Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
In partnership with students, staff, and the community, West Des Moines Community Schools is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive learning environment where all students and staff can belong and thrive. The district is actively engaged in ongoing equity training and learning opportunities for students and staff. Equity work is supported by equity leads and teams at each of our school buildings.
School and District News
![Event Annoucement]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1706210259/wdmcsorg/dvfjckgdo34d7cnoka52/NewsIcons-2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1706210259/wdmcsorg/dvfjckgdo34d7cnoka52/NewsIcons-2.jpg","width":512}])
Join us for Well-Being Matters! Learn and get connected to school and community resources. The breakout sessions will cover a variety of topics related to behavioral health and mental well-being. Childcare and interpretation are available upon request with registration.
![honors and recognitions icon]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1706037690/wdmcsorg/gqr8nsrg5rxemviiq92g/recognition_honors_512x512.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1706037690/wdmcsorg/gqr8nsrg5rxemviiq92g/recognition_honors_512x512.jpg","width":512}])
Valley High School junior Ayanari Morales-Rodriguez was named the Student Leader of the Year at the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce’s third annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Workplace Excellence Awards (DEI Awards) on Sept. 7, 2023.
![News and Updates]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1706210259/wdmcsorg/wcharoyhnijjhcxy3gxn/NewsIcons-5.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1706210259/wdmcsorg/wcharoyhnijjhcxy3gxn/NewsIcons-5.jpg","width":512}])
West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) equity leads and administrators participated in the spring equity lead summit on March 30, 2023. Facilitated by Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Dr. Dau Jok, equity leads developed goals for their buildings and brainstormed about co-creating the necessary space and conditions for equity at the building and district level.
Are you interested in helping others learn English? West Des Moines Community Schools, in partnership with Clive Community Services and the Clive Public Library, is seeking two people to serve 20-30 hours per week in the Welcome English AmeriCorps program! The program will run January 2023-September 2023 with possibility of extension. Living stipend, education award, and training are all provided. Bilingual individuals are encouraged to apply.
#IBelongWDMCS Newsletters
Don’t miss out on important equity, inclusion, and diversity information for WDMCS families in the #IBelongWDMCS newsletters. The newsletters are a place to stay up-to-date but also a place to find belonging. Each newsletter will also include an #IBelongWDMCS message and action from Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Dr. Dau Jok and information about upcoming national and international observances.
- March 2024: "Courage and Interdependence" #IBelongWDMCS video, March event photos, upcoming events and observances
- February 2024: #IBelongWDMCS video, Black History Month in WDMCS, upcoming events and observances.
- November/December 2023: Dec. 7 community engagement event invite, Student Voice Symposium information, upcoming observances
- October 2023: community engagement event photos, other opportunities to engage, professional development updates
- September 2023: introducing the newsletter, 2022-23 recap video, priorities for the year