We Are WDMCS
District Staff Monthly E-Newsletter
Wednesday, Oct. 23 , 2019
Update Preferences Before Winter Weather
As WDMCS prepares for potential weather-related dismissals this school year, all families need to update their preferences within Blackboard, the district's new communication system.
You will need to log into the link below using your Infinite Campus username and click the "forget password" link to reset your password in this new system. View the brief video tutorial below for the simple steps to update your preferences.
The test emergency communication is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 29. We will send out email, text, app, phone, and social media notices.
Get to Know Candidates for School Board
School board elections will be held this year on Tuesday, Nov. 5. There will be four seats on the ballot. Candidates running for the West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) Board of Education include:
- Incumbent Jill Caton Johnson, Ph.D.
- Incumbent Liz Cox
- Jonas Cutler
- Lonnette Dafney
- Jeff Hicks
- Jessica Worley
Try Something New in Canvas
We know that Canvas feels very overwhelming, so each month we will include suggestions for new tasks to try out.
Elementary
- Choose a homepage
- Create a task for students to do in Canvas (morning bell work, comprehension quiz, book discussion, reflection journal, exit slip, formative assessment, or talk to an instructional coach for ideas)
- Have your students log in and complete the task
Secondary
- Create an assignment and have students submit it through Canvas
- Use Speedgrader
- Use the “Message Students Who” feature in the grade book
- Visit the Canvas Feature Ideas list and create a feature idea or vote on something you would like to see happen
Valley Hall of Honor Nominations Open
Nominations are being accepted for the Valley High School Hall of Honor through Friday, Nov. 1.
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 (WDMCS).
SafeSchools Training Open Lab
You can complete your SafeSchools training at any of our open labs at the Learning Resource Center.
OPEN LAB DATES
Join us 1-4:30 p.m. on:- Oct. 30
- Nov. 13
- Nov. 26
SafeSchools training must be completed by the end of day Friday, Nov. 29.
At [YOUR SCHOOL] We Choose KIND
Schedule Your Demo Teacher Visit
A demonstration teacher plans, demonstrates, and discusses the effective use of evidence-based instructional practices and strategies to increase student achievement.
A demo teacher is an excellent resource for teachers interested in viewing new methods, materials, and instructional strategies that, through research, have proven to increase student achievement.
Steps to Schedule a Visit
- Visit the WDMCS website to view topics and teacher schedules.
- Contact the teacher(s) directly via email/in person and set up a date that works for you both.
- Complete the Demo Teacher Request Form.
- Mark your absence request in Aesop. Use the absence reason “demo teacher visit.” The accounting code will be taken care of behind the scenes.
- Enter your absence into Applitrack.
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