The first day of the 2025–26 school year is almost here! As classrooms get ready and students pick out their first-day outfits, we’re excited to kick off a year of learning, growth, and opportunity across Des Moines Public Schools. In this week’s edition of TheWeek@DMPS, you’ll find highlights from back-to-school celebrations, updates on new initiatives, and important resources to help your family start the year strong on Monday! | | |
SCHOOL STARTS FOR STUDENTS ON MONDAY
The countdown is over -- the first day of the 2025-2026 school year is this Monday, August 25. We can’t wait to see our students back in classrooms, ready for a year filled with learning, friendships, and new opportunities. The districtwide calendar is available for download and on our website all year long. Click here to view the full 2025-2026 academic calendar.
| | |
FIND OUT WHAT'S NEW IN THE 2025-26 SCHOOL YEAR
Big changes are ahead for DMPS — and they’re all about creating more opportunities for students and families. From expanded access to early childhood programs to a new Diploma+ initiative, upgraded athletic facilities, and new leaders, the 2025–26 school year is shaping up to be a year to Reimagine Education! Click here to see what's coming next. And be sure to tune in to the latest edition of the Become Here Project, our DMPS podcast; this week we talk with several district leaders about what's new for a new school year.
| | |
STAY CONNECTED - JOIN PARENTSQUARE TODAY
School starts Monday - activate your ParentSquare account today! This is your one-stop hub for school news, classroom updates, event reminders, and messages -- all in your preferred language.
✅ Check your email for an activation link.
✅ Follow the quick steps to get started.
✅ Stay informed and engaged in your student’s learning.
Thank you to everyone who has already connected with their schools. Activate today and never miss a message or alert from your school! Click here to learn more.
| | |
2025 ALL STAFF BACK-TO-SCHOOL EVENT
It was a great day to be part of DMPS! Hundreds of teachers and staff members from throughout the school district gathered at the Knapp Center last Friday morning to hear about Reimagining Education, Diploma+, technology upgrades, and much more as everyone got ready for the 2025-26 school year. Click here to see more of the event.
| |
STUFFING THE BUS FOR STUDENTS & SCHOOLS
We Stuffed the Bus – and then some! DMPS bus driver Tammie Meyers fueled up bus #521 and teamed up with Superintendent Roberts and colleagues on a “Stuff the Bus” mission. They made stops across the metro, collecting backpacks, notebooks, pencils, hygiene products, and more. By the end of the morning, the bus was packed full thanks to the generosity of local businesses, organizations, and partners. Click here to read more on our website.
| |
|
LINCOLN CELEBRATES A NEW FIELD, NEW SEASON
The Southside community gathered last night to celebrate the start of a new school year and the Fall sports season. The festivities included a very special event: cutting the ribbon on Lincoln High School's new athletic complex. Once the new facility was officially opened the crowd was led in cheers by the Rails' cheer squad, Fall sports coaches and student-athletes were introduced, and the Lincoln High School marching band performed. See more of the Rails' big event.
| |
|
DMPS RENEWS FRIENDSHIP WITH KOFU, JAPAN
For more than 40 years, DMPS and our sister city, Kofu, Japan, have built friendships through student visits. Earlier this month Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts proudly signed a new agreement to continue this tradition. Click here to see photos on our Flickr page.
| |
|
ROOSEVELT WELCOMES COMMUNITY & LEADERSHIP
Roosevelt High School welcomed the new school year with a student leadership retreat and a resource fair. Students and families gathered at Drake Park to pick up bookbags and school supplies before enjoying a grill out. The leadership event featured Roosevelt alum and Iowa State basketball guard Arianna Jackson, who encouraged students to find meaningful ways to get involved during the school year. Click here to see the Riders getting ready for a new school year.
| |
|
BACK-TO-SCHOOL CELEBRATIONS
With plenty of hugs and excitement, students and families were welcomed into school buildings before the start of the 2025 school year across the district. We stopped by Garton and Capitol View to take some photos. Click here to view them on our Flickr page.
| |
|
MOORE ELEMENTARY WELCOMES THE CLASS OF 2038
Moore Elementary rolled out the welcome mat for their newest Huskies. While parents connected with teachers and principals, students enjoyed some playtime in the gym before the big moment — receiving a school t-shirt, choosing a free backpack and book, and officially joining the Class of 2038 as proud Husky Pups. Click here to see some of our youngest students getting ready for school.
| | |
DART ACCESS FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
DMPS is partnering with DART again this year to provide free or reduced cost transportation for middle and high school students. DMPS middle and high school students can ride DART for free on weekdays after 4 p.m. and anytime on weekends or days when school is not in session. Some students will be assigned a no cost pass to ride DART to and from school during the day. Click here to learn more about this partnership.
| | |
DMPS FOUNDATION ONERUN REGISTRATION OPEN
The must-attend fun run of the fall is scheduled, and registration is open! Join fellow supporters of public education on October 18 for a two-mile run or walk or just cheer everyone on. OneRun registration is free, and for every participant our generous sponsors will donate money to the school of their choice. It's simple! Just sign up, show up, and have fun! Click here to learn more and register.
| |
|
FREE UNIVERSAL PRESCHOOL AVAILABLE AT DMPS
School starts on Monday for K-12 families, but preschool starts on September 4! That means there is still plenty of time to sign up. Early learning gives your child a strong foundation for success in reading, math, and beyond. Click here to learn more about preschool registration at DMPS.
| | |
VIRTUAL CAMPUS: STATEWIDE ENROLLMENT OPEN DMPS Virtual Campus is accepting applications for the 2025–2026 school year. This fully accredited, online high school blends rigorous academics with strong relationships, all from the comfort of home. Virtual Campus is open to all Iowa students. Learn more at virtualcampus.dmschools.org.
| | |
Recent items in the news media about or of interest to students, teachers, and families at Des Moines Public Schools:
-
Dr. Roberts sat down one-on-one with Joseph Holloway at WOI-TV 5 this month to talk about everything back-to-school. For more than 30 minutes, Dr. Roberts fielded questions about student achievement, the Reimagining Education bond, preparation for the school year ahead, and much more. Click here to see the interview in full on YouTube.
-
Lincoln High School cut the ribbon a long overdue new track and field on Thursday night. WHO-TV 13 was there with us and talked with new LHS principal Praveen Bannikatti. Click here to see Griffin Wright's report.
| | IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS | | |
August 25
First Day of School: K-12
| | |
September 4
First Day of School: Preschool
| | |
September 19
No School; Professional Development Day
| |
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.
| | | | |
