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This page is intended to be a source of information about COVID-19 and provide links to the most updated information on how it is impacting our West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) community.
Get COVID-19 Updates: to stay up-to-date with COVID-19-related updates from WDMCS, watch this web page and download the free WDMCS app on your phone (Google Play or App Store).
General OverviewCOVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus. COVID-19 originated in Wuhan, Hubel Province, China. It is being closely monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
How it SpreadsThe virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Learn more about how COVID-19 spreads
Información de salud para nuestra comunidad de WDMCS
SymptomsThe following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
- fever
- headache/muscle/body aches
- fatigue
- sore throat/runny nose/cough
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- loss of taste or smell
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU…
- Develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19.
- Have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19.
What You Can Do To Help
Families and community members can help by following these simple, easy steps that help prevent the spread of ALL contagious viruses, including COVID-19. Practice the same routine hygiene used to help prevent the cold and flu.
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WDMCS, MercyOne Partner for District’s First COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic (02/20/21)
Feb. 20, 2021 | A collective sigh of relief and smiling eyes behind face masks. Those were the responses of nearly 250 teachers, support staff, substitutes, and other West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) employees who received their first COVID-19 vaccine Saturday, Feb. 20. The district partnered with MercyOne to host the employee clinic at the Learning Resource Center.
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Update on Vaccinations for WDMCS Employees (02/03/21)
Feb. 3, 2021 | the Polk County Health Department stated that vaccine appointments would open to individuals in phase 1B starting Feb. 1, 2021. You may have even seen media coverage of some school districts rolling out a plan for on-site vaccinations.
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New Plan for 2020-21 “Snow Days” (01/14/21)
Jan. 14, 2021 | WDMCS is taking a different approach to “snow days” in 2020-21. If school cannot be held on-site due to inclement weather, we will transition for that day to online learning for ALL students.
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How Valley Students Are Publishing Their Yearbook Amid The COVID-19 Pandemic (01/13/21)
Jan. 13, 2021 | In a school year loaded with disruptions and hurdles, students part of the Valley High School yearbook class are bound and determined to publish a full yearbook.
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WDMCS to Remain Online Until Winter Break (12/10/20)
Dec. 10, 2020 | In a communication shared earlier this week, we explained how the WDMCS Board of Education approved giving Superintendent Lisa Remy, Ed.D., authority to determine if students will return to in-person/on-site learning before winter break.
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Superintendent to Determine if Students Return to In-Person Learning Prior to Winter Break (12/08/20)
Dec. 8, 2020 | In a special Board of Education meeting held Monday, Dec.7, WDMCS leadership updated the Board on current COVID-19 data within Polk County and the district. Based on this information, the Board approved giving Superintendent Lisa Remy, Ed. D., authority to determine if students will return to in-person/on-site learning before winter break.
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WDMCS Waiver Approved to Remain Online (12/03/20)
Dec. 3, 2020 | The Iowa Department of Education (IDOE) approved the waiver to keep ALL PK-12 students in an online learning environment. Students who learn in-person will return to school Tuesday, Jan. 5 unless the district chooses to bring students back into the classroom prior to winter break.
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How Online Learning Came To Be At WDMCS (And Why Your Help Is Still Needed) (11/30/20)
Nov. 30, 2020 | When the West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) announced earlier in November that all students would transition to fully online learning, the news didn’t phase Valley High School Spanish teacher Krista Becker.
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Western Hills Staff Percentage Impacted by COVID-19 Results in School Transition to Online Learning (11/10/20)
Nov. 10. 2020 | As of Tuesday, Nov. 10, more than 33% of Western Hills teachers and support staff are currently absent due to either testing positive with COVID-19 or needing to quarantine due to being considered a close contact.
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Valley High School Transitioning to Online Learning Nov. 9-13 (11/09/20)
Nov. 9, 2020 | WDMCS, in collaboration with the Polk County Health Department (PCHD), determined a need to temporarily transition Valley High School to online learning.
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Valley vs. Dowling Catholic Quarterfinal Football Game Canceled (11/05/20)
Nov. 5, 2020 | West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) learned today that individuals on the Valley football team tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, and to prioritize student safety, the quarterfinal matchup between Valley and Dowling Catholic scheduled for Friday, Nov. 6, has been canceled.
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WDMCS Board Approves Face Mask Requirement in Response to Increasing COVID-19 Cases (11/04/20)
Nov. 4, 2020 | Effective Nov. 9, WDMCS will change our requirements of wearing face coverings to wearing face masks.
