Big things are happening at DMPS! With the Reimagining Education bond approved, our work to bring new opportunities to students is just beginning. You’ll also find stories of generosity, creativity, and kindness. Students are building beds for kids, planning gourmet dinners, and competing at state swimming, while staff and partners continue to make a difference for the whole community. Read on for this and much more. | | |
MOVING AHEAD WITH REIMAGINING EDUCATION
Now that voters have approved the Reimagining Education bond, our work together continues. This plan was shaped by our community, and we’re committed to keeping you informed every step of the way as it comes to life. General timelines for each school are on the Reimagining Education website. We will update these as projects are scheduled for specific dates. In case you missed it, drawings are available for some of the work ahead. Click here to see the future projects gallery.
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WINTER WEATHER MAKES AN APPEARANCE
In true Iowa fall fashion, we saw flurries over the weekend, and it's forecast to reach 60+ degrees today. Understandably, the cold snap prompted some questions about weather delays and closings at school. Here's the most important thing to know: If severe winter weather means a change to the school day, announcements will be made promptly across the local news media, the school district’s web site, social media, and ParentSquare. Click here to see what a snow day, delay or early dismissal will look like at DMPS.
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DMPS FOUNDATION SETS ANNUAL DINNER DATE
The Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Dinner is a celebration of what’s possible when our community comes together to invest in public education. Every ticket purchased for the April 16 event directly supports classroom opportunities that inspire, challenge, and uplift 30,000+ students across 64 schools. Click here to learn more on the Foundation's website.
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SHINING A LIGHT ON STUDENT HOMELESSNESS
More than 550 DMPS students are experiencing homelessness this school year. Homelessness impacts students’ health, stability, and academic success. It makes students far more likely to miss school, require special education, or drop out. You can make a difference by donating hygiene items or gift cards, organizing a drive, or volunteering with local shelters and food pantries. Click here to read more about Homeless Awareness Week.
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HONORING OUR HOMELESS LIAISON OF THE YEAR
The 2025 DMPS Homeless Liaison of the Year is Laura Amsler, Building Homeless Liaison and Success Case Manager at Roosevelt High School. Laura’s dedication and willingness to support students and families form the foundation of her work every day. Her compassionate approach has made a significant impact on the lives of countless children and their families.
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HOOVER STUDENTS TEACH ELEMENTARY P.E.
Students in Megan Harms' Child Development class at Hoover High School had some hands-on learning this week. The class is studying school-aged children and currently focused on the importance of exercise for kids and how to make it fun. So, she and her students were off to Moore Elementary School where they helped PE teacher Quinlin Johnson's 2nd grade class with activities ranging from soccer to bean bag tosses to tug of war. Click here to see more photos on our Flickr page.
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LINCOLN STUDENTS MAKE BED FRAMES FOR KIDS
The students in Lincoln High School's shop class are making bed frames for Iowa kids. While they learn woodworking skills, they're also supporting Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a national organization with a local chapter. WHO-TV 13 talked to Dean Lange, and his students, about why this project means so much to them. Click here to watch Megan Salois's report.
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DMPS SWIMMERS QUALIFY FOR STATE
Congratulations to our student-athletes who qualified to compete at the Iowa Girls State Swimming Meet. North, Lincoln and East high schools will be represented at this year's competition. Visit the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union website for more information on the state meet.
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North High School
200 Individual Medley
Clara Cunningham
50 Freestyle
Haylie Weinheimer
100 Backstroke
Clara Cunningham, Haylie Weinheimer
200 Medley and Freestyle Relays
Morgynne Powell, Haylie Weinheimer, Clara Cunningham, Joella LaBresh
Delaney Konchalski and Yaretzi Patricio (alternates)
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Lincoln High School
400 Freestyle Relay
Lucy Clayton, Mallory Betts, Madelline De Meyer, Eva Smith
Siena Cariglino (alternate)
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East High School
100 and 200 Yard
Freestyle Para
Taylor Wears-Aesa
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CELEBRATING WORLD KINDNESS DAY
World Kindness Day at Hubbell Elementary was filled with smiles, sweaters and signs as staff wore Mr. Rogers cardigans while greeting families and students into the building. The small gesture reminded everyone how a simple act of kindness can brighten lives. Click here to see what kindness looks like in practice.
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$4,000 GIFT BOOSTS CYBERSECURITY PROGRAM
Thank you to 7x24 Exchange for donating $4,000 from their recent fundraiser to the Cybersecurity program at Central Campus. The funds will help purchase equipment for our tech students and cover competition registrations, travel, and hands-on learning opportunities. Thank you!
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FARM-TO-TABLE MEAL SHOWCASES STUDENT TALENT
The Central Campus Culinary program students present a Farm-to-Table Gourmet Dinner to celebrate fresh, local ingredients and student-crafted dishes that highlight the best of Iowa’s harvest. Tickets are available now for the dinner on November 18.
Click here to learn more and purchase tickets.
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JOIN OUR TEAM: SPECIAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATES
Looking for a rewarding career where you can make a difference every day? Join Des Moines Public Schools as a Special Education Associate.
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Time Off: Enjoy summers, winter breaks, spring breaks, and paid holidays.
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Growth: Get free professional development to help you learn and grow.
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Benefits: Full healthcare, IPERS retirement, and all the benefits of a full-time employee.
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Experience: No prior experience needed—just a willingness to support students and be part of a great team.
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Bonus: Earn a $2,000 hiring bonus!
Click here to learn more and apply.
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REMINDER: EXPANDED SCHOOL FOOD PANTRY HOURS
Our school food pantry hours have been expanded to meet the needs of our families during the SNAP benefits interruption. We also encourage students to enjoy a nutritious, free breakfast and lunch each school day, provided by our Food and Nutrition team. If your family needs additional assistance, please contact your child’s school by calling the main office. Click here to see the dates and hours each school food pantry is open.
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SENIORS: FILE YOUR FAFSA NOW FOR MAXIMUM AID
It's time for all seniors and their families to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Filing early gives you the best chance at grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities before funds run out. Even if you’re not sure where you’ll go to college, submit your FAFSA now to keep every option open. Need help? Contact your high school counselor. Click here to start your application today at studentaid.gov.
| | IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS | | |
November 26-28
No School; Thanksgiving Break
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December 22 - January 2
No School; Winter Break
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January 16
Last Day of the First Semester
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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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