July 2, 2020
Expect to hear from us regularly all summer long as we provide more and more details about the Return to Learn plan for the 2020-21 school year. Today we share a link to an FAQ that addresses several questions about the start of next school year. In addition, check out the schedule for a series of virtual meetings we are holding next week about the plan to help students and families make the best choice. Also, in case you missed yesterday's email, click the first item below to visit our Return to Learn web page and learn more about the start of the school year.

DMPS offices and student meal sites will be closed tomorrow in observance of Independence Day. We hope all of our students, families and staff find some time to enjoy the holiday weekend.
LEARN MORE AT OUR RETURN TO LEARN FAQ
As DMPS continues to develop and refine details of our Return to Learn plan for the 2020-21 school year, we are committed to sharing information important to students and families as soon as possible. One way is a list of frequently asked questions on our web site. Click here to see our responses to questions that apply to many of our students and families. Please be sure to check back from time to time as we respond to new questions and provide additional information to previous answers.
VIRTUAL MEETINGS NEXT WEEK ON RETURN TO LEARN
DMPS is holding a series of seven virtual meetings for families to learn more about the Return to Learn plan and help decide the option that makes the most sense to begin the new school year.

MONDAY, JULY 6
7:00 to 8:00 PM

TUESDAY, JULY 7
Noon to 1:00 PM

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8 
7:00 to 8:00 AM
2:30 to 3:30 PM

THURSDAY, JULY 9
11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
7:00 to 8:00 PM

FRIDAY, JULY 10 
10:00 to 11:00 AM

Each of the meetings will be held online through Microsoft Teams. To participate, click here to visit our web site and then click the meeting you wish to join at that time.
DR. AHART TALKS RETURN TO LEARN ON IOWA PUBLIC RADIO
Superintendent Ahart was a guest today on River to River, the noon hour talk show on Iowa Public Radio, to discuss the many challenges facing school districts in the state as they plan for the new school year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools are expected to resume education while keeping people healthy and safe. You can listen to his interview by visiting the IPR web site.
REMINDER: OFFICES, MEAL SITES CLOSED TOMORROW
DMPS offices as well as our meal sites will be closed tomorrow in observance of Independence Day. Additional food was provided to students today. Our free meal sites for students will re-open on Monday and continue throughout the summer.   Click here for times and locations.   We hope everyone finds some time to enjoy the holiday weekend.
DMPS HR BUS TOUR ROLLS OUT NEXT WEEK
Keep you eyes open for the big, yellow bus starting next week! Our HR team will park at several locations over two weeks in July handing out information about open jobs at DMPS and answering your questions. If you've ever been curious about what it's like to work for Des Moines Public Schools, don't miss out on this opportunity! Click here to see when the Rolling Bus Tour will be in your area.  
KINDERGARTEN AND PRESCHOOL AT DMPS
A reminder that Kindergarten and Preschool sign up are now underway at Des Moines Public Schools! If you have a child who will be eligible for preschool or kindergarten beginning in the 2020-21 school year, follow one of the links below. 
 
To learn more about preschool options,  click here .
 
For information about signing up for kindergarten, click here. 
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 3
Fourth of July observance - all offices closed
July 13
Online Registration Begins - click here for more information
August 16
Summer Personal Commencement Event - North High School 
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].