Des Moines Public Schools issued the following announcement on August 20.
Summer comes to a full stop next week on Wednesday, Aug. 25 as 32,000 students return to school for the 2021-22 school year.
This week we heard from Superintendent Ahart and his colleagues about COVID-19 and the impact on the upcoming school year; we share a link to the video below, in case you missed it. In addition, for parents who missed Monday's deadline for online elementary program, you can still sign up to be placed on a waiting list for openings as we expand capacity in this offering. In addition, we share a look at some of the many back-to-school events underway as students, staff and families get ready for a new year.
And don't forget: get a good night's sleep next Tuesday!
ICYMI: TOWN HALL ON COVID AND SCHOOL
In these challenging times, we will need the full cooperation of staff and families to keep classrooms open, students healthy and the school year moving along as the Delta variant continues to spread and target younger people. Superintendent Ahart and other district leaders held a session on Tuesday, August 17 to discuss plans for the new school year as it relates to COVID-19. It was also an opportunity to answer questions from parents and guardians. If you missed the live town hall, the recording is available on the DMPS-TV YouTube site starting at the 15:00 mark. Click here to watch the event.
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.
ONLINE ELEMENTARY: SIGN UP FOR WAITING LIST
It's not too late for families wishing to participate in the K-5 online program. While at this time Edgenuity has reached their capacity of the number of DMPS students they can serve to start the school year, families may still register for elementary online learning as DMPS is increasing capacity to serve more students. Students will be placed on a wait list and notified of a start date when space becomes available. Click here for more information on the online elementary program.
CELEBRATING THE FINAL CLASS OF 2021
This week, we honored the final graduating Class of 2021. The ninth and final commencement ceremony was celebrated on Saturday, August 15 at North High School. Congratulations to our summer graduates! We look forward to seeing great things from you. Click here to see more photos of their big day.
FIRST STUDENTS GET JUMPSTART ON SCHOOL YEAR
We are closing in on the first day of school - just 5 days away! Some very excited new students at The Downtown School's kindergarten jumpstart met their teachers, drew their first self portraits to hang in the hallways and made some new friends. Click here to see more photos of their first day of elementary learning.
GREENWOOD KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS WELCOMED
New Greenwood Elementary School principal Jenny Inman welcomed kindergarten students and their families this week as the students had their first official look inside their school. Inman spoke to parents in the gymnasium, and teachers introduced themselves, and began a soft start to the year, getting little learners in the classroom and warmed up for a fun year of school. Click here to see more photos.
FREE MEALS RETURN AT SCHOOL ON AUGUST 25
While the summer meals program ended this week, the DMPS Food and Nutrition Center is transitioning and preparing to serve meals to more than 25,000 students in 60 buildings each day beginning Wednesday, Aug. 25. Remember very 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.
PRESCHOOL/KINDERGARTEN SIGN UP REMAINS 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
RIDERS HOST COMMUNITY PICNIC
It was literally and figuratively a hot time for all last week as Roosevelt High held a community potluck at Evelyn K. Davis Park. New Principal Steven Schappaugh and Rider staff welcomed students and families for the upcoming school year. See more of the event on our Flickr page.
NORTH HOLDS COMMUNITY NIGHT
High school students and their families are gathering to celebrate the start of a new year. The Fall kickoff at North High School included school pictures in the auditorium, sign up for classes and fall activities and laptop checkout. Click here to see more on our Flickr page.
UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS
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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