May 29, 2020
The school district is committed to keeping you updated throughout the COVID-19 closure of Des Moines Public Schools' buildings. This afternoon we share reminders about changes to our meal program and an important parent/student survey; shout outs to our recent retirees and Hiatt Middle School; and information on our personal commencements that begin next week.

Yesterday was the last day of school. But 11 weeks ago today was the last day our students and teachers were in school. During these past 77 days we have had to turn the school district on its head, from transitioning to distance learning to connecting students with technology to serving hundreds of thousands of meals. None of it would have been possible without the support, understanding and patience of our community. As on every Friday, we hope you and your family are able to enjoy the weekend.
SOME MEAL SITE CHANGES BEGIN ON MONDAY
DMPS food and nutrition staff distributed more than 500,000 no-cost meals this Spring as the school year came to an end in a way none of us expected. However, we all know the need does not end when summer begins. The district will once again offer a Summer Meals Program for children ages 18 years old and younger. Beginning on Monday, grab and go meals will be available at 22 locations through the end of July. ( NOTE: please visit our web site for a current list of meal sites; you may need to select a different location.) DMPS will evaluate sites for August based on the volume of meals served and the district's Return to Learn plan. Physical distancing rules continue to be in place at all DMPS meal sites. Meals sites are open from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM each weekday.
REMINDER: RETURN TO LEARN SURVEY
As Des Moines Public Schools prepares to return to learning and the start of a new school year, one thing is certain: it will not be business as usual so long as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. In order to help us in making our plans, we want to hear about the concerns and needs of all parents of PK-11 students as well as students in grades 5-11. You should have recently received a message with a link to the survey but, if not, here it is again:
NOTEParents/guardians will be asked to verify their identity by entering their phone number on the first screen of the survey; students will be asked to verify their identity by entering their six-digit student ID on the first screen of the survey. 
BEST WISHES TO OUR CLASS OF 2020 RETIREES
Yesterday was the last day of school (so to speak). Next week we hold the first of several day-long events to honor our graduates. But there is another "Class of 2020" we all should celebrate: our retirees. While they are usually feted at an awards luncheon, like most events, it had to be canceled. But that doesn't lessen our eternal gratitude for their dedicated service to our students and community. Click here to read more.
HIATT KEPT STUDENTS ENGAGED DURING PANDEMIC
Over the past two months, in addition to distance learning, schools and teachers have done a range of things to keep students engaged. At Hiatt Middle School that involved everything from a "Where in Des Moines is the Hiatt Hurricane" contest to having clubs like GSA, Anime, Greatness Group, BeyBlade Club, Kindness Club, DIY Club, Intramurals, Hiatt Drama Club, and the Hurricane Leadership Squad meet online. In fact, despite school buildings being closed since mid-March, this school year Hiatt saw a participation rate of 79% in student activities, up from 65% last year! Read more about the good work at Hiatt.
NEXT WEEK: CLASS OF 2020 COMMENCEMENTS
The first of several personal commencement ceremonies get underway next week as we recognize the Class of 2020 one graduate at a time:
  • JUNE 3: Focus High School
  • JUNE 5: Scavo High School
  • JUNE 6: Hoover High School
  • JUNE 7: North High School
  • JUNE 12: Ruby Van Meter School
  • JUNE 13: East High School
  • JUNE 14: Lincoln High School
  • JUNE 20: Roosevelt High School
DMPS is committed to celebrating the Class of 2020 AND protecting the health and well-being of our students, staff and families throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, graduates will be limited to bringing two guests with them, and everyone who enters a school building will be required to wear a mask, among other measures. Click here for more detailsPlease know that these requirements are being done in the best interest of our graduates, their guests and our staff. This is an unusual time, requiring unusual measures, but so long as we all cooperate in looking out for each other's well-being we will be able to safely celebrate the success of the Class of 2020.
PLAY BALL: "SAFE" MEANS MORE THIS SEASON
DMPS high schools will compete in this summer's baseball and softball season, with strict guidelines in place for players, coaches, and spectators. Practices may resume on Monday and games on June 15. Spectators at games will be allowed under certain restrictions, including being required to wear masks. Visit our web site for more details
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.