School Safety & Security

Raptor is a visitor registration system that will help track who is in every school building, which is part of keeping students and staff safe. All visitors must check in at the main office and present a valid state-issued ID to scan with Raptor.

• Raptor compares the visitor’s name, date of birth, and photo to a sex offender database. No other personal identifying information is saved.
• If no match is found, the system prints a visitor sticker.
• The self-expiring sticker identifies approved visitors and includes the date, time, and visitor’s picture.
• The visitor must wear the sticker during their visit. It must be easily visible.
• Visitors check out at the main office prior to leaving.

Each WDMCS school has a safety team that meets regularly to review plans, train staff, and coordinate emergency drills. We conduct tornado, fire, and active threat drills throughout the school year so students and staff are aware of the steps to take in an emergency.  

Our district has also conducted large-scale drills and tabletop exercises to test and improve our plans. Our emergency plan was developed in partnership with: 

• West Des Moines Police, Fire, and Emergency Management Services
• Westcom Emergency Communications
• Polk County Emergency Management
• Iowa Department of Education
• Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Additional state and federal organizations and community partners

Crisis response teams coordinate the response process in each school and the district office. These teams work with local emergency management and other community services.

We will use our notification system to alert families of emergency situations as soon as accurate information is available. We will provide ongoing communication throughout the emergency.

• WDMCS will contact you according to your Infinite Campus contact preferences. This could include a phone call, text message, or email.
• The system will contact all preferred phone numbers and email addresses in Infinite Campus. This could include multiple family members and emergency contacts for each household.
• Please do not call the school. It is essential to keep phone lines open so school officials can make outgoing emergency calls.
• Information may also be provided through the district’s website and social media and local media outlets. 

We may ask families to pick up their children at another location. The district or school will communicate information, instructions, and the reunification location at the time of the emergency.

During an emergency, it is a natural instinct for families to want to rush to their child.

Here are a few ways you can help us effectively respond to a crisis:

• Remain calm, follow procedures, and cooperate with school and public safety officials.
• Please do not go to the school or call the school. It is important for roads and phone lines to stay open.
• Remain close to the phone or computer. We will send accurate information and instructions to your contact information in Infinite Campus.
• You can also follow the district website and social media, as well as local TV and radio stations, for updates. 
• If you are directed to pick up your children after an emergency, please bring your photo ID. 

We understand the instinct for families to communicate with each other during emergencies. WDMCS staff are trained to help students communicate with families during a crisis when it is possible and safe.

Here are some things to keep in mind when you are communicating during a crisis:

• Sharing accurate information takes time during a crisis. Please pay attention to official district and law enforcement messages, even if your child is able to contact you sooner.
• Staff will help your child contact you in an emergency when possible. This may include updates and instructions for families.
• Please use and share official information sources like the district website and statements from law enforcement.

Recovering from an emergency or crisis is as critical as planning, preparing, and responding. We want to assist students, staff, and families in the healing process and restore the educational operations in schools.

Recovery resources will vary based on the size and scope of the incident. This may range from repairing a building to providing counselors for students and staff. It also involves reviewing and evaluating our emergency process to make improvements.