WDMCS Equity Update
Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity Update | Aug. 31, 2021
Welcome Back!
As we begin a new school year, we wanted to provide an update on the West Des Moines Community Schools' (WDMCS) equity, inclusion, and diversity work. We remain committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive learning environment where all students and staff can belong and thrive.
Executive Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity Anthony Ferguson, Jr., Ed.D., presented his plan for “narrowing our focus” to the Board of Education in July. Here are some of the main ways the district will be actively engaged with equity this fall:
Provide Equity Learning for Staff
Dr. Ferguson will continue to meet with the building equity leads and teams to provide ongoing learning and collaboration opportunities, establish building goals, and complete equity audits. This year’s equity leads are:
Clive Learning Academy: TBA
Crestview School of Inquiry: Joan Severe
Crossroads Park Elementary: Christie Engelbert
Fairmeadows Elementary: Abby Purdom
Hillside Elementary: Chelsea Hayes
Jordan Creek Elementary: Alex Dvorak
Western Hills Elementary: Sheryl Reed
Westridge Elementary: Elizabeth Riche
Indian Hills Junior High: Adam Liker-Hill
Stilwell Junior High: Sarah Cooper
Valley Southwoods Freshman High School: Ann Miles
Valley High School: Erin Perry
Walnut Creek Campus: Leah Lingren
Re-Establish Student Equity Team
After re-evaluating the group in 2020-21, we will offer learning and leadership opportunities for students in grades 6-12 through the re-established WDMCS student equity team.
Group Purpose/Objectives
Empower, inspire, and motivate students to do this work inside and outside of the district.
Build student partnerships and collaborations around various equity, diversity, and inclusion topics.
Listen and seek understanding.
Develop intentional and strategic goals/plans to make our district safer, more equitable, and welcoming to all.
Students will meet regularly throughout the year in their building teams and as a districtwide group.
Launch Family Support Groups
To best support underserved/underrepresented students, WDMCS has partnered with district families to create support groups for adult family members and caring adults of students of color and LGBTQ+ students. The support groups are open to PK-12 families.
Both groups will launch in the 2021-22 school year and will provide parents, guardians, and other caring adults with support networks and opportunities to learn, grow, and share resources.
Want to learn more or join these groups?
Families of Students of Color Welcome Meeting
Families of Students of Color will hold a welcome meeting from 7-8 p.m. on Sept. 28 at the Learning Resource Center. The whole family is welcome to join!
Find out more from our flyer or by emailing FSOCinWDMCS@gmail.com.
Introducing Our New SRO
Over the last year, WDMCS has been working with the West Des Moines and Clive police departments to further develop and strengthen its partnerships. Beginning this fall, Valley High School will have a new school resource officer (SRO) who also happens to be a proud Valley graduate.
Officer Daniel Frunzar, class of 2004, has served as a West Des Moines police officer for 13 years and brings a wealth of training and experience to the role. Officer Frunzar is excited about the opportunity to meet current Valley students, build relationships, and gain new skills that will help him become a better police officer.
Information About House File 802
House File 802 Overview
You may have heard about Iowa House File 802 (HF 802) and wondered how it will affect WDMCS. Signed into law on June 8, 2021, and in effect as of July 1, the legislation outlines requirements related to racism or sexism staff training and student instruction as well as diversity and inclusion efforts by governmental entities, which includes public school districts.
HF 802 in WDMCS
We will continue to focus on the six action steps driving current diversity, equity, and inclusion work in our district. (Find out more about the action steps, narrowing our focus plan, and Deep Equity framework on our website.) However, we must ensure that any mandatory staff training or curriculum taught to students does not teach, advocate, encourage, promote, or act upon stereotyping, scapegoating, or prejudice toward others on the basis of demographic group membership or identity.
Resources About HF 802
Learn more about HF 802 from the following resources:
WDMCS Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity
Executive Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity
Email: fergusona@wdmcs.org
Website: discover.wdmcs.org/equity
Location: 3550 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA, USA
Phone: 515-633-5000