We are ALL WDMCS
March 3, 2023
Upcoming Community Opportunities
Our digital backpack lists a wide variety of events, classes, or other opportunities.
March Opportunities
- Summer Swimming Lessons registration now open from Riptide
- Better Than OK (Finding Joy as a Special Needs Parent) March 9 by the Diocese of Des Moines and Sacred Heart Church
- Des Moines Soccer Club registration deadline March 10
- Soccer Spring Camps March 13 from Sporting Iowa
- Minds in Motion Spring Break Camp begins March 13 from Clive Parks and Recreation
- Entirely Kids Day Art March 18 from the Des Moines Art Center
- Volleyball Clinic starts March 20 from Shannon Wieland
- Pi515 Girls' Entrepreneurship Summit March 25 by Pi515
- Girls Exploring Medicine and Science March 25 through Des Moines University
- Clive Soccer Program begins March 27 through Can Play
- Girls on the Run begins March 27 from YMCA
View more Digital Backpack Listings >
WDMCS Students Establish Their Voice on the School Board
West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) students officially have a seat at the table. Three Valley High School students were sworn in as Board of Education student representatives after a nine-student committee initiated a Board policy to create an opportunity for students to have representation at the district level.
“(This) project is a way of giving back to our community and our district and a legacy to future students so that they know their voices matter,” senior Shreya Joshi shared in the group’s initial presentation to the Board.
Or listen to the Superintendent Adams' conversation with the student representatives below!
West Des Moines Community Schools wishes to thank all nine members of the Student Representatives Committee for their dedication, talents, and willingness to co-create space with our district. With deepest gratitude, thank you to Aisha Abdirahman, Mayada Alwan, Nicko Dacre Del Canto, Michael Danos, Shreya Joshi, Lila Khan, Euan Mugisha, Joe Su, and Ria Tomar!
Exciting Launch of HERE! Attendance Campaign
In early February, the district officially launched our HERE! Attendance campaign. We know this has been at the forefront of conversation in schools all year. Our RAYGUN t-shirts and stickers are fun ways to connect staff, students, and families to this topic.
Our official pop-up store is now open! You can purchase shirts and stickers to show your support! Twenty-five percent of the t-shirt proceeds will go towards chronic absenteeism programs.
ORDER YOUR HERE! APPAREL TODAY >
If you'd like to be an official ambassador on this campaign, let us know. We plan to create more posters and videos to share "I'm HERE for" statements. Contact School/Community Relations to learn more.
Important Immunization Reminders
Spring break is a great time to get your child caught up on or AHEAD of all Iowa required and recommended vaccines. During the summer, back-to-school appointments and sports physicals fill up fast, and your child may not be able to see their provider in time.
Students who do not have proof of required vaccines on the first day of the 2023-24 school year, will not be allowed to start school.
Hundreds of students have already been vaccinated, and many more have scheduled their appointments. Have you scheduled your child’s appointment yet? Now is the time to make your child’s appointment to see their health care doctor or provider for their required vaccines including the meningitis vaccine.
If you have questions regarding health insurance or do not have a doctor or medical home, please reach out to your school nurse.
WDMCS Main Phone Line New Menu System
In late February, the district's main phone number, 515-633-5000, changed from all calls answered by a receptionist to a new menu system. Please review the menu below so you can quickly access a specific department at the LRC.
Welcome to the West Des Moines Community Schools. You have reached the main district office. If you meant to reach a school, please hang up and call them directly.
Para español, presione 1.
Please listen carefully to the following eight options. You may select your choice at any time.
If you are a new family to the district or plan to open enroll, please press 2 to reach the registrar.
For hiring questions, substitutes or other Human Resources questions, please press 3.
For payroll or IPERS questions, please press 4.
For employee badge or benefits questions, please press 5.
For student lunch balance or other nutrition questions, please press 6.
For bus fees or other Transportation questions, please press 7.
For Kids West, Community Education classes, or to rent a space, please press 8.
For media inquiries or to speak with the School/Community Relations department, please press 9.
For all other questions, please press 0 to reach the district’s operator.
Thank you.
It's Women's History Month
Following the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) community introduction event in January and the Black History Month Celebration and Reception in February, WDMCS kicked off the month of March with the first meeting of the district equity committee. At a luncheon prior to the meeting, Executive Director of DEI Dr. Dau Jok and Associate Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Michelle Lettington acknowledged Women’s History Month and the critical role of women throughout history, today, and in the district.
Continuing and Coming Up: Professional Development
Dr. Jok and building equity leads continue to engage staff including administrators, coaches, and school resource officers in equity learning through professional development sessions. Equity leads will attend a spring learning summit on March 30 where they will have a fireside chat with students and engage in shared learning including an equity case study.
Other Updates
- Ramadan Mubarak to our Islamic students, staff, and families who will observe Ramadan March 22-April 21, 2023.
- March 31 is the International Transgender Day of Visibility.
- Subscribe to the West Des Moines DiverCity newsletter!
Save the Date: Well-Being Matters Event March 28
Join WDMCS, Community Education, and community partners on Tuesday, March 28, to learn and get connected to school and community resources. Breakout sessions will cover a variety of topics related to behavioral health and mental well-being.
Well-Being Matters
Featuring speakers and resources to support families and students.
When: 6-9 p.m., Tuesday, March 28, 2023
Where: Valley Southwoods Freshman High School, South 35th St., West Des Moines, IA
Learn more and see all breakout sessions and resource providers >
