Welcome to River Woods

Welcome to the River Woods Elementary website. I hope that you find the information on our site to be helpful.

I began my work with the Des Moines School District in 1996, and have served in a variety of roles during my career with DMPS: special education teacher, behavior interventionist, consultant, and Dean of Students.  In those capacities I have worked with students, families, and staff at several different elementary schools throughout my years with the Des Moines schools, and I have learned much from each opportunity.

River Woods is located on the city’s southeast side, north of the Easter Lake area. Our building opened in 2000 to meet the needs of our growing neighborhood. We serve 500+ students each year in our kindergarten through fifth grade classrooms.

At River Woods, our mission includes the concepts identified in the core principles that define our work: providing learners with meaningful, differentiated learning experiences, collaboration and a common vision for achievement, and maintaining a safe, responsible and respectful school climate. The following mission statement helps us to define the work of our learning community each day: The River Woods School Community strives for excellence by engaging learners in meaningful experiences designed to meet the needs of all.

Please contact me if you have further questions regarding the information on our site, or would like additional information about the River Woods School Community. We look forward to working with you and your family!

Traci Shipley, Principal