Des Moines Public Schools is committed to keeping our community informed and engaged. This morning in TheWeek@DMPS, Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts addresses concerns about immigration enforcement and reassures families. Budget discussions for FY 2026 are underway, with in-person, public forums scheduled in February. We celebrate outstanding employees in our Become Here Spotlight and honor the legacy of Doug Richardson, our late Public Safety Manager. DMPS ambassadors attend the school choice fair, Roosevelt High School schedules open houses for prospective students, and we include a reminder to download the Here Comes the Bus app for real-time transportation updates. Plus, time is running out to get tickets for the DMPS Foundation Dinner. Read on for this information and so much more! | |
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A LETTER FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. IAN ROBERTS
Recent reports about immigration enforcement and deportations across the nation have been an understandable cause for concern for many families and students in our community. Dr. Ian Roberts, superintendent at Des Moines Public Schools, shared a message about how schools and the district will work to be supportive. Click here to read his letter.
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FY 2026 DMPS BUDGET PUBLIC FORUMS IN FEBRUARY
Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts and CFO Shashank Aurora will lead community discussions about the Des Moines Public Schools budget. These forums will address current challenges and opportunities while exploring future decisions aimed at serving the best interests of the district. A virtual session will be announced at a later date. Spanish and Swahili interpreters will be available to support families during these upcoming events:
- Hoover High School - Monday, February 1, at 7:15 a.m.
- Lincoln High School - Wednesday, February 19, at 6:00 p.m.
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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: JANUARY RECOGNITIONS
Nearly 5,000 people work to provide and support a quality education to more than 30,000 students in Des Moines. From school administrators and educators to bus drivers and technology professionals to food and nutrition providers to financial experts, these dedicated DMPS employees are committed to providing the best possible experience for students and families. Each month the Become Here Spotlight will shine on an administrator, an educator and a staff member to share a little more about the many people working to teach and support the children and students of our community, and in the words of those who nominated them for the recognition. Click here to meet Jean Fox, Danielle Taylor, Ryan Daugherty, and Ronald Regan!
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DMPS MOURNS PASSING OF DOUG RICHARDSON
We are sad to share the passing of Doug Richardson, DMPS Public Safety Manager. Since joining DMPS in November 2020 as our Public Safety Manager, he was critical in helping to enact many of the safety enhancements. He was instrumental in his role as a liaison between DMPS and the first responder community. In short, Doug was always working to help improve the well-being of others. He will be greatly missed.
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DMPS AMBASSADORS ATTEND SCHOOL CHOICE FAIR
Des Moines Public Schools joined the National School Choice Week kickoff by participating in the Des Moines School Choice Fair on Saturday. The fair served as a place for families to come and learn more about the variety of school programs the Des Moines area has to offer. DMPS advanced placement staff and high school student leaders enjoyed connecting with families and sharing all the robust options that our district has to offer their children.
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HIGH SCHOOL TOURS FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
Roosevelt High School is working hard to be a school of choice for students. They are planning to reach out to prospective students and families with a series of open houses on February 13 and March 8. Future Roughriders can learn about the culture at Roosevelt, talk to staff, explore activities and clubs, and more! Click here to read the Roosevelt High School flyer. *We will share prospective student tours at other high schools as we become aware of them.
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DES MOINES PLAYOUSE VISITS PRESCHOOL
After performing at Mitchell, Taylor and Woodlawn preschools, the Des Moines Playhouse made their last stop at McKee Education Center with their traveling Adventure Clubhouse to perform 'The Mitten'. Robin Breen Fulton with the Des Moines Playhouse says the shows provide learning experiences but also leave the students and teachers with a positive experience. Click here to read more and see photos of their visit.
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DOWNLOAD THE 'HERE COME THE BUS' APP
Here Comes the Bus allows you to view the real-time location of your child’s school bus on your smartphone, tablet or computer. You will have the information you need to send your children to the bus stop at just the right time and know when their bus is heading back at the end of the school day. Here Comes the Bus is free to use. Click here to learn more about downloading Here Comes the Bus.
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DMPS FOUNDATION'S INVITATION TO DINNER
The 2nd Annual DMPS Foundation Dinner will be an evening of community celebration featuring our talented students, a State of the Schools update from superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts, and the opportunity to raise much needed financial support for the students at Des Moines Public Schools on February 13 at the annual Foundation Dinner. Click here to learn more about attending the event.
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CLAT COFFEE WITH LEGISLATORS FEBRUARY 15
The Community Legislative Action Committee has moved the next Coffee with Legislators to Saturday, February 15 from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. at Mitchell Early Learning Center, 111 Porter Avenue. Learn about the critical importance of early childhood education. Join Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts and DMPS Director of Early Childhood Education Kristin Rourk to find out how the data shows that preschool levels the playing field for all students. Click here to join the CLAT mailing list for future opportunities.
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PRESCHOOL SIGN-UP IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH
Preschool sign-up for the 2025-2026 school year begins with Head Start on February 3. Schedule an appointment at the Welcome Center to complete the Head Start application. A Spanish interpreter will be available. The 2025-2026 Universal Preschool application opens online on March 13, 2025. If you have questions or to schedule a Head Start appointment, please call 515-242-7588. Click here to learn more about preschool at DMPS.
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KINDERGARTEN SIGN UP OPENS FEBRUARY 17
Starting kindergarten is an exciting time for you and your child and we want the sign-up process to go as smoothly as possible for your family. Kindergarten sign-up for families new to DMPS begins on February 17, 2025. We experience longer lines and wait times as the school year draws near, so we recommend completing the process early. Children who are five years old on or before September 15, 2025, are eligible for kindergarten starting with the 2025-2026 school year. Click here to find the information you need to start enrollment. NOTE: If you already have a child in a DMPS preschool or partner preschool, you will receive a letter in February with instructions for registering for kindergarten.
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Recent items in the news media about or of interest to students, teachers, and families at Des Moines Public Schools:
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IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS | |
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February 7
Downtown School ONLY; no school
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February 10-11
No School - Professional Development
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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 have (or your child has) been discriminated against or treated unjustly at school, please contact Carol Wynn-Green, 2100 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321; phone: 515-242-7709; email: carol.wynngreen@dmschools.org.
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