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
2025-26 District Newsletters
- November 2025: We celebrate the passing of the district's $135 million general obligation bond, which will update facilities to enhance student learning and expand access to activities. Students and staff say "thank you" to our community in a special video. Also: news you can use, lots of student shout-outs, WDMCS in the news, and the top performing social media posts from across the district.
- October 2025: Homecoming Week is in full swing, Superintendent Dr. Matt Adams' favorite time of year. In his video message, Dr. Adams reflects on the past, present, and future of WDMCS. Also: Bond referendum updates and details, emergency system test notification, news you can use, shout-outs, dates to remember, and the top performing social media posts from across the district.
- September 2025: Superintendent Matt Adams talks about the hopes and dreams families have for their students as we kick off the 2025-26 school year. Also: Bond referendum update and details, news you can use, dates to remember, WDMCS in the news, and the top performing social media posts from across the district.
- August 2025: Welcome to the 2025-26 school year! The special Back-to-School edition of the district newsletter provides a full list of back-to-school events, enrollment information, and a list of what's new for the school year. Also: Bond referendum update, attendance resources, and the first annual Photo Bracket Challenge champion.
2024-25 District Newsletters
- June 2025: Superintendent Matt Adams wishes staff and families a relaxing summer break while also encouraging continued learning and engagement. Also: Year-end photo dump, staff members who made a PAWSitive Impact in 2024-25, welcome to two new administrators, and Western Hills Elementary celebrates the first class to complete the dual language immersion program.
- May 2025: Superintendent Matt Adams shares his insightful conversations with student board representatives. Also: Submit your nominations for the Valley High School Hall of Honor, sign up for Community Education's Summer of Learning, welcome to four new administrators, and congratulations to boys' soccer coach Aziz Haffar on a milestone victory.
- April 2025: Superintendent Matt Adams reflects on the school year's successes, highlighting the district's commitment to personalized learning. Also: Online enrollment for current families, Preschool Palooza, and Community Education's Personal Care Collection. Big shout-outs to the "Valley 36ers" and the back-to-back-to-back boys' basketball state champions.
- March 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.
- February 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.
- January 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.
- December 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.
- November 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.
- October 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.
- September 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 District 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