We Are WDMCS
District Staff Monthly E-Newsletter
Wednesday, May 1, 2019
May Staff Recognition
For more than 30 years, the community-based Staff Recognition Committee has organized the Staff Recognition celebration to honor the West Des Moines Community Schools retirees and staff with 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years or more of service.
Wednesday, May 8
Retiree Luncheon
noon to 2 p.m.
Staff Recognition Reception
4:30-6 p.m.
Hilton Garden Inn, WDM
Annual Benefits Enrollment Opens May 6
The annual enrollment period for medical/ prescription drug, flexible spending accounts, and employee supplemental insurance will be held May 6-17, 2019.
Login Information
EVERYONE should log into BCEnroll and verify your benefits and your beneficiary information.
The benefit rates for medical, dental, and vision for 2019-20 are not changing.
2019-20 Guides
2019-20 Notices
Retiree Receptions
You are invited to attend the following retiree receptions. Want to add your reception? Please contact the School/Community Relations Office with the details.
Jeri Daniels
Fifth-Grade Teacher
Thursday, May 9
4:30-6:30 p.m.
Jordan Creek Elementary Media Center
John Villotti
Director
Thursday, May 23
4-6 p.m.
Crestview School of Inquiry
Char Ondracek
Reading Teacher
Friday, May 24
8-9 a.m.
Hillside Elementary
Nancy Hartsock
Vocal Music Teacher
Wednesday, May 29
3:30-5:30 p.m.
Western Hills Elementary
Susan Asklof Enthusiasm Award
Is there someone in WDMCS who has been a source of inspiration and encouragement to you and others? Someone who lives life to the fullest and shares their enthusiasm with everyone around them? Please consider honoring this person by nominating them for the 2018-19 Susan Asklof Enthusiasm Award. The nomination form is attached and can be submitted to Community Education/LRC by Friday, May 31.
Since 1991, the Susan Asklof Enthusiasm Award has been a testament to many amazing individuals who have blessed, influenced, and encouraged students, families, and colleagues in the West Des Moines Community Schools. Please consider nominating a colleague who deserves to be recognized!
Ride Don't Hide—EFR Event
June 9, 2019
8 a.m.
Colby Park, Windsor Heights
Learn more >
Mental illness and addiction are issues that affect many Iowans, including some of your friends, relatives, and coworkers. It's time to END THE SHAME AND FEAR associated with these issues.
Elementary School Supply List
As WDMCS continues to explore processes through an equity lens, we determined the elementary school supply lists needed more continuity. Building principals worked with teachers throughout the district to compile a single supply list per grade.
As a result, WDMCS now has ONE supply list per grade for all buildings. We understand there may be some items not included in this list that teachers may desire for special projects in their classrooms. Later this month, we will provide a link to a "Wish List" form teachers can fill out. The School/Community Relations Department works with area businesses to receive school supply donations.
The updated school supply lists will be sent to area stores such as Target, Wal-Mart, Office Max, etc.
Download Lists
Students, Staff Collaborate on Equity Training
After working separately for almost two years, West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) students and staff came together for a day of equity learning on April 4, 2019.
WDMCS first implemented the Deep Equity framework in April 2017, starting with staff education and training. Students then attended their first Youth Equity Stewardship session in October 2017.
At the April training, the YES! students shared their work and progress with staff, leading several exercises and discussions. Students later presented their work to their peers and the community, sharing their “In My One Beat” poems, art they’d created, and music from their YES! training.
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