This is WDMCS
West Des Moines Community Schools | February 8, 2020
2019 Performance Profiles Released
In a January 29 press release, the Iowa Department of Education announced new results and features in an online school accountability reporting system called the Iowa School Performance Profiles. The website shows:
- Updated scores and ratings for all public schools based on how they performed on a set of accountability measures in the 2018-19 school year
- Schools that have been identified for additional support and improvement based on their performance
- Additional data that is required by law but does not count toward accountability scores
Join the Thousands Using WDMCS App
Join more than 4,000 WDMCS staff, students, and parents who use the district's smartphone app. The "Notifications" tool pushes important information straight to your phone. We all get too much email, so anything that helps provide YOU information quickly and efficiently is win-win.
To download the free app, go to Google Play or the App Store on your phone and look up "West Des Moines Community Schools."
Questions? Email scroffice@wdmcs.org.
Valley National Signing Day
More than 30 Valley High School student-athletes participated in the school’s National Signing Day event on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at the Staplin Performing Arts Center.
Some Valley seniors already signed their National Letter of Intent during the NCAA’s early periods in November and December, but all who plan to play a collegiate sport were recognized Wednesday. At the event, each student-athlete announced their college decision, what sport they plan to play, and gave a brief “thank you” speech to family, friends, and coaches in attendance.
Athletic Camps and Clinics
Winter and spring camps and clinics are now open. Additional clinics will be added throughout the coming months.
Valley Hall of Honor 2019-20 Inductees
Canvas Parent Tips
With the switch to second semester, there are a couple of tasks you need “to do” to keep your Canvas running smoothly and some transitional “need to knows” to better help you understand the system.
- When you created your account, Canvas automatically assumed you wanted all your student’s active courses on your Dashboard. Now that we have switched to a new semester, Canvas will still automatically put active courses on the Dashboard, but if you have more than one child it might not get all the courses. To ensure all courses you want to be on your Dashboard are there you need to “favorite” the courses. Click on the following link to learn how to organize your Dashboard.
- Your secondary student has new courses this semester. If you nicknamed and/or color-coded first semester courses, you will need to do this again to your second-semester courses.
- Remember, with our new grading practices your students may be spending the first couple weeks of the semester learning new skills and will not have a grade until they take their first assessment.
- Are you receiving your notifications or are you getting way too many notifications? Click on the following link to learn more about the Canvas Parent Notification System.
ParentQuest Classes
ParentQuest provides a wide variety of free learning opportunities for parents and other caring adults as they navigate each child’s unique path to success in school and life.
We offer classes and resources designed for parents of both young children and school-aged children. Below are three of many upcoming ParentQuest classes offered this semester.
Raising Culturally Competent Kids
Would you like your child to be a kind and empathetic member of society? Helping them to have a broader sense of the world and others who live in it is important for their development. Parents are kids’ first role model in learning to appreciate diversity. In this class we'll go over simple steps to teach your child how to broaden their perspective.
Feb. 17 | 6:30-8 p.m.
Learning Resource Center
Kindergarten: Preparing for a Great Start
Parents can do a lot to help with getting their children prepared for school. Some of the basics are: healthy diets, consistent sleep schedules, and keeping regular doctor check-ups. A lot of important skills can be passed along while reading books and also through play. Come to this class and learn about Kindergarten Readiness, what goes on during the day, and how you can help your child get ready.
March 24 | 6-7:30 p.m.
Learning Resource Center
CultureALL Family Night
Pragnya Yogesh will present Classical, Folk, and Bollywood Dances of India. Participants will get a feel of various dances performed in India by learning the basics and foot works of classical dances like Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. Students will also learn folk dances like Garba, Dhandiya Raas, and Bollywood dances and have an opportunity to try on various costumes and jewelry used in Indian dance.
Feb. 20 | 6:30-7:30 p.m.
West Des Moines Library
Virtual Backpack Community Opportunities
Vocal Workshop with American Idol Coach
Date: March 1 - all day
Location: Franklin Junior High School
Cost: Email lisa@wagnersummertheater.com
Organization: Wagner Summer Theater
American Idol and Disney Coach Peisha McPhee will be visiting Des Moines for a 3-day master vocal workshop series for Des Moines area youth. Emerging young vocalists will have the chance to elevate their talent and experience with audition techniques, vocal coaching, and more. All details are located at www.wagnersummertheater.com under "Winter/Spring Pop-ups." We have also launched our 2020 Summer Camps!
Mother-Son Dance
Date: Feb. 15 - 6 p.m.
Location: Faith Lutheran Church, 10395 University
Cost: $30
Organization: Faith Lutheran Church
Moms, grandmas, aunts, and neighbors: Come have some fun on the dance floor with your sons, grandsons, nephews, and friends! Photo booth, games, crafts, snacks, and a dessert bar!
Hy-Vee Kids in the Kitchen
Location: 1801 NW 114th Street, Clive
Event For: ages 7-12
Cost: $15
Organization: Clive Parks and Recreation
Spend your early out Wednesday afternoon with us! Join Denise, West Lakes Hy-Vee Dietician, for this fun-filled, educational class! Participants will learn about cooking utensils, recipe and label reading, and healthy eating habits. Oh, and of course, cook some yummy food from start to finish!
West Des Moines Community Schools
We understand a students’ education is an important part of their life journey, and we are committed to their success. At WDMCS, students will gain knowledge and develop skills to prepare them for life. The excellent opportunities we offer enable students to explore their interests and achieve their potential because we believe every student can find their place in the WDMCS.
Email: scroffice@wdmcs.org
Website: wdmcs.org
Location: 3550 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA, USA
Phone: 515-633-5000
Facebook: facebook.com/WDMCS
Twitter: @WDMCS