We are ALL WDMCS
Oct. 7, 2022
Upcoming Community Opportunities
Our digital backpack lists a wide variety of events, classes, or other opportunities.
October Opportunities
- Hocus Pocus Movie in the Park Oct. 7 at Colby Park
- Raccoon River Rally Oct. 8 at Raccoon River Park
- Overview of WDMCS Oct. 11 at the Learning Resource Center
- Junior High Friday Night Live at the Wellmark YMCA
- Pumpkin Walk Oct. 22 in Historic Valley Junction
- Day of the Dead Oct. 30 at the Des Moines Art Center
View more Digital Backpack Listings >
Superintendent Adams' Listening Tours
West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) is excited to share that Superintendent Matt Adams is visiting all 13 schools this fall as part of his districtwide “Listening Tour.” Dr. Adams joined West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) this summer, and he is visiting schools across the district so he can hear from YOU, the parents and guardians of our students.
Remaining Dates
- 10/10/2022 — 5-6 p.m. at Western Hills Elementary
- 10/13/2022 — 5-6 p.m. at Westridge Elementary
- 10/17/2022 — 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Crestview School of Inquiry
- 10/18/2022 — 5-6 p.m. at Valley Southwoods Freshman High School
- 10/20/2022 — 5-6 p.m. at Fairmeadows Elementary
- 10/25/2022 — 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Valley High School
- 11/1/2022 — 5-6 p.m. at Crossroads Park Elementary
- 11/7/2022 — 5-6 p.m. at Walnut Creek Campus
- 11/10/2022 — 5-6 p.m. at Stilwell Junior High
If you can't make it to one of these events and still want to provide feedback, share your perspective through a questionnaire.
What You Need to Know: The One Chip Challenge
The One Chip Challenge has been around since 2016, but it's gaining new traction on TikTok this year. WDMCS has been hearing more about the viral challenge, which involves a dangerously spicy tortilla chip, since the 2022 launch on Aug. 9, especially as local stores now carry the chips. Several WDMCS schools have encountered the challenge this year, with more than 10 students going to the nurse or home because of the challenge’s effects.
Family Engagement Specialist Biak Thang Named Passport to Prosperity Honoree
Multilingual Family Engagement Specialist Biak Thang has been named a 2022 Passport to Prosperity Honoree by the Iowa International Center. He will be celebrated at the Gala Award Ceremony Oct. 7.
Thang "has been an amazing advocate and really given back to his community," Iowa International Center shared in their announcement. "Through his work as family liaison with the West Des Moines Community School District and a church pastor, Biak is constantly listening, seeking to understand, counseling, and identifying opportunities to teach and connect. Biak is a strong advocate within the refugee community and an active leader of the Iowa Chin Community. In addition to his work as an educator, he has written books for children, introducing them to English and his own Chin dialect."
Please join us in congratulating Biak!
HALL OF HONOR NOMINATIONS OPEN
The West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) is excited to announce that nominations for the Valley High School Hall of Honor are once again open.
Now in its fifth year, the Valley High School Hall of Honor was established to recognize outstanding alumni, educators, and community leaders who, through achievements, endeavors, leadership, and character, are positive role models for the student body of the West Des Moines Community Schools.
Valley High School alumni, retirees, staff members, and community volunteers are eligible to be nominated for the award. Click here for more information, including detailed nomination criteria.
To nominate someone for the Valley High School Hall of Honor, visit https://discover.wdmcs.org/hall-of-honor-nomination and fill out the Google Form.
The nominating period for the 2023 Hall of Honor Class is open through Oct. 28, 2022.
APPLEBEE'S FUNDRAISER OCT. 18
We are excited to announce that Applebee's selected the West Des Moines Community Foundation as a non-profit to support. On Tuesday, Oct. 18, all proceeds from meals purchased from the "Together We Care" menu will go to the Foundation.
DATE
Tuesday, Oct. 18 (11 a.m. to 11 p.m.)
APPLEBEE'S LOCATION
6190 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines
TOGETHER WE CARE MENU
- Three-Cheese Chicken Penne
- Fiesta Lime Chicken
- Classic Bacon Cheeseburger
- Chicken Tenders Platter
- Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
The Foundation strives to be the unifying organization that enables WDMCS to provide access to exceptional districtwide opportunities that promote the joy of learning; improve educational outcomes; and prepare all students to become confident, competent and engaged citizens.
FALL CONFERENCES
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
- Clive: Nov. 7, 8, 10
- Crestview: Oct. 27, 28, Nov. 1
- Crossroads Park: Nov. 7, 10
- Fairmeadows: Nov. 7, 8, 10
- Hillside: Nov. 7, 10
- Jordan Creek: Nov. 7, 10
- Western Hills: Nov. 7, 10
- Westridge: Nov. 7, 10
JUNIOR HIGHS
- Indian Hills: Oct. 10, 12, 13
- Stilwell: Oct. 10, 12, 13
HIGH SCHOOLS
- Valley Southwoods: Fall conferences took place Oct. 5, 6
- Valley: Oct. 11
- Walnut Creek Campus: Fall conferences took place Oct. 6
