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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.
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Teaching and Learning Services
Michelle Lettington
Associate Superintendent
515-633-5057Brian Abeling
Director of Technology
515-633-5058Jeanette Barnes
Stretching Minds Program Coordinator
Jordan Creek and Westridge Assistant Principal
515-633-5200Janine Bauer
Secretary
515-633-5062Kristi Bentz
Director of Special Education
504 Services
Counseling Facilitator
515-633-5072Kim Davis, Ed.D.
Homeless Liaison
Walnut Creek Campus Principal
515-633-6480Kristy Dietzenbach
Title I Coordinator
515-633-6732Sheri Fitz
Executive Assistant
515-633-5064Natalie French
Director of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
515-633-5173Leigh Goldie
Director of Elementary Curriculum
515-633-5055Cindy Hinkle
Secretary
515-633-5067Amy Kolln
Early Childhood Special Education and Preschool Administrator
515-633-5071Kristine Milburn, Ed.D.
Gifted/Talented Coordinator
Curriculum Lead
515-633-4052Shane Scott
Director of Secondary Curriculum
At-Risk Coordinator
515-633-5056Mike Sherman
Data Management Director
515-633-5197Karen vanOostenrijk
Data Support Specialist
515-633-5063Alyssa Welling
Secretary
515-633-5065