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Should WDMCS Offer a Virtual School?Public school districts across the nation are hearing that some parents and students are interested in a fully online learning environment even after they are able to return to in-person learning.
WDMCS would like to hear from our own families to understand if there is enough interest to pursue developing a virtual WDMCS school. Des Moines Public Schools offers this option for their families.
We will not pursue the details of what this would look like or when it would be implemented until we get initial feedback from you. If we learn there is adequate interest, we will begin to research the feasibility of a virtual school for our district. | Kids West Registration DatesGet ready—registration dates for summer 2021 and the 2021-22 school year are here! If your family is currently participating in Kids West school-year care, you will be contacted individually about registration for summer 2021 and the 2021-22 school year. Monday, March 22, 2021: Registration begins for new Kids West applicants and families previously enrolled in the Kids West summer program. At that time, a link to the registration application will be available online. This application cycle includes both summer 2021 and the 2021-22 school year. Wednesday, April 7, 2021: Application deadline for families previously enrolled in the Kids West summer program. Friday, April 9, 2021: Application deadline for new Kids West applicants. Applications will be placed in a lottery to determine registration priority. | Black History MonthAn Ongoing Celebration... "The month of February is not meant to be the only time we celebrate the accomplishments of Black Americans, but rather an intentional time to highlight, promote, and reflect on their contributions. Black History Month takes us beyond the teachings of slavery and bondage; it allows us to observe the complexities of the lives of Black Americans. From revolution to emancipation, and civil rights to Black Lives Matter, the story of Black people in the U.S. is a story of beating the odds, fighting for justice, and the pursuit of the American Dream." |
Should WDMCS Offer a Virtual School?
Public school districts across the nation are hearing that some parents and students are interested in a fully online learning environment even after they are able to return to in-person learning.
WDMCS would like to hear from our own families to understand if there is enough interest to pursue developing a virtual WDMCS school. Des Moines Public Schools offers this option for their families.
We will not pursue the details of what this would look like or when it would be implemented until we get initial feedback from you. If we learn there is adequate interest, we will begin to research the feasibility of a virtual school for our district.
Kids West Registration Dates
Get ready—registration dates for summer 2021 and the 2021-22 school year are here! If your family is currently participating in Kids West school-year care, you will be contacted individually about registration for summer 2021 and the 2021-22 school year.
Monday, March 22, 2021: Registration begins for new Kids West applicants and families previously enrolled in the Kids West summer program. At that time, a link to the registration application will be available online. This application cycle includes both summer 2021 and the 2021-22 school year.
Wednesday, April 7, 2021: Application deadline for families previously enrolled in the Kids West summer program.
Friday, April 9, 2021: Application deadline for new Kids West applicants. Applications will be placed in a lottery to determine registration priority.
Black History Month
An Ongoing Celebration...
"The month of February is not meant to be the only time we celebrate the accomplishments of Black Americans, but rather an intentional time to highlight, promote, and reflect on their contributions. Black History Month takes us beyond the teachings of slavery and bondage; it allows us to observe the complexities of the lives of Black Americans. From revolution to emancipation, and civil rights to Black Lives Matter, the story of Black people in the U.S. is a story of beating the odds, fighting for justice, and the pursuit of the American Dream."
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Virtual Visit with Author of "The Bridge Home" Join the West Des Moines Public Library for a virtual author visit with Padma Venkatraman at 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 9! She will discuss her book "The Bridge Home" via Zoom. Register online or in-person at the library, and pick up the book next time you're at the library. Ages 6+. | Help Us Help Our Students!The WDMCS Foundation depends on the generosity of community members and businesses to fulfill its mission and expand opportunities for all students. Established in 1988 as an independent, non-profit organization, the Foundation works closely with the school district administration, staff, and community to provide resources for students. Read more about the Foundation. > In 2020, the Foundation raised more than $100,000 to assist student learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds helped provide students in need with technology resources (Chromebooks and Wi-Fi service) for online learning and helped deliver thousands of meals to food-insecure families in the district. Please consider a donation today to help all students achieve their full potential! Donating is easy and can be done online. Thank you for supporting our students and families. #tigerstrong | Spring Virtual Conferences WDMCS schools are planning spring conferences for students. We received positive feedback regarding our fall virtual conferences, so we look forward to repeating the process for our spring conferences. Look for more information from your school in the coming weeks. Most conferences are planned sometime in February or early March with one day of online learning to help teachers have time to schedule video or phone conferences throughout the entire day. |
Virtual Visit with Author of "The Bridge Home"
Help Us Help Our Students!
The WDMCS Foundation depends on the generosity of community members and businesses to fulfill its mission and expand opportunities for all students. Established in 1988 as an independent, non-profit organization, the Foundation works closely with the school district administration, staff, and community to provide resources for students.
Read more about the Foundation. >
In 2020, the Foundation raised more than $100,000 to assist student learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds helped provide students in need with technology resources (Chromebooks and Wi-Fi service) for online learning and helped deliver thousands of meals to food-insecure families in the district.
Please consider a donation today to help all students achieve their full potential! Donating is easy and can be done online.
Thank you for supporting our students and families. #tigerstrong
Spring Virtual Conferences
Look for more information from your school in the coming weeks. Most conferences are planned sometime in February or early March with one day of online learning to help teachers have time to schedule video or phone conferences throughout the entire day.
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2020-21 Tiger Cubs Enrollment Open
Are you ready for preschool? Request a 2021-22 Tiger Cubs spot for children turning 4 on or before Sept. 15, began in January.
Tiger Cubs is the WDMCS preschool program, funded through Statewide Voluntary Preschool, with no cost to families. Tiger Cubs provides opportunities for children to develop important learning skills. Tiger Cubs Preschools has 4-year-old programs at Clive Learning Academy, Crestview School of Inquiry, and Fairmeadows, Hillside Jordan Creek, Western Hills, and Westridge elementary schools, as well as the Learning Resource Center. Tiger Cubs preschool includes special education students ages 3-5.
Learn more at discover.wdmcs.org/tiger-cubs-enrollment.
School/Community Relations
Director
Alexandra Wade
Communications Specialist
Aaron Young
Communications Specialist
