Happy Friday from DMPS

By Press release submission

Sep 12, 2021

Des Moines Public Schools issued the following announcement on September 10.

We hope everyone enjoyed the long holiday weekend and have had a good third week of the 2021-22 school year. This week we had another first-day-of-school as our youngest students began preschool. This morning, we also share an important message from our health care partners about COVID-19 and school, celebrate some unique events that took place at schools over the past week, and feature River Woods 2nd grader Austin Hall (aka the UnityPoint kid) and his special message for teachers.

As always, our thanks for everyone who has helped this school year get off to a good start and are looking out for the health and well-being of themselves and each other.

NEW SCHOOL YEAR BEGINS FOR YOUNGEST STUDENTS

It was another first-day-of-school yesterday as preschool kicked off a new year. A perfect September morning greeted nearly 1,750 of our youngest students. Our communications teams stopped by our McKee, Mitchell and Woodlawn early learning centers to share a look at these students beginning their education. See more on our Flickr page.

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM OUR HEALTH PARTNERS

Do your part. Get vaccinated. Wearing is caring. Our health partners at Polk County Health Department, MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, UnityPoint Health - Des Moines, Broadlawns Medical Center and Des Moines University share a message on keeping students healthy and schools safe as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Watch their message on YouTube.

COVID-19 DASHBOARD IS RELAUNCHED

A reminder that DMPS recently relaunched a dashboard (similar to one used last school year) which will be updated each school day to report positive COVID-19 cases among DMPS students and staff. It is part of our on-going effort to keep the community informed about both the impact of the pandemic on the school district and our efforts to do what we can to keep people healthy and safe. Click here to visit our COVID-19 dashboard.

A BIG HAND FOR STUDENTS AT HILLIS ELEMENTARY

Give these students a hand: before the Labor Day holiday weekend got underway last Friday, Squonk - "a multimedia troupe of infinite jest with an imagination to match" - brought their unique performance artistry to Hillis Elementary School for a demonstration of their "Hand to Hand" tour. Enjoy photos of a unique special guest at one of our schools.

DMPS TEACHERS EARN "BIG" RECOGNITION

Heading south on Fleur? Be sure to tip your hat to our DMPS Educators of the Year. This particular billboard is near the DMPS offices at 2100 Fleur. Thank you to the Rotary Club of Des Moines for their support and recognition each year of our teachers and students ... and for sharing this latest honor with motorists throughout the city.

WE WANT YOU: HIRING BONUSES AT DMPS

Des Moines is a great place to live. And DMPS is a great place to work! Rewarding jobs with good pay, good benefits … and now we offer bonuses for several positions, such as:

Part-time Bus Drivers: $2,000-$5,000
Part-time Food Service: $2,000
Special Education Associates: $1,500

Spread the word and visit jobs.dmschools.org to learn more!

PHOTO GALLERY AND VIDEO OF THE WEEK

RIDER TIME SERVICE PROJECTS

Students at Roosevelt returned from Labor Day ready to work: during Rider Time they completed service projects such as cleaning the school grounds, writing notes to 8th graders/future Riders, and recording favorite stories for elementary students. See more on our Flickr page.

AUSTIN'S MESSAGE FOR TEACHERS

The talented and funny Austin Hall, a second-grade student at River Woods Elementary School, is well known as the young spokesperson for UnityPoint Health. With the school year underway, he has an important message in support of teachers. Watch it on YouTube.

ICYMI: DMPS IN THE NEWS

Recent items in the news media about or of interest for students, teachers and parents at Des Moines Public Schools.

DMPS ended its contract with Des Moines Police for school resource officers during the last school year. In its place, the district is using more restorative measures to intercede in disputes. Watch WOI-TV reporter Kahlil Maycock's report about a new method for a new era, part of the district's Anti-Racist mission.
Last Friday night was one for the books! As The Des Moines Register reported: 'History was made': Roosevelt football fans celebrated the first DMPS win vs. the suburbs in more than a decade. Read the Des Moines Register's report on the historic game.
DMPS has had almost double the expected interest in K-5 online learning. The district initially budgeted for 300 students. As the Des Moines Register reports, many more have signed up for the program as COVID cases climb. Read reporter Samantha Hernandez's story here .