April 14, 2020
The district is committed to keeping you updated throughout the COVID-19 closure of Des Moines Public Schools. Among the items in today's email are a notice for high school students about picking up computers on Friday and an update on this year's online AP exams. We've also included notices about registration for preschool and kindergarten for the 2020-21 school year ... if you or someone you know has a child ready to start school next year, please be sure to visit our web site.
COVID-19 CLOSURE UPDATES, NEWS AND REMINDERS
FRIDAY: GRADE 9-11 COMPUTER DISTRIBUTION
High school students, please be on the look out for a communication from your school about Friday's distribution of computers. Each building will have specific instructions on how the process will work. At all schools, pickup will be between the hours of 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM.  In addition, seniors who indicated on their surveys a need for a device and have not received one may pick it up during this time.

Please note that this is for the distribution of computers only. Most internet connections will be handled separately.
AP UPDATE: ONLINE EXAM DATES SET
Due to the current closure of DMPS, and thousands of school districts across the nation, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional Advanced Placement exams will not take place in the usual way this year. The College Board announced yesterday that online AP exams will be given between May 11-22.  We have posted more details about this year's AP exam process on our web site.
REGISTER FOR KINDERGARTEN BY PHONE, EMAIL 
Starting kindergarten is an exciting time for you and your child. We want the sign-up process to go as smoothly as possible for your family. Kindergarten sign-up begins today for all current DMPS preschool students. Registration opens for all other children on May 4. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, sign-up will take place via phone and email, rather than our customary in-person visits at the Welcome Center. We look forward to helping your child start their kindergarten adventure! Click here to begin the registration process.
PRESCHOOL ENROLLMENT GOES ON DURING CLOSURE 
The COVID-19 Pandemic may be keeping our preschool staff and teachers at home right now, but they're thinking ahead to the 2020-2021 academic year.  Des Moines Public Schools' Early Childhood Programs provide quality learning experiences to help promote growth of young children and their families. We do this by offering free quality preschool with several options to best meet the needs of families, including a variety of locations, class times, and half- or full-day plans. You can apply online.  Click here to learn more and submit an application.
HOW CAN I GET MY STUFF?
Des Moines Public Schools is committed to practicing physical distancing to ensure the safety of both our employees and DMPS families. At this time, we are not allowing access into the buildings for any reason other than to retrieve prescription medication. As soon as we are able to accommodate requests for personal items, we will let you know. Thank you for your patience.
"MISS AND LOVE YOU SO MUCH" #MADISONSTRONG
We love seeing - and sharing - all of the photos and videos and messages of support that teachers and staff throughout DMPS are sharing with their students. The teachers and staff at Madison Elementary School want their students to know they miss and love them so much. Click here to view it on YouTube.

P.S. You can pretty much count on us to share more!
MEAL PROGRAM SERVES MORE AND MORE STUDENTS
DMPS will be set up each weekday during the COVID-19 closure from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at all ten middle schools and a dozen auxiliary sites to provide students with a free breakfast and lunch. And we will include a reminder in each and every email update so we can all do what we can to make sure no Des Moines student is hungry. We are now distributing over 7,000 meals per day, and will do everything we can to meet any increases in need.  Visit our web site for details on the DMPS meal program.  We have added a map to the page showing all 22 meal sites to make it easier to find the one nearest you.
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].