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Student Voice Symposium

Activating My Power Lockup for Student Voice Symposium 2026. 

Join students from WDMCS and the surrounding districts at the third annual Student Voice Symposium on March 28, 2026, at Valley High School in West Des Moines. Students will spend the day connecting and learning together in sessions centered on this year's theme — Activating My Power: Connect, Lead, and Grow.

Based on student feedback, this year's sessions will be more interactive, feature additional student voices, and offer opportunities for families to engage and participate.

Breakout sessions will fit into three pathways: 

  • Student Voice 📢: I am more aware of my power and voice. I know how to effectively advocate and navigate systems. Who am I?
  • Leadership 🤝: What is my leadership identity? I know how to influence change in my respective context. I have the disposition to be a lifelong learner.
  • Community 🌍: How do I build connections and relationships? How can I get involved in my community? I understand the importance of my social emotional wellbeing and health.

Created by the WDMCS Culture and Access Department and the intercultural outreach coordinator, the symposium is a collaboration between multiple district departments in partnership with community organizations and sponsors.

Sign Up for Student Voice Symposium 2026

Students

Sign Up a WDMCS Student

Sign Up a Student from AnOther District

Presenters, Family Members, Community Members

Sign Up to Present/Attend

Volunteers

For WDMCS employees

Sign Up to Volunteer 

Keynote Speaker

Portrait photo of Audrey Kennis.

Audrey Kennis
Director of Human Services, City of West Des Moines

She has served as director of Human Services since July 2024, after serving as DEI director for more than two years. She previously worked at Iowa State University for more than a decade, and her educational background is in education, philosophy, and community and regional planning. 

March 28 Schedule

  • 7:45 a.m.: Check-in and Breakfast
  • 8:30 a.m.: Symposium Opening
  • 9:15 a.m.: Student Breakout 1
  • 10:20 a.m.: Break
  • 10:30 a.m.: Student Breakout 2
  • 11:45 a.m.: Lunch
  • 12:45 p.m.: Family and Community Breakouts
  • 1:45 p.m.: Break
  • 2 p.m.: Keynote
  • 2:50 p.m.: Break
  • 3 p.m.: Symposium Closing 

Watch for session details, coming soon!

Contact Information

When: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Where: Valley High School, 3650 Woodland Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50265

Dr. Dau Jok
Executive Director of Culture and Access

Gianna Pugliese
Community Outreach Coordinator

Alexandra Wade
Communications Manager

Symposium FAQs

Q: How do I sign up?
A: Register through our online Google Forms. Some neighboring districts may handle sign-ups for their own students.

We also have forms available for volunteers and presenters/community members/family members, who are invited to join us for afternoon sessions this year!

Q: Where should I park and enter Valley? 
A: Please use the main entrance to Valley High School, along Woodland Ave on the north side. The closest parking will be in the north parking lot. Event staff and signs will guide you once you enter the building.