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Western Hills Contact Information
Address: 600 39th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265-3801
Phone: 515-633-5900
Principal: Tyson Heuton
Assistant Principal: Erin Willoughby
Counselor: Ashley Knepper
Nurse: Katherine Thomas
Secretaries: Beth Walker
School Times
Hours: 9:05 a.m. to 3:55 p.m. (Breakfast served 30 minutes before the bell.)
Early Out Wednesdays: 9:05 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.
Tiger Cubs Preschool: 9:05-11:50 a.m. and 1:10-3:55 p.m.
News & Events
Latest News
![School Board Information]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749487254/wdmcsorg/fv71jpydim9kjy6qh3kb/empty-board-room_1x1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749487254/wdmcsorg/fv71jpydim9kjy6qh3kb/empty-board-room_1x1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1749487254/wdmcsorg/fv71jpydim9kjy6qh3kb/empty-board-room_1x1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749487254/wdmcsorg/fv71jpydim9kjy6qh3kb/empty-board-room_1x1.jpg","width":1152}])
The WDMCS Board of Education will hold a regular business meeting Aug. 10, 2026 at the Learning Resource Center in West Des Moines.
![A staff member smiles while standing at a whiteboard with a student pointing to the board.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784659913/wdmcsorg/osbd8ht9wksytyod5nqz/hr-support-staff-career-fair-2026_1080x1080.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784659913/wdmcsorg/osbd8ht9wksytyod5nqz/hr-support-staff-career-fair-2026_1080x1080.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1784659913/wdmcsorg/osbd8ht9wksytyod5nqz/hr-support-staff-career-fair-2026_1080x1080.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1784659913/wdmcsorg/osbd8ht9wksytyod5nqz/hr-support-staff-career-fair-2026_1080x1080.png","width":1080}])
West Des Moines Community Schools is hosting a support staff career and interview fair Tuesday, July 28 from 3-7 p.m. at the Learning Resource Center in West Des Moines.
![news and updates]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1706037561/wdmcsorg/ufnzophwyw70hfjid0f4/news_updates_512x512.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1706037561/wdmcsorg/ufnzophwyw70hfjid0f4/news_updates_512x512.jpg","width":512}])
WDMCS announced associate principal transitions for the 2026-27 school year. Haley Hockensmith will move into the role of associate principal at Valley High School and Davena Johnson will become the interim associate principal at Valley Southwoods Freshman High School.
![Head and shoulders image of Michelle Knox, smiling in an office setting.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1782943264/wdmcsorg/emom6dnizvtvneerx0ho/knox-michelle-1080x1080.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1782943264/wdmcsorg/emom6dnizvtvneerx0ho/knox-michelle-1080x1080.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1782943264/wdmcsorg/emom6dnizvtvneerx0ho/knox-michelle-1080x1080.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1782943264/wdmcsorg/emom6dnizvtvneerx0ho/knox-michelle-1080x1080.jpg","width":1080}])
Michelle Knox has been named the next assistant principal at Westridge Elementary, pending approval by the West Des Moines Community Schools Board of Education.
WDMCS announced new principals at Fairmeadows Elementary and Western Hills Elementary and a new assistant principal at Hillside Elementary, pending Board of Education approval.
![Headshot of Jenna Pressley. Dark blue graphic includes the WDMCS academic logo. Text reads: New Leadership Role, Jenna Pressley, Director of Human Resources.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1781110460/wdmcsorg/nmxt9oodrufbgwtgxpe7/pressley-jenna_1080x1080.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1781110460/wdmcsorg/nmxt9oodrufbgwtgxpe7/pressley-jenna_1080x1080.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1781110460/wdmcsorg/nmxt9oodrufbgwtgxpe7/pressley-jenna_1080x1080.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1781110460/wdmcsorg/nmxt9oodrufbgwtgxpe7/pressley-jenna_1080x1080.jpg","width":1080}])
Jenna Pressley has been named the next director of human resources for West Des Moines Community Schools.
![A group of people, some wearing casual clothing and others in coats, are gathered on a red carpet in front of a brick building with a sign that reads "Crossroads Park".]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1780762430/wdmcsorg/vbmfqhkeg2gallgeqp4i/district-newsletter-jun-2026.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1780762430/wdmcsorg/vbmfqhkeg2gallgeqp4i/district-newsletter-jun-2026.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1780762430/wdmcsorg/vbmfqhkeg2gallgeqp4i/district-newsletter-jun-2026.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1780762430/wdmcsorg/vbmfqhkeg2gallgeqp4i/district-newsletter-jun-2026.jpg","width":1080}])
The June 2026 edition of the We Are ALL WDMCS District Newsletter.
![Valley High School students pose with diploma folders at the DMACC graduation ceremony. Students are wearing DMACC blue caps and gowns.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1780699892/wdmcsorg/ew6tiaiyneytupya9pos/dmacc-recognition-26-2880x1600.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1780699892/wdmcsorg/ew6tiaiyneytupya9pos/dmacc-recognition-26-2880x1600.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1780699892/wdmcsorg/ew6tiaiyneytupya9pos/dmacc-recognition-26-2880x1600.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1780699892/wdmcsorg/ew6tiaiyneytupya9pos/dmacc-recognition-26-2880x1600.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1780699892/wdmcsorg/ew6tiaiyneytupya9pos/dmacc-recognition-26-2880x1600.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1780699892/wdmcsorg/ew6tiaiyneytupya9pos/dmacc-recognition-26-2880x1600.png","width":2200}])
Valley High School Class of 2026 earned 182 credentials from Des Moines Area Community College before graduating high school.
![Square stock image showing the sun, blue sky, and yellow flowers.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1780694783/wdmcsorg/g7xcf4mbgxhkcq7upc0j/summer-rotator-2880x1600.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1780694783/wdmcsorg/g7xcf4mbgxhkcq7upc0j/summer-rotator-2880x1600.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1780694783/wdmcsorg/g7xcf4mbgxhkcq7upc0j/summer-rotator-2880x1600.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1780694783/wdmcsorg/g7xcf4mbgxhkcq7upc0j/summer-rotator-2880x1600.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1780694783/wdmcsorg/g7xcf4mbgxhkcq7upc0j/summer-rotator-2880x1600.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1780694783/wdmcsorg/g7xcf4mbgxhkcq7upc0j/summer-rotator-2880x1600.png","width":2200}])
Get ready for summer with WDMCS! Find all the 2026 summer information you need in one place.
Upcoming Events
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3650 Woodland Ave, WDM, IA 50266
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CV Cafeteria 1501, FM Cafeteria 1408, WH Cafeteria 1501, and WR Cafeteria 1107 (Crestview School of Inquiry, Fairmeadows Elementary, Western Hills Elementary, and Westridge Elementary)
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3650 Woodland Ave, WDM, IA 50266
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CV Cafeteria 1501, FM Cafeteria 1408, WH Cafeteria 1501, and WR Cafeteria 1107 (Crestview School of Inquiry, Fairmeadows Elementary, Western Hills Elementary, and Westridge Elementary)
all day
Bennett School, Clive Learning Academy, Crestview School of Inquiry, Crossroads Park Elementary, Fairmeadows Elementary, Hillside Elementary, Indian Hills Junior High, Jordan Creek Elementary, Learnin
all day
Bennett School, Clive Learning Academy, Crestview School of Inquiry, Crossroads Park Elementary, Fairmeadows Elementary, Hillside Elementary, Indian Hills Junior High, Jordan Creek Elementary, Learnin
all day
Bennett School, Clive Learning Academy, Crestview School of Inquiry, Crossroads Park Elementary, Fairmeadows Elementary, Hillside Elementary, Indian Hills Junior High, Jordan Creek Elementary, Learnin
all day
Bennett School, Clive Learning Academy, Crestview School of Inquiry, Crossroads Park Elementary, Fairmeadows Elementary, Hillside Elementary, Indian Hills Junior High, Jordan Creek Elementary, Learnin
all day
Bennett School, Clive Learning Academy, Crestview School of Inquiry, Crossroads Park Elementary, Fairmeadows Elementary, Hillside Elementary, Indian Hills Junior High, Jordan Creek Elementary, Learnin
Additional Resources
Click on any image to learn more.
![Three Western Hills girls talking and sitting on a window seal bench]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1706117572/wdmcsorg/hcjgsgcckyn9qfoshkdp/WesternHills-IntheClassroom-HomePanel.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1706117572/wdmcsorg/hcjgsgcckyn9qfoshkdp/WesternHills-IntheClassroom-HomePanel.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1706117572/wdmcsorg/hcjgsgcckyn9qfoshkdp/WesternHills-IntheClassroom-HomePanel.jpg","width":800}])
Discover what your student's day is like and the academic goals for each grade level.
![students eating school lunch]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1704461916/wdmcsorg/h8cjuanejhhfzsnkbqaw/HomePanel-SchoolLunch.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1704461916/wdmcsorg/h8cjuanejhhfzsnkbqaw/HomePanel-SchoolLunch.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1704461916/wdmcsorg/h8cjuanejhhfzsnkbqaw/HomePanel-SchoolLunch.jpg","width":800}])
All Western Hills students receive free meals this year.
![Western Hills students walking in hallway]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1706115955/wdmcsorg/f98lndu2cuzroe8nvun8/WesternHills-GetInvolved-HomePanel.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1706115955/wdmcsorg/f98lndu2cuzroe8nvun8/WesternHills-GetInvolved-HomePanel.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1706115955/wdmcsorg/f98lndu2cuzroe8nvun8/WesternHills-GetInvolved-HomePanel.jpg","width":800}])
Find ways you can meet other families, volunteer, and be part of our Western Hills community.
![student riding school bus]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1704461915/wdmcsorg/ldgqjnybdyqsuwgc2z9g/HomePanel-BusRider.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1704461915/wdmcsorg/ldgqjnybdyqsuwgc2z9g/HomePanel-BusRider.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1704461915/wdmcsorg/ldgqjnybdyqsuwgc2z9g/HomePanel-BusRider.jpg","width":800}])
If you are interested in using bus service, please visit our Transportation page.
![Girl with bird at zoo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1704476327/wdmcsorg/t7tsm78m8kjx1n6hggsk/HomePanel-digitalbackpack.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1704476327/wdmcsorg/t7tsm78m8kjx1n6hggsk/HomePanel-digitalbackpack.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1704476327/wdmcsorg/t7tsm78m8kjx1n6hggsk/HomePanel-digitalbackpack.jpg","width":800}])
Digital Backpack lists events offered by various organizations within our community.