WDMCS Leadership: Seeking Healing Following Derek Chauvin Verdict (04/20/21)

April 20, 2021 | Since George Floyd’s death on May 25, 2020, we as a nation, community, and school district witnessed outrage, anger, fear, and a demand for change. We must continue to stand together as a WDMCS community, and have tough conversations as we seek to heal.

WDMCS Statement in Response to Atlanta Shooting (03/23/2021)

This past week, a shooting in Atlanta killed eight people, six of them Asian women. West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) stands in support of and solidarity with our Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students, families, staff, and the broader AAPI community.

Valley CORE Honors, Educates Community About Inspiring Black Americans (02/24/21)

Feb. 24, 2021 | Valley High School student group Community of Racial Equity (CORE) for Advancement is teaching its school community about these and other inspiring Black Americans in daily video announcements during Black History Month 2021.

Twenty Years in America: Inside the Story of Hillside’s Samuel Alier (02/15/21)

Feb. 15, 2021 | If you’ve ever walked through the hallways of Hillside Elementary, chances are you were immediately greeted by Samuel Alier’s kind-hearted presence and warm embrace.

WDMCS Students’ Views: Why Black History Month Is Important (02/08/21)

Feb. 8, 2021 | Kendell “Carlos” Cropp, a senior with aspirations to attend Des Moines Area Community College to obtain his commercial driver’s license (CDL), and Micah Banks, a junior who has her goals fixed on attending medical school and becoming an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN), both attend the Walnut Creek Campus and were eager to share their thoughts around BHM.

Happy Black History Month: An Ongoing Celebration (02/01/21)

Feb. 1, 2021 | The month of February is not meant to be the only time we celebrate the accomplishments of Black Americans, but rather an intentional time to highlight, promote, and reflect on their contributions.

Open Forum for Parents of WDMCS Students of Color Oct. 27 (10/12/20)

Oct. 12, 2020 | West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) is hosting an open forum session for parents of students of color on Tuesday, Oct. 27. The open forum will be an opportunity for parent/guardians to share their experiences and engage with district administrators in a safe space.

WDMCS Community Encouraged To Join 21-Day Equity Challenge (10/01/20)

Oct. 1, 2020| West Des Moines Community Schools has signed on as an official supporter of United Way of Central Iowa’s 21-Day Equity Challenge, beginning in October. The goal of the challenge is to foster deeper understanding of the diversity of our communities through a self-guided learning experience that is open to all members of our communities and is being offered at no cost to participants.

2020-21 WDMCS Message: Envision What's Possible (08/19/20)

WDMCS Hires Dr. Anthony Ferguson as Executive Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity (08/11/20)

Aug. 11, 2020 | West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) is excited to announce that Anthony Ferguson, Jr., Ed.D., will serve as Executive Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity, following Board of Education approval on Aug. 10. He will begin his new position on Aug. 17.

Join Us! Student-Led Equity Town Halls July 28 and 29 (07/24/20)

July. 24, 2020 | West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) is co-hosting two equity town halls led by Valley High School students on July 28 and 29. Moderated by Valley CORE (Community of Racial Equity) for Advancement leaders Vidya Iyer and Catalina Samaniego, the town halls will offer a chance for students to shape what equity will look like in the district.

WDMCS Board, Administration Commit to Actions for Equity (06/23/20)

June. 23, 2020 | The West Des Moines Community Schools Board of Education unanimously approved a Board and administrative leadership commitment to six actions for equity at its June 22, 2020, regular business meeting.