Lots of news and information to share today. We are taking a little different approach starting with today's e-newsletter, sharing a key item from our Return to Learn FAQ. First up: when is the first day of school? Also, several more items today about the start of next school year, including a change to the high school hybrid schedule. Plus, be sure to see our posts with important information about online school registration that begins next week and food debit cards that will be sent to many DMPS families later this month. Read on for these items and more.
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WHEN IS THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL?
Usually "when is the first day of school?" is a fairly simple question to answer. But, with changes to the school week to limit class size, the date will vary this year.
The 2020-21 school calendar begins August 26. However, because this is a Wednesday, it will be a virtual day for all students, no matter their selection of the virtual or hybrid learning model. For students in the hybrid model, the first in-person day of school will depend on their grade level or cohort they are assigned to, and will be as follows:
Grades K-8
- Cohort B: Thursday, August 27
- Cohort A: Monday, August 31
Grade 9
- Home high school: Friday, August 28
- Central Campus: Thursday, August 27
Grade 10
- Home high school: Thursday, August 27
- Central Campus: Friday, August 28
Grade 11
- Home high school: Tuesday, September 1
- Central Campus: Monday, August 31
Grade 12
- Home high school: Monday, August 31
- Central Campus: Tuesday, September 1
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A CHANGE TO THE HYBRID HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE
Thanks to input and feedback during this week's informational meetings with parents, we are making a change to the high school schedule for students in the hybrid learning plan. It is essentially being flipped from the original plan, so that students in 12th grade go to school in-person on Monday rather than Friday. Please refer to the table below or visit returntolearn.dmschools.org for more details.
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JOIN THIS WEEK'S VIRTUAL RETURN TO LEARN MEETINGS
DMPS has been holding a series of virtual meetings each day this week 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. There are still four more sessions this week (two in English and two in Spanish).
THURSDAY, JULY 9
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.
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ONLINE REGISTRATION OPENS MONDAY
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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 later this month.
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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DMPS HR BUS TOUR CONTINUES ON A ROLL
Keep your eyes open for one of our big yellow school buses again next 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.
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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
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For information about signing up for kindergarten, click here.
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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
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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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