Des Moines Public Schools issued the following announcement on Aug. 13.
It's hard to believe that this is the second to last Friday before the start of a new school year. This morning we share a reminder about an online learning option available for students in grades K-5; if you would like your child to begin the school year online please register by Monday. In addition, you are invited to join Superintendent Ahart and other district leaders for a virtual town hall next Tuesday to discuss starting the new school year as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
We also congratulate our World Languages department for earning national recognition, thank volunteers helping our schools prepare for August 25, share a look at some of the "back to school" work our principals and administrators have been up to this week, and prepare to celebrate our summer graduates at the ninth and final commencement ceremony for the Class of 2021.
P.S. Just 12 more days until the start of the 2021-22 school year!
REGISTER BY MONDAY FOR VIRTUAL ELEMENTARY
All of us are excited for the start of a new school year and seeing students back in the classroom. At the same time, we have concerns as COVID-19 cases are again on the rise. DMPS is taking the steps we can, but also want to provide families with educational choices they feel are right for their children during these uncertain times. For elementary students, DMPS is offering an online option. The deadline to apply - if you want your child to begin the school year online - is this Monday, August 16. If families wish to change from in-person to online at a later date, there will be opportunities to do so after the school year begins. Families of incoming K-5 students should visit our web site for more information as well as to register.
TUESDAY: TOWN HALL ON COVID AND SCHOOL
Superintendent Ahart and other district leaders will hold a session on Tuesday, August 17 to discuss plans for the new school year as it relates to COVID-19. It will also be an opportunity to answer questions from parents and guardians. Please submit questions in advance at the link below. The session will stream on the DMPS-TV YouTube channel starting at 5:30 PM. Click here for more information and to submit your question.
WEARING IS CARING: MASK UP IN SCHOOL
While a new state law passed during the pandemic forbids Iowa schools from requiring face masks, we continue to urge everyone to listen to the health experts and do the right things. With the resurgence of COVID-19, the CDC states that everyone in school buildings should wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status. DMPS encourages everyone to please mask up in our schools AND to get vaccinated. For more information about what DMPS is doing for a safe and healthy start to the school year, please visit our web site.
SCHOOL LEADERS READY FOR NEW SCHOOL YEAR
Leaders from each school throughout Des Moines Public Schools met at the Iowa Events Center on Wednesday, to prepare for the upcoming school year. The 2021 Leadership Institute included several sessions on district goals along with work around leadership, competencies, and understanding, and featured keynote speaker Dr. Howard E. Fields III, author of How to Achieve Educational Equity, who spoke to the large crowd of educators about efforts around antiracism and equity in our schools. Click here to read and see more.
WORLD LANGUAGES EARN NATIONAL HONORS
Congratulations to DMPS World Languages teachers and staff! The program was named an Exemplary Program in U.S. Language Education by America’s Languages for work in equitable access, excellence in program design, community partnerships, and study abroad opportunities, to name a few. Click here to read more about the award and why learning a second language is beneficial for all students.
A FINAL CLASS OF 2021 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
Eight down and one to go: that's how many celebrations DMPS is holding this year for the Class of 2021. Our final commencement is this Saturday starting at 10:00 AM. North High School will play host to our Summer Graduation ceremony. The event will also stream live on the DMPS-TV YouTube channel.
\VOLUNTEERS PITCH IN TO READY FOR NEW YEAR
Most of the year, RSM US LLP work for DMPS is as the school district's external auditors. Last Friday, however, they did a little bit of everything. Nearly 180 RSM employees headed off to Capitol View and Lovejoy elementary schools for back-to-school projects. From landscaping to creating outdoor learning spaces to building a new library reading nook to organizing a free clothing closet for students, their t-shirts that read "The Power of Love" was reflected in their support of our students and teachers. See more of their good work here.
NEW MURAL COMPLETED AT HIATT
A new mural with a message of unity will greet students at Hiatt Middle School when classes begin later this month. Artist Po Aung worked with students over the summer to complete the project. The team of artists held an unveiling at the school last week. Hiatt Middle School students along with Boys and Girls Club, collaborated with the Des Moines Art Center to create the mural. The students, along side their instructor, were able to plan, draw, and execute the mural in just three weeks.
FREE MEALS RETURN AT SCHOOL ON AUGUST 25
Today is the last day of the Summer Meals program at DMPS locations as the Food and Nutrition team resets for the start of the school year and readies to serve meals to more than 25,000 students in 60 buildings each school day. A quick reminder that every student will be provided with a free breakfast and lunch every school day during the 2021-22 school year. Thanks to a U.S. Department of Agriculture program, DMPS has the funding to offer free meals all year long.
SUNDAY DEADLINE: FLAG FOOTBALL REGISTRATION
DMPS and our partners at Des Moines Parks & Recreation are sponsoring a flag football program this Fall. The program is available for students in PreK thru 7th grade. The program will kick off in late August and end in late October. The registration deadline is this Sunday, August 15. For information on fees and to register, please click here.
PRESCHOOL/KINDERGARTEN SIGN UP STILL OPEN
Des Moines Public Schools and its partner sites are signing up preschool students for the 2021-22 school year. Children must be 4 years old by September 15 to qualify. Click here to learn more and register for preschool. In addition, kindergarten sign-up is also underway. To find out what you need to complete the process for kindergarten, click here.
PHOTO GALLERY AND VIDEO OF THE WEEK
PRINT SHOP PREPS FOR NEW YEAR
Our print shop has been busy preparing materials for the start of the school year at DMPS, including signs to encourage everyone to follow the CDC guidelines that all teachers, staff, students and visitors to schools wear a mask. As the sign says: Wearing is Caring. See more of their work on our Flickr page.
BACK TO SCHOOL FOR LEADERS
We shared a story above about this week's Leadership Institute, as principals and other school administrators gathered to prepare for the new school year. DMPS-TV was there to share a look at the "back to school" work of our school leaders. Click here to see more on our YouTube channel.
UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS
August 14
Summer Graduation Ceremony - North High School (10:00 AM)
August 17
Session on COVID-19 and the New School Year - click here to submit a question
August 25
First Day of 2021-22 School Year - click here for a full school calendar
September 6
Labor Day - No Classes/Offices Closed
September 7
School Board Meeting - click here for more information
September 11
DMPS Foundation One Run for Schools - click here for more information
September 21
School Board Meeting - click here for more information
September 24
No School - Professional Development for Teachers and Staff
Des Moines Public Schools | dmschools.org
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 have (or your child has) 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.
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