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We are ALL WDMCS

Feb. 3, 2023

We are ALL WDMCS Feb. 3, 2023
We are ALL WDMCS Feb. 3, 2023

Message from Superintendent Adams

Superintendent Matt Adams Family Video: February 2023
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Get the 2023-24 Calendars at a Glance

The 2023-24 calendar at a glance is now available to view or print in six languages:

  • Arabic
  • Bosnian
  • English
  • Hakha Chin
  • Spanish
  • Vietnamese


View the calendars at a glance >


See a list of dates from next year's calendar >

West Des Moines Community Schools invites our students, families, and staff to celebrate and engage with Black History Month this February. Black History Month is an annual celebration of African Americans and a time to recognize their critical role in the history of the United States. It is not meant to be the only time we celebrate African Americans, but rather an intentional time to highlight, promote, and reflect on their history and contributions.


A Message from Dau Jok, Ph.D., Executive Director of Equity and Inclusion:


“As we celebrate Black History Month in 2023, I want to remind us to PAUSE … pause to breathe, pause to listen, pause to be still, pause to feel, pause to reflect, pause to thank, pause to smile, pause to examine, pause to lead, and most importantly, pause to recognize. Recognizing the contributions of African Americans in various fields and arenas of life is imperative given the history of moral exclusion of Black bodies in our country. I want to acknowledge and thank all African Americans in our WDMCS family and their ancestors for their contributions to our district and community. Throughout the month, I invite all community members to commit to modeling and cultivating spaces for nuanced conversations centered on humanity.”

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Black History Month in WDMCS

Here are some ways that WDMCS is recognizing Black History Month in 2023:


  • WDMCS held a Black History Month luncheon for district and city leadership on Wednesday, Feb. 1.
  • An acknowledgement of the contributions and suffering of enslaved Africans and their ascendants will be read at the beginning of all professional development sessions in February.
  • Schools will also participate in additional professional learning about Black History Month and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Individual schools and student groups may offer additional learning and engagement opportunities. Ask your student how their school has recognized Black History Month.
  • WDMCS will host a community reception in honor of Black History Month on Feb. 22 at the LRC.
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Community Events

Our broader community is also celebrating Black History Month. Here are some activities and information you can explore about Black History Month:

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Reception + Celebration

To close this important month, WDMCS and the City of West Des Moines would like to invite the community to a reception and celebration at 5:30 p.m.* on Wednesday, Feb. 22. Join us for a panel discussion by community elders, a fireside chat, rich conversations, and food provided by Black-owned businesses.


EVENT DETAILS

Black History Month Community Reception and Celebration

Wednesday, Feb. 22

5:30 p.m.*

Learning Resource Center


*Time updated.

WDMCS personal care collection
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Join Us for the Personal Care Collection Feb. 3-13

Help WDMCS make a difference! Students and staff are invited to participate in the WDMCS Personal Care Collection, Feb. 3-13, 2023, to help those in need.


Donating is easy! Visit our Amazon wish list to view and purchase the most-requested items for families in need. You can order from the list and your donations will be shipped directly to the Learning Resource Center.


Items will be collected and then distributed through WDMCS nurses’ offices, Clive Community Services, and WDM Human Services to students and families living within the West Des Moines Community Schools district community. Thank you for your support!

digital backpack
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Upcoming Community Opportunities

Our digital backpack lists a wide variety of events, classes, or other opportunities.


February/March Opportunities


View more Digital Backpack Listings >


Learn how to submit opportunities to Digital Backpack >

no school dates
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Reminders: Upcoming No School Days

To help you plan, please review the following NO SCHOOL dates.


Friday, Feb. 17

No School for PK-12 Students — Elementary Professional Development/Junior High Conferences


Monday, Feb. 20
No School for PK-12 Students — Secondary Professional Development/Elementary Conferences (Crestview has school.)

Valley Hall of Honor
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Valley Announces 2023 Hall of Honor Recipients

West Des Moines Community Schools is excited to announce six outstanding alumni, staff members, and volunteers who will be inducted into the Valley High School Hall of Honor this spring.


The 2023 Valley High School Hall of Honor inductees are:


  • Stacy Hanna, Valley High School Class of 1991, Alumni Award
  • Ron Lambert, Valley High School Class of 1970, Alumni Award
  • Maggie Ann Martin, Valley High School Class of 2012, Alumni Award
  • Carl Pohlad (posthumous), Valley High School Class of 1934, Alumni Award
  • Dr. Robert Brooks (posthumous), Staff Award
  • Andi Lipman, Valley High School Class of 1981, Volunteer Award


Please save the date to join us on Friday, March 31, 2023, at 7 p.m. at the Staplin Performing Arts Center to honor and celebrate these individuals and their contributions to our community! The ceremony is free and open to the public.

Watch Indian Hills Jr. High student Nash Roe on Food Network

Don't miss Indian Hills eighth-grader Nash Roe on Food Network's "Kids Baking Championship!"


Throughout the ten-week competition, hosted and judged by Valerie Bertinelli and Duff Goldman, Nash competes with 11 other young bakers in challenges that test the contestants' business savvy as well as their baking skills. So far, Nash has wowed viewers and judges alike with a chocolate-pumpkin cake (watch him recreate it here!) and lemon-hibiscus cupcakes. We can't wait to see what he'll make next!


You can follow Nash and his "Kids Baking Championship" journey on Monday nights at 7 p.m. on Food Network, online, and on social media at @nashs.confections.

Earning Your Stripes Podcast: Episode 5

West Des Moines Community Schools
School/Community Relations
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