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August 2026
Welcome Back Hawks!
I hope our students and families have enjoyed a relaxing and memorable summer. As we prepare to begin the 2026–27 school year, I am excited to welcome our students back to West Delaware High School.
The building is never quite the same without students filling the classrooms and hallways. Our staff has been working hard to prepare, and we are looking forward to the energy, relationships, and opportunities that come with the start of a new year.
Thank you to our families for your continued support and partnership. I am excited about what lies ahead and cannot wait to see our students back in the building. Let’s make it a great year!
Matt Svare
High School Principal
High School Open House, Orientation & Chromebook Pickup
West Delaware High School’s Open House and Freshman/New Student Orientation will be held Wednesday, August 19, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. Students and families in grades 9–12 are invited to attend. Freshmen and new students should begin the evening in Hanson Auditorium for orientation before visiting homeroom and walking their class schedules. Ninth-grade students will receive their Chromebooks in homeroom, while students in grades 10–12 may pick up their Chromebooks from the High School Media Center during the event.
Updated Cell Phone Policy
The cell phone and personal electronic device policy has been updated in the 2026–27 High School Student Handbook.
During instructional time, cell phones, earbuds, smartwatches, and other personal devices must be silenced and stored in the classroom wall organizer or another staff-approved location. Any time a student uses a personal device during class without staff approval, it will be confiscated and secured in the office.
Devices may be used before and after school, during passing time, and at lunch. They may not be used in restrooms, locker rooms, or other areas where privacy is expected.
Consequences are cumulative throughout the school year:
First offense: Device returned at the end of the day; parent notified.
Second offense: Detention and parent pickup.
Third offense: Two detentions and parent pickup.
Additional offenses: The student may lose the privilege of carrying a device during the school day.
The goal is to reduce distractions, protect student privacy, and help students focus on learning.
Hawks Online 2026–27
West Delaware is offering Hawks Online as a flexible virtual learning option for eligible students during the 2026–27 school year. This program provides an alternative pathway for students to earn a WDHS diploma through online coursework, support from a program coordinator, and alignment with West Delaware graduation requirements. Families interested in learning more can review the full program information here: [Hawks Online 2026–27 Program Information].
Hello Students and Welcome back!! We are excited to see you all and hear all about your summer break!
Before leaving for the summer, we worked hard on your schedules and did our best to meet your requests. With that being said, we know that between different course conflicts and changes in plans, there may be some adjustments to be made. Students will be offered the following day prior to the school year to make changes to their schedule: Wednesday, August 12th from 7:30am-3:00pm. Students also have the first three days of the term to make changes as needed. Look out for an email that was sent from counselors with more information on schedule changes.
The West Delaware Health Office is asking families to review the following important reminders.
Incoming 12th Grade Students: Meningitis Vaccine Requirement
Students entering 12th grade next year are required by Iowa law to have the meningococcal ACWY vaccine before the start of the school year. Most students need two doses, with the second dose given on or after age 16. If your student received their first dose on or after age 16, only one dose is required. Students can also turn in a signed Religious Exemption form in lieu of proof of the vaccination, if your family has chosen to stop getting vaccinations.
Families are encouraged to check with their student’s healthcare provider now to avoid the back-to-school rush. Proof of vaccination, a valid exemption, or a provisional certificate must be submitted before the 2026–2027 school year.
To schedule an appointment with Regional Family Health, call 563-927-7777. For questions, contact your healthcare provider or Delaware County Public Health at 563-927-7551.
Incoming 9th Grade Students: Dental Screening Requirement
Families of students entering 9th grade should also be aware of the required dental screening. Please begin making plans to complete this requirement and submit the necessary documentation to the school.
PowerSchool Medical, Contact, and Permission Information
Parents and guardians are asked to review their child’s medical and contact information in PowerSchool. Please make sure phone numbers, emergency contacts, health conditions, medications, and other important information are accurate and updated.
Families should also review student permissions, including Emergency Medical Release and Over-the-Counter Medication permissions. Having this information updated helps the Health Office care for students more quickly and efficiently when needed.
These permissions can be found in PowerSchool under:
Student Profile > Permissions
Thank you for helping us keep student records current and supporting a healthy start to the next school year.
Below are a few important dates and resources for families:
School starts Monday, August 24th
High School – Full Day 8:00-2:55; Early Out 8:00-1:15