November 17, 2023

From recognizing new leaders at DMPS to celebrating lots of student events, it's another full issue of TheWeek@DMPS. Be sure to see the announcement below about a program that may help families save on the cost of internet access. It's been a busy time for high school theater; this weekend, Lincoln takes the stage. And we share about our work to support homeless students and families, and how you can join in to support. Finally, it's a short week next week in advance of Thanksgiving; we wish a happy holiday to all of our students, staff and families.

Click here to view TheWeek@DMPS newsletter on your web browser.

THANKSGIVING BREAK ARRIVES NEXT WEEK

Next week, students will have two days of school ahead of the Thanksgiving Break. There will be no classes Wednesday - Friday, November 22-24, at DMPS schools. Offices will also be closed on Thursday and Friday. Looking ahead to next Thanksgiving? The DMPS School Board approved the 2024-25 school year calendar just last week. Click here to find all available academic calendars for download.

JOCELYN STURGIS: DIRECTOR OF ASSESSMENT, DATA & EVALUATION

After spending the past several months in an interim role, Des Moines Public Schools is pleased to announce that Jocelyn Sturgis will serve as the district’s Director of Assessment, Data and Evaluation. In this position Sturgis oversees the team that maintains monitoring of School Board goals and guardrails; supports assessment and evaluation of district programs; monitors and facilitates integration of multiple federal programs; serves as the accountability officer for state compliance and school improvement; ensures data system compliance with federal and state laws; and serves on the district’s executive cabinet. Click here to learn more about Sturgis.

LISA BEVING EARNS FIRST HOMELESS SERVICE AWARD

Congratulations to SUCCESS case manager and homeless liaison Lisa Beving for earning the inaugural DMPS 2023 Building Homeless Liaison Award: for excellence and compassion in support of DMPS families. This Homeless Awareness Week we invite you to learn more about the more than 700 students facing homelessness in Des Moines. It's a big challenge, and families need our help. The district offers a variety of helpful services, but there are ways you can help from home, too. Click here to read more about the important work to support homeless students and families.

FAMILY ELIGIBILITY FOR REDUCED-PRICE INTERNET

Students who attend Des Moines Public Schools may be eligible for reduced-price internet access at home. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is offering the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to students and their families in school communities that primarily serve low-income students. This program is similar to the federal government's Community Eligibility Provision that helps provide free meals at DMPS schools. The ACP benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service. To learn more and enroll in this program, click here.

"DOROTHY MEETS ALICE" AT LINCOLN HIGH

Lincoln High School’s Theatre Arts Department presents "Dorothy Meets Alice or The Wizard of Wonderland." The story is of a young boy who forgets to do a book report until it's too late, triggering a mash-up of the Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland and all of their iconic characters. Performances in the Lincoln Auditorium are tonight at 7:00 PM as well as on Saturday at 2:30 and 7:00 PM. Tickets are $5 and available at the door. Enjoy photos from the final dress rehearsal on our Flickr page.

RUBY BRIDGES WALK AT EDMUNDS ELEMENTARY

Sixty-three years later on Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, former school board member and Edmunds Elementary school teacher Dwana Bradley read "The Story of Ruby Bridges" in the Edmunds library to different grade levels before students marched around the school chanting their support for Ruby Bridges. Click here to see photos on our Flickr page.

MOORE HOSTS MESKWAKI NATION FOR CELEBRATION

DMPS was honored to welcome members of the Meskwaki Nation for a celebration of Native American Heritage Month at Moore Elementary School this week. Between answering questions about their history and giving a few vocabulary lessons in their native language, Meskwaki students demonstrated dances in their regalia for their Moore peers. Click here to enjoy more of the celebration.

PRESCHOOL FAMILY READING NIGHT AT MCKEE

McKee Education Center serves our youngest students providing a quality preschool education. This week, they invited preschool families to a family night to talk about the importance of reading and meeting benchmarks by 3rd grade. Students who attend preschool are more likely to meet that mark than their peers who did not attend preschool, but a lot still depends on reading at home. Click here to see photos on our Flickr page.

MCCOMBS STUDENTS TOSS EMPATHY PIES

Teachers really will do anything for their students. At McCombs Middle School, teachers traded in their pride for a learning opportunity last Friday. At the end of empathy month just before the weekend, students who demonstrated an act of empathy were chosen to pie their teachers as a reward for behaving with McCombs mentality. Click here to see photos on our Flickr page.

ON-TIME HEROES CELEBRATED AT MOORE

School attendance is an indicator of future success so Moore Elementary celebrates all of the small victories. They acknowledged student heroes last week at a school meeting in the gym. The Hero (Here Everyday Ready On Time) program began in the month of October to reduce tardies and build community. Students wore masks and special guests included Elastigirl, Thor, Batman, Super Girl, and more!

HORTICULTURE TEAM OFFERS FLOWER SUBSCRIPTION

A message from the Central Campus horticulture program: Purchase your own student made floral designs! Discover the essence of seasons with Central Market, offering an enhanced floral subscription experience. Allow our skilled Central Campus horticulture students to craft three exquisite bouquets for you. We all know buying fresh flowers is an easy yet thoughtful way to make anyone’s day (especially your own!). Elevate your home with elegant custom designs that embody the spirit of every season. Click here to learn more and subscribe.

SAVE THE DATE: CLAT COFFEE WITH LEGISLATORS

Join your neighbors, state legislators, and district leaders at the 2023-24 Community Legislative Action Team kickoff coffee. Hear from superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts and CFO Shashank Aurora about the district budget and learn about the preschool advantage. Also, legislators will share insights into how community members can use their influence at the Iowa Capitol. Save the date for Saturday, December 9 at Carver Elementary School, 705 East University Avenue. The meeting will begin at 9 AM.

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

• The Central Campus veterinary science team is back from competing in Indianapolis at the National FFA Convention. They earned the spot after sweeping the State competition last Spring. WHO-TV 13 stopped by to hear more about these Central Campus students and their success in animal sciences. Click here to watch Megan Salois's Scholastic Spotlight.
• The Des Moines Playhouse and Treasure Trunk Theater is partnering with DMPS, visiting each of our Head Start preschool classes for a variety of learning activities. WOI-TV spoke with Robin Fulton of the Playhouse about the good work they are bringing to our preschools. Click here to see Channel 5's story.
• Thank you to the American Heart Assocation of Iowa for hosting #DSMStemGoesRed to encourage young women to pursue education and careers in math and science. KCCI-TV 8 joined the fun as Callanan Middle School students showed their enthusiasm for the event. Click here to see KCCI's report. 
• November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month. WHO-TV 13 shares how DMPS and local organizations are working to support families with housing insecurity and how you can help. Click here to see Loretta McGraw's report.
• DMPS graduates have many different paths following graduation. We love to hear their stories. The Des Moines Register talked to two East High School locker mates who now own an art gallery together. Click here to read Jay Stahl's report.

November 21

School Board Meeting - 5:30 p.m. - click here for more

November 22-24

No School; Thanksgiving Break

November 23-24

District Offices Closed; Thanksgiving Break

December 5

School Board Meeting - 5:30 p.m. - click here for more

December 8

No School; Professional development

December 22-January 1

No School; Winter Break

WINTER SPORTS SCHEDULES

Basketball, Bowling, Swimming (Boys), Wrestling: visit activities.dmschools.org