The school district is committed to keeping you updated throughout the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Des Moines Public Schools.
Last week we put the words Black Lives Matter on the signs in front of each school building; be sure to take a moment to read the statement from School Board vice chair Dwana Bradley about why this gesture is important.
This afternoon we also share a report on the opening of the high school summer sports season, the naming of a new elementary school principal, and reminders about Uber rides to our meal sites, an upcoming deadline to apply for a School Board vacancy, and this weekend's eighth and final personal commencement for the Class of 2020.
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WHY "BLACK LIVES MATTER" MATTERS AT DMPS
On June 8, Des Moines Public Schools posted the words "Black Lives Matter" on signs in front of schools throughout the city. At this week's School Board meeting, vice chair Dwana Bradley talked about the significance of this gesture. "The question isn't, why does Des Moines Public Schools say 'Black Lives Matter.' The question is, why doesn't everybody say it?" Take a few minutes and
click here to read her entire statement.
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REMINDER: UBER RIDES TO DMPS MEAL SITES
Des Moines Public Schools has distributed almost a million meals since the district food and nutrition team began serving hungry children when the district closed buildings in mid-March. Now, Uber has an offer that will make accessing the meal distribution sites a little easier. Visit our web site for assistance if you need a ride.
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KINDERGARTEN AND PRESCHOOL AT DMPS
If you have a child who will be eligible for preschool or kindergarten beginning in the 2020-21 school year, now is the time to sign up!
To learn more about preschool options,
click here
.
For information about signing up for kindergarten, click here.
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PERSONAL COMMENCEMENTS: 7 DOWN, 1 TO GO
Over the past two weeks we have celebrated hundreds of members of the Class of 2020 at seven personal commencement events: East, Focus, Hoover, Lincoln, North, Ruby Van Meter, and Scavo. Our final celebration is Saturday at Roosevelt High School, where graduates and two guests will be welcomed throughout the day to cross the stage and receive their diploma. While every high school, college and university changed their traditional graduation events this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, DMPS is grateful to our students, families and staff for making the personal commencements something special and memorable.
NOTE: DMPS also holds a summer commencement each August. Plans are being made for that event to welcome more members to the Class of 2020.
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HAT TIP TO ABE ON NATIONAL MASCOT DAY
Yesterday was National Mascot Day (who knew that was a thing?). We can't play favorites among our high schools and their mascots BUT we have to tip our hat to Honest Abe for spending all day Sunday celebrating Lincoln's Class of 2020 at their personal commencement event!
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OPENING BALL GAMES BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
Mike Wellman is a staff writer for the DMPS communications department. He is also a lifelong Cubs fan who writes regularly about baseball and its history. As the high school baseball and softball season in Iowa got underway - in a context of issues such as a global pandemic and racial injustice - Mike went to Principal Park, where the Roosevelt Roughriders were hosting a double header against Ankeny Centennial, and shared this report. (We also have a photo album that includes some of the action at East and Hoover high schools.) Click here to read and see more.
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BRANDI OTTO BECOMES NEW LOVEJOY PRINCIPAL
Brandi Otto is an East High School Scarlet who earned her post-secondary degrees in Des Moines and has nearly two decades of experience teaching and leading at DMPS. Please join us in welcoming her as the new principal of Lovejoy Elementary School! Click here to meet our newest school leader in Des Moines.
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REMINDER: JUNE 24 DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR BOARD
There's an empty chair at the School Board's table to be filled. Do you live in District 1 and have an interest in serving on the Board? Next Wednesday, June 24 at Noon is the deadline to apply for consideration. The appointment would last until November 2021, when the seat would be on the ballot and voters would select someone to complete the remaining two years of the District 1 term. Visit our web site for more information on the requirements and process.
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July 3
Fourth of July observance - all offices closed
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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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