• Curriculum

    The WDMCS curriculum is embedded in sound, successful, and researched-based perspectives of the past, yet continues to be a fluid, dynamic instrument of the present. Teachers implement ideas and skills that reflect the ever-changing technology and cultural changes of our society and needs of our learners.

    The goals of the district’s educational curriculum are to help prepare each graduate to possess the essential skills and integrity to communicate, collaborate, and solve problems as a confident citizen, embracing our diverse and changing world.

    • Communicator: Conveys ideas and information respectfully, purposefully, and effectively through multiple means.
    • Collaborator: Interacts to work effectively and respectfully with diverse teams to accomplish a common goal or task.
    • Critical Thinker: Accesses and analyzes key information to develop, create, or innovate solutions to complex challenges.
    • Global Contributor: Applies work to real world situations to serve an authentic purpose. Learns from and works collaboratively with individuals representing diverse cultures, religions, and lifestyles in a spirit of mutual respect and open dialogue.
    • Innovator: Explores and experiments in a climate of change; builds resilience through risk-taking and setbacks.
    • Continuous Learner: Thoughtfully considers feedback and works toward accomplishing goals.

Reports

  • 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.

  • Junior High Academics

    When it comes to educating our students, WDMCS teachers often collaborate in teams to help students learn. At the junior high level, our buildings are structured around the idea of teams.

    Each of our two junior high schools is divided into smaller communities for learning, with a group of students assigned to a team of teachers. This allows the teachers to partner to address the unique educational needs of young adolescents during this time of transition between elementary school and high school.

    Students are given a choice to pursue one of two pathways for their core classes: 1) a project-based learning model or 2) a traditional delivery model. Students within the Project-Based Learning Network are expected to meet learning outcomes in five areas: written communication, oral communication, collaboration, agency, and content and thinking. These five areas focus on the skills needed to be college and career ready in today’s world beyond high school.

  • High School Academics

    Valley Southwoods Freshman High School specifically serves our ninth-grade students. Teachers work in professional learning communities to provide the highest quality instruction with the unique needs of ninth graders in mind. They create lessons that are relevant and challenging but at the same time provide support to help all students learn. To learn more about the core curriculum and electives at Valley Southwoods Freshman High School, please reference the course description catalog, which lists requirements, descriptions of individual courses, and additional services.

    Valley High School offers more than 190 courses for our students to choose from to meet graduation requirements and prepare for their next step in life. To learn more about the core curriculum and electives at Valley High School, please see the course description catalog, which lists requirements, descriptions of individual courses, and additional services.

    Walnut Creek Campus' mission is "inspiring growth and connections through personalized education." As the alternative high school at WDMCS, comprehensive wraparound services are provided for students in grades 9-12 who demonstrate a need for a smaller, more flexible, individualized learning environment with high quality instruction. Walnut Creek Campus focuses on preparing students for postsecondary opportunities, careers, and life. 

     
     
Last Modified on July 28, 2023