We Are WDMCS
District Staff Monthly E-Newsletter
Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019
BeBetter Health Screenings Available
BeBetter health screenings can be scheduled now. Employees can go on the beBetter website and schedule their appointments. Everyone is new, as the company we use has a new system.
- Log into beBetter with the same username and password you have used in the past.
- Once you log in, click on the "Health Screenings" button.
- Enter wdmcs2019 as the access code.
Questions? Email Kris Craig, benefits adviser.
WDMCS Workplace Survey
For the past several years, we have asked for your input regarding your experiences working in the West Des Moines Community Schools. You can provide your feedback in this year's workplace survey at:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MC26F2Y
Please complete this survey before 4:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 22.
Three Ways Our Smartphone App Helps YOU & Families
- Filter content by building
- Receive alerts through notifications
- Log in as a parent to view student info.
To download the free app, go to Google Play or the Apple Store on your phone and look up "West Des Moines Community Schools."
Questions? Email scroffice@wdmcs.org.
WDMCS Smartphone App: News, Calendar, Notifications
Updated Meal Charges Board Policy Prevents "Shaming"
The Board of Education approved changes to Board Policy 709.02, Meal Charges. The changes made reflected changes to an Iowa law which prohibits school districts from withholding a reimbursable meal from a student due to a negative account balance. This is an effort to eliminate "shaming" based on socio-economic factors. The updated policy will be available soon for review online.
WDMCS Strategic Plan: Sharing the HOW Behind Our Work
Effective Grading Practices: Purpose, Practices, Next Steps
In order to facilitate consistent and effective grading practices as outlined in Priority Six of the WDMCS Strategic Plan, a task force representing parents, teachers, central office administration, building administration, and school board members engaged in a yearlong process during the 2016-17 school year to study various assessment and grading methodologies.
By consensus, the task force recommended a districtwide grading purpose statement that reads:
The purpose of grading is to communicate achievement relative
to course standards to students and parents.
The task force came to the consensus that WDMCS had the capacity to implement five grading practices focused on assessment for learning.
Assessment for Learning Practices:
- Use quality assessments.
- Achievement and behavior will be reported separately.
- Involve students in the assessment process—allow for reassessment opportunities.
- Grades reflect the standards in the Iowa Core (or equivalent standards).
- Use criterion-referenced grades. Students can demonstrate understanding at a specified level of proficiency.
Starting in 2017-18, an effective grading team of approximately 55 teachers, teacher leaders, and administrators began to engage in shared learning and work in order to further define each effective grading practice and impact implementation of five effective grading practices. This work has continued throughout this school year.
Below is a graphic outlining some of the work done to date.
Next Steps
Secondary staff will experience shared learning this semester. The goal is to implement all five effective grading practices for the 2019-20 school year, with continued support provided at the building level and through PLCs.
School/Community Relations
buckl@wdmcs.org
515-633-5023
Alexandra Wade
515-633-5022
Aaron Young
younga@wdmcs.org
515-633-5016
Email: scroffice@wdmcs.org
Website: www.wdmcs.org
Location: 3550 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA, USA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wdmcs/
Twitter: @WDMCS