This Spring at WDMCS
As we wrap up the school year, we are excited that some events and activities are returning, even if they don't look exactly like they have in previous years. Because our COVID-19 safety measures will remain in effect through the end of the school year, we've modified several events to ensure we could still provide a fun experience while prioritizing safety.
Safety Measures
Any school event or activity that may include volunteers, visitors, or students leaving district property must be approved by WDMCS leadership. Building administrators submit a safety plan and explanation of the event or activity.
Face masks are required on district property (both indoors and outdoors.)
Individuals cannot enter a building if they feel sick or have a fever over 100.4.
Individuals must follow any other COVID-19 guidelines provided by the building.
Spring Events
The following events are not a complete list of activities taking place across the district, but summarize a variety of events planned in May.
Field Trips: Field trips requiring transportation is not an option, but many schools are organizing an outdoor lunch or other activities where students walk to a local park.
Indoor Performances and Recognition Events: Some performances and other year-end recognitions are taking place with limited in-person capacity. Several events will be recorded or livestreamed so families unable to attend in-person can still support their students. Check with your school to learn if an event planned will be recorded or streamed.
Graduation Ceremonies: Valley High School and Walnut Creek Campus will both honor their graduates at in-person ceremonies this year. Walnut Creek Camps will celebrate their graduates at Valley’s Staplin Performing Arts Center on Thursday, May 27. Valley High School’s graduation will be held at Valley Stadium on Sunday, May 30. Both events have limited in-person attendance and will follow standard COVID-19 safety measures. In addition, both events will be livestreamed. Contact either school for details.
Elementary Chromebooks
All Chromebooks for students in grades PK-6 will be checked back into their school for the summer.
What about students who are attending summer school or summer programming?
Schools will have the option to allow specific students attending summer programming to keep their Chromebooks or provide a different one during the summer program. Please contact your specific school for more details.
What about students receiving Extended School Year (ESY) services?
Students receiving ESY services will be allowed to keep their Chromebooks. Please contact your specific school for more information.
When will elementary Chromebooks be turned in?
Each elementary school will decide on the exact dates, times, and processes for collecting the Chromebooks. Schools will communicate the details directly to parents.
How will online elementary families turn in Chromebooks?
Each elementary school will send out specific information on when and where online students will turn in their Chromebooks.
What happens if a family does not turn in their Chromebook at the end of the school year?
The Chromebook will be marked “lost” in the WDMCS library system, and it will trigger a $160 fine to the family. This summer, the WDMCS Accounting Department will send out overdue notices to families, and a collection agency may be used to collect payment if needed.
Should homeschool elementary students turn in their Chromebook?
If a homeschool student attended any classes at an elementary school this year and received their Chromebook from the school, then it must be turned into that school at the end of the school year. Homeschool students who received their Chromebook from the Homeschool Assistance Program directly can keep the Chromebook for the summer.
Secondary Chromebooks
All current students in grades 7-11 will keep their Chromebook over the summer.
What if a student is leaving the district at the end of the school year?
If a student is leaving WDMCS at the end of the school year, they will return the Chromebook to the school library by the end of the last day of school.
What happens if a family moves out of the district and does not return their Chromebook?
The Chromebook will be marked “lost” in the WDMCS library system and it will trigger a $160 fine to the family. Once the school notifies the Technology Department, the Chromebook will also be disabled. This summer, the WDMCS Accounting Department will send out overdue notices to families, and a collection agency may be used to collect payment if needed.
If the student keeps the Chromebook at home this summer and is in a different WDMCS school in August, do they take their existing Chromebook with them?
Yes. The Chromebook is assigned to the student and they take it with them to whatever school building they are attending next fall.
What if the Chromebook breaks this summer? Will WDMCS provide tech support or repairs over the summer?
Yes. Please submit a ticket at discover.wdmcs.org/Chromebook-tech-request and our district technicians will assist with any repairs or questions.
Senior Chromebooks
All seniors at Valley High School and Walnut Creek Campus will turn in their Chromebooks at the end of the school year. Your school will send out detailed information on exactly when and where the check-in will take place.
What happens if a family does not turn in their Chromebook at the end of the school year?
The Chromebook will be marked “lost” in the WDMCS library system and it will trigger a $160 fine to the family. This summer, the WDMCS Accounting Department will send out overdue notices to families, and a collection agency may be used to collect payment if needed.
School/Community Relations
Director
Alexandra Wade
Specialist
Aaron Young
Specialist
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