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#IBelongWDMCS Newsletter

March 2024 Edition

#IBelongWDMCS Newsletter March 2024 Edition
#IBelongWDMCSNewsletterMarch 2024 Edition

In This Edition

  • #IBelongWDMCS Message from Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
  • Celebrating March Events: Photos from the Student Voice Symposium and Equity Leads Summit
  • Upcoming Events: April 9 Community Engagement Event and April/May Calendar Observances

Message from Executive Director of DEI Dr. Jok

#IBelongWDMCS March 2024: Courage and Interdependence

#IBelongWDMCS Action

As we near the end of the school year, reflect on these question:

  • How do I like to be celebrated? What is one way I can better celebrate and recognize others?
  • What is a time I chose to be courageous? What would help me choose courage in all situations?
  • What is my role in building this inclusive community? What is my next right move to fulfill this role?

Celebrating March Events

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March 23 Student Voice Symposium

Students from WDMCS, Ames Community School District, Ankeny Community School District, Des Moines Public Schools, Johnston Community School District, and Southeast Polk Community School District were empowered and equipped to use their voices as leaders in their communities at the first annual Student Voice Symposium on March 23 at Stilwell Junior High. The high school and junior high students spent the day connecting with each other and community leaders, as well as learning about leadership and equity topics in adult- and student-led sessions.
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March 28 Equity Leads Summit

Equity leads from each district building, along with district teacher leaders and administrators, met for a full day of learning on Thursday, March 28. Attendees engaged in learning about leadership and the immigration process and its impact on PK-12 education. They also reviewed their building's equity efforts and engagements from this school year and spent time in community circles and activities. The day's main speaker was Louis Fountain, who shared his philosophy to "Love 100% or Not at All."

Thanking Our Community

We want to thank the many school leaders who ensured students could attend the Student Voice Symposium, as well as our talented panelists, presenters, and volunteers. Special thanks go out to our closing ceremony MCs from Hip-Hope Inc. and our keynote speaker, Iowa Department of Human Rights Director San Wong.


We would also like to recognize the generous sponsors who made the day possible:

  • Founding Sponsors ($2,000+): WDMCS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and WDMCS Community Education
  • Platinum Sponsors ($1,000-1,999): City of West Des Moines Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Department
  • Silver Sponsors ($500-999): Clive Community Foundation, Des Moines Area Community College, and West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce
  • Community Sponsors (up to $500): RAYGUN, and the West Des Moines Human Rights Commission.


Thank you to our community for supporting the opportunity one student called “an amazing learning experience”!

Upcoming Events

Event Information

Save the Date: April WDMCS Community Engagement Event

Students, families, staff, and community members are invited to join us for the final community engagement event of the school year, Tuesday, April 9. Attendees will engage in diversity, equity, and inclusion learning and community circles, and have time to connect with the district affinity groups: Families of Students of Color and LGBTQIA+ Students Family Group.

When?

Tuesday, Apr 9, 2024, 05:30 PM

Where?

Learning Resource Center, Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA, USA

April and May Observances

If you or your family would like to learn about upcoming national and international observances, you can start with these resources:

West Des Moines Community Schools
linktr.ee/wdmcs