March 30, 2020
The district is committed to keeping you updated during the Des Moines Public Schools COVID-19 closing, which began on March 13. Several notices and reminders today, including an important technology survey for high school seniors.

With yesterday's announcement by President Trump that federal guidelines in response to COVID-19, including social distancing, will continue through the end of April, Des Moines Public Schools is anticipating that school closures will continue past April 13. The school district has been considering options for the possibility of a longer closure, and is waiting for additional guidance from the state of Iowa. While no final decision has been made, we want to let you know that a longer closure is possible and hope you will consider how this may impact you and your family. We will announce any decisions as soon as we can.
COVID-19 CLOSURE UPDATES, NEWS AND REMINDERS
URGENT: High School Seniors Technology Survey
Parents of high school seniors, please share this message with your student. We know these final weeks of your high school career are both frustrating and uncertain due to the COVID-19 pandemic. And at this time, there is some uncertainty when school may actually resume. However, DMPS is committed to making sure that our high school seniors graduate on time. We are sending a survey to all seniors to confirm access to technology and the internet in the event your current classes will be completed online. A link to the survey is being sent via Infinite Campus and SchoolCNXT, as well as via the high schools' Twitter pages; the survey can also be completed by clicking here. We ask that this survey be completed no later than 5:00 PM on Wednesday, April 1.
REMINDER: AP Exam Changes Due to COVID-19 Closure
Des Moines Public Schools has worked hard to be a model when it comes to Advanced Placement courses, from the nationally-recognized Central Academy to greatly increased access to AP courses at all five comprehensive high schools. Due to the current closure of DMPS, and thousands of school districts across the nation, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had many questions about what it all means for this Spring's AP exams. We posted information last week to our web site late last week outlining the changes in store for the upcoming AP exams. Updated and additional information will be provided as it is received from the College Board.  Click here for more information.
COMING SOON: DMPS Virtual Job Fair
The whole month of April, you can select a job at Des Moines Public Schools, apply for work, and interview from the comfort and safety of your own home! DMPS is looking for Special Education Associates, School Bus Drivers, Sign Language Interpreters, and Substitute Teachers and Associates. Check back for a link to open positions on April 1, when the DMPS Virtual Job Fair is launched.
Same Time, Same Place: DMPS Meal Program
DMPS will be set up each weekday during the COVID-19 closure at 11:30 AM 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.  Visit our web site for details on the DMPS meal program.
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].