 2021-22 school year, we reviewed the 2020-21 Return-to-Learn plans. We are continuing to finalize our health and safety protocol for the school year. A recommended plan will be shared with the Board of Education for review and approval at the upcoming Board of Education meeting on Monday, Aug. 9.
The full agenda and Return-to-Learn plan will be posted online Friday afternoon, Aug. 6.
Back-to-School Events
ELEMENTARY
Monday, Aug. 23
- Clive: 5-6:30 p.m.
- Crestview: 4-5:30 p.m.
- Crossroads Park: 4-5:30 p.m.
- Fairmeadows: 4-5:15 p.m.
- Hillside: 4-7 p.m.
- Jordan Creek: 3-5:30 p.m.
- Western Hills: 5-7 p.m.
- Westridge: 3-5:30 p.m.
INDIAN HILLS JUNIOR HIGH
Aug. 18, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Aug. 23, 5-7 p.m. (with open house/meet the teachers)
STILWELL JUNIOR HIGH
Aug. 18, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Aug. 23, 5-7 p.m. (open house)
VALLEY SOUTHWOODS
Aug. 9, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Aug. 10, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
VALLEY
Aug. 10, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Juniors, last names A-L
- Seniors
Aug. 11, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Juniors, last names M-Z
- Sophomores
- New families
WALNUT CREEK CAMPUS
Aug. 25, 3:30-7:30 p.m.
- Get to know staff
- Student/parent orientation
Free/Reduced Meals and Fee Waivers
The free and reduced meals form must be filled out each year. Even though all meals are free this year, it is still important to apply for free or reduced meals.
This form also includes fee waiver information. Families that qualify and sign a fee waiver may receive the following free or reduced school fees:
- Book Fees
- Transportation
- Driver's Education
- Student Activity Ticket
- Required Summer School Classes
- Seal of Biliteracy Stamp
- AP Exams
- Instruments
- Valley Tiger Pride Supplies
- Booster Pak Program
- Planet 7
If you meet the federal income eligibility guidelines, please submit your confidential application to WDMCS Nutrition Services online or in print.
Free School Supplies/Physicals
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Wednesday, Aug. 18
West Des Moines Human Services
139 6th St., West Des Moines
This school supply distribution is for qualifying low-income households in West Des Moines while supplies last. We cannot guarantee we will have all supplies needed. Register at our office or online at: www.wdm.iowa.gov/SchoolSupplyRegistration
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. to noon
SCHOOL PHYSICALS
Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. (check-in by 7:30 p.m.)
Valley Junction Free Medical Clinic
139 6th St., West Des Moines
School and sport physicals are available for low-income, uninsured, or under-insured youth at the Valley Junction Free Medical Clinic, located in the West Des Moines Human Services building. Please note, immunizations are not available at this clinic. Walk-ins welcome; it is not necessary to be a West Des Moines resident to utilize this clinic.
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SEL In ClassroomsWDMCS understands that embedding Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is an essential part of a well-rounded education. We are excited to prioritize this as part of our staff professional development and in the classroom with your students. SEL helps us all learn skills and attitudes to manage emotions, achieve positive goals, show empathy, and maintain positive relationships. As we connect this important work to our Iowa Social-Emotional Learning Competencies, we will also use Panorama’s Social-Emotional Learning Survey this fall. This survey will provide an opportunity for your students to give us their individual feedback and perspective so SEL can be effectively integrated into our daily instruction. | New Gear, New Year It's back-to-school season, and we have new gear for the new year! Check out the new styles and designs in the Tigers Letterman Locker. There's something for everyone! | Fastest Updates on the WDMCS AppWe send important updates to families through email, phone, text, and smartphone app notifications. Because of the volume of recipients, some email and text notifications are delayed. The WDMCS app is the FASTEST way to get the most up-to-date communication from WDMCS. To download the free app, go to Google Play or the App Store on your phone and look up "West Des Moines Community Schools." |
SEL In Classrooms
WDMCS understands that embedding Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is an essential part of a well-rounded education. We are excited to prioritize this as part of our staff professional development and in the classroom with your students.
SEL helps us all learn skills and attitudes to manage emotions, achieve positive goals, show empathy, and maintain positive relationships.
As we connect this important work to our Iowa Social-Emotional Learning Competencies, we will also use Panorama’s Social-Emotional Learning Survey this fall. This survey will provide an opportunity for your students to give us their individual feedback and perspective so SEL can be effectively integrated into our daily instruction.
New Gear, New Year
Fastest Updates on the WDMCS App
We send important updates to families through email, phone, text, and smartphone app notifications. Because of the volume of recipients, some email and text notifications are delayed.
The WDMCS app is the FASTEST way to get the most up-to-date communication from WDMCS.
To download the free app, go to Google Play or the App Store on your phone and look up "West Des Moines Community Schools."
School/Community Relations
Director
Alexandra Wade
Specialist
Aaron Young
Specialist
