April 3, 2020
The district is committed to keeping you updated during the Des Moines Public Schools COVID-19 closure, which began on March 13. In today's email we share a reminder about work underway to transition classes to online and distance learning, with more details early next week; highlight a new online resource we begin on Monday with services for families; and share information from our partners at the Des Moines Public Library on how to get a digital library card. And many thanks to our staff and volunteers who, in spite of today's cold, wet weather, distributed 18,000 meals to students.

As we end the third week since we were last in school, enjoy the weekend. That might mean something different today than it did just a month ago but, as always, make time to take a walk, read a book, enjoy a movie, and do what you need to do to care for yourself and those you love. 
COVID-19 CLOSURE UPDATES, NEWS AND REMINDERS
DMPS Continues Planning for New End to School Year
As Superintendent Ahart said yesterday, DMPS does not plan to resume in-person classes at a time when the projected peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Iowa is expected in early May. That is why our administrators and educators are working on a plan to complete this school year through online and distance learning.  We intend to release details of this plan early next week, and will be regularly providing updates and more details as we transition an educational system built over a period of a hundred years in a manner of days. 

We realize this will be a significant change for our students and families. At the same time, it is what's in the best interest for the health and safety of our community. In the end,  it might not be possible to know if we overreacted, but it will be apparent if we didn't do enough.  If you didn't see Dr. Ahart's statement yesterday, you can click here to read it on our web site .
COMING SOON: Online Family Resource Guide
Early last week, DMPS launched a web page with online learning resources. On Monday we unveil our new family resource guide. DMPS  is committed to providing as many connections to services - from food and housing assistance to health care and legal aid - for students and families as possible during the COVID-19 closure. We know these are challenging times. While our staff cannot replicate the support provided in person at school, we will continue to work tirelessly to find as many resources for families as possible. More information and a link to the new web page will be shared in our Monday email.
Virtually Check Out the Des Moines Public Library
The Des Moines Public Library buildings may be closed, but you can still access a lot of their material with a digital library card. It will work as a temporary, three-month card that will allow people to access digital materials - such as  eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming services ,  databases , and other resources, including free access to The Washington Post and  The New York Times . The cards are available to people age 13 and older. (NOTE: once the card expires, digital cardholders will need to come to the library with a photo ID and proof of address if they would like to get a new physical card.) Interested? Simply click here to complete an online application.
Perkins Staff Sends a Message to their Penguin Students
Our teachers and staff have been reaching out to students in all sorts ways to let them know how much they are missed. As all of us at DMPS are preparing for a change to how the school year gets completed, we wanted to share a video message the great team at Perkins Elementary School prepared for their students. Click here to give it a look.
Rain, Snow or Sleet: DMPS Meal Program Continues
The thermometer on the first Friday of April hovered just below freezing as a mix of rain, snow and sleet fell from a gray sky. But that didn't stop DMPS staff and volunteers from being back at 22 sites across the city to provide free meals to students. Some 18,000 meals were provided as extra food was handed out for the weekend.

DMPS will be set up each weekday - rain or shine - 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. We have added a map to the page showing all 22 meal sites to make it easier to find the one nearest 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.