Message from Principal Kuhnert
Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration of the achievements by Black Americans and a time to recognize their critical role in the history of the United States. The idea, developed by historian Carter G. Woodson and eventually grew into a month-long 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.
At WDMCS, we have so much to be thankful for and so many to celebrate. Throughout this month, please join us in highlighting, appreciating, and honoring the history of Black Americans — near and far, past, present, and future!
Mitch Kuhnert- Principal
David Perrigo- Associate Principal
Important Dates
Stilwell Archery Dates Coming up:
- February 11th Creston Bullseye Tournament in Creston, IA
- February 11th Orient machsburg 3D Tournament in Orient, IA
- February 18th 12th Annual Valley Tiger Archery Bullseye @ VSW
- February 18th 5th Annual Valley Tiger Archery 3D Challenge @ Jordan Creek Elementary
Stilwell Parent-Teacher Conferences
We will be holding virtual, phone, or in-person conferences Wednesday, February 15 (2:00pm - 7:00pm). The rest of the times are for virtual or phone only and are Thursday, February 16 (3pm-7:00pm) and Friday, February 17 (7:15am-3:15pm) for all students. After-school conference times are available on both Wednesday and Thursday. Please note that we hope most families will still do the virtual or phone conferences we have added the in-person option for Wednesday evening. This was at the request of a few parents. It will be extremely important to be timely for any in-person conferences as our teachers will have to stay on schedule. Book your conferences time here:
https://www.schoolbookings.net/code/zr5ft
Families of Students of Color Support Group
When: 5:30-6:30 PM
8 Feb VALLEY SOUTHWOODS HIGH – THEATER ROOM
8 Mar INDIAN HILLS JUNIOR HIGH – MEDIA CENTER
12 Apr VALLEY HIGH - FORUM
10 May WDM LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER – FAIRMEADOWS ROOM
PBIS Focus
Monday 2/6 (National School Counseling Week)
PBIS Lesson: Resilient
Tuesday: 2/7
Encore
Wednesday: 2/8
Second Step Units
Reframe the Situation (7th grade)
Strategies for Managing Stress (8th grade)
Thursday: 2/9
Encore
Friday: 2/10
Choose Your Own Valentine Adventure
School Highlights
Student Anouncements:
Parents if you want to see our daily anouncements you can save this link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ofNV9oddzSE9dIDdqdcBXUVK_IopeDv7T1ak0ZS4q1k/edit
6th to 7th Grade Registration Information - Link
Summer Travel Opportunity:
As many of you know, a group of students and adults from the West Des Moines Community School District was planning a trip with EFTours to Peru this summer. Unfortunately, it has been canceled due to the political environment right now in Peru. While we are disappointed, we will be swapping our Peru trip for a trip to Italy & Germany in June. If you or your student is interested in going with us to this new destination, please feel free to contact me ASAP. I will be happy to share the details with you.
Tamara (rhymes with mascara) Dark
Spanish 1 & 2
Valley Southwoods Freshman High School
515-633-4756
Chromebooks:
All students should bring their charged Chromebooks with them to school each day, and it is also recommended that they pack their Chromebook charger. Our building does have loaner Chromebooks for the rare occasions when a temporary device is needed. If a replacement charger is needed students can pick up a new one from the library; a $22 fee will be assessed for a replacement charger. Thank you for your help in making sure your student is ready to learn each day!
Principal
Mitch Kuhnert
Assistant Principal
David Perrigo