Elementary Overview

Elementary Academics

Imagine a WDMCS kindergarten student sharing with their parent after school “I can’t wait for tomorrow”. This is the reaction the WDMCS hopes for from all of our students. Beginning with kindergarten, elementary school is the foundation of a child’s education. It is where they may first collect and organize data using tables and graphs, or successfully answer the question, “Where is Africa?”

With research-based strategies, our teachers introduce students to new skills and ideas, help them gain experience and master concepts, and then build on this knowledge as students grow and develop.

Elementary Arts

All students are encouraged to participate in at least one music ensemble in upper elementary school to prepare them for the seventh grade music requirement in junior high.

String Orchestra
The elementary strings program is available to all students starting in fourth grade. It is an adapted Suzuki method encouraging a close relationship between students, families, and teachers. Each fourth-grade student has an opportunity to be in one small-group and one large-group lesson per week. All-district concerts with two elementary orchestras for fifth- and sixth-grade students take place throughout the school year. Participation in All-Iowa Suzuki festivals and Honor Strings concerts are highlights of the elementary strings program.

Elementary Band
West Des Moines welcomes fifth grade students to become part of our strong band tradition! Band will start in September for fifth graders after a recruitment and placement process. Band rehearsals take place during the school day, and students will attend one small lesson group every week in addition. As a sixth grade band student, rehearsals are either before school or during the school day. Sixth grade students will continue with weekly small group lessons and have the opportunity to participate in the Solo and Ensemble festival.

We believe all students can benefit from participating in our band program. Playing an instrument has been shown to have multiple academic and social benefits as well as strengthening 21st century skills. Music ensemble participation gives the students opportunities for diversified musical exposure, listening skills, psychomotor skill growth, self-expression through music and responsibility for practice and rehearsal attendance.

District and school band concerts take place throughout the school year. Please look for more information to come from your student's band director.