We are ALL WDMCS
Dec. 8, 2023
Community Opportunities
- December Schools Day Off Camps with Camp Fire Heart
- Winter Break Overnight Camp on Dec. 27
- RP Winter Break Camp
- Valley Baseball Youth Camp K-3 on Dec. 22
- Valley Baseball Youth Camp 4-6 on Dec. 22
- Court Time Basketball Holiday Camp on Dec. 26 and Dec. 17
- Michael Born Holiday Hoops Camp on Dec. 27
- Session 2: Winter Soccer Discovery Training w/Pro Coaches Jan. 20
- West Des Moines Spring Soccer register by Jan. 31
View Digital Backpack Listings >
New Board Members and Leadership
Newly elected WDMCS Board of Education members Michael Andreski, Ph.D., and Elizabeth Larson were sworn in during the Board’s organizational meeting on Monday, Nov. 27.
The Board then voted on its leadership, selecting Lila P. Montoya Starr as president and Anadelia Morgan as vice president. They will each serve one year in their role. Morgan is anticipated to transition to president in November 2024.
Jill Caton Johnson, Ph.D., and Jeff Hicks were reelected. Hicks served as president from November 2022 through November 2023.
Liz Cox and Lonnie Dafney, who did not seek reelection, have completed their service to the Board. We are grateful for their years of service and the positive impact they both made for our district.
The WDMCS Board of Education represents the families and citizens of our community. WDMCS Board members are elected at-large, which means they represent the entire school district. Each school board member is elected for a term of four years. Terms are staggered to ensure continuity of leadership. Board members do not receive any compensation for their service.
Strategic Planning Team and Community Forums
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.
STRATEGIC PLANNING TEAM ANNOUNCED
Approximately 30 WDMCS employees make up the Strategic Planning Team. This group will meet several times throughout the school year and will help guide the direction of a new plan. Over a dozen student, staff, and parent/guardian focus groups are also scheduled. The feedback collected from the meetings will be shared with the Strategic Planning Team.
View Strategic Planning Team Member List >
COMMUNITY FORUMS
In addition to focus groups, the district is hosting two Community Forums this month. These meetings are open to the public and are an opportunity for all stakeholders to learn more about the process and provide feedback. Please share this information with others.
Monday, Dec. 18, and Tuesday, Dec. 19
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Learning Resource Center
3550 Mills Civic Parkway
West Des Moines, IA 50265
RISE Collects Culturally Responsive Foods
Valley High School's Refugee and Immigrant Student Embassy (RISE) will collect culturally responsive food items Jan. 3-Feb. 14, 2024, to donate to four local refugee resettlement agencies: USCRI, LSI, IRC, and Catholic Charities. All food items will be equally distributed to the agencies, and food will be given directly to newly resettled families in our community.
More Community Resources
Additional community resources, winter and year-round, are available on the district website. See information from Clive Community Services, West Des Moines Human Services, EveryStep. and more.
Mark your calendars for upcoming enrollment dates for the 2024-25 school year!
- Preschool enrollment will open Monday, Jan. 15. Learn about preschool enrollment >
- Kindergarten enrollment will open Monday, Feb. 19. Learn about kindergarten enrollment >
- Learn about the Dual Language Spanish Immersion Program, available for incoming kindergartners.
All returning students will confirm their enrollment information through online enrollment later in the spring.
WDMCS Partners with Special Olympics as Unified Champion Schools®
WDMCS is excited to announce we are partnering with Special Olympics Iowa for the 2023-24 school year as Unified Champion Schools®. This partnership will provide our students receiving special education services with additional opportunities and promote school environments where everyone feels welcome, valued, and included at school and in the community. We will also celebrate Inclusion Week districtwide March 4-8, 2024. Watch for reminders and more information about how WDMCS will celebrate Inclusion Week in early 2024.
