May 4, 2020
The school district is committed to keeping you updated throughout the COVID-19 closure of Des Moines Public Schools' buildings and our completion of the school year through distance learning. Today is the first day of Teacher Appreciation Week ... if there ever has been a time that our teachers and staff are performing "other duties as defined," it's the Spring of 2020. We share a video salute to our educators below as well as a thank you from teachers at South Union Elementary School for the support families are providing for distance learning.
#TEACHERAPPRECIATIONWEEK: THANK YOU!!!
During these uncertain times, schools might be closed. 
But you can count on educators.
Providing meals. 
Distributing technology. 
Giving lessons. 
And missing their students.
Not all super heroes wear capes. 
Some of them teach our children

Click here to see a video tribute to our educators.
AND A THANK YOU TO OUR PARENTS AND FAMILIES
We know that the success of distance learning depends on two important partners: teachers and families. This Teacher Appreciation Week, our teachers and staff at South Union Elementary School share a message that speaks for how all of us at DMPS feel: our appreciation to parents and families for keeping students engaged with their education during this time. Click here to view South Union's message on YouTube.
DMPS CALL CENTER IS NOW OPEN
Des Moines Public Schools has opened a hotline for the families of students to call with questions they may have about distance learning, technology, graduation, support services, or any other school-related issue.
 
The number for the DMPS Family Call Center is 515-242-8221.
 
With school buildings closed, and no staff present to answer phones, the new call center will serve as a clearinghouse for parent and family inquiries of the school district.  The hours of operation for the call center during the month of May will be:
  • Monday-Wednesday-Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday-Thursday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
VIRTUAL, NOT VIRAL: CLASS OF 2020 GRADUATION
After more than a century of graduates walking across a stage to be handed their diploma, 2020 is a year when a new approach is necessary. That is why - in the interest of the health and well-being of our students, staff, families and entire community - DMPS will be holding virtual commencements this year in order to help lessen the spread of the COVID-19 virus. It is simply impossible to guarantee any sort of in-person event could be held later this summer. This is a year when things need to be done differently, but that doesn't change the success of our graduates and how proud everyone is of them. The virtual graduation ceremonies will first be shown starting Saturday, June 27. (Graduates: your high school will be in contact with more details.)  Click here to read more.
SCHOOL BOARD TO REVIEW ATHLETIC FACILITIES
As Des Moines Public Schools continues to develop a partnership with Drake University for a new Community Stadium, the school district is also beginning a formal process to review all of its athletic facility needs.  The School Board is taking two significant steps in this process at meeting tomorrow night. The first is to schedule a public hearing for May 19 on the proposed DMPS Community Stadium at Drake University. The second is to establish the DMPS Athletic Facility Committee, to provide guidance and recommendations for investments in athletic facilities to address current and future needs across the school district.  Click here to read more about the process.
A NOTE ABOUT MEALS FOR OUR STUDENTS
Throughout the COVID-19 school building closure, Des Moines Public Schools is serving approximately 10,000 breakfasts and 10,000  lunches per weekday. Even as we do our best to prepare for turnout at all 50 of our meal distribution sites, we are still running out of food at some locations.  
 
Our goal is to make sure that no Des Moines child goes hungry in our city, and the United States Department of Agriculture provides the district funding for meals with the understanding that the meals will feed children in need who are ages 1-18. It is up to each family to determine what need looks like during this uncertain time in our world. We appreciate the support of our DMPS community in following these guidelines to help us make sure every hungry child has enough to eat.
 
Rain or shine, we will be at all 50 meal distribution sites 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.
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: susan.tallman@dmschools.org.