Please join us at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9, for the annual Impact of Art show, presented virtually for the first time!

Held this year during Youth Art Month, Impact of Art celebrates the achievements of talented student artists in our district and highlights our visual arts program. Please join us to recognize the vital role of art education and celebrate our WDMCS student-artists!

Virtual Impact of Art Show

• 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 9
• Live Premiere on the WDMCS Facebook Page

Most West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) buildings will transition to online learning for all students on March 3 so schools can hold virtual spring conferences.  

The following schools will NOT transition to online learning for all students:

• Crestview will NOT have conferences March 3 and will hold school on-site for in-person learners. 
• Indian Hills and Stilwell will NOT have conferences March 3 and will hold school on-site for in-person learners. Their online learning day for conferences was Feb. 18.
• Valley students in grades 10 and 12 will all learn independently. Juniors will take the ACT at school (both online and in-person learners).
• Walnut Creek will NOT have conferences March 3 and will hold school on-site for in-person learners. Their spring conferences will take place April 15.

All other WDMCS schools will learn online on March 3. Please contact your school’s main office if you have any questions about your student’s schedule.

Abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Engineer Mae Jemison. Blues singer Ma Rainey. Bass Reeves, the first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River.

Valley High School student group Community of Racial Equity (CORE) for Advancement is teaching its school community about these and other inspiring Black Americans in daily video announcements during Black History Month 2021. Working with Valley and district staff members, CORE shares what makes each person an inspiration as well as facts about their life and legacy.

Each video also includes a trivia question, with a contest for “fame, glory, and amazing prizes” taking place at the end of each week. This is just one way WDMCS schools are teaching and learning about Black history in their buildings this February as West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) celebrates Black History Month at a district level. Use the links below to learn alongside the Valley community, and reach out to your students’ school to see how they are observing Black History Month.

Valley CORE Black History Month Videos

• Feb. 1: Frederick Douglass (sophomore Adriana Castellano with Principal David Maxwell)
• Feb. 2: Viola Davis (senior Catalina Samaniego with WDMCS Executive Director of Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Dr. Anthony Ferguson, Jr )
• Feb. 3:  Mae Jemison (senior Vidya Iyer with Valley Equity Lead and teacher Erin Perry)
• Feb. 4: John Lewis (junior Uma Dukle with teacher Greg Hudson)
• Feb. 5: Pauli Murray (junior Seren Castellano with CORE adviser and teacher Petra Lange)
• Feb. 9: Dr. Robert Bullard (senior Ellie Wellman with teacher Brant Reif)
• Feb. 10: Dorothy Height (junior Alyssa Makena with teacher Kelsey Hudson)
• Feb. 11: Johnaye Kendrick (junior Uma Dukle with teacher Heather Nail)
• Feb. 12: Cicely Tyson (junior Lucy Murugami with teacher Janell Mikels)
• Feb. 15: Ma Rainey (Grace Paye with teacher Catherine Divine-Koch)
• Feb. 16: Edna Griffin (junior Alyssa Makena with teacher Kevin Neal)
• Feb. 17: Shirley Chisholm (junior Mia Dukle with teacher Karen Downing)
• Feb. 18: Deborah Roberts (junior Denise White with teacher Tory DeVries)
• Feb. 19: Eartha Kitt (sophomore Veronica Thomas with teacher Rob Schebel)
• Feb. 22: Ida B. Wells (junior Mia DeClay with teacher Ann Krois)
• Feb. 23: Bass Reeves (sophomore Ben Nugent with teacher Dean Lange)

Black History Month 2021: An Ongoing Celebration

Black History Month is an annual celebration of the achievements of Black Americans and a time to recognize their critical role in the history of the United States. Watch for posts each week that highlight and honor the history of Black Americans and our own Black community members. 

Black History Month is not meant to be the only time we celebrate the accomplishments of Black people in the U.S. WDMCS invites you to join us in making the celebration and reflection associated with this month ongoing.

Previous Posts

• Feb. 15—Twenty Years in America: Inside the Story of Hillside’s Samuel Alier
• Feb. 8—WDMCS Students’ Views: Why Black History Month Is Important
• Feb. 1—Happy Black History Month: An Ongoing Celebration

Curbside service will continue weekday evenings Monday to Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

March 3, 2021 Update
We will NOT enforce the CDC’s recommendation of self-quarantining for a full 7 days after travel, even if staff or students test negative. We ask all employees to continue their daily electronic check-ins upon returning to work. In addition, employees should be tested if they are exposed or start to experience symptoms. These are the same guidelines we have asked employees to follow for the past several months.

Students should be tested if they are exposed or start to experience symptoms. These are the same guidelines we have asked families to follow for the past several months.

Following a no school day on Friday, March 12, West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) will have spring break March 15-19, 2021. Families may be planning to travel, and WDMCS wanted to share guidance about how travel during COVID-19 may impact students’ ability to attend school in-person and participate in activities.

Due to an “extremely high” level of cases, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) currently recommends delaying travel as the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. If you do plan to travel, be aware of our expectations for students and staff.

• If traveling within the United States, follow the same expectations WDMCS has shared throughout the school year.
  • Check the CDC website for any restrictions going to or coming from your destination.
  • If you learn you have been exposed to COVID-19, contact your building nurse or leave a message on the COVID-19 response line (515-633-5990). Based on close contact tracing, you may need to quarantine for up to 14 days.
  • If you test positive for COVID-19, contact your building nurse or leave a message on the COVID-19 response line (515-633-5990). You will need to follow quarantine guidelines.
• If traveling outside of the United States, be aware of any restrictions within the country(ies) in which you plan to visit.
  • The CDC requires everyone flying into the U.S. to have a negative COVID-19 test result/documentation of recovery. Other countries may also require a negative COVID-19 test prior to leaving the country.
  • Some countries require a 14-day quarantine upon entering the country.

If the destination where you travel requires a period of quarantine upon arrival or your return home, this could impact students’ ability to attend school on-site and participate in extra- and co-curricular activities. 

• For COVID-related absences up to 14 days long, families can work with the school to collect work and assignments just as if they were absent from class for an illness.
• Secondary students may also be able to take part in virtual learning. 
• Schools will work with families to support students who are well enough to engage in learning during absences longer than 14 days.

Whether or not you plan to travel, WDMCS wishes you a safe and relaxing spring break!

CDC Resources for Travelers

• The CDC has identified several countries as being a high or very high risk for the spread of COVID-19. CDC: COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination > 
• The CDC recommends getting tested AND self-quarantining for 7 days after travel. CDC: After You Travel Recommendations > 
• Travelers are required to wear face masks on public transportation. CDC: Requirement for Face Masks on Public Transportation… >

Due to severe wind chill conditions, all on-site WDMCS classes will transition to online Tuesday, Feb. 16.

Employees designated to report to work when schools are closed should do so according to established procedures.

For both online and on-site students, this announcement means:

• All classes that you would have attended at school will be held virtually. Bus transportation will not run due to safety concerns. ALL students will access instruction online.
• Log into Canvas for additional instructions. 
• Elementary students: view sample schedule based on your grade
• Secondary students: view sample schedule based on your grade
• No school-related evening activities will be held.
• Tiger Cubs will learn online. If you are a preschool parent in a non-district building, please contact that facility.
• Kids West child care is closed.
• We will provide an update throughout the day regarding evening and Community Education activities and programs.
• No meals will be served. For updated menus, please check the district menu webpage at www.wdmcs.org/departments/nutrition/menu. 
• No transportation services will be provided, including out-of-district services. 
• The Learning Resource Center and Operations building will be open.
• (Note the following school-specific schedule updates:)

For WDMCS employees, this announcement means:

• The Learning Resource Center will be open.
• The Operations building will be open.
• Employees designated to report to work when schools are closed should do so according to established procedures.

Debido a las malas condiciones del tiempo, todas las clases en lugar de las Escuelas de la Comunidad de West Des Moines se llevarán a cabo en línea el martes 16 de febrero.

Si usted tiene a un/a niño/a en una escuela preescolar que no es del distrito, por favor póngase en contacto con esa escuela.

Los empleados designados a reportarse al trabajo cuando las escuelas están cerradas lo deben hacer de acuerdo a los procedimientos establecidos.

Nikhua a chiattuk caah, WDMCS  mipum kaimi poh, online in Tuesday, Feb. 16 cu kai asi lai 

• Sianginn building vialte khar a si lai.
• Online in kai dih a si lai
• Siangngakchia cu Chromebook hmangin Canvas ah luh a si lai, Online schedule zulh cio a si lai.
• Program dangdang a um lailo.
• Preschool class khar a si. Na fa hmun dangah preschool a kaimi a um ahcun a kainak sianginn kai le kailo hlat ding asi lai.
• Kids West khar asi.
• Sianginn rawl a um lai lo.
• Bus a um lai lo.

If you’ve ever walked through the hallways of Hillside Elementary, chances are you were immediately greeted by Samuel Alier’s kind-hearted presence and warm embrace. It seems as though every interaction he’s shared with a fellow WDMCS employee, student, or family leaves a lasting impression, with beaming, bright smiles hiding behind face masks. 

Alier, the head custodian of the school, has worked for the West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) since 2013.

“One of the people that makes Hillside so great is you,” Principal Graham Jones, Ed.D., told Alier during a sit-down interview for this feature. “We appreciate you so much, and I just want to say ‘thank you.’ I love listening to your story and what you can add to Hillside and our school district.

“You just are a mentor and a good friend to so many people here.”

Fleeing From War To Resettling In America

Samuel Alier, head custodian at Hillside Elementary, poses for a photo outside Cobblestone Market in Urbandale. Provided photo

Originally from South Sudan, Alier was removed from his home country in 1987. He sought refuge in Ethiopia and later in Kenya amid the decades-long Second Sudanese Civil War, which lasted from 1983 to 2005. 

Roughly 2 million people died during the war, and another 4 million were left displaced.

“The refugee camp is not a life that is really, you know, good. There were a lot of difficulties there too, but because of good people and nations that always support the refugees, we survived,” Alier said. “We as young people were taken away from the country to shield us from the war. It was a movement formed by southerners to fight against the corruption and the unfairness with northern Sudan.

“They knew that the war was going to be long. They needed people in the future. So they decided it was a good idea to take kids out of this war and go to a place where they can go to school, survive, and they will be the future of the country.”

Because of an agreement formed between the United Nations and the United States, Alier said, he was able to resettle in America. This process started in 1998. 

“They called us ‘The Lost Boys of South Sudan,’” he explained. “I was part of the program that was offered by the U.N. in connection with the United States government. It was a lengthy process—the United States is a place where everybody wanted to come. You have to go through interviews and be somebody who has walked along all of the routes living in South Sudan to Ethiopia to Kenya.” 

Some of the primary questions raised during interviews, which Alier noted went up to about four rounds, revolved around knowing where your family is located, what school you’ve attended, and what group you’re in while at refuge.

“There were a lot of people who were denied, not because they’re not ‘the one’, but just because there were inconsistencies with their own history,” he said.

Samuel Alier, center, sits in for a photo with a group of refugees who also moved to Iowa. Provided photo

Alier made it through, and three years later arrived in Des Moines in 2001. Because of the agreement’s stipulations for resettling in the U.S., though, Alier said he had had just three months to establish residency and secure a  job.

“The agreement when you came to the United States, the main thing was that you come here to be independent,” he explained. “Human Services and other agencies helped refugees find accommodations, rent a place, help take you to the doctor, or give you a ride if you’re going to school.”

Alier worked in a variety of roles before joining Hillside Elementary, where he currently serves as the school’s head custodian during the day. He also works at Drake University at night, noting how he must provide for his wife and six children.

“This is not unique to the people who want to live a better life. It’s always about work,” Alier said. “You always have to work hard in order to provide for your family.”

‘This Month Is A Month Of Peace’

February is Black History Month, an annual celebration of the achievements of Black Americans and a time to recognize their critical role in the history of the United States. Black History Month is every day to Alier, commemorating all of the things Black Americans have done to positively impact the lives of future generations to come.

Samuel Alier, center, stands for a photo with friends from his refugee camp. Provided photo

“I would have not come to America if it were not for other people of the same color that I am, to make it where people of different colors live together in harmony,” he said. “It is our time right now to do things that a new generation coming after us have to pick up. It is Black History Month today. It is Black History Month tomorrow. It will be Black History Month the day after. 

“Black History Month is on the table of every Black family every single day by telling your kids they have made it,” Alier continued. “If you work hard—it doesn’t matter what color you are—it is always ideal to work hard and reach for that potential.”

Minutes later, Alier thumbed through a handful of special photos he brought with him highlighting his journey to America. He showed a picture of himself with two other men during his earlier years in refuge. Behind them: A wall with hand-written phrases of “Give Peace A Chance” and “Come Together” etched on it.

“This month is a month of peace,” Alier said, referencing Black History Month. “It’s a month where people have to celebrate the good things other people have done in life. This picture represents that.”

20 Years in the United States

Hillside Elementary head custodian Samuel Alier, center, was surprised by his colleagues on Friday, Feb. 12, with a gift basket to celebrate his 20th anniversary living in the United States.

Sunday, Feb. 14, marked Alier’s 20th year living in the United States. Hillside staff celebrated his milestone that previous Friday morning, surprising Alier with a snack basket loaded with goodies and gift cards. His office door was also decorated with red, white, and blue stars and streamers.

A prideful Alier said Hillside’s school community has “been a really good family for me.”

“You cannot underestimate teachers at this school,” he said. “There are so many kids I see here every day who come from different backgrounds, and they love it here because of the teachers. Led by Dr. Jones, they’re all good and they all love their kids.” 

“This country is really a good country,” Alier continued. “We have to be part of it, and that’s what we’ve been doing as people who’ve come from other countries. We know that this country and the people are awesome. It is not difficult to find good people around here.

“Come out here and I’ll show you if you don’t know any of them.”

And if you asked us, we know exactly who we would introduce you to first…

Samuel Alier.

Black History Month 2021: An Ongoing Celebration

Black History Month is an annual celebration of the achievements of Black Americans and a time to recognize their critical role in the history of the United States. Watch for posts each week that highlight and honor the history of Black Americans and our own Black community members. 

Black History Month is not meant to be the only time we celebrate the accomplishments of Black people in the U.S. WDMCS invites you to join us in making the celebration and reflection associated with this month ongoing.

Previous Posts

• Feb. 8—WDMCS Students’ Views: Why Black History Month Is Important
• Feb. 1—Happy Black History Month: An Ongoing Celebration

Due to severe wind chill conditions, all schools will start two hours late Monday, Feb. 15.

For students who learn on-site at school, this announcement means:

• School will begin two hours later than its normal start time.
• School will dismiss at its regular time. 
• There will be no Tiger Cubs preschool morning classes. Tiger Cubs afternoon classes will be held at normal time. If you are a community partner preschool parent, please contact that facility.
• No morning activities or early bird classes will be held.
• Kids West will open at 8:30 a.m.
• School buses will pick up students two hours after their normal pick-up time. Out-of-district services will also run two hours after the normal time.
• No school breakfast will be served. Lunch will be served.

For students who learn online, this announcement means:

• Classes will also start two hours late to support staff safety during winter driving conditions.

For WDMCS employees, this announcement means:

• Employees are to report to work according to established procedures.

Debido a las malas condiciones climáticas, todas las escuelas comenzarán las clases dos horas tarde el lunes 15 de febrero.

No habrá preescolar en la mañana. No habrá actividades de la mañana o clases tempranas. Kids West abrirá las puertas a las 8:30 de la mañana. Los autobuses recogerán a los estudiantes dos horas después de la hora que los recogen regularmente.

Para los estudiantes que aprenden en línea, las clases también comenzarán con dos horas de retraso para apoyar la seguridad del personal durante las condiciones de conducción en invierno.

Los empleados deben reportarse a trabajar de acuerdo con los procedimientos establecidos.

The 2021-22 calendar at a glance is now available to view or print in six languages:

• Arabic
• Bosnian
• English
• Hakha Chin
• Spanish
• Vietnamese

View the calendars at a glance

Over this last week, I had the opportunity to sit down and speak with two of our district’s dynamic student-leaders about Black History Month (BHM) and its impact on their lives.

Kendell “Carlos” Cropp, a senior with aspirations to attend Des Moines Area Community College to obtain his commercial driver’s license (CDL), and Micah Banks, a junior who has her goals fixed on attending medical school and becoming an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN), both attend the Walnut Creek Campus and were eager to share their thoughts around BHM.

—Anthony Ferguson, Jr., Ed.D.
WDMCS Executive Director for Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity

Why is Black History Month important?

Micah: Black History Month is important because it is a time where we can speak up about all of the wonderful things Black people have done and created in our history. It is also a time for us to speak out about all of the horrific things we have been through for hundreds of years in this country. This month gives Black people the recognition and appreciation for how intelligent and creative we are, and allows us all the chance to learn about more amazing people of color than the ones we are hear about every day.

Carlos: Black History Month means a lot and highlights the accomplishment of Black people in America. It shouldn’t only be celebrated in the month of February and then forgotten about, but we should be celebrating it year-round. We don’t learn as much as you think about Black history in school. We sometimes get into those topics, but it also sometimes gets pushed to the side for more topics like George Washington, etc.

Micah:  Black History Month is a time for me to explore and learn more about the history of Black people in this country. It is a time to educate other people who are less aware of the things Black people have contributed, and raise awareness that there is still discrimination. If more people speak up about racism and discrimination, and use their platform, we can make even more strides—not only for Black people, but for other people of color who experience racism and discrimination.

Who is a central figure in Black History that inspires you?

Martin Luther King, Jr. (Source: Library of Congress.)

Carlos: I am inspired by the civil rights movement and leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King’s participation in gaining Black people the right to vote is something that has always inspired me. Dr. King had a willingness to not give up, and he wanted to see equality. Muhammad Ali is another person that comes to mind who did a lot of things that weren’t scripted for the Black community.

Micah: Bessie Coleman is someone who inspires me. She was the first licensed Black woman pilot in the world. She inspires me because she wasn’t only the first Black pilot in the 1900s, but she was a woman. There were few women pilots in the 1900s, and even still today.

Bessie Coleman (Source: NASA.)

It inspires me because in the medical field, there are few Black women OB-GYN doctors, and my dream is to become an OB-GYN one day. I want to make sure that people of color feel like they receive the same care as everyone else. People of color have higher chance of losing their child during childbirth or dying themselves because of discrimination practices by some doctors and nurses. I have read many articles about things that go on in the medical field that alarm me, and this is why I want to make changes.

In 50 years, when we celebrate Black History Month, what do you want to be celebrated for?

Carlos: I want the world to remember the friendliness that I had with everyone else, no matter what race they were. I want people to remember me being positive and upbeat, not really worrying about the politics.

Micah: I don’t think I will ever compare to the amazing Black people who have impacted America, but I would like to be celebrated for being a good person. I would want it to be known that Black people are just as capable of doing good things like anyone else, and that Black people can make an impact on the world. I want to be celebrated for giving to the less fortunate and doing right, even when no one is looking.

Black History Month 2021: An Ongoing Celebration

Black History Month is an annual celebration of the achievements of Black Americans and a time to recognize their critical role in the history of the United States. Watch for posts each week that highlight and honor the history of Black Americans and our own Black community members. 

Black History Month is not meant to be the only time we celebrate the accomplishments of Black people in the U.S. WDMCS invites you to join us in making the celebration and reflection associated with this month ongoing.

Previous Posts

• Feb. 1—Happy Black History Month: An Ongoing Celebration