We are ALL WDMCS
Nov. 3, 2023
Emergency Notification Test Nov. 8
West Des Moines Community Schools is getting ready for winter weather and will be testing the notification system at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 8. This system helps keep students and staff safe by providing notifications of inclement weather or emergency situation school closings.
The message will be sent out as a:
- phone call
- text message
- WDMCS app notification
IT IS ONLY A TEST. The phone call will come from 515-633-5599, and the text message will come from 606-08.
IMPORTANT: Please confirm your email and phone number are accurate in Infinite Campus because that information is imported nightly to our mass notification system.
TIP: Consider saving 515-633-5599 as a contact in your mobile phone so you'll always know when there's an active WDMCS weather alert.
Don't Miss a Message
Do you have a new cell phone number or email address? We need to have that information on file so when we send out emergency notices, you will receive them.
Update Your Contact Information
Log into the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
Click on the "More" link in the left navigation menu.
Click the "Family Information" link in the center of the screen.
Scroll to find the person's information you wish to update. You will be able to update cell phone, work phone, other phone, email address, and secondary email address fields.
Click the "Update" button to save your changes.
HERE! Watch for Attendance Communication
Being HERE for school is essential for building relationships and reaching important learning milestones. That’s why we want to make sure you know if your student is close to being absent for 10% of our school days (18 or more days in a year or missing only two days per month on average).
WDMCS will be increasing communication regarding attendance concerns including:
Watch for Notifications: WDMCS schools will send out daily phone, email, and text notifications if your student has an unexcused absence. Parents/guardians of secondary students will also receive notification if their student is tardy/late that day.
Check Your Mail: Letters will be sent home to parents/guardians when their student has reached between 5-9% absenteeism rate. This is to help inform families and share resources.
We believe your students belong in WDMCS and want them HERE each day. See links below to find resources and ideas for improving attendance.
School Board Election Reminder
How to Vote in the School Board Election
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
There are four seats on the ballot for the WDMCS Board of Education. The following individuals, listed in alphabetical order by last name, filed nomination papers:
- Michael Andreski
- Laurie Beilstein
- Jeff Hicks (incumbent)
- Jill Caton Johnson (incumbent)
- Elizabeth Larson
- Teri Patrick
- Aaron Sewell
- Scott White
Learn more about the candidates in WDMCS news and from the Candidate Forum sponsored by West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce.
Community Opportunities
- No School Camp on Nov. 6
- Boots & Books on Nov. 18
- Kids Go STEM! on Dec. 2
- Valley Baseball Youth Camp K-3 on Dec. 22
- Valley Baseball Youth Camp 4-6 on Dec. 22
- West Des Moines Spring Soccer register by Jan. 31
View Digital Backpack Listings >
Upcoming Events
Monday, Nov. 6, 2023
No School for PK-12 Students (except Crestview)
Elementary Conferences
Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023
School Board Election
Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023
7:30 p.m. TEST of Weather Alert Notification System
Wednesday, Nov. 22, Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24
No School — Thanksgiving Holiday
Students to Perform Play by Valley Drama Director
Valley Drama presents “Falling Awake” Nov. 3-5.
Written and directed by Valley Drama Director Aaron Westrum, "Falling Awake" is an original production you won’t want to miss.
The play will be presented on Nov. 3 at 7 p.m., Nov. 4 at 7 p.m., and Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. at the Staplin Performing Arts Center at Valley High School. Tickets are $15 each and may be purchased at discover.wdmcs.org/falling-awake.
Iowa Wild Discounted Family Tickets
Hey, WDMCS! The Iowa Wild Hockey team started an exciting 2023-24 season. Discounted tickets are available for all West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) employees, students, and families. They are proud to be partnering with our WDMCS community and they hope to see you at a game.
Discounted Ticket Sections
- center
- attack zone
- defense zone
West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) is starting work to develop an updated strategic plan to guide our work for the next several years. We are eager to include the voices of our students, families, staff, and community members in this important planning and will provide frequent updates to our stakeholders throughout the process. Stay up-to-date with strategic planning in the district newsletter, on WDMCS social media, and on the WDMCS website. Learn more and see a process timeline at discover.wdmcs.org/strategic-planning.
We Want You HERE!
Do you or someone you know want to be HERE! for students’ futures? We are looking for caring, talented employees who will help us give students a reason to be HERE. Explore teacher, assistant, and other job postings with WDMCS, a district with a place for every student (and staff member) to belong.
