WDMCS Staff Newsletter
Feb. 7, 2024
Feb. 12 Board Meeting to Address Budget Cuts
West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) leadership determined the need to reduce the budget by approximately $2.9 million for the 2024-25 school year.
The primary need to cut the district's budget is because of
- declining enrollment
- lack of adequate State Supplement Aid (SSA)
Both of these reasons factor into the amount of state funding the district receives to support students' education.
The Board held a workshop on Jan. 22 to hear initial proposals. At the upcoming Feb. 12 board meeting, district leadership will present their final recommendations. No Board vote will occur until the Feb. 26 Board meeting.
The Board most recently approved budget cuts of $2.9 million three years ago.
Take Staff Strategic Plan Survey by Feb. 9
Our school district is making a strategic plan for the future, and we need your help. We want to know what you as a WDMCS employee think about as a desired daily experience. Please share your thoughts with us by answering seven quick questions – we want to hear from you! The deadline to complete the survey is Friday, Feb. 9.
TalkingPoints: How Schools Are Connecting with Families
TOTAL MESSAGES SENT AUG. 23-JAN. 13
- Clive: 2,140
- Crestview: 2,407
- Crossroads Park: 2,552
- Fairmeadows: 2,276
- Hillside: 2,713
- Jordan Creek: 1,328
- Western Hills: 2,282
- Westridge: 1,590
- Indian Hills: 1,409
- Stilwell: 329
- Valley Southwoods: 1,291
- Valley: 3,981
- Walnut Creek: 1,170
If you need training or assistance with TalkingPoints, please feel free to contact School/Community Relations.
2024-25 Calendar: Key Dates
Our calendar at a glance, available in multiple languages, is coming soon! For now, here are the main dates you need to know:
Aug. 13-22: New Teachers Report, Preservice
Aug. 23: First Day of School (Sept. 3 for Tiger Cubs Preschool)
Sept. 2: No School for Students and Teachers
Nov. 27-29: Fall Break
Dec. 23-Jan. 1: Winter Break
Jan. 20: No School for Students and Teachers
March 14-21: Spring Break
May 26: No School for Students and Teachers
May 30: Last Day of School (May 23 for Seniors and Tiger Cubs Preschool)
June 2: Last Day for Teachers
The first day of school and other dates may change due to proposed Iowa laws. If the law allows us to start before Aug. 23, we may consider starting on Wednesday, Aug. 21. If there are changes to the start date or any other dates, we will communicate with families and staff as soon as possible.
Apply to Be a Cooperating Teacher
Have you considered working with a student teacher? If you already have, would you be willing to serve again? Serving as a cooperating teacher is a great learning opportunity for a new educator and for you! The district receives numerous requests to place student teachers. Your guidance and expertise are needed.
If you are willing to serve as a cooperating teacher, please complete our online form by Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. We appreciate your time and talents!
Onsite Biometric Screenings
Employees on the WDMCS medical insurance plan are eligible to participate in a free biometric screening at their worksite and earn 500 wellness points. Completing the health screening and health survey are required to qualify for the cash incentive at the end of the school year.
At the screening, you will receive an assessment of:
- Blood pressure
- Waist circumference
- Height, weight, and BMI
- Blood cholesterol (Total, HDL, LDL Triglycerides) and glucose
WDMCS will be notified that the health screening has been completed but does not have access to your biometric screening results. All data is contained within beBetter Health.
Sign up online for an appointment. Enter the required information, then reserve your appointment by selecting your location, date, and time. There are a limited number of appointments, so don’t hesitate!
Screening Dates and Times
- Feb. 9: Valley Media Center, 7-11 a.m.
- Feb. 12: Westridge Media Center, 7-10:30 a.m.
- Feb. 13: Clive Media Center, 7-10 a.m.
- Feb. 14: Crestview PK Room 4, 7-10 a.m.
- Feb. 15: Fairmeadows Media Center, 7-10 a.m.
- Feb. 19: Walnut Creek Cafeteria, 7-9:30 a.m.
- Feb. 20: Learning Resource Center Community Room, 7-9:30 a.m.
- Feb. 21: Western Hills Media Center, 7-10 a.m.
- Feb. 22: Indian Hills Media Center, 7-10 a.m.
- Feb. 23: Jordan Creek Media Center, 7:30-10:30 a.m.
- Feb. 26: Hillside Music Room, 7-9 a.m.
- Feb. 27: Stilwell Auditorium Atrium, 7-10 a.m.
- Feb. 28: Southwoods Theater, 7-10:30 a.m.
- Feb. 29: Operations Training Room, 7:30-10:30 a.m.
- March 1: Crossroads Band/Orchestra Room, 7-10 a.m.
Physical Forms Option
Instead of the on-site health screening, you can also share the results of a recent screening administered by your primary care physician. PCP forms can be completed by your personal physician. Forms can be downloaded from the Screening Scheduler.
Detailed instructions on how to register can be found on the My Benefits tab in the beBetter Health wellness portal. Log in to your wellness portal here >
For assistance with scheduling your health screening, please contact Integrated Health 21 at 412-481-1644. Customer Service Hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT.
For beBetter Health login assistance, please contact the support staff at 866-748-0957 or email supportbbh@ebix.com Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT.