Lunch Topics to Chew On and Other Online Feedback for West Des Moines Schools

Patron: Instead of shuttling gifted students between buildings, why not bring the curriculum to them?

Iowa Public Health Department to Require Whooping Cough Vaccine for School Enrollment

The state department of public health is requiring a pertussis (whooping cough) enrollment for school entry to stop the spread of the disease.

West Des Moines Students’ Artwork on Display at Des Moines Art Center

Jan. 24 reception highlights month-long Impact of Art XXIII show.

West Des Moines Valley Debate Team Wins Sweepstakes

Freshman John Anthony Danos, at his first congressional debate ever, advanced to the consolation round and won Valley’s first Student Congress state medal in five years.

West Des Moines Valley Grad Raised to Honor Mom; Her Death Strengthened Commitment: 2012 in Review

As Takashi Yanagi quietly carried a crushing, heartbreaking burden, Valley officials marveled at his resilience – and his ability to keep earning straight A's.

Academic Over-Achiever and Dowling Catholic Graduate Proved Doctors Wrong: 2012 in Review

Dowling Catholic High School valedictorian Augustine Villa kept a better-than-A average while fighting a cancerous brain tumor.

Update: Polk, Dallas Counties Under Tow Ban; Did West Des Moines Schools Cancel Classes for Thursday?

Can you sleep in Thursday or do you have to get up to shovel?

West Des Moines Superintendent Shares Resources to Help Parents Talk to Children About Connecticut Tragedy

Email includes links to mental health resoruces.

Cultural Walls Fall as West Des Moines Students Raise $15,000 to Bury Classmate in Iraq: 2012 in Review

Valley senior Katie Baum worried the contentious relationship between the United States and countries in the Middle East might spill over into a fundraising campaign to help the family of a fallen classmate. That didn’t happen.

West Des Moines Schools Schedule Public Hearings on Asbestos Removal, 2013-2014 Start Date

School board’s workshop Monday focuses on the district budget and audit.

Dowling Catholic Students Learn How the World Eats – or Doesn't – at Hunger Banquet

Half of attendees sat on the floor and were fed rice and water. Fifteen percent got the royal treatment.

Still Time to Donate Indian Hills Hunger Drive for Food Bank of Iowa

West Des Moines students hope to collect 3,300 pounds of food.

YMCA Flag Football Bowl Games: Everybody Wins!

The YMCA's flag football teams squared off against each other, as well as their favorite local mascots, in Bowl games.

Valley High School Thespians Deliver Powerful Anti-Bullying Message With 'KES'

The story about Billy, bullied on all sides, will involve 100 students delivering an important message.

New York Times Bestselling Author, Acclaimed Bullying Expert Helps West Des Moines Fight Bullying

Jodee Bianco will share her story and insights from students from across the nation.

West Des Moines Valley Students Back Obama, Boswell and Same-Sex Marriage

Students drafted their own ballot measures in virtual polling experiences held in nine central Iowa high schools.

High School Football Playoffs: West Des Moines Valley, Dowling Catholic Schedules, Records and Outlook

The Tigers and Maroons play tonight in the first round of Class 4-A high school football playoffs.

What Should Parents Know About Teen Drug Abuse?

West Des Moines Community Education is hosting Linda Kalin, the director of the Iowa Statewide Poison Control Center. Parents are welcome to the free session; it is not for kids.

West Des Moines Schools Unveil New Web Site

The district's new site just went live. Check out the new features.

West Des Moines Crestview’s Nidey Named ITEC K-12 Educator of the Year

It’s common to see his classroom Skyping with other students or adults who live in far off corners of the world.

Anti-Death Penalty 'Dead Man Walking’ Author Coming to West Des Moines

Sister Helen Prejean will to meet with Dowling Catholic students presenting play based on her anti-death penalty book.

West Des Moines Community Education Offers Internet Safety Strategies

Kids spend almost eight hours a day on electronic devices. Presenter Marian Merritt will offer insight to parents about what they're doing on line and provie actionable strategies and tips to get technology use under control.

Valley High School Graduate Scott Johnson Receives State AP Scholar Award

Scott Johnson is one of only two students in Iowa to earn the designation.

West Des Moines Businesses, Schools Plan 'Start Somewhere Walks' Wednesday

About two dozen walks have been scheduled as part of statewide initiative to make Iowa healthiest state in the nation.

Hula Hooping Class

Calligraphy Class

Bollywood Fusion Dance Class

How Much Does a Mustard Spill Cost West Des Moines Schools?

School board members have approved an upgrade to the floor in the new Valley High School cafeteria. The change was needed because the original floor would not have withstood mustard stains.

West Des Moines Vocal Booster Club Recycling Old Cell Phones, Inkjet Cartridges

Valley Singers will be collecting used cell phones and inkjet cartridges at the homecoming parade Thursday. Bring them along.

West Des Moines Students Clear First Hurdle in National Merit Scholar Competition

Seniors from Valley and Dowling made the cut in academic competition.

West Des Moines Schools Survey Patrons on 2013-2014 Start Date

Comments show support for ending the semester before winter break, year-round school and changes in teacher in-service days.

Schedule: West Des Moines Valley Celebrates Homecoming Week

The Tigers take on Indianola Friday night.

West Des Moines PE Teacher Credited With Saving Lives

Jordan Creek Elementary teacher recognized by American Heart Association.

West Des Moines Parents Speak Out About Healthier School Lunch Choices

Some parents welcome healthier choices; others worry about waste.

Jordan Creek P.E. Teacher Wins Award from American Heart Association

Luis Suarez has been honored for the school's involvement in Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart.

Iowa Christian Academy to Build Athletic Facility at Jordan Park Camp

The private Christian school in West Des Moines has agreed to build a facility on land owned by Walnut Creek Community Church at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Fuller Road.

Drop-in Family Story Time

Innocence Abducted: West Des Moines School Security Tightened, Police Procedures Change

In more carefree days, people could walk in and out of West Des Moines elementary schools freely. Now, they’re buzzed in through an electronic security system, one example of cultural changes in the 30 years since Johnny Gosch disappeared.

Yoga on the City Hall Lawn

West Des Moines School District Board Meeting