West Des Moines Schools Get Ideas on Curbing Bullying, Improving Education

District's new online community engagement forum will address myriad topics related to educational improvement.

3rd Congressional District Rivals, Boswell and Latham, to Meet in Forum

The race in Iowa’s 3rd District is one of only two in the country in which redistricting threw a pair of incumbents together.

Help Your Youngsters Get Ready for Kindergarten

West Des Moines Community Education offers Sneak Peek, a program to help kids experience what kindergarten life will be like.

New Valley Logos OKed by West Des Moines School Board

A package of three Valley Tigers logos have been approved for use throughout the West Des Moines school district, according to a news release.

West Des Moines Schools Hire New Chief Financial Officer

Paul Bobek joins the administration at a significant time with many construction projects under way.

West Des Moines Rotary Gives Away More Bicycles

Clive and Phenix Elementary students have new rides, but more donated bicycles are needed for next year’s giveaways.

Mourners Remember Valley Southwoods Student Who Could Coax a Laugh From Anyone

“As you put his life in perspective, maybe you can put your own life in perspective,” minister tells mourners.

VIDEO: West Des Moines Dowling Catholic Valedictorian Beats Cancer, Lives to the Fullest

You never know how much time you’ll get, Augustine Villa says.

Experts Offer Warning Signs that Teens May Have Suicidal Thoughts

Following the deaths of two Johnston teens this winter, experts shared warning signs that teens may be at risk of suicide.

Another Valley Southwoods Student Dies; West Des Moines Superintendent Says Suicide Investigated

A staggering number of students in Iowa Youth Survey report having contemplated suicide.

ENCORE: West Des Moines Valley Grad Was Raised to Honor Mom; Her Death Strengthens His Resolve

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 Proves Doctors Wrong

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

VIDEO: West Des Moines Whiz Kid Headed to National Geographic Bee

A placemat map John Mahoney followed as a toddler when his family moved east hooked the Stilwell Junior High student on a journey that takes him to Washington, D.C., for national competition this week.

West Des Moines Valley’s Eric Williams Named Gatorade Iowa Boys' Soccer Player of the Year

Valley has the most honorees in the history of the Gatorade Iowa Boys' Soccer Player of the Year Award.

VIDEO: West Des Moines Kids Meet Fitness Goal – One Step At a Time

Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds join Westridge Elementary students on final leg of “Start Somewhere Walk.”

West Des Moines Grads Have Their Degrees, But Will They Find Jobs?

Unemployment and underemployment rates are especially high among recent college graduates.

Gov. Terry Branstad Will Join West Des Moines Students on Final Leg of 58,000-Mile Walk

Governor and lieutenant governor will finish what they started at Westridge Elementary School.

Valley Vocal Music Teacher Linda Vanderpool Resigns

She told the Des Moines Register cuts to music staffing made recently by the West Des Moines school board factored into her decision to leave.

West Des Moines Can Help West High Girl Go From Hawkeye Cheerleader to Miss USA Title

You can help Miss Iowa's chances in the Miss USA competition by voting online.

Scores Turn Out to Congratulate Sam Kranovich, West Des Moines Citizen of the Year

Alumni, colleagues, friends, relatives — and even one of honoree's former teachers — turn out at reception.

West Des Moines, Upload Your Graduates' Pictures

As you practice gliding to “Pomp and Circumstance” in your cap and gown, give Patch and West Des Moines a rewind of your life.

Valley Southwoods is Seeing Double

Valley Southwoods twins set Guinness world record.

West Des Moines, Who's Your Favorite Teacher?

Patch wants to give a shout out to all the great teachers out there who are changing kids' lives. Help us tell the story of great education in West Des Moines.

Last Chance: Important Graduation Deadline for West Des Moines Seniors This Week

Slide show photos due May 2 for Walnut Creek Campus graduating seniors.

Final West Des Moines Schools Idea Share Meeting Set for Monday

The meeting is part of a process to get resident feedback as district officials review goals and plan for the future.

School Board Scales Back Scope of Program Cuts, Teacher Shifts

After more than 300 people protested cuts to music, language and reading programs on Monday, the West Des Moines school board scaled back the scope of the changes.

Valley Southwoods Student Carson Vandeventer Remembered for His 'Big Heart'

More than 600 people filled Plymouth Congregational Church for Valley Southwoods student Carson Vandeventer's funeral Tuesday.

Nearly 300 West Des Moines Residents Demand School Board Rethink Proposed Cuts; Board to Decide Tonight

Concerned parents and students packed Monday's West Des Moines school board meeting nearly an hour before discussion about budget cuts began. The board will announce its decision at a meeting Tuesday night.

VIDEO: Valley Seniors Show Support for Grieving Freshman Class

As Valley Southwoods students coped with the death of a classmate last week, members of the senior class stepped in to show the younger students they care.

Staff Cuts on Tonight's West Des Moines School Board Agenda

Parents have been buzzing this week that the district's music program was facing cuts. The agenda for Monday proposes cutting reading positions, the Japanese language program and some elementary teaching jobs.

Funeral Details Released for Carson Vandeventer; Parents, Educators Discuss How to Prevent Deaths

Visitation and memorial services for Valley Southwoods student Carson Vandeventer will be held next week. Thursday night mental health experts talked with parents about how to recognize warning signs of youths in trouble.

4/20 Code for Drug Use Warn West Des Moines School Officials of Today's Date

West Des Moines school leaders warned parents recently that the date 4/20 is National Pot Smokers Day.

Teen Buried as Conversation on Bullying Spreads Across the State

The suicide of a Primghar teen who'd been bullied after he said he was gay has elevated public discussion of the problem of cyber-bullying. West Des Moines schools prohibit bullying students because of their sexual orientation, among many other reasons.

In Case You Missed This: Why Are Some West Des Moines Valley Grads Using Heroin?

A school resource officer who spoke to an audience of parents and educators Monday night says the reason might surprise you.

UPDATE: West Des Moines Valley Athlete in Critical Condition; Funeral Pending for Carson Vandeventer

Valley junior Ty Wolf received a serious head injury in a skateboarding accident, according to an email from the district superintendent to parents.

Father Whose Son Took His Life After Using K2 to Speak in West Des Moines Monday

Mike Rozga has used his son's death as a bully pulpit to campaign for reform of laws regulating K2 and other synthetic drugs.

West Des Moines Schools Schedule Four Community ‘Idea Share’ Meetings

It takes a community to educate a child; school district wants to know what you think.

Sit in a Fire Truck, Get a Tattoo: Learnapalaooza Schedule of Events

The free family event hosted annually by the West Des Moines Community Education office

West Des Moines Rotary Club Gives Away More Bikes, Seeks Donations to Serve More Needy Kids

Crestview counselor “loved seeing the smiles on the faces of the students and their family members.”

Best of the Blogs: Math, Science, and a Beloved ISU Player Who’s on His Way to the NBA

West Des Moines Patch bloggers concentrate on education – both formal and that gained in the school of life.