June 15, 2020
The school district is committed to keeping you updated throughout the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Des Moines Public Schools.  This afternoon we some good news for people needing transportation to our meal sites this summer. DMPS has teamed up with Uber for free rides to designated meal sites; see the first item below for more details. In addition, it was a big weekend for our personal commencement events as we honored graduates at three schools, and have shared some photos below of the celebrations. Finally, we include reminders about next week's deadline to apply for a School Board vacancy as well as there's still time to complete our important return-to-learn survey.
UBER GIVES FAMILIES A RIDE TO DMPS MEAL SITES
Des Moines Public Schools has distributed almost a million meals since the district food and nutrition team began serving hungry children when the district closed buildings in mid-March. Now, Uber has an offer that will make accessing the meal distribution sites a little easier. Visit our web site for details on getting assistance if you need a ride. 
DMPS HOSTS ANTI-RACIST TOWN HALLS
As our community and the nation debates, rallies, marches and protests around issues of racial injustice, DMPS created a space for conversations with our community around equity for students. We appreciate the tremendous interest in taking part in this important discussion. All of our virtual town halls are currently full. However, there is still room to attend the students-only in-person sessions. Click here for more details and to register online. 
PRIDE OF SOUTH SIDE CELEBRATES NEWEST ALUMS
Four hundred and fifty new graduates arrived at Lincoln High School yesterday to take part in a personal commencement. The ten hour event celebrated the Rails' Class of 2020 one graduate at a time, as seniors along with two guests marked the capstone of high school. See more on our Flickr page. 
SCARLETS SPEND DAY HONORING NEWEST GRADS
East High School held one of this year's personal commencement events on Saturday to celebrate the Class of 2020. The Scarlets welcomed nearly 400 new alums to their school community. From 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM each graduate, along with two guests, returned to East for the first time since mid-March to be presented with their diploma. See more on our Flickr page.
RUBY VAN METER CELEBRATES CLASS OF 2020
Nineteen new members of the Class of 2020 were celebrated and honored at Ruby Van Meter School on Friday, June 12. The event was one of eight personal commencement ceremonies being held throughout Des Moines Public School during the month of June, celebrating success one graduate at a time in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. See more on our Flickr page.
JUNE 24 DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR BOARD VACANCY
There's an empty chair at the School Board's table to be filled. Do you live in District 1 and have an interest in serving on the Board? Next Wednesday, June 24 at Noon is the deadline to apply for consideration. The appointment would last until November 2021, when the seat would be on the ballot and voters would select someone to complete the remaining two years of the District 1 term. Visit our web site for more information on the requirements and process.  
STILL TIME TO TAKE OUR RETURN TO LEARN SURVEY
We might be sounding like a broken record, but we REALLY want your input as we consider plans to return to learning at the start of the new school year. One thing is certain: it will not be business as usual as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. In order to help us in making our plans, we want to hear about the concerns and needs of all parents of PK-11 students as well as students in grades 5-11. In case you don't have our earlier messages, simply click on the appropriate link below to share your opinion with us:
NOTE:  Parents/guardians will be asked to verify their identity by entering their phone number on the first screen of the survey; s tudents will be asked to verify their identity by entering their six-digit student ID on the first screen of the survey. 
UPCOMING EVENTS
June 16
DMPS School Board Meeting
July 3
Fourth of July observance - all offices closed
July 13
Online Registration Begins - click here for more information
August 26
First Day of School
CORONAVIRUS: RELY ON THE EXPERTS FOR INFORMATION
Accurate health information about COVID-19 is important as people around the world respond to help put an end to this global pandemic. Stay informed and look for information on Coronavirus from reliable and trusted expert sources:
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 Susan Tallman, 2100 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321; phone: 515-242-7709; email: [email protected].