We know that regular school attendance will help your student learn and reach important academic milestones. Thank you for your help in getting your child to school on time each day and for influencing your child’s positive attitude toward school. Our staff works hard every day to make sure your child receives the best educational opportunities possible. 

Attendance letters will be sent home periodically to the family of any student whose absences and tardies exceed 10% of the total school days to date. This percentage takes into account days absent as well as days tardy. 

If you’d like to share more information regarding absences or tardies or if there is anything our school can do to help your child attend school more regularly and on time, please feel free to contact your school's principal. Iowa Code requires school districts to followup on repeated tardiness and absences, and our school becomes concerned when a student has missed 10% or more of the total number of school days to date.

We understand students may bring cell phones or other communication devices, such as a watch, to school. However, they are only allowed to use cell phones before or after school. Watches can be worn as long as they are not a distraction. If a phone or other device becomes a distraction, a teacher or staff member may keep the device until the end of the day. West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen cell phones or communication devices. 

Note: Crestview School of Inquiry has separate guidelines. Please contact Principal Tjeerdsma or your student's teacher with any questions.

Families are invited to cheer on the Valley Tigers during athletic events throughout the year. Elementary students may only attend home football games at Valley Stadium with an adult.  

• No drop-offs for elementary students.
• Students should not be roaming throughout the stadium.
• Students who visit a concession stand or restroom should quickly return to their seats.
• Students should not be in the upper deck unless they are with an adult.

These guidelines are in place to support student safety and provide a positive experience for all fans. 

Students are expected to wear clothes in good repair and appropriate for the time, place, and occasion. Shoes must be worn at all times for health and safety reasons. Hats are not allowed in the classroom, except when discussed with the classroom teacher or building administration prior to wearing. 

Clothing or other apparel promoting products illegal for use by minors or displaying obscene material, profanity, or reference to prohibited conduct are not allowed. Students who are dressed inappropriately will be asked to change or be given  something appropriate to wear for the day.
 
Students are asked to dress appropriately for the weather,  including coats, hats, gloves, and boots. Any families who need support in obtaining clothing or shoes should contact the school office.

Treats/Snacks

Student health and wellness is a top priority for the West Des Moines Community Schools. WDMCS Nutrition Services follows the district’s wellness policy (Policy 608.01) in regards to classroom snacks. 

Can I bring homemade treats from home for a classroom party?
Homemade treats cannot be sold or shared with multiple students during the school day. You may choose snack items from one of the district snack lists for activities during the school day and up to 30 minutes after the last bell. 

What about pre-packed treats from a store?
Please select one of the items listed on the store-bought snack list.

Can I still pack whatever I want in my student’s sack lunch from home?
Yes. Packing a healthy school lunch is encouraged under the student wellness policy, but there are no restrictions as to what you must pack in a student’s lunch brought from home. Classroom snack policies only regulate what is shared with other students during the school day.

Do I have to purchase a snack for my student that is on the approved snack list?
No. Students can bring their own individual snack, and it does not have to be on the list of approved snacks. The approved snack list is for snacks that will be shared with other students, such as classroom parties, birthday treats, or other events. 
 
Approved snacks can be found on the district website. Some of the approved items include:

• Fresh fruit or vegetables
• 100% fruit juice fruit cups/no sugar added applesauce/squeezable fruit pouch
• Snack Pack pudding cups
• Raisins/Craisins
• Nutrigrain bar or Whole Grain Rice Krispie Treat Bar
• Individually packaged baked chips/Whole Grain Goldfish/
• Pirate’s Booty Puffs
• Water bottles and 100% fruit juice pouch/box
  
  

Food Deliveries

Families can drop off a sack lunch or school materials when needed at the school office.  

Please do not deliver restaurant food (including UberEats, GrubHub), balloon bouquets, flowers, etc.  to school for your child. This causes disruption to the class and disappointment to those never receiving the same. If they are delivered, they will be held in the office and given to your child at dismissal. We appreciate your cooperation in these matters.

Volunteers and visitors are welcomed in the building. To volunteer, background check paperwork may need to be completed. Visitors to the building need to be checked in at the main office during school hours of 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. All visitors will need to provide an ID to be scanned into the Raptor system. This allows a visitor badge to be issued. Thank you for your cooperation as we ensure that our building is secure.