March 24, 2017
We hope our students, staff and families had an enjoyable Spring Break. There are fewer than 10 weeks left in the 2016-17 school year.  This morning we share a story on a former School Board member still going strong after his 100th birthday, include information about upcoming public forums on the school district's budget, and highlight this week's All-City Middle School Music Festival. Plus, a reminder that the deadline to register for AP Exams is Monday . Read on for these stories and much more. 
STORIES ABOUT OUR STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS
Former Board Member Going Strong at 100
He was the valedictorian of Lincoln's Class of 1935, the founding dean of Drake's School of Divinity, and a School Board member during turbulent years in the 1960s and 70s. And after 100 years, John McCaw is still going strong. After the celebration of his centennial birthday, we spoke with Dr. McCaw about his decades of service to education and the community.  Click here to read more.
Public Forums Scheduled on 2017-18 Budget
DMPS administrators and the School Board are at work on developing the FY 2017-18 budget, which goes into effect on July 1. As historically low funding for public education creates significant long-term challenges for DMPS and public education in all of Iowa, the district is holding a series of four public forums on the proposed budget over the next two weeks. See the calendar below or  click here for a schedule and information on the proposed budget.
Enjoy Summer With Our 21CCLC Program
This summer, take advantage of the opportunities provided by the 21st Century Community Learning Center program. DMPS is pleased to announce we will once again offer free summer programming at Callanan, Harding, Goodrell and Weeks middle schools between June 5 and July 14, 2017.  Click here to learn more and to register online.
More than 400 student-musicians from every DMPS middle school came together Tuesday for the All-City Middle School Music Festival. Following an afternoon of rehearsals, the orchestra, band and choir performed an evening concert in the Jacobson Exhibition Center at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Thank you to Marjorie Spevak, the long-time patron of the festival, and to guest conductors Michele Senger of West Des Moines Community Schools, retired DMPS educator Steve Day, and Brent Peterson of Waukee Community Schools. Click here for photos of the concert.
District Earns National Finance Honors
Two national public financial organizations - the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) - have recognized Des Moines Public Schools for excellence in financial reporting and accountability. It's the ninth year in a row that Iowa's largest school district has been recognized by both organizations. Congratulations to our business and finance staff (pictured at right).  Click here to read more.
Basketball Players Earn Post-Season Honors
Congratulations to North High School sophomore point guard Tyreke Locure on being voted the Prep Hoops Iowa 2017 Player of the Year! As Prep Hoops noted about Tyreke: "He's a special player with big things ahead." In addition, Locure and Hoover senior Doug Wilson were first team selections to the Iowa Newspaper Association's Class 4A All-State team while North senior Jal Bijiek was a third team pick.
Lincoln High Remembers Antonio Sanchez-Peck
The Lincoln High community came together to pay tribute to Antonio Sanchez-Peck, a 16-year old sophomore who died after being struck by a vehicle while crossing SW 9th Street. Classmates, family friends and neighbors held a candlelight vigil. Many people wore blue, Antonio's favorite color, or brought blue balloons and flowers. Principal Paul Williamson notified families of the tragic accident and urged everyone to "Please take care of one another."  We've shared photos of the vigil on our Flickr page.
MONDAY IS DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR AP EXAMS
DMPS has become a leader in Advanced Placement by making AP courses available to students throughout the district, and an important component of those courses is the AP exam, which can lead to credit at many colleges and universities. A reminder that the deadline to register for the 2017 AP exams is this Monday, March 27. Be sure to visit our web site for more information on the AP exams and how to register.
PHOTO GALLERIES OF THE WEEK
T&F Teams Compete at ISU Classic
It was a fast Spring Break for many DMPS student-athletes ... literally. Track and field teams from East, Hoover, Lincoln, North and Roosevelt were in action at the 24th annual Iowa State High School Classic, an indoor track meet held on the campus of Iowa State University. Girls competed last Monday.  We posted photos on our Flickr page from Tuesday's boys competition.
Spring Break Got Kids in the Kitchen
Students attending Spring Break Metro Kids at Hubbell Elementary School participated in Kids in the Kitchen, an Iowa State University program that partnered with Plymouth Church to provide nutrition and cooking instruction. We stopped by one morning to catch students making "salad in a bag" for a healthy snack.  Click here to see more on Flickr .
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 28
Budget Forum  - North High Library (6:30 PM)
March 29
Budget Forum - East High Auditorium (6:30 PM)
March 30
Budget Forum - Roosevelt High Library (6:30 PM)
April 1
Budget Forum - Lincoln High Auditorium (9:00 AM)
April 4
School Board Meeting - Central Campus (6:00 PM)
Spring Sports
Girl's Golf/Soccer/Tennis/Track & Field  - Visit athletics.dmschools.org for schedules
ICYMI: DMPS IN THE NEWS
Recent items in the news or online about or of interest to students, teachers and parents at Des Moines Public Schools:
  • The ISU 4U Promise initiative was launched in 2013, a partnership between Iowa State University and the students and families of King and Moulton elementary schools. What does it mean for the program now that Steven Leath is leaving ISU to become president of another university? Hopefully, nothing. WHO-TV reporter Jodi Whitworth reports on support for ISU 4U Promise and how it will lead to many first-time college students for several Des Moines families. Click here for Channel 13's story.
  • WHO-TV also visited Lovejoy Elementary School this week to see how staff there is working to make school feel a little more like home. Lovejoy not only has a food pantry and clothing closet available to students, but also has a free laundromat open to them and their families. Click here for Channel 13's story.
  • The Fullmer family has 9 children, 7 of whom attend DMPS schools or programs. Over spring break they lost their home and possessions in a house fire. Their children's schools have been helping the family by collecting clothing and other items. KCCI-TV spoke with them and shares how people can help as the family looks to settle in to someplace new to call home. Click here for Channel 8's story.
TheWeek@DMPS is a recipient of the 2016 Award of Merit 
from the National School Public Relations Association.
It is the policy of the Des Moines Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you believe you (or your child) have been discriminated against or treated unjustly at school, please contact Anne Sullivan at 2323 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312 or 515-242-7709 or anne.sullivan@dmschools.org.