2021 College Aid: How West Des Moines Area Compares In Application Rates

Nationally, applications for financial aid are down this year.

Recognize Your 2021 Graduate On West Des Moines Patch

Tell us why your grad is special and send a message of congratulations on West Des Moines Patch.

2021 College Aid: How West Des Moines Area Compares In Application Rates

FAFSA completions are down nationally. Here is how West Des Moines area high schools have done so far.

In West Des Moines Area, Share Of College Grads Rises

The portion of residents holding four-year or higher degrees has been on the rise in the U.S. Here's how it’s changed in Polk County.

Hidden Torture: Homeschool Laws Can Shield Most-Abusive Parents

Some homeschool laws can make it easy for parents to abuse and even torture children, sometimes until they die.

New Principal Chosen For Valley High School

Duties begin July 1 for Valley High School's next principal, who replaces the retiring Tim Miller.

Child Enticement Attempt In West Des Moines Reported

A 12-year-old boy said he was asked to get into a vehicle as he was walking home from school.

West Des Moines Workshop Will Focus On 'White Anti-Racism'

Jennifer Harvey's workshop will tackle the impact of race on white children.

West Des Moines Adult Ed: Register Early For Class Fee Discount

Cook new foods, try new exercises or experience a new activity through adult education classes.

West Des Moines Schools Proposes Grade Shift Among Buildings

Ideas include moving sixth grade to middle schools, moving ninth grade to Valley and making Southwoods a 9-12 career-focused high school.

West Des Moines Stilwell To Host Dec. 16 Benefit

A silent auction and concert fundraiser is planned for West Des Moines schools employee Joe Turner, who is battling non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Learn About School Options At West Des Moines Preschool Palooza

Preschool Palooza will provide details on preschool and kindergarten enrollment for parents while kids enjoy games and activities.

Focus Groups Will Help West Des Moines Schools Plan Facility Needs Over Next 10 Years

Parents, students and staff in the West Des Moines school district can attend one of six focus groups to offer input on facility planning.

West Des Moines Survey Asks What Qualifications Next Valley High Principal Should Have

Valley High School Principal Tim Miller will retire at the end of the school year and a search is underway to find his replacement.

National Blue Ribbon School: Stilwell Junior High Earns Coveted Honor From U.S. Education Department

WDM's Stilwell Junior High School earns the coveted National Blue Ribbon School designation as an "exemplary high performing school."

Valleyfest XXXVIII: What You Need To Know About The Premier High School Marching Band Show

Dozens of high school marching bands will bring their best performances to West Des Moines for the 38th annual Valleyfest on Saturday.

Students In West Des Moines Have New Tools To Monitor Health And Activity Levels

West Des Moines schools are teaching students how to take charge of their fitness and activity levels through heart-rate monitors.

Jennifer Wells Will Join West Des Moines School Board; Elizabeth Brennan, Vicky Poole Return

WDM voters approved PPEL for ten years and chose candidates with a range of experience in education.

Today's College Grads Won't Be Able to Retire Until They're 73

Student loan debt likely will force today's college grads to work longer.

When Should School Start? Survey Offers Your Chance to be Heard

Survey asks if school should start after Labor Day, when winter break should start, whether the district should implement an alternative calendar that includes school during the summer and more.

Chinese Students to Visit Valley Under Sister School Program

The Oct. 21-24 visit will give students studying Mandarin to use the language in everyday conversation, as well as introduce their guests to American culture.

Bullying Prevention Expert to Speak Oct. 13

Parents and community members – schools' "strongest partners in preventing bullying" – encouraged to attend session.

This Is One Sweet Fundraiser

Valley High School vocal music students are raising money by selling Butter Braids brand pastries and cookies.

Teen's Black Bracelet Sales Bring Suicide Prevention Assemblies to Iowa Schools

A meeting at Johnston Tuesday night is open to the public.

Great Back to School Breakfast Ideas for Kids

Help your little one get a good start to the day with these easy-to-make, healthy morning meals.

Meet New School Board Members at Sept. 23 Reception

Tali Greenspon and Vicky Poole will replace retiring school board members Jill Hansen and Mark Lagomarcino.

Can Smartphones Make Smart Students? Schools Think So

No more pencils, no more books. iPads, smartphones and other technology find their way into the classroom.

Indian Hills Teacher’s Artwork Invites Students to Think About 9/11

Indian Hills students were only a year old when terrorists attacked the United States on Sept. 11, 2001; a teacher's artwork is giving them perspective.

‘We’re Seeing More Kids Come in Hungry’: Booster Pak Group Sees More Need

One in three West Des Moines students is food insecure. Here’s how you can help the Booster Pak organization serve more kids.

Suave Washes Away the Competition (Sponsored)

Parents enlist the help of Suave for its ability to gently soothe and wash away the remnants of the game. Sponsored by Suave.

Valley Senior First High School Student on Governor’s STEM Advisory Council

Annie Howard brings the perspective of a young Iowan exploring career option to coalition of business, policy and education leaders charged with bolstering STEM literacy and innovation in Iowa.

School Board Sweetens Early Retirement Deal With $18,000 Perk

Budget cuts are almost a certainty in 2014-2015. The school district thinks some of the cuts can be absorbed through attrition and have sweetened an early-retirement offer affecting about 200 employees.

5 Laugh-Out-Loud Blogs to Start the School Year

You've bought the supplies (or not), you've got the new clothes (some of them), and like it or not, the first day of school is upon you. Here, some inspiration to get you ready for the year ahead.

Keep Your Kids Healthy: How to Prevent the Spread of Cryptosporidium

As central Iowa kids prepare to head back to school, cases of a diarrhea-inducing parasite cryptosporidium continue to rise. Here's what you can do to help prevent the spread, courtesy of Polk County Health.

First Day of School is Just Around the Corner; Here’s the West Des Moines 2013-14 School Calendar

Students in West Des Moines Community Schools return to the classroom Tuesday, Aug. 20. Here’s the schedule of Labor Day, Thanksgiving, winter and spring breaks, graduation, and other important dates in the full calendar.

What Will it Cost to Register West Des Moines Students?

Basic registration fees are $50, $60 and $80 for elementary, middle school and high school students, respectively. But there are other costs, depending on students' activities.

School Supplies for West Des Moines Students Vary by Attendance Center

In four elementary schools, supply lists are also offered in Spanish to help students for whom English is a second language.

Three Running Unopposed for West Des Moines School Board

One of the first tasks for the new school board will be to begin a search for a new superintendent to replace Peter Ansingh.

State School Board May Get Tough on Schools’ Routine Early Starts

Responding to tourism industry complaints that waivers cut into the Iowa State Fair, seasonal employment and family vacations, State Board of Education may get tough in enforcing a state law requiring schools to start no earlier than the week in whic

Taxes on Iowa During Sales Tax Holiday on Some - But Not All – Back-to-School Must-Haves

West Des Moines’ thriving commerce center expected to be busier than usual as parents seek 6 percent savings on back-to-school items.