This is WDMCS
West Des Moines Community Schools | March 7, 2020
Graduation Rates At WDMCS Remain Above State Average, Data Shows
The Iowa Department of Education announced Tuesday, March 3, that Iowa’s high school graduation rate has climbed to a record-high 91.6 percent in 2019, a “continuing trend of long-term growth across nearly all groups of students.”
The West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) continues to be above the state average. In 2019, WDMCS had a 93.4 percent four-year graduation rate, per data from the Iowa Department of Education. The district’s four-year graduation rate has a 10-year average of 92.7 percent.
Valley High School Announces 2020 Hall of Honor Recipients
Valley High School will honor three outstanding alumni, one retiree, and one volunteer with induction into the school’s Hall of Honor this spring. These inductees are the third class of Hall of Honor award recipients.
Alumni Inductees
Cindy Axne, '83
Samuel Gabriel, '02
Warren Sandler, '52
Retired Staff
Chuck Clark
Volunteer
Melinda Dunnwald
Golf in the Halls April 4-5
The West Des Moines Community Schools Foundation is excited for the second annual Golf in the Halls. All proceeds go to benefit WDMCS students.
Saturday, April 4, 2-5 p.m.
Sunday, April 5, 9 a.m. to noon
Goals
- Introduce young children in the district to Valley High School with a family-friendly event.
- Give high school students an opportunity to show off their school and activities.
- Raise money for district teachers through the Foundation’s Teacher Grant Program.
WDMCS Staff Recognition Committee Seeking Donations
Each year the West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) Staff Recognition Committee holds a recognition reception honoring WDMCS employees. The reception this year will be held May 4, 2020. At the reception, teachers and other school staff members with more than fifteen years of service are recognized for their long-term service to the community.
The Staff Recognition Committee is a citizens’ committee and no tax dollars are used to pay for this event. The Committee is a not-for-profit organization, affiliated with the West Des Moines Community Schools Foundation and tax exempt pursuant to 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code. Therefore, contributions to this committee are tax deductible.
At the reception, numerous door prizes are given away to the attendees. Please consider contributing a door prize or a cash donation. Your generosity will be recognized on the school’s website and in the program booklet distributed at the reception.
If you would like to donate, please email Jackie Brandt at jskbrandt@mchsi.com.
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.
College Planning 101
Become empowered and take an inside look at preparing for college. This course offers a comprehensive overview covering high school preparation, activities, resumes, ACT/SAT testing, college visits, application timing, factors in choosing a college, scholarships, and financial aid. Class taught by MacKenzie Gersdorf and Tony Wieland, Valley High School counselors.
April 9 | 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
Managing Your Child's Challenging Behavior Support Group
Are you looking for practical strategies to help navigate your child's challenging behaviors? Join us for this upcoming workshop, where you'll have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss strategies specific to your child's needs, and connect with other parents with similar experiences! We will begin with a large-group discussion focused on behavioral strategies and then break off into smaller groups based on participant interests or needs. The WDMCS Behavior Intervention team and other professionals will be available to help address strategies for specific ages/grades.
April 6 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Learning Resource Center
Virtual Backpack Community Opportunities
Courage League Sports Spring Break Camp
Date: March 17 and19
Time: 9-10:30 a.m.
Location: Franklin Junior High School
Cost: $45
Organization: Courage League Sports
During spring break, CLS will offer a two-day clinic for ALL students to come out and play! We will provide a variety of activities to get them moving.
Spring Break Culinary Camp
Date: March 17-19
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Location: DMACC Ankeny Building 7
Cost: $95
Organization: DMACC
Come join the Iowa Culinary Institute to sharpen your culinary skills. Spend each day learning new recipes and techniques. Campers will receive hands-on experience from an Iowa Culinary Institute Chef. You will leave with new recipes, as well as everything you create in the kitchen to share with family and friends. Space is limited so sign-up soon! Please wear closed-toed shoes for this class.
Tire Rack Street Survival School
Date: April 26
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Event For: high school students
Cost: $95
Organization: BMW CCA Foundation and SCCA Foundation
Street Survival is a one-day safe-driving program designed to give teens the hands-on experience and tools to become smarter, safer drivers. Challenging driving situations on a private course allow students to experience abnormal vehicle behavior in a safe and supervised environment.
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