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Your Guide to Our School

Stilwell Advisory/Homeroom Groups

You'll be in a group called Tiger Time with an adviser for the school year. In Tiger Time, we'll learn important things like understanding ourselves, managing our feelings, getting along with others, making good choices, and being responsible. We'll also talk about online behavior, decision-making, how our brains work, and setting goals. You'll also have Encore, which helps to support academics, behavior, and Social Emotional Learning by providing additional help and support.

How to Call In a Student Absence + Make-Up Work

If your student can't make it to school, please let us know. Parents/guardians let us know one of three ways:

  1. Log into Infinite Campus and enter an absence. Click "Absence Request" on the main page once you log in.
  2. Call 515-633-6000
  3. Email stattendance@wdmcs.org.

Please tell us your student's name, student number, when they'll be absent, and why. Doing this on or before the day of the absence will stop us from sending you extra messages.

If your student needs to come in late or leave early, send a note with them. They should show it to the teacher and then bring it to the office to sign out.

If your student misses class, they should talk to their teacher about making up the work. They have two days for each day they miss. And if they'll be gone for a while, it's good to tell the teachers ahead of time.

Cell Phones and Communication

If there is a family emergency, please contact the school office, and they will reach your student. If there is an emergency at school, we will call the parent/guardian.

  • Students may be asked to place their device in a caddy for the duration of the class.
  • Cell phone/handheld electronic device usage is only allowed before or after school unless permitted by the teacher. This includes the use of earbuds.
  • Smart watches can be worn as long as they are not a distraction.
  • If a phone or other device becomes a distraction, a teacher or staff member may keep the device until the end of the day.
  • WDMCS is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen cell phones or communication devices.
  • To learn more about cell phone privacy, please read Board Policy 502.09 - Search and Seizure

Student Behavior

Students in the district must be respectful and follow school rules. We believe each student deserves the right to an education in which race, ethnicity, culture, religion, and abilities will be valued, and celebrated.

We are committed to being proactive and addressing problems in a way that helps students stay in class, get support, and succeed. We focus on practices that restore and repair harm caused by a student's actions.

Each junior high school uses Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to set high behavior standards. PBIS includes teaching, clear expectations, and rewards for good behavior. Teachers also help students understand their feelings, manage stress, control impulses, and build positive relationships. We believe when students have strong social and emotional skills, they will show positive behavior and connect well with others.

Student Dress and Appearance

Students and their parents/guardians are mainly responsible for deciding what a student wears to school each day. When students feel comfortable in their clothes and can express their individuality or family culture, it helps them focus better on learning. WDMCS has expectations for student dress based on safety and showing respect to others.

Students should dress appropriately for the weather, wearing coats, hats, gloves, and boots when needed. Families needing help with clothing or shoes can contact the school office.

For safety, students must always wear shoes. Clothing promoting illegal products for minors or showing inappropriate material is not allowed. If a student wears such clothing, they'll be asked to change or given something else to wear for the day.

If there are concerns about a student's dress, the school administration will work with the parent/guardian and student to find a positive solution. Board Policy 502 — Student Appearance gives the administration the final say on student dress and appearance.