As DMPS embarks on a new way of educating students during this unprecedented time, we are sure you have questions. We are sharing some of the frequently asked questions received from high school students and parents on our web site. But, we must also acknowledge the dynamic environment we are all in, and that information is changing rapidly. We will continue to do our best to keep you updated and informed throughout this time. Click here for more information, including a list of key contacts at each high school.

To support students and caregivers in continuing with learning opportunities during the COVID-19 school building closure, we've created DMPS@HOME, a three-pronged approach that includes (1) links to high quality web resources, (2) print materials mailed to student households, and (3) optional activities and lessons in Canvas, the digital learning platform at Des Moines Public Schools. Starting April 27, Canvas will be activated for elementary and middle school students. The purpose of these online learning opportunities is to keep students and school communities engaged at the level that is right for each family. There are no required activities and work will not be graded for students in grades PK-8. Schools will be reaching out to their students. Be sure to visit our web site for a guide to how Canvas works.

Thank you to U.S. Representative Cindy Axne for recognizing the good work of everyone at DMPS involved with distributing tens of thousands of free meals to students each week. In her "Iowan of the Week" submission to the Congressional Record, Representative Axne notes: " Our schools have also worked tirelessly to continue to provide meals for their students now learning at home. Des Moines Public Schools, the largest school district in Iowa, has successfully banded together district employees and dedicated volunteers to distribute 18,000 meals Monday through Thursday, plus 54,000 meals on Fridays, to ensure its students aren't trying to learn on an empty stomach."

When it comes to this Spring, it is anything but normal. We miss seeing our students and teachers and families and everyone who is part of the DMPS community at our schools. Thankfully, there is at least something normal this Spring as the trees and flowers are in bloom. While our schools always look better with people putting them to use, our communications team captured some of the beauty that still exists during this most unusual of Springs. Click here to enjoy some of the seasonal sights around DMPS.

Throughout the COVID-19 school building closure, DMPS is providing free student meals at 50 locations around Des Moines.  Our meals sites are at all ten middle schools, most elementary schools, North High, and several auxiliary locations. Rain or shine, we will be there each weekday from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM to serve our kids. Click here to see a list of the meal sites.  Be sure to see the map on this web page to find the site most convenient for you.

Thanks to contributions from the community, DMPS has been able to add healthy snacks for children to eat during the stretch between lunch and breakfast the following day. If you would like to contribute to this effort, just click the green bar below.