News and Information
Stay up-to-date on the latest district information. From news posts and newsletters to podcasts and social media, you can connect in a variety of ways.
Ways to Stay Informed
News Posts
District Newsletters
2024-25 Family Newsletters
- March 7, 2025: Superintendent Matt Adams has some fun making this month's video in the green room at Valley Southwoods Freshman High School. Also: Save the date for Preschool Palooza on April 26, register for Mental Health Matters event on April 3, and LOTS of shout-outs.
- Feb. 7, 2025: Superintendent Matt Adams says "thank you" to families for improved attendance and breaks down the new core value of equitable access. Also: Information on the Tiger Gala fundraiser, upcoming kindergarten enrollment, and an update from Polk County Health.
- Jan. 10, 2025: Superintendent Matt Adams shares his resolution for the new year: gratitude. Also: PAWSitive Impact award winners, preschool enrollment, and a shout out to our 2024 award-winning educators.
- Dec. 6, 2024: Superintendent Matt Adams introduces the district's new strategic plan and breaks down the new mission statement. Also: New school board leadership, Iowa School Performance Profiles celebrations, and a new staff appreciation program.
- Nov. 8, 2024: Superintendent Matt Adams encourages families to be active participants in their child's education. Also: Winter weather preparedness, strategic plan updates, My Jersey Your Impact gets national coverage, and two students save a choking teacher.
- Oct. 4, 2024: Superintendent Matt Adams re-opens the strategic plan roadmap feedback form. Also: Valley Southwoods CTE Ribbon Cutting, an Iowa Educator of Character, and National Merit Semifinalists.
- Sept. 6, 2024: Superintendent Matt Adams shares why he thinks this will be the best school year yet and outlines the daily desired experiences of students and families. Also: Homecoming 2024, the first Student Engagement Event of the Year, and an updated Calendar At-A-Glance.
2023-24 Family Newsletters
- March 1, 2024: Upcoming events, spring break, budget update, and more.
- Feb. 2, 2024: Strategic planning updates, kindergarten enrollment opens, upcoming dates to remember, report a student absence online, and more.
- Jan. 12, 2024: Upcoming events, strategic planning survey, preschool enrollment, winter assistance resources, and more.
- Dec. 8, 2023: board and district updates, winter assistance, WDMCS partnership with Special Olympics, and more.
- Nov. 3, 2023: No School Reminder, Emergency Notifications Test, Board Elections, and more.
- Oct. 6, 2023: School Board candidate info, fall events, seeking bike donations, and more.
- Sept. 15, 2023: Homecoming Week, health updates, student highlights, Welcome Week keynote speech, etc.
- Sept. 8, 2023: September events, ISASP results, annual notices, legislative updates for families, DEI updates, Raccoon River Rally race.
- Aug. 18, 2023: Celebrate staff Aug. 21, back-to-school events, child ID kits, etc.
- Aug. 4, 2023: Back-to-school events, Tiger Gala, handbooks, and more.
Podcasts
"Earning Your Stripes" is a special podcast series where West Des Moines Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Matt Adams and other district staff interview students, staff, parents, and community leaders.
Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Listen and subscribe on Google Podcasts