Administration Office Holiday Hours
7:00am-3:00pm
Closed December 24th-26th & January 1st
Kevin Oswald Named Principal of Winterset Middle School for the 2019-20 School Year
Mr. Kevin Oswald will become the new principal for Winterset Middle School beginning July 1, 2019. Mr. Oswald is currently an Instructional Coach at Winterset Elementary School. He was previously a 5th-grade teacher at Winterset Middle School where he also served as a model mentor teacher. Prior to joining the Winterset School District, Mr. Oswald was a 3rd-grade teacher in the Des Moines Public Schools for 14 years. Mr. Oswald has spent 19 years working as an educator.
During his teaching and teacher leadership career, Mr. Oswald has successfully coached colleagues and delivered professional development which has focused on helping teachers master teaching practices that have resulted in improved student achievement. Mr. Oswald has served in leadership roles including the district leadership team, building leadership team, and strategic plan committee. Mr. Oswald has helped both Winterset Middle School and Winterset Elementary engage in school improvement efforts such as: Implementation of the Iowa Core, Professional Learning Communities, Multi-tiered System of Supports, Positive Behavior Interventions, and the development of a climate and culture that is positive for students and staff.
“I have always been passionate about providing the best education for the students that I serve. As a principal, I have the opportunity to impact more lives and form many relationships with students and educators. I am excited to work with the students and staff at Winterset Middle School, ” said Mr. Oswald.
“Our search committee developed key attributes that best identified what we were looking for in our next principal at Winterset Middle School. Mr. Oswald’s success and experiences closely matched this list. Kevin has helped the leadership and teachers at Winterset Elementary focus their efforts resulting in an exemplary rating on the Iowa School Report Card,” notes Dr. Susie Meade, Superintendent. “Mr. Oswald’s colleagues shared that he has made a difference for numerous students and teachers within the district. He was described as an extraordinary coach and reflective person who will help Winterset Middle School continue to be a great place for students and staff. While we are very sad Mrs. Sawyer is retiring, we know that Kevin will continue the great tradition of excellence at WMS.”
Originally from Kalona Iowa, Mr. Oswald is married to his wife, Gwen. They have three children: Abram, a 4th grader; Marcus, a 1st grader; and Klara, 19 months old. Mr. Oswald holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Simpson and a Masters Degree in Educational Administration & Leadership from Iowa State University. When not at work, Mr. Oswald enjoys spending time with his family, enjoying the outdoors, golfing, reading, and playing basketball.
When Is It Too Cold or Snowy for School?
In Winterset, we try to quantify just how cold is too cold for school. Generally, if the National Weather Service Forecast for the morning is a wind chill warning, classes will be canceled. In most cases the decision will be made the night before. However, we can't always predict what will happen in the morning with our buses. Sometimes in temperatures warmer than a wind chill warning our buses struggle to start and stay running. In those cases, a decision to cancel or start late is made as soon as possible in the morning.
Families should expect less notice when school is canceled for heavy snow. Many factors are taken into account. Road conditions are tested. Several websites are viewed for information on weather and road conditions. Lastly, Dr. Meade consults with other Madison County and neighboring school districts.
Making the decision to start late, cancel, or continue school as planned is a difficult decision that takes into account many factors. Most importantly, we consider our students' safety first.
When WCSD makes a decision to change plans we utilize our Infinite Campus Messenger System that calls, texts and e-mails parents and staff. We also post the change of plans on our district website and notify local media.
New Important Info: In the future, the current Mobile Portal app for iOS and Android will be replaced by apps for Campus Student and Campus Parent. The apps will be available on app stores soon.
With this release, Campus Student and Campus Parent are now available to all students and parents. The Campus Student/Parent Settings have been merged with the Portal Display Options.
More Information here: https://www.infinitecampus.com/audience/parents-students
NEW STUDENTS
All NEW families please Click Here> NEW STUDENT Link to begin the registration process.
Questions: Please call Stacy @ 515-462-2718.
The Administration Building is now for sale. See the attached flier for information
All visitors will be required to check-in through our Lobby Guard system. Be sure to bring your government issued identification. Anyone calling into our offices regarding a change in the student's plans will be required to provide the student's ID number.
