About Western Hills

Principal Jenna Pressley

Assistant Principal Erin Willoughby
Dear Western Hills Families,
Welcome to the 2025-26 school year! We are thrilled to partner with you as we embark on another exciting journey of learning, growth, and connection. At Western Hills, we believe in the power of community and shared purpose and this year, our theme reflects that belief: Row with Purpose, Lead with Heart, Rise Together. Whether your child is just beginning their school adventure or continuing their path with us, we are privileged to care for and support your most precious people each and every day.
Throughout the year, this theme will guide our actions, inspire our classrooms, and strengthen the bonds between students, staff, and families. Together, we will create a positive and inclusive environment where every child feels seen, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. Here's to a year filled with purpose, compassion, and rising together—welcome aboard!
Sincerely,
Jenna Pressley
Principal
Erin Willoughby
Assistant Principal
Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS)
Our school is part of an important program called Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS). PBIS helps us focus on teaching and supporting good behavior for all students.
At Western Hills, our big four expectations are to be safe, responsible, respectful, and kind. We teach, show examples, and practice these expectations in different areas like the cafeteria, hallways, arrival, dismissal, and restrooms. Students are reinforced with Tiger Tickets, which can be used at our weekly Tiger Store.
PBIS helps make our school a safe and positive place for everyone to learn and do well. We believe students can follow the rules if they know what they are and practice them regularly. Showing how to behave is an important part of PBIS.
Western Hills Contact Information
ADDRESS: 600 39th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265-3801
PHONE: 515-633-5900
FAX: 515-633-5999
PRINCIPAL: Jenna Pressley
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: Erin Willoughby
COUNSELOR: Ashley Knepper
NURSES: Katherine Thomas
SECRETARIES: Beth Walker, Lacey Casady
School Times
HOURS: 9:05 a.m.-3:55 p.m.
COLLABORATION SCHEDULE: Wednesdays 9:05 a.m.-3:10 p.m.
PRESCHOOL: 9:05-11:50 a.m. and 1:10-3:55 p.m.
Western Hills History
In June 2008, construction started to add and change things in Western Hills Elementary School. It was all finished by the start of the 2009-10 school year.
While the changes were happening, in the 2008-09 school year, Western Hills students went to the old Clegg Park Elementary School. They came back to their own school in the fall of 2009 when the construction was completed.
