Elementary Academics

Imagine a WDMCS kindergarten sharing with their parent after school “I can’t wait for tomorrow”. This is the reaction the WDMCS hopes for from all of our students. Beginning with kindergarten, elementary school is the foundation of a child’s education. It is where they may first collect and organize data using tables and graphs, or successfully answer the question, “Where is Africa?”

With research-based strategies, our teachers introduce students to new skills and ideas, help them gain experience and master concepts, and then build on this knowledge as students grow and develop.

Elementary Arts

String Orchestra
The elementary strings program is available to all students starting in fourth grade. It is an adapted Suzuki method encouraging a close relationship between students, families, and teachers. Each fourth-grade student has an opportunity to be in one small-group and one large-group lesson per week. All-district concerts with two elementary orchestras for fifth- and sixth-grade students take place throughout the school year. Participation in All-Iowa Suzuki festivals and Honor Strings concerts are highlights of the elementary strings program.

Elementary Band
All fifth-grade students are introduced to band instruments through a presentation by elementary band instructors and a musical screening procedure. Potential band students have an opportunity to try out several instrument options. Weekly half-hour lessons are available during the school day with large-group rehearsals during the noon hour in fifth grade and before school in sixth grade.

Strengths of musical skills are diversified musical exposure, listening skills, psychomotor skill growth, self-expression through music and responsibility for practice and rehearsal attendance.

District and school band concerts take place throughout the school year.