This week's edition of TheWeek@DMPS offers an exciting range of events and announcements, but the most significant news is the selection of a new principal for North High School. Pending school board approval, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Christopher Maniece, who joins us from Madison, Wisconsin. Keep reading to learn more about Dr. Maniece, and don't forget to mark your calendars for our upcoming commencement schedule as the Class of 2023 prepares to embark on the next chapter of their lives. Speaking of calendars, a reminder there are no classes at DMPS next Friday, April 21 and Monday, April 24.
In addition, we have updates on sports, art, poetry, fashion, theater, and horticulture, all of which demonstrate that at DMPS, we provide our students with more opportunities than any other school district in Iowa. Come Here. Become THE BEST YOU Here.
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NORTH HIGH SCHOOL WELCOMES NEW PRINCIPAL
North High School is excited to welcome Dr. Christopher Maniece as the new principal for the 2023-24 school year. Dr. Maniece joins Des Moines Public Schools from the Madison Metropolitan School District where he has demonstrated a commitment to building authentic relationships with students, staff, and families. He has also worked on creating equitable academic outcomes, developing systems to ensure a positive learning environment, and providing Social Emotional Learning strategies for all students. He begins his role on July 1, 2023, pending School Board approval. Click here to read more about Dr. Maniece.
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COMMENCEMENT SCHEDULE FOR THE CLASS OF 2023
As the end of the school year grows near, excitement builds for one of the most significant events in a DMPS student's life – high school graduation! Commencement is the culmination of years of hard work, and it is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of students and recognize their achievements as they reach the next stage of their lives. We have included below a reminder of the DMPS high school commencement schedule. We look forward to making memories with our seniors that will last a lifetime.
Saturday, May 20
APA and Focus, Central Campus Auditorium, 11:00 a.m.
Friday, May 26
Options Academy, Hoyt Sherman Place, 10:00 a.m.
Ruby Van Meter, Ruby Van Meter Gymnasium, 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 27
East High School, Drake University Knapp Center, 9:00 a.m.
Lincoln High School, Drake University Knapp Center, 12:30 p.m.
Roosevelt High School, Drake University Knapp Center, 4:00 p.m.
Virtual Campus, Central Campus Auditorium, 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 28
Hoover High School, Drake University Knapp Center, 10:00 a.m.
North High School, Drake University Knapp Center, 1:00 p.m.
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DMPS SEEKS COMMUNITY INPUT FOR FEDERAL GRANT
DMPS is applying for the Iowa Department of Education's Stronger Connections grant, which is funded thanks to the federal Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022. Grants will be awarded by states to schools that meet the criteria for “high-need” and be used for mental health training as well as security equipment upgrades. This is where your input can assist. As part of our application, we are asking for the community's feedback on the definition of a "high-need" school in Des Moines. For more information and to provide your input, please click here.
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STUDENTS BREAK GROUND ON NEW ORCHARD
Central Campus students planted the district's first orchard yesterday. The Agricultural Sciences Academy has a rich history of providing hands-on learning to students, including studying and raising animals, plants, and flowers, and harvesting them for market. Now the program is adding fruit fresh from new trees thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Instructor Heidi Mandt was awarded $24,000 for the development of the orchard. Working with Iowa State University Extension, students planted 60 apple trees just south of the DMPS greenhouse. The trees will hopefully produce in the fall of 2024 and students will sell some of the fruit and donate some to local food pantries. Click here to see photos of students planting the new trees.
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DMPS HIGH SCHOOL ART EXHIBIT OPENS
The Des Moines Public Schools High School Art Exhibit is now open at the Polk County Heritage Art Gallery. Almost 100 pieces are on display from students at all five comprehensive high schools, Virtual Campus, and the Focus program. The exhibit will continue through April 26 during building hours, Monday-Friday from 11 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Click here to view photos of the opening reception.
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DMPS MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK AND FIELD MEET
Exciting news from Hoover High School! The middle school track meet went very well, and our young athletes are giving it their all on the field. It's heartwarming to see the spirit of sportsmanship and teamwork on display. Let's cheer on our future champions as they strive for excellence. Click here to see photos of students on the track and field.
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ALUMS, STAFF AND STUDENTS HONORED AT ROOSEVELT
Roosevelt High School hosted a celebration for alumni and students with the Roosevelt Foundation in the auditorium on Wednesday, April 12th. Roughrider alumni Mollie Cooney, Alan Higgins and Dau Jok were inducted into Roosevelt's Hall of Fame, and Rose Green won the Contributor of the Year award. Students were presented with more than $40,000 dollars in scholarships awarded to Roughriders. Click here to see more photos of the event.
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LOCAL TV NEWS PIONEER INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME
One of the Roosevelt High School Hall of Fame inductees was alum Mollie Cooney (Class of '71). Cooney served as an award-winning journalist for more than 40 years before retiring in 2017. Early in her career, she became the first female journalist and anchor at KCCI-TV News. Cooney went on to win honors including first place for Public Affairs from the Iowa Broadcast News Association, the James Schwartz Award for Distinguished Service to Journalism from Iowa State University, a first place in the Television Division of the Iowa Health Care Media Awards, and the 1998-99 Communications Award from the American Heart Association. Come Here. Become A Journalist Here.
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MOORE STUDENTS CHOSEN FOR POETRY WORKSHOP
At Moore Elementary, a select group of students participated in a poetry workshop facilitated by a guest poet. These students had written "I Am" poems about themselves to earn their spots in the workshop. The goal was to merge their individual poems into a cohesive "We Are" poem, representing the Moore community. The guest poet was Christine Stewart-Nuñez, a former poet laureate of South Dakota, who currently teaches at the University of Manitoba in Canada. This workshop was part of Poetry Palooza, an event sponsored by Poetry&, an Iowa non-profit organization that seeks to promote awareness and appreciation for poetry and poets. Click here to view photos.
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ALL SKILLS NEEDED AT DES MOINES PUBLIC SCHOOLS
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ANNUAL PLANT SALE BEGINS IN ONE WEEK
Central Campus Annual Plant Sale begins next Friday with a variety of plants and flowers to choose from. Horticulture students have been busy preparing for the popular event. The sale will be open to the public from April 21 to May 20, operating on Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the greenhouse located at 205 County Line Road.
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SAVE THE DATE: CENTRAL CAMPUS FASHION SHOW
The annual Central Campus Fashion Show returns to the runway on May 4th & 5th. This culminating event for the fashion design and merchandising program highlights designs from senior students, as well as other student wardrobe themes like children’s wear and Avant-garde. Click here to see the newly designed show poster with more details.
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FOUR HIGH SCHOOLS PLAN UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS
Step away from Netflix for a night and indulge in a live dramatic experience on the high school stage! Four DMPS high schools are set to showcase their meticulously planned productions in the month of April.
Arsenic and Old Lace
Hoover High School auditorium
April 21-22 at 7:00 p.m. and April 23 at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $5 students, $7 adults
Disney’s High School Musical
Roosevelt High School auditorium
April 27-29 at 7:00 p.m. and April 30 at 2:30 p.m.
Freaky Friday - A New Musical!
Lincoln High School auditorium
April 27-29 at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $5 students, $10 adults
RUMORS by Neil Simon
East High School auditorium
April 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. and April 30 at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $5 students, $10 adults
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PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 2023-24
Studies continue to show preschool is the smart choice for families. Students who attend preschool do better in reading and math than their non-preschool peers all through elementary school. They are more likely to stay in school and attend a two- or four-year college or university. Des Moines Public Schools provides a high-quality preschool education for children throughout our community. An early childhood education at DMPS provides a great start to learning, promoting the academic and social growth of your child. To read about and choose from one of the many options DMPS offers for early childhood education, click here.
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KINDERGARTEN SIGN-UP UNDERWAY AT DMPS
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 is now underway for all families. We experience longer lines and wait times as the school year draws near, so we recommend completing the process early. Children who are 5 years old on or before September 15 are eligible for kindergarten starting with the 2023-24 school year. Click here to learn more.
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VIRTUAL CAMPUS - OUR 100% ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL!
Welcome to Des Moines Public Schools Virtual Campus. Our 100% ONLINE high school is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year! Virtual Campus is an accredited school by the state of Iowa serving students in 9th through 12th grade. The district provides enrolled students with technology, and many of the same courses, student services, and supports they would receive in-person, but with the flexibility of a virtual learning environment. These include Special Education services, English Language Learner supports, 504 Plan accommodations, Gifted & Talented programming, and more. Ready for a virtual learning environment designed to fit your life? The teachers and staff at Virtual Campus are waiting for you! Click here to learn more.
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VIDEO AND PHOTO GALLERY OF THE WEEK |
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NEW RANGE FOR DMPS RIFLE TEAM
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GIRLS TENNIS MEET
On Thursday, April 6th, Hoover High School played host to East High School for a girls' tennis meet. The Scarlets emerged victorious over the Hoover Huskies, with a commanding score of 9-2. Click here to see photos of the meet.
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Enroll today at Des Moines Public Schools! |
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Recent items in the news media about or of interest for students, teachers, and parents at Des Moines Public Schools.
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A lot of work is underway at the Central Campus greenhouse these days, as students prepare for the annual spring plant sale that opens in just one week. WHO-TV 13 News stopped by to talk with the teachers and students who make it possible. Click here to watch Griffin Wright's report.
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Springtime means flowers, showers, and construction. WHO-TV 13 News stopped by to see the work picking up as our new Mediacom Stadium on the Drake University campus takes shape and this Fall's football season draws near. Click here to watch Max Cotton's report.
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UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS |
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April 24
No school; Professional Development
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May 23-26
Downtown School ONLY; No school
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May 29
No school; Memorial Day holiday
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May 31
Preschool ONLY; Last day of school
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June 2
Last Day of School
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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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