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How Westridge Elementary Adapted to Coronavirus
By Westridge Fifth Graders Soleil A. and Katherine S.
Edited by WDMCS School/Community Relations
Westridge Elementary is known for being welcoming to families and students. In years past, conferences took place at the school. Every fall, parents, teachers, and students would watch as their friends and classmates put on a play. In the winter, the entire school would fill up the gym for the sing-along. At recess, classes could play with each other.
Westridge was an amazing place, and it still is — just a bit different. Like the rest of the West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS), some Westridge students learned on-site, others learned online, and some did a mix of both throughout the year.
The major changes this year were wearing masks (optional as of May 20), separate recess areas, and specials (art, counseling, music, and physical education). At the beginning of the school year, students and teachers had to haul the entire contents of their desks home. This way, they would have everything they need for online learning. Fortunately, as Westridge went further in the year, they could leave more of their things at school.
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June 2 Early Dismissal TimesAll West Des Moines Community Schools buildings will dismiss three hours early on the last day of school (for grades K-12), Wednesday, June 2. Schools will dismiss three hours earlier than they would normally release students for collaboration on Wednesday. Schedules and lunch plans have been adjusted so all students will receive lunch on the last day of school, even with the early dismissal. Kids West will also close at 5 p.m. on June 2. June 2 Early Dismissal Times
| June 2 Lunch PlansJune 2 Lunch Plans Please reach out to your school with any questions about lunch on the last day of school.
Please note: There will not be a snack/supper pack served on the last day of school. Kids West students will still receive a snack as part of the Kids West program. | Starting July 6...Starting Tuesday, July 6, families will be able to complete their annual online enrollment for their students, pay fees, and complete other items in preparation for the 2021-22 school year. Watch for more details later in June. In the meantime, have a safe and enjoyable summer! |
June 2 Early Dismissal Times
All West Des Moines Community Schools buildings will dismiss three hours early on the last day of school (for grades K-12), Wednesday, June 2. Schools will dismiss three hours earlier than they would normally release students for collaboration on Wednesday. Schedules and lunch plans have been adjusted so all students will receive lunch on the last day of school, even with the early dismissal. Kids West will also close at 5 p.m. on June 2.
June 2 Early Dismissal Times
Elementary, except Crestview (Grades K-6): 12:10 p.m.
Crestview School of Inquiry: 11:25 a.m.
Junior High: 10:50 a.m.
Valley Southwoods Freshman High School: 11:35 a.m.
Valley High School: 11:35 a.m.
Walnut Creek Campus: 11:25 a.m.
June 2 Lunch Plans
June 2 Lunch Plans
Please reach out to your school with any questions about lunch on the last day of school.
Elementary buildings have built meal times into their June 2 schedules.
Junior high and high school students will pick up grab-and-go meals as they are dismissed.
Please note: There will not be a snack/supper pack served on the last day of school. Kids West students will still receive a snack as part of the Kids West program.
Starting July 6...
Starting Tuesday, July 6, families will be able to complete their annual online enrollment for their students, pay fees, and complete other items in preparation for the 2021-22 school year.
Watch for more details later in June. In the meantime, have a safe and enjoyable summer!
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ISASP Results this AugustIn August 2021, Iowa families will have online access to view their student’s results on the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP). The ISASP Parent Portal will allow families to securely access and view the Individual Student Reports (ISR). WDMCS will provide more detailed information later this summer. | Mural on Westridge Bike PathWest Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) art educators Jim Cook, Tory DeVries, Christie Engelbert, Chelsea Hayes, Katie Leeper, Stephanie Nelson, and Sarah Petersen recently completed a colorful new mural for the WDMurals project. The West Des Moines Public Arts Advisory Commission and Parks and Recreation Department on March 1, 2021, invited Iowa artists to submit mural proposals to participate in a new WDMurals public art exhibit. WDMCS art educators learned in April that their proposal had been selected. "Our concept was interacting with nature," art curriculum lead Petersen said. "Passersby are encouraged to pose with different elements in the design." WDMurals is a temporary, outdoor exhibit, and this mural will be viewable along the Westridge bike path until March 31, 2022. Don't miss your chance to see it! | Summer Meals The Summer Food Service Program helps children get the nutrition they need to learn, play, and grow throughout the summer months when they are out of school. This summer, WDMCS will offer meals two ways. Families can pick up three-day meal kits twice a week or pick up single ready-to-eat meals each day. Meals are free to anyone 18 and younger, no registration required. WDMCS SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM June 7-Aug. 13 Meal Kit Sites Pick up meal kits with three breakfasts and lunches at:
Ready-to-Eat Sites Pick up ready-to-eat lunch and breakfast for the next day at:
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ISASP Results this August
In August 2021, Iowa families will have online access to view their student’s results on the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP). The ISASP Parent Portal will allow
families to securely access and view the Individual Student Reports (ISR).
WDMCS will provide more detailed information later this summer.
Mural on Westridge Bike Path
West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) art educators Jim Cook, Tory DeVries, Christie Engelbert, Chelsea Hayes, Katie Leeper, Stephanie Nelson, and Sarah Petersen recently completed a colorful new mural for the WDMurals project.
The West Des Moines Public Arts Advisory Commission and Parks and Recreation Department on March 1, 2021, invited Iowa artists to submit mural proposals to participate in a new WDMurals public art exhibit. WDMCS art educators learned in April that their proposal had been selected.
"Our concept was interacting with nature," art curriculum lead Petersen said. "Passersby are encouraged to pose with different elements in the design."
WDMurals is a temporary, outdoor exhibit, and this mural will be viewable along the Westridge bike path until March 31, 2022. Don't miss your chance to see it!
Summer Meals
This summer, WDMCS will offer meals two ways. Families can pick up three-day meal kits twice a week or pick up single ready-to-eat meals each day. Meals are free to anyone 18 and younger, no registration required.
WDMCS SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM
June 7-Aug. 13
Meal Kit Sites
Pick up meal kits with three breakfasts and lunches at:
- Valley High School
- Crestview School of Inquiry
- Stilwell Junior High School
- Hillside Elementary School
- Chapel Ridge Apartment Complex
Ready-to-Eat Sites
Pick up ready-to-eat lunch and breakfast for the next day at:
- Legion Park
- Walnut Creek YMCA
School/Community Relations
Director
Alexandra Wade
Specialist
Aaron Young
Specialist
