In each of our regular e-newsletters we are going to share a key item from our Return to Learn FAQ. Today: what is virtual learning? And speaking of virtual learning, be sure to see the item on what it will look like to support students in grades K-8. In addition, a reminder that online school registration is underway now through July 31, food debit cards are being sent by the State of Iowa to many DMPS families starting this week, and we look back at the abbreviated baseball and softball season. Read on for these items and more.
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THE Qs AND THE As ABOUT VIRTUAL LEARNING?
We have an
FAQ on our web site that grows each day with more answers and information about Return to Learn at DMPS. In each of our regular e-newsletters we'll share key parts of the FAQ to make sure more people see this information. Today, some questions and answers about where we currently stand with virtual learning:
What does "virtual learning" mean?
For the purpose of our plan, "virtual learning" means instruction in which the student and instructor are in different locations all of the time. Methods could include on-line instruction, printed instructional materials, phone calls, emails, text reminders, video conferencing and/or other means of communication. If enrolled in virtual school, a
student will engage in all of their learning in this manner, with coursework overseen and provided by certified DMPS staff.
How will virtual learning be different between this past spring and this coming fall?
Virtual learning this fall will be required, which means that there will be curriculum that your student will need to complete in order to get credit for their coursework. The work will be self-paced, so students will be able to work when they choose - grade and credit determination will be based on completion of modules and providing evidence (homework, assignments, etc
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) that they have mastered the associated skills. DMPS teachers will oversee these classes and provide support for students as needed.
Will "virtual learning" include live instruction?
Yes. While virtual learning will be largely self-paced, there will be scheduled times as well as additional opportunities for students to connect with teachers in one on one and group settings to get additional support around the content areas.
What will virtual days look like for hybrid model students?
More details regarding both learning models, with expectations and overviews for students, will be available soon.
If I choose virtual learning, will my student receive instruction from a teacher at our assigned building?
If you select virtual, you student will receive instruction from a grade-level teacher dedicated to virtual learning, not necessarily a teacher associated with your attendance area school.
Who will decide if my child is going to attend school virtually?
This will be up to each family for each of their children. During online registration (July 13 - 31), parents/guardians will select whether they would like their student(s) to enrolled in full-time virtual school or hybrid school. This decision can be made for each child individually.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT VIRTUAL LEARNING FOR GRADES K-8
DMPS families are in the process of deciding between a hybrid and 100% virtual learning model for school year 2020-21. To help with that decision, our DMPS Virtual Campus team has laid out a preview of the 100% online K-8 experience. Click here to learn more about one of the choices available to students when school starts up on August 26.
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ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW UNDERWAY
Each summer, current DMPS students are registered online for the upcoming school year. The process, which began today and runs through July 31, starts with a link sent to families through Infinite Campus, updates contact information, medical records and a host of other items necessary to start the year. Because of the Coronavirus Pandemic, this year families will have an important decision to make about how each of their students start the 2020-21 academic year.
Click here to read a letter sent to families to help them decide which new learning model fits them best.
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MANY DMPS FAMILIES TO RECEIVE FOOD DEBIT CARDS
Many families in Des Moines and across Iowa will be receiving a food debit card. They are being mailed out by the State of Iowa starting this week.
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act allows states to issue Food Assistance benefits to households with children in grades PK-12 who temporarily lost access to free or reduced-price school meals due to pandemic-related school closures. Any child who was enrolled this past school year AND received free or reduced-price school meals as of March 16 is eligible. The amount provided is $307.80 per eligible child. Visit the Iowa Department of Education's web site for more information.
Speaking of food, DMPS continues to serve high-quality, nutritious meals throughout the summer to children ages 1 - 18. The 22 meal sites are open weekdays from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Click here for a list of locations.
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AN ABBREVIATED SEASON: BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL
Regular season games in the 2020 high school baseball and softball seasons are drawing to a close this week. On the one hand, it has been great to see students competing again. On the other hand, it's been an unusual season that saw bigger issues spill onto the playing field, from dozens of teams across the state having their seasons shortened due to COVID-19 cases to players showing solidarity for the cause of racial justice. It was a season for both the history books and the record books. We had an opportunity to capture some moments from this season, from the first day of practice to late season games, and
have shared some photos in this online album.
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DMPS HR BUS TOUR CONTINUES ON A ROLL
Keep your eyes open for one of our big yellow school buses again this week. Our HR team will be at various locations handing out information about open jobs at DMPS and answering your questions. If you or someone know know are looking for employment, or are simply 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. We have two more stops coming up later this week.
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July 13 - 31
Online Registration - click here for more information
August 15
Summer Personal Commencement Event - North High School
August 26
First Day of School
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CORONAVIRUS: RELY ON THE EXPERTS FOR INFORMATION
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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:
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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].
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