We are ALL WDMCS
West Des Moines Community Schools | Nov. 23, 2021
Thanksgiving Video Message from Dr. Lisa Remy
Reminder: No School Nov. 24-28 (Thanksgiving Break)
2022-23 Calendar Approved
The WDMCS Board of Education approved a calendar for the 2022-23 school year at its Nov. 22 meeting, setting Wednesday, Aug. 24, as the first day of school. A more detailed calendar will be published in December online.
Here are the highlights:
- First Student Day: Aug. 24
- Kindergarten Early Dismissal: Aug. 24, 25, 26
- First Day for Tiger Cubs Preschool: Sept. 6
- No School for PK-12 Students — Elementary PD/Junior High Conferences: Oct. 10
- No School for PK-12 Students — Secondary PD/Elementary Conferences: Nov. 7
- Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 23-25
- Winter Break: Dec. 22-Jan. 2
- No School for PK-12 Students: Jan. 3
- Classes Resume: Jan. 4
- MLK Jr. Day/No School for Students or School Staff: Jan. 16
- First Day of Second Semester: Jan. 17
- No School for PK-12 Students — Elementary PD/Junior High Conferences: Feb. 17
- No School for PK-12 Students — Secondary PD/Elementary Conferences: Feb. 20
- No School for Students and School Staff: March 10
- Spring Break: March 13-17
- Classes Resume: March 20
- No School for PK-12 Students: April 28
- Last Day for Seniors: May 25
- Last Student Day: June 1
- Last Teacher Day: June 2
COVID-19 Updates, Reminders
Why Spikes in Cases at Some Schools?
For each positive case, we contact the Polk County Health Department (PCHD), and they conduct contact tracing. In many situations, PCHD indicated community spread due to large gathering activities or events within our broader community is the main cause of spikes in COIVID-19.
What Does WDMCS Do To Fight Against COVID-19?
WDMCS continues to clean and disinfect buildings and provide hand sanitizer stations, and we placed plexiglass barriers in main district and school office spaces.
As a reminder, all WDMCS students and employees are currently required to wear face masks while indoors on district property unless they have a medical or religious exemption.
Our current Return-to-Learn plan details all of our mitigation steps.
District leadership will bring an updated Return-to-Learn plan to the Board of Education on Monday, Dec. 13. This plan will outline any adjustments for second semester.
Vaccinations Available for Children 5+
The CDC officially approved the COVID-19 pediatric vaccine for children ages 5 and up.
COVID-19 pediatric vaccinations will also be available through health care providers and pharmacies. If you have questions or want to schedule an appointment, please contact your child's health care provider.
Free COVID-19 Test Kits
Earlier this month, we announced that West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) would now offer COVID-19 test kits to students who request them. These free test kits are provided through Test Iowa, a program offered through the Iowa Department of Public Health and the State of Iowa Hygienic Lab.
From now through the end of the calendar year, these test kits will be prioritized for students based on availability. We will consider expanding availability to WDMCS employees in 2022.
WDM Library Opportunities and Expectations
The library is committed to offering engaging activities, opportunities for personal and professional growth, promoting the love of reading and learning while remaining responsive to the changing needs of the community. We have a lot of really exciting things happening these days around the library!
Library Hours
- Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, 2-5 p.m.
New Teen Area
- Our new teen area is complete and features a variety of materials targeted at grades 6-12, including a graphic novels and manga collection.
- The Teen Advisory Board meets monthly and is a great opportunity to contribute to our community library, make your voice heard, and earn Silver Cord hours.
- We have dedicated Teen Services staff who are working hard to meet students and learn what our community wants from the library.
Expectations
- Be respectful to yourself, other library users, and the library staff.
- Use clean, respectful language in all areas of our building. Swearing, name-calling, and other kinds of offensive language are not allowed.
- Keep speaking volume low in order to maintain a quiet environment. Screaming and shouting are not allowed in any area of the library.
- Use the furniture in the way it was intended. Jumping on or over seating, pushing others off furniture, sitting on tables, etc. will not be permitted.
- Keep hands to yourself and do not participate in roughhousing (pushing, shoving, tripping, etc.) or public displays of affection (hugging, kissing, sitting on laps, etc.).
- No running in any area at any time.
- Bullying in any form will not be tolerated.
- Do not ask library staff or other library users for money.
West Des Moines Community Schools
Email: scroffice@wdmcs.org
Website: wdmcs.org
Location: 3550 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA, USA
Phone: 515-633-5000
Facebook: facebook.com/wdmcs
Twitter: @wdmcs