Fifth-grade native Spanish speakers from all WDMCS elementaries got to practice and develop their Spanish language skills during the annual Competencia de Hispanos.
The West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) Transportation Department strives to serve the needs of all students and to provide safe, efficient transportation to and from school and school-related activities.
Alongside the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT), WDMCS is proud to observe National School Bus Safety Week from Oct. 22-26, which is recognized during the third full week of October each year.
“National School Bus Safety Week is an active and evolving public education program and an excellent way for parents, students, teachers, motorists, school bus operators, school administrators, and other interested parties to join forces and address the importance of school bus safety,” NAPT says.
Robin Pickard, WDMCS Transportation Director.
Robin Pickard, Transportation Director at WDMCS, wants to utilize National School Bus Safety Week to highlight the importance to motorists in the district to watch for students near school buses and obey all school bus traffic laws.
“We can use the opportunity to emphasize to the students the importance of practicing safe loading, unloading and bus riding rules,” Pickard said. “It is also a time to celebrate the hard work of our employees!”
Currently at WDMCS, there are 47 school bus drivers transporting about 3,200 students daily. Last school year, WDMCS school buses traveled more than 600,000 miles, Pickard said. She added how it takes about a month of training before WDMCS school bus drivers get behind wheel with students.
“The training involves hours of driving, classroom instruction, and testing at the Iowa Department of Transportation, “Pickard explained. “They also require mandatory annual refresher training through the Iowa Department of Education. When drivers are done training, they almost all agree that the training is very comprehensive and a lot more involved than they thought.”
This year’s theme for National School Bus Safety Week is “My Driver — My Safety Hero!” Pickard says the school bus drivers at WDMCS are “second to none.”
“Each one of them have chosen this line of work because they want to work with children. Their job is not simply just driving, it is relating with students; they develop relationships with their students and care about them.” she said. “Our employees work hard to ensure each student makes it to school and back home safely every day.
“Many of our employees come back year after year and get to watch the students grow through the years, and that is our ultimate goal. ”
As a driver, it’s vital to understand when you are required to stop for a school bus.
When a drivers approach a school bus from the rear and see flashing red or amber warning lights, the Iowa Department of Transportation says, you are not permitted to pass the school bus and should be prepared to stop.
“Stop behind the school bus when the school bus stops and the stop arm is extended,” the Iowa DOT says. “Stop no closer than 15 feet from the rear of the bus, and remain stopped until the stop arm is retracted and school bus starts moving again. Proceed with caution.”
When drivers meet the bus from the front and see flashing red or amber warning lights, you must slow your vehicle to 20 miles per hour and be prepared to stop.
“Stop in front of the school bus when the school bus stops and its stop arm is extended,” the Iowa DOT says. “Remain stopped until the stop arm is retracted. Proceed with caution.”
Homecoming 2018 is right around the corner and will include activities for our schools, WDMCS families, and the entire community. This year’s Homecoming theme is “TigerLand.”
All elementary schools at West Des Moines Community Schools will be represented for “Elementary Night” at the next Valley High School home football game, when the Class 4A third-ranked Tigers face No. 8 Cedar Rapids Kennedy.
Like any other home game, it is expected for parents to attend with their student, if you decide to go.
What should we wear: Everyone is encouraged to wear their school shirts or Tiger apparel. Students can purchase shirts through their school store.
And here are the perks for WDMCS elementary students:
Discounted tickets: Elementary students get in for $4. Students just have to say which WDMCS elementary they attend to receive discounted pricing. All other tickets cost $6. This ticket discount for WDMCS elementary students is for this game only.
Opportunity to be a Kid Captain: One lucky student will walk with the Valley team captains during the coin toss and will get to sit in a special section on the field with their family.
Chance to run on the field: A handful of selected students will lead the team run prior to kickoff, marching to midfield as the Valley players and coaches follow.
Autographs and photos: At the end of the game, students can get autographs and take photos with Tiger players and coaches.
And much, much more.
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Brad Rose, Athletics and Activities Director, at roseb@wdmcs.org or 515-633-4259, or Nate Lingren, Athletics and Activities Coordinator, at lingrenn@wdmcs.org or 515-633-4249.
New entrances were installed at all eight West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) elementary buildings this summer. Modifications to the entrances include a double-door locked entry and require all visitors to access the school through the main office.
¡Venga a inscribir a sus niños en las Escuelas de la Comunidad de West Des Moines! Tenemos intérpretes de español disponibles para bienvenirlos y contestar sus preguntas sobre la inscripción.
