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.

As DMPS embarks on a new way of educating students during this unprecedented time, we are sure you have questions. We are sharing some of the frequently asked questions received from high school students and parents on our web site. But, we must also acknowledge the dynamic environment we are all in, and that information is changing rapidly. We will continue to do our best to keep you updated and informed throughout this time. Click here for more information, including a list of key contacts at each high school.

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. Our online family resource guide is updated regularly to best meet the needs of our students and families outside of the classroom. The page also includes a contact form if you need to reach out to our staff for additional information or assistance.  Click here to visit our online family resource guide.

One of the best places for Des Moines area gardeners to stock up on vegetables, flowers and other plantings each year is the annual Spring Plant Sale sponsored by Des Moines FFA at the Central Campus agricultural greenhouse. Not only do they offer a wide selection, but the proceeds help support a great educational program.  With the COVID-19 pandemic, and the closure of schools across Iowa, the greenhouse isn't open to the public at this time. But don't you worry your green thumb, the sale is still open for business and adapting to the times for everyone's health and well-being.  All sales this year will be done either online, or via email or phone, with curbside service to deliver your items to your car (and maintain social distancing). Click here to learn more.

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.