We are ALL WDMCS
April 7, 2023
In This Edition
Video message to families from Superintendent Adams
April Updates and Reminders: sign up for 2023-24 starting May 1, two-way text resource for families, ISASP testing
Digital Backpack and Dates to Remember
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Updates: spring equity summit, April observances
Mark Your Calendar: Preschool Palooza, Staff Recognition, Stomp Out Stigma
Fun Summer Opportunities: Summer of Learning, athletic camps
Earning Your Stripes Podcast Episode Seven: Hall of Honor Volunteer Inductee Andi Lipman
News Stories: Teacher/Student Book Published and Impact of Art
Order Spring WDMCS Apparel
Message from Superintendent Adams
April Updates and Reminders
2023-24 Enrollment Opens May 1
We are excited to announce our families can sign their students up for the 2023-24 school year starting Monday, May 1.
SIGN UP FOR SCHOOL ONLINE
Parents/guardians will log into Infinite Campus to:
- review/update family information
- update student health records
- review handbooks
WHAT ELSE IS NEEDED?
- sign up for busing
- access school supply lists
- mark your calendar for back-to-school events
On-site enrollment support dates will take place this summer for families who need interpreters or internet support.
Watch for more details later in April.
Two-Way Texting Resource
This spring WDMCS launched a new two-way texting tool called TalkingPoints. This tool is intended to help staff and families quickly connect with each other through text messages. Because the tool translates information back and forth from a parent/guardian's primary home language to English, it helps us reach out with important questions or share information that will immediately reach the parent/guardian through their cellphone in their home langauge.
Because each teacher or school will have a unique phone number, you may not immediately recognize the number that comes through as a text. Please accept these notifications instead of blocking the number.
We are excited that this additional communication tool will help decrease the number of emails in your inbox by connecting directly through texting for short notifications or questions.
ISASP Testing for Grades 3-11
WDMCS students in grades 3-11 will take the annual Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) tests between Monday, April 24, and Friday, May 5.
Parents/guardians received an initial email in late March. If you have questions about ISASP test content or results, please set up a time to speak with your student’s teacher.
Upcoming Community Opportunities
Our digital backpack lists a wide variety of events, classes, or other opportunities.
April/May Opportunities
- Mini Medical School April 11 through University of Iowa
- Earth Day Family Fun April 22 through West Des Moines Parks and Recreation
- Street Survival April 30 through SCCA Foundation and BMW CCA Foundation
- Stomp Out Stigma Walk May 6 through the West Des Moines Leadership Academy and Please Pass the Love
- Photo Field Trip May 8 through Hoyt Sherman Place
View more Digital Backpack Listings >
No School + Last Day of School
To help you plan, please review the following dates to remember as we approach the end of the school year.
Friday, April 28
Professional Development Day — No School
Thursday, May 25
Last Day of School for Graduating Valley and Walnut Creek Students
Friday, May 26
Last Day of School for Tiger Cubs Preschool
Thursday, June 1
Last Day of School for Students (no early dismissal)
Friday, June 2
Last Day of School for Teachers
WDMCS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Updates
WDMCS Explores DEI Districtwide at Equity Lead Summit
WDMCS equity leads and administrators participated in the spring equity lead summit on March 30, 2023. Equity leads developed goals for their buildings and brainstormed about co-creating the necessary space and conditions for equity at the building and district level.
“The summit offered us a great opportunity to build community, collaborate, learn new content, and build processes to support building, classroom, and individual capacity,” Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Dr. Dau Jok said.
Observances in April 2023
Learn alongside us about events WDMCS students and families may observe in the month of April:
- Arab American Heritage Month
- Autism Acceptance Month
- Week of the Young Child (April 1-7)
- Passover (April 5-13)
- Easter (April 9 and April 16)
- GLSEN National Day of Silence (April 14)
- Vaisakhi (April 14-15)
- Eid al-Fitr (April 20-21)
Mark Your Calendar
Staff Recognition Committee Seeking Donations for Event Honoring WDMCS Employees
It goes without saying that we are so grateful to and proud of the teachers and staff in our schools! On May 10, the WDMCS Staff Recognition Committee (comprised of grateful citizens) is hosting the 42nd annual celebration for all district teachers and staff. We honor retirees and recognize significant service milestones and let our teachers/staff know how much they are appreciated!
This event is funded entirely by the community (as no tax dollars pay for this event), and we are asking for your help! All donation sizes are appreciated, and we recognize in the program those who contribute with the following designations:
- Silver: $25 to $249
- Gold: $250 to $499
- Platinum: $500 to $999
- Diamond: $1,000 or above
Please consider honoring our West Des Moines school district teachers and employees with a contribution to this special event. Because we are non-profit and qualified 501(c)(3), all donations are tax-deductible.
You can contribute in a few convenient ways:
- Make your check payable to SRC-WDMCS Foundation, and mail it or drop it off at the Learning Resource Center (please write “Staff Recognition Committee” on the envelope).
- Find the secure donation site at https://givebutter.com/WDMCS.
- Scan the QR code.
On behalf of the Staff Recognition Committee, THANK YOU for your support of our teachers and staff!
"School to Thrive" Program to Benefit WDMCS Youth
Stomp Out Stigma Walk and Fundraiser
Join us for a FREE family-friendly event this May to help support WDMCS youth. Founded by Please Pass the Love, Stomp Out Stigma (SOS), originated as a mental health club led by students, empowering them to let everyone know it's okay to not be okay.
The West Des Moines Leadership Academy (WDMLA), in partnership with Please Pass the Love, is hosting this event to raise awareness around supporting our youth and raise funds to enhance the wellbeing resources available to students in West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS). The WDMLA is a leadership program of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce.
Bring the whole family to enjoy:
- family walk
- DJ playing fun music
- yard games including cornhole and giant Jenga
- kids' crafts
- West Des Moines Library story time and balloon animals
- fire and police truck tours
- food for purchase
- and more!
Saturday, May 6, 2023, 11:00 AM
Valley Community Center, Fuller Road, West Des Moines, IA, USA
Fun Summer Opportunities!
Summer of Learning
Are you wondering how to keep your kids busy this summer? Check out our summer programs for fun and educational courses that your child will find interesting, exciting, and rewarding.
- Art Adventures (grades 1-6)
- Be the Boss (grades 5-6)
- Camp Champs (grades 1-8)
- Camp Kindergarten
- Destination Mars (grades 2-5)
- Fencing (grades 2-10)
- Jump Start (grades 1-5)
- Music Programs (grades 6-12)
- Project Runway (grades 6-8)
- Safety Town (kindergarten + volunteering for grades 6-7)
- Summer Adventures in Learning/SAIL (grades 1-7)
- Science Exploration (grades 1-6)
Additional camps may be added in the coming weeks.
Summer Athletic Camps
- Basketball (girls)
- Cross Country
- Football
- Soccer (coed)
- Soccer (girls)
- Swimming and Diving
- Tiger Tough Strength and Conditioning
- Tennis (girls)
- Track and Field
- Volleyball (girls)
- Wrestling (boys)
- Wrestling (girls)
Earning Your Stripes Podcast: Episode 7
WDMCS Teacher, Daughter Publish Children's Book
“Papa Bill and Oscar,” written by Jordan Creek Elementary third-grade teacher Christina Bahe and expertly illustrated by her daughter, Camryn, a Valley High School senior and accomplished artist, is a heartwarming walk down memory lane that explores finding joy amid loss.
We sat down with Christina and Camryn to talk about the book-writing process, their memories of Papa Bill, and how publishing a book together brought them closer.
Impact of Art Draws Community Together Around Art Education
“Art draws us together” read a sign at WDMCS’ annual Impact of Art event, which highlights art education and celebrates our K-12 student artists. Students, families, and staff all connected through artwork at the event, held Thursday, March 30, at the Learning Resource Center. Attendees could even add their own art to the show using sticky notes, and music was provided by orchestra students from Valley Southwoods Freshman High School.
The annual event aligns with Youth Art Month, a celebration of the visual arts with the Council for Art Education that encourages support for quality school art programs and recognizes skills developed through visual arts experiences like problem-solving, creativity, observation, and communication. This year’s theme was “Your Art, Your Voice.”
ORDER SPRING APPAREL + SUPPORT WDMCS
Official Online Store Adds Fun Spring Items
Is your students involved in one of the district's spring sports? Or are you a fan who just loves to wear Tiger gear? Either way, check out our new line of spring apparel on the official WDMCS online store.
SHOP NOW FOR SPRING TIGER GEAR >
Exciting Launch of HERE! Attendance Campaign
In early February, the district officially launched our HERE! Attendance campaign. We know this has been at the forefront of conversation in schools all year. Our RAYGUN t-shirts and stickers are fun ways to connect staff, students, and families to this topicm and our official pop-up store is now open! You can purchase shirts and stickers to show your support! Twenty-five percent of the t-shirt proceeds will go towards chronic absenteeism programs.