Your Guide to Our School

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

If your student will be late or needs to leave school early, please send a note with them to the main office in the morning. You can also email swattendance@wdmcs.org to report absences, including your student's name, student number, date/time, and reason for the absence.

If your student has a class at Valley High School on the day they are absent, let Valley know at vhsattendance@wdmcs.org.

Letting us know about the absence in advance or on the day of the absence will stop emails, texts, or calls about unexcused absences. When arriving late or leaving early, students must sign in and out at the office and get a pass.

For missed assignments, students should contact their teacher. They have two days to make up work for each day they're absent, up to six days for multiple absences. Teachers may allow more time if needed. It's best to talk to teachers before planned absences.

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

Minor School License

If you want to drive to school after finishing driver’s education, follow these steps:

1. Complete the online Minor School License Parking Permit Form and the IA DOT Affidavit form. You can find them online.

2. The online Parking Permit Form will be automatically emailed to the secretaries when you finish.

3. Print the IA DOT Affidavit form or pick up a packet in the main office. Complete the forms and bring them, along with the student permit, to the main office for approval from a school administrator.

Remember, park only in spaces with white lines, not in the spaces with green lines.

For more information and to find the forms, visit: https://discover.wdmcs.org/minor-school-license

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.