WDMCS Staff Newsletter
Nov. 1, 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 in the following ways:
- phone call
- text message
- WDMCS app notification
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 cell phone so you'll always know when there's an active WDMCS weather alert.
Employee Options When Severe Weather Impacts School
As we head into our winter weather season, we wish to communicate employee options if school is canceled due to severe weather. In situations where school is not in session or there is such a significant event where it warrants closing all buildings, including the LRC, more detailed information will be sent out. If your specific role is not listed below, please contact your supervisor for more information.
IF SCHOOL IS CANCELED — BY ROLE
Administrators should continue to work in their building or take leave.
Certified staff (teachers and teacher leaders) can choose to work from home on the FIRST full day off due to inclement weather or take leave. Certified staff will not work on any subsequent “no school” days, and these days will be made up at the end of the school year.
Classroom assistants will not work because school is not in session.
Community Education building supervisors will not work because after-school activities are canceled on these days.
Kids West employees who work at schools will not work because Kids West is closed on these days.
12-Month Support Staff (hourly who work at the LRC or in buildings including building secretaries, transportation staff, LRC hourly support roles)
continue to work in their building,
take leave, or
make up time within the same pay period (upon approval from supervisor).
Nurses should contact Laura Mears for more details.
Nutrition managers will work or take leave.
Nutrition employees will not work on these days unless they coordinate with their supervisor and there is a need.
Operations/Custodial employees will continue to work or take leave unless otherwise communicated by their supervisor.
Supervisor/Specialists should continue to work or take leave.
Transportation: Bus Drivers/Assistants (9-10 month employees) will not work on these days.
DEFINITIONS
- Cancellation is when school is canceled but other buildings remain open.
- Closure is when all district buildings close due to severe weather. No employees report to work during a closure.
WDMCS Begins 2023-24 Strategic Planning Process
West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) is pleased to announce we are starting a strategic planning process. This process will allow us to develop an up-to-date operational plan and provide clarity and focus to our work for the next several years. The process will take place through August 2024.
WDMCS is eager to include staff voices in our strategic planning, along with students, families, and community members. Please watch for opportunities to participate in focus groups and give feedback through a survey and community events throughout the year. Stay up-to-date with strategic planning in the district newsletters, on WDMCS social media, and on the WDMCS website. Learn more and see a process timeline at discover.wdmcs.org/strategic-planning.
Iowa Wild Discounted Staff Tickets
Discounted Ticket Sections
- center
- attack zone
- defense zone
Iowa Wild Invites Student Performances
We would love to see our WDMCS students perform at Iowa Wild games. They offer two types of opportunities:
- Singing of the National Anthem
- Dance, cheer, or ice skating performance during one of the game's intermissions (2-2 1/2 minutes in length)
Contact Jake Dixon with the Iowa Wild if you have any questions or would like to schedule a performance. Once it is scheduled, be sure to let School/Community Relations know so we can promote the event to our families.
Jake Dixon
515-564-8739
