April 29, 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. A reminder today about DMPS@HOME, a notice about our virtual job fair, some big awards for drama students at East and Lincoln, and stay tuned for details soon on this year's graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020.
COVID-19 CLOSURE UPDATES, NEWS AND REMINDERS
DMPS@HOME: GROUND ZERO FOR DISTANCE LEARNING
We know LOTS of people are visiting our web site for online learning resources. DMPS@HOME is our school-away-from-school during this time of distance learning. If you haven't yet visited it, do so soon.  Within this section of our web site you will find educational tools, such as:
  1. Subject workbooks for grades PK-8;
  2. Links to high quality, online learning resources;
  3. Activities and lessons in Canvas, the digital learning platform at DMPS.
Click here to visit DMPS@HOME and bookmark it on your browser for quick and easy access to educational materials for your child.
ONE MORE DAY FOR DMPS VIRTUAL JOB FAIR
It's not too late: tomorrow is the last day for the DMPS Virtual Job Fair. You can select a job at Des Moines Public Schools, apply for work, and interview from the comfort and safety of your own home! DMPS is looking for Special Education Associates, School Bus Drivers, Sign Language Interpreters, and substitute Teachers and Associates, and substitute Nurses. Many positions are for the 2020-21 school year, as we maintain a qualified team of employees to serve our students, schools, and community.   Click here to see current openings and begin the online application process.
A HUSKIE SHOUT OUT TO CLASS OF 2020
A large banner hung at Hoover High School reads: Congratulations Class of 2020 - We Are Proud Of You! As Hoover noted on their Twitter page today: " A large banner cannot replace high fives and congratulations in person, but it does send the message of how proud we are of our seniors." 

Speaking of the Class of 2020, DMPS will share plans on our approach to this year's graduation ceremonies. It goes without saying that things will not be the same as in past years, but that doesn't mean we won't celebrate the accomplishments of our high school seniors. Stay tuned for more.
EAST DRAMA EARNS TOP MUSICAL THEATRE AWARD 
As they say, the show must go on. And so while the COVID-19 pandemic has meant many cancellations and postponements,  Des Moines Performing Arts  did a virtual ceremony for the annual Iowa High School Musical Theatre Awards. A virtual standing ovation to East High School for picking up a half-dozen awards for their production of Sister Act, including Outstanding Overall Performance. And bravo to Lincoln High School for earning honors for their performance of Forever Plaid. See more about the honorees on our web site.
CAST YOUR VOTE. NOT THE VIRUS.
One goal of public education is to teach people to be good citizens. A big part of being a good citizen is being a voter. Keep an eye out on your mailbox for a postcard from Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate, so you can request an absentee ballot in order to make your vote count in the June 2 primary election from the safety of home.
50 SITES NOW OPEN FOR FREE STUDENT MEALS
Throughout the COVID-19 school building closure, DMPS is providing free student meals at 50 locations around Des Moines.  Our meals sites are at all ten middle schools, most elementary schools, North High, and several auxiliary locations. Rain or shine, we will be there 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.

Thanks to contributions from the community, DMPS has been able to add healthy snacks for children to eat during the stretch between lunch and breakfast the following day. If you would like to contribute to this effort, just click the green bar below.
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: [email protected].