June 16, 2017
Just because school is out doesn't mean things slow down much around DMPS. This week we share news about two new principals (Kip Colemon at Meredith and Todd Johnson at Cowles), invite you to a School Board workshop, and highlight a summer program that's launching our new Skilled Trades Alliance. Read on for these stories and much more.

During the summer TheWeek@DMPS will take a little vacation, arriving occasionally, not weekly, in your inbox as we have news to share or reminders about the start of next school year. Speaking of which, just 68 days to go until the the 2017-18 school year begins.
STORIES ABOUT OUR STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS
Meredith's Colemon to Become School's Principal
As current Meredith Middle School principal David Johns prepares to take on a new leadership role withi the district, Vice Principal Victor "Kip" Colemon accepts the role of principal, bringing 20+ years of experience to the position.   Click here to read more about Colemon's roots in the district and his plans for the future.
Cowles Montessori to Welcome Principal Johnson
Iowa's only public Montessori school also welcomes a new principal this summer. Todd Johnson begins work at Cowles Montessori School on July 1, with board approval. Johnson joined DMPS in 2009 and has served in a variety of leadership roles.  Click here to read more about Johnson's background and why he was selected.
June 24: "How the School Board Works" Workshop
What does a school board do? How does a board govern? Set goals? Approve budgets? The Des Moines School Board will answer these questions and more at a "How the School Board Works" workshop on June 24 beginning at 9:00 AM at Central Campus. Whether you are interested in running for the board, or simply a community member who would like to learn more about how it operates,  the workshop is ideal for anyone who's curious about board roles and responsibilities . Click here for more details.
Summer Academy Kicks Off Skilled Trades Alliance
A public-private partnership between Central Campus and a number of local employers is providing a new opportunity for students to learn about skilled trades. The program's $1.5 million budget expands staffing during the year and provides for a summer program that involves on-the-jobsite learning.  Click here to read more about it, and see why more young women are signing on for non-traditional roles.
'No Shot, No School' Could Be Reality for Some Students
Incoming 7th and 12th graders who do not have a new state-required vaccination, or a waiver, will not be able to start classes in the fall. This affects an estimated 1,500 Des Moines Public Schools students who are not yet vaccinated. Click here to read more about what's needed and how to get the vaccination.
Roosevelt's Swanda Drafted by the Angels
Congratulations to recent Roosevelt grad and pitcher John Swanda on being selected in the fourth round of the  MLB  draft by the  Los Angeles Angels . Swanda, pictured at right pitching in last year's state tournament, had earlier planned to attend and play for the University of Nebraska.
Photo by DMPS Exhibited at NYC Gallery
Congratulations to our communications director  Phil Roeder . The photograph at right, which he took at one of our "Know Your Rights" forums for new immigrant and refugee families, will be exhibited this summer at the  Aperture Foundation  gallery in New York City. The renowned photography gallery is featuring images that capture the concept of freedom. Be sure to check out our Flickr page to see more work by our communications team that captures the day-in and day-out events across DMPS. 
Scavo GSA Represents School at Pride Fest
Members of the Gay-Straight Alliance at Scavo High School were among the thousands of people who participated in last weekend's Pride Fest in downtown Des Moines. More than 30 Scavo students, family members and staff participated in the event, including marching in Sunday's parade. This is the fourth year Scavo's GSA took part.
Teachers Head to Class for TechCon 2017
TechCon 2017, the district's third annual meeting of the minds, kicked off yesterday morning at Hoover High School. This is the culminating event for the DMPS team of Instructional Technology Coordinators. The seven of them prepare a tech feast for hundreds of district teachers, a bountiful buffet of in-house professional development. Click here to read and see more about summer school for our teachers.
DES MOINES UNIVERSITY OFFERS FREE BACK-TO-SCHOOL EXAMS
Every kid deserves a healthy start to the school year. It's always best when families can schedule a school physical in a clinic, with a family doctor they can visit when their child has illness or injury. Relationships with care providers are an important part of staying healthy! For families who are uninsured or underinsured, our partners at Des Moines University will conduct free back-to-school physicals, under the supervision of licensed clinicians, for students in need. The physicals will be provided on July 27 and 28 at North High School. Click here to pre-register.
PHOTO GALLERIES OF THE WEEK
Back to School for Administrators
The 2016-17 school year just ended a couple of weeks ago, but 2017-18 is already underway as more than 400 administrators, principals, and school leaders gathered for a three-day Leadership Launch at Hy-Vee Hall, making plans for the new school year.  Click here to see photos of "off season training" for district and school leaders. .
Students Shine at Theater Awards
It was a touch of Broadway last week as great performances were presented by East, Hoover, Lincoln and Roosevelt students at the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards hosted by Des Moines Performing Arts. Enjoy photos from the event, held in front of a sold-out crowd at the Civic Center,  on our Flickr page .
UPCOMING EVENTS
June 24
"How the School Board Works" - Central Campus (9:00 AM) - click here to register
June 28
Last Day of Classes - Downtown School ONLY
July 4
Independence Day - District Offices Closed
July 17
First Day for Online Registration - click here for more information
August 9
First Day of Classes - Downtown School ONLY
August 9
Summer Graduation Ceremony - Hoyt Sherman Place (6:00 PM)
August 23
First Day of Classes - ALL SCHOOLS (except DTS)
Summer Sports
Baseball/Softball  - 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:
  • Don't let this be a summer to forget (as opposed to an unforgettable summer). WHO-TV's Laura Barczewski looks at some of the math and reading resources available to parents and students to stay sharp when school is not in session, and talks with Merrill vice principal Diane Kehm about some of the summer tools available through DMPS. Click here for Channel 13's report. 
  • We shared above the news about Roosevelt's John Swanda being drafted by the Los Angeles Angels. The Des Moines Register spoke with Swanda about how he learned of being picked and his decision to turn pro. Click here for the Register'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.