DMPS Awarded State 3 ELL Grants

Event Highlights 4 Changing Population

Grant Expands Des Moines Public Schools 5 DMPS-DMU Partnership Senator Harkin Visits 6 Brubaker

Veteran Principal to 7 Lead Moore Elementary

Students Stage Protest DMPS at Central Academy COMMUNITY REPORT 8 Celebrating Our 9 Achievements

A Note About WInter December/ 11 Weather January

Merrill’s Spizzirri Named 2015 Teacher of the Year Merrill Middle School’s Clemencia of nominating documents just confirms Spizzirri was officially named the 2015 the gut hunch you get watching her in Iowa Teacher of the Year by Governor action. You don’t have to be a trained during an assembly in the educator to know how tough it can be school gym on December 5. She is the to convince even one 6th-8th grader 9th DMPS teacher to receive the award of anything, let alone teach them a that was established in 1958 by the Iowa foreign language, raise their geo-cultural Department of Education. consciousness and deepen their critical thinking simultaneously in groups of Spizzirri is a Spanish teacher. But really, 20+ at a time. On a daily basis. In a way she teaches lots of things to lots of folks they enjoy. But that’s what Spizzirri does, and does it from a global perspective. among other things. A native of Quito, the capital city of Her teaching background in Ecuador Ecuador, Spizzirri began her career there consisted of nine years in the International before coming to the United States after Baccalaureate curriculum so she fit right in nine years of teaching. She is in her sixth at Merrill; one of the district’s designated year at Merrill. IB schools, where she’s in her sixth year. One visit to her classroom is all But she also fit right in at Lutheran Social it takes to understand why she was Services where she taught English to recognized. Poring through the 15 pages Continued on Page 2...

DMPS Community Report | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2014 Merrill’s Spizzirri Named 2015 Iowa Teacher of the Year Continued from Page 1... refugees from around the globe like they’re climbing or reaching for TOY award. But a couple of things while she was in grad school at something. Pencils go to wiggling stood out. . And she probably on desktops as soon as they’re given Diane Kehm, a Vice Principal also fit right in when she was a task. The period is fast-paced and at Merrill and one of Spizzirri’s teaching English to the national briskly runs its course in what feels nominators, said, “Clemencia police back in Ecuador. like just a moment, the way it always practices what she teaches,” by Besides her classroom duties goes when you’re having fun. There “continually learning and challenging at Merrill Spizzirri spearheads the is singing, everything from Spanish herself as an educator…” Language Acquisition Department rap beats to a memorization exercise And Abdirahman Omar, a there and modified the curriculum set to the tune of the old Flintstones Somali refugee who was dealing from one where students were theme melody. Students work on with culture shock while trying grouped arbitrarily by grade level to how to write their birthdates and to learn English and Spanish a system where students are placed in tell time and count en Espanol simultaneously when he and his foreign language classes according to using ancient Mayan symbols, but brother first landed in the Des proficiency. There might be all three they also talk about literally timeless Moines schools commented, “I grade levels represented in the same cultures like the Piraha tribe in don’t know if she knows it but class period. She also advocates for the Amazonian rainforest. Every she is the best teacher I could have the identification of ELL students as day they grapple with some asked for…” gifted and talented and the inclusion questions that are matters of fact But no one and nothing sums of them in that program. She works and others that are debatable. her up better than the engraving on with students’ whole families outside There is even some physical exercise the frame of a personal photograph of school, particularly as a leader in when everybody stands to do the that she keeps on a shelf behind her the local Latino community. Macarena together. desk at school: But she is most at home feeding Her reactions to students’ work “We have different gifts, a classroom full of eager, energetic as she wanders desk-to-desk are according to the grace given us. If kids, always on the move, working peppered with words like “bravo,” a man’s gift is…teaching, let him the room like the hostess of a talk/ and “perfecto.” teach…” (Romans 12:6/7) game show. A lot of people had a lot to She’ll have to scooch that frame Hands shoot up, frequently, say about Spizzirri in boosting over a little bit now to make room lots of them. High and straight, her candidacy for the prestigious for another keepsake.

Attendance Progress has Come a Looong Way

Attendance is a key component of student recognition of the one “scholar” who achievement and perfection in that area managed the feat in the preceding year: isn’t easy, but it’s attainable. “The secretary stated that 471 King Elementary recently celebrated scholars…had attended…during the 34 students who had perfect attendance previous term of 24 weeks and that, in all for the first trimester of the school that number, but one scholar had attended year. These students were present every school the whole number of days – that minute of every day for 12 weeks and were scholar being Lizzie McClelland in the entered into a drawing to win free bikes. 4th ward…it was voted to make her a Coincidentally or not, the board The minutes of a Des Moines suitable present at a cost of $2.50, as a president at that time was named J.H. school board meeting from 1861 include testimonial…” McClelland.

2 St. Theresa, St. Augustin, and Holy Trinity). The project will serve English Language Learners in a variety of ways, from one-on-one instruction to the general education setting, and will include professional development training for teachers. Intensive vocabulary instruction will be another point of emphasis using a variety of classroom activities and regular, structured opportunities to A grant to support English Language Learners was awarded to DMPS by the State of Iowa. develop written language skills will also be provided. The additional funding comes DMPS One of Three Districts none too soon in a district where the ELL population has more than Awarded State ELL Grants doubled in the last decade and by itself is larger than the total Des Moines Public Schools is one The grant program was population of all but a handful of three districts to be awarded created by Iowa lawmakers. It of Iowa’s 300+ school districts. grants by the Iowa Department of provides $500,000 for the first Statewide, the ELL student Education aimed at boosting the year, with the possibility of a population is about five percent literacy skills of students who are total of $1.5 million over a three- of the total. Here in DMPS it English Language Learners. year period, contingent on state represents almost 20 percent. appropriations. The number of English The goal of the grant program is DMPS will partner with the Language Learners in Des Moines to develop effective literacy Diocese of Des Moines to pilot a Public Schools increased eight programs to raise the achievement comprehensive language and percent for the 2014-15 school year of students identified as English literacy development framework for to more than 6,100. Just since July, Language Learners. Each program English Language Learners at two 512 new students have enrolled in will apply research-based best public schools (Carver Elementary ELL classes. practices, clear achievement goals and Hiatt Middle schools) and The district employs a team of 90 and a system to evaluate impact on six nonpublic schools (Christ the ELL teachers and 45 staff members student performance. King, St. Anthony, Holy Family, for community outreach.

Want a Great Career in Education? Des Moines Public Schools is Hiring The Des Moines Public Schools Educator substitute teachers and volunteers. Career Fair is scheduled for Saturday, The 60+ DMPS schools are spread January 10, 2015 at the Iowa Events throughout a city where metropolitan Center: Veterans Memorial Community meets small-town values. Parenting Choice Convention Complex. Prospective magazine ranked Des Moines #5 on the employees must register in advance. list of the best cities in the nation to raise There are more than 200 teacher and a family, in large part due to great schools Iowa’s largest provider of public associate positions to fill in a wide range of and learning opportunities. The district’s education welcomes you to register now grade levels and subject areas. The district educators are recognized as being among for the 2015 DMPS Educator Career Fair. also has openings for nurses, coaches, the very best in their fields. To register, visit jobs.dmschools.org.

3 Event Highlights Successes, Challenges of Changing Population

In the year 2043, the country is on track to shift to minorities making up the majority of the population. DMPS is already there, with 53% of our students being children of color.

The National Journal noted DMPS’ successes and challenges in a series of recent articles – including one that looked at “Why Des Moines Can Be a Model for Urban Education” – Administrators and students from DMPS take part in a National Journal town hall meeting. and the magazine and school district jointly hosted a town hall on October 23 at Drake University to discuss it. North High School principal the AP exam increased 149%. The town hall was standing Mike Vukovich, who is married The district is building on its room only, and the crowd wasn’t to a Latina, Allyson Vukovich, a successes by becoming the first there for the muffins and coffee. Community Outreach Coordinator school district in Iowa to offer “We’re foolish if we don’t with DMPS, said one of the ACT college entrance exam for embrace immigration and everyone challenges teachers face is a cultural free to all high school juniors, who wants to be here with us barrier. He said teachers sometimes opening the door for many students living the dream,” said DMPS don’t realize their body language, to think about post-secondary Superintendent Tom Ahart. even the way they stand can be education for the first time ever. Roosevelt High School student interpreted as offensive. Enrollment is increasing, dropouts Nosa Ali came to Iowa from the “We still have a long way to go,” are decreasing and students are Sudan in that position. Today, she said Vukovich, whose school has focused on learning. takes classes at Central Academy, seen a dramatic increase in student U.S. Department of Education participates in the Talented and achievement over the past five years. Assistant Secretary Catherine Gifted program and plays the violin. North High School’s Advanced Lhamon, the town hall keynote Sitting on the education panel at the Placement program grew from speaker, said we begin sending town hall, she spoke highly of her 11 students to 600. the messages, good and bad, in teachers and education. Many of the recent successes preschool, and the message needs to Roosevelt student Brenda at North High School are evident be inclusive, valuing each life and Vasquez said she felt some of her districtwide, and a contributing letting students know we expect teachers and fellow students didn’t factor to everything from a rising them to succeed. expect her to succeed because she graduation rate to increased DMPS Superintendent Dr. Tom was from El Salvador. test scores. Ahart took it a step further, saying “Teachers ought to have Over the past four years in the education can go both ways. high expectations of all students, DMPS, student enrollment in “Our students have a tremendous regardless of their ethnic Advanced Placement courses amount to teach us — we need to background,” she said. increased 339% and participation in listen,” Ahart said. 4 Cain has taught at Des Moines Public Schools for more than 20 years. She currently teaches the following courses at Central Campus: College Anatomy and Physiology; College Biotechnology; College Biological Research in Neurosciences; and Health Sciences Anatomy. Can a high school teacher be promoted to the rank of Professor? Wait, she is an adjunct prof at DMACC! She forged the partnership with DMU that presents extremely advanced and rare opportunities for exceptionally qualified local high Central students observe Dr. Donald Matz at work in the cadaver lab at school students. Des Moines University. Dr. Donald Matz, DMU anatomist, is a longtime associate of Cain’s and he led her A&P class Verizon Grant Will Expand on a tour of the DMU campus one recent morning that culminated DMPS-DMU Partnership in the cadaver lab. But before the students got their hands on dead The Verizon Foundation annually Other times, they get to work patients they got a glimpse of what provides $20,000 Innovate at the DMU cadaver lab. it’s like when first-year medical Learning Awards to as many as 50 Prior to receipt of the students have to begin actually U.S. schools to support increased Verizon grant Kacia Cain’s students touching and interacting with STEM learning in K-12 schools. were assigned to design and live ones. Dr. Matz explained that propose research projects as part DMU brings in actors to role-play One of the chosen schools this year of their challenging coursework. as patients and enable students to is Central Campus in Des Moines, Now, thanks to the additional practice their diagnostic skills and more specifically the school’s “Brain funding secured by DMPS bedside manners. And in the mock Histology STEM Lab,” an initiative grant writer Cassaundra Christensen ER setting there is a computerized that will get underway next fall. in collaboration with Spocter SIM-patient. Sometimes he “crashes The project will actually and Cain, they’ll get to follow and burns,” Dr. Matz said, just like represent an extension of a through and actually do what real patients do. “You have to learn longstanding alliance between they propose. how to deal with families as well as DMPS and Des Moines University. This new development is just patients in medicine.” Already students in the College the latest notch on Cain’s resume. Before the cohort of future doctors Anatomy & Physiology program The Iowa Academy of Sciences was permitted into the cadaver at Central regularly visit the DMU recognized her in 2013 as one of lab Dr. Matz stressed to them the facilities right up the street on the top science teachers in the state, importance of being respectful. Grand Avenue. Sometimes they’re one of six educators that year to “We have over 2,500 living body in the Evolving Brain Laboratory receive the Excellence in Science donors right now,” he said. “They established by Dr. Muhammad A. Teaching Award. have willed their bodies to DMU Spocter, working on the Canine She also sits on the Executive to serve an important purpose after Brain Project, a program focused Committee of the governor’s Iowa their deaths.” This organic sort of on what makes dogs tick and STEM Advisory Council along endowment is part of the lifeblood exploring the use of canines in with college presidents and of medical schools. animal-assisted therapy. corporate CEOs. Continued on Page 6...

5 Verizon Grant Will Expand DMPS-DMU Partnership Continued from Page 5... The students were also cautioned help them explore hunches they Cain’s raised their hands when about the possibility they might might have about their futures Dr. Matz asked how many plan feel squeamish in the presence and are a vivid fulfillment of the on medical school. But the faces of the cadavers and the scent of DMPS mission statement: The ringing the tables and probing the formaldehyde. But none reacted that Des Moines Public Schools Exist former somebodies now reduced to way. On the contrary, gloving up So That Graduates Possess the just some bodies were unanimously and examining hearts, lungs, livers Knowledge, Skills and Abilities enthralled. With wide eyes and and other viscera brought human to Be Successful at the Next Stage a broad smile one girl who was anatomy and physiology to life. of Their Lives. making Blizzards at DQ last summer In small groups students rotated “I’ve had students who came examined a kidney that was an amongst tables staffed by Dr. Matz, a away from this type of experience anonymous old man’s undoing. couple of current DMU students and convinced they were meant to She looked extremely alive. Her Cain who slipped into the uniform become doctors,” she said. “On the prognosis is promising. of one of Dr. Matz’s lab coats. Their other hand, there was one time when Undoubtedly the Verizon subjects ranged in age from late- someone turned pale and collapsed grant money will be well-spent, forties to mid-nineties and presented in the cadaver lab.” considering everything that’s been an assortment of causes of death “You can often tell a lot about accomplished without it. There may including vascular disease, cancer, your patient just by looking in even now be people out there who Alzheimer’s, ALS and kidney failure. their eyes,” Dr. Matz told the teens. were cured by practitioners whose The opportunities Cain offers Teachers might say the same of medical training began in Des students outside of her classroom their students. Only a handful of Moines – in high school.

Senator Harkin Makes Brubaker One of His Last Official Visits

Senator Tom Harkin looked more like a Twenty-eight DMPS elementary schools kindly grandfather than a United States participate in the program. Senator as he sat at a table with 3rd Research has shown students who graders in Mrs. Elrod’s classroom on participate in the program eat more fruits October 29th, all of them eating apple and vegetables overall, impacting their slices from a bag. He’s about to retire and health on and off school grounds. came to see how the Fresh Fruits and The adults in the room mostly Vegetables Program he authored more watched as the children spent so much than a decade ago is being received by time talking with Senator Harkin, the students at Brubaker Elementary. book selected for him to read to the “We started in 2002, before you were students sat unopened as time ran out. born,” Sen. Harkin told the class between Before he left, he reminded students bites. “Now, almost every (elementary) to eat more fruits and vegetables, and to school has this.” keep reading. “Yes, it does,” said Harkin with a smile. Thanks to Senator Harkin, DMPS “Read, because your mind makes the The visit was one stop of many on dishes out 11,850 snack-sized servings picture better than what you see on T.V.,” Senator Harkin’s “Legacy Tour,” giving the of fruits and vegetables every week. The he said. senator an opportunity to reflect on his total cost of the program is $700,000 “And reading makes you smarter,” many successes in a long and distinguished annually, paid for through the Farm Bill. eight year-old Marisa Kniesly chimed in. career of public service.

6 then served as a “swing school” to provide a temporary location for schools undergoing renovations and most recently has been the location for Scavo High School. Scavo is moving to newly renovated space at Central Campus, where they will begin classes on January 7. Thanks to increased enrollment across the district, along with population trends in and other parts of northwest Des Moines, the school district is re-opening Moore to provide not only additional classrooms but more educational Veteran Principal to Lead options for Des Moines families. Beginning in January, the Reopened Moore Elementary Moore building will undergo a $6.6 million renovation. In addition, Beth Sloan, the Ahart. “Beth is the right person at when it re-opens the school will principal at the right time to lead Moore as we begin the process of becoming an Hillis Elementary re-open this elementary school to be International Baccalaureate World School since an important and vibrant addition School. Moore would be the first July 2005, to the community.” IB elementary school in northwest will become “This is not only a very Des Moines, and provide students the principal exciting opportunity for me but, and families access to the IB Beth Sloan of Moore more importantly, an exciting curriculum from elementary school Elementary when opportunity for Des Moines as we through middle and high school. it reopens for the 2015-16 school re-open an elementary school,” Both Meredith Middle School and year, Superintendent Tom Ahart added Sloan. “There will be some Hoover High Schools, which Moore announced on December 4. terrific educational options, students would go on to attend, are including our work to pursue the already IB World Schools. “For nearly a decade, Beth Sloan International Baccalaureate program Moore is located at 3716 50th has not only been an excellent that we plan to provide to our Street, along Douglas Avenue. principal at Hillis, but also an students and families.” For more information about the active member of the northwest Moore closed in 2007 due to school, including how to enroll, Des Moines community,” said Dr. declining enrollment. The building visit moore.dmschools.org.

Aviation Students Get Access to Experimental Jet

It’s been an especially high-flying fall out at the DMPS Aviation Technology Lab on the grounds of the Des Moines International Airport. The program’s new facility was cleared for takeoff by the School Board, as they unanimously approved a $3.3 million construction bid on November 18. The next day, the students in one of only three FAA certified high school aviation curricula nationwide were given access to a $20 million experimental aircraft by their neighbors, the 132nd Fighter Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard. The prototype of the Textron AirLand Scorpion, a commercially produced fighter attack jet, flew up from Wichita and hung out in a hangar while a crowd of students and airmen gave it the once over.

7 Students Stage Protest, Die-In at Central The mission statement of Des Moines Public Schools notes that graduates possess the knowledge, skills and abilities to be ready to move on to “the next stage of their lives.” That applies to students go on to college or enter the workforce. But it also applies to students being informed and engaged citizens.

More than 50 Central Academy students put that mission into practice as they staged a protest and Students at Central echoed protests across the nation about recent die-in one morning at school. officer-involved shootings. The students carried signs that read “I Can’t Breathe” and “#BlackLivesMatter” as they Their chants about Michael the relationship between police and marched from the back of the Brown and Eric Garner echoed those students, and see if we can improve school up the main hallway to the of protesters across the country before that relationship.” front doors where they laid down and as they stayed on the ground for DMPS is home to a majority- on their backs. four-and-a-half minutes, reflective minority student population, of the four-and-a-half hours Brown’s meaning more students of color body lay in a Ferguson, Missouri attend the district than their white street while police investigated the counterparts. Today, the student body officer-involved shooting. represents not only the country, but In 1969, in the Tinker v. Des is reflective of the world, with 100 Moines Independent Community languages and dialects being spoken School District decision, the U.S. by students at any given time. Supreme Court recognized that The die-in ended with a return First Amendment rights apply to march to the back of the school students and public schools may where Central Campus director Gary not prohibit student speech unless it McClanahan expressed his pride in disrupts education. Forty-five years the students who took part in the later, in the school district that was demonstration. ‘ground zero’ in this landmark court “Your actions today were peaceful case, students are exercising their and professional,” McClanahan said. constitutional rights. “That means the public won’t be The first toy on the Des Moines Senior Cole Rehbein, who distracted by poor choices. Instead Riverwalk was a huge hit with Hubbell organized the event, said the students they will hear your message loud 3rd graders. They helped cut the ribbon should realize the impact such events and clear.” on the giant fishing pole and bobber have on them, even in Des Moines. McClanahan received snaps and now known as Rotary Riverwalk Park. “Even though we’re insulated applause from the students present. The pole features swings, and the giant here,” he said, “and we’re not seeing Rehbein urged his fellow students to bobber that sits on a soft blue surface. black people being shot in the street, remember not to let the conversation we need to be more analytical of end today. 8 Celebrating Our Achievements This regular feature of the DMPS Community Report highlights awards and achievements of district students and staff. Please let us know if you have a notable achievement to share by e-mailing Mike Wellman at [email protected]. Here are some achievements from the past few months.

STUDENTS Logan Garrels, WR, TEACHERS Lincoln; Carlos Santiago, Roosevelt High School senior OL, Lincoln; Marco Clemencia Spizzirri, a Spanish Megan Schott won the Class Foster, LB, Lincoln; Brock teacher at Merrill Middle School, 4-A individual championship on Larsen, QB, Hoover; Dom was named the 2015 Teacher of the November 1st at the state cross Marschel, WR, Hoover; Year by the Iowa Department of country championships in Fort Colton Preston, OL, Education (see story on page 1). Dodge and also signed a national Hoover; Nic Snider, WR, letter of intent to run for Iowa State Hoover. University. Two teachers at the Downtown School were named state finalists The following DMPS student/ for the Presidential Awards for Roosevelt High School seniors athletes were named to the All- Excellence in Mathematics and Meredith Burkhall and Aaron Metro Conference First team Science Teaching. One math and Wirt signed national letters of in volleyball: Piper Mauck, one science winner will be selected intent to play women’s basketball at Roosevelt; Lauren Provost, to represent Iowa. Award-winners and men’s golf Roosevelt; Cassie Harrington, will receive $10,000 and a trip to at the next year. North; Riley Longden, Lincoln; Washington, D.C., where they will Jailene Rodriguez, East. participate in recognition events Continued on Page 10... Hoover junior wide receiver Dom Marschel was named to the Des Congratulations to the following Moines Register’s All Western Iowa DMPS maestros who were accepted Class 4A football team and 2nd into the All-State orchestra, band team All-State. DMPS first team and chorus. They were invited to All-District coaches’ selections were participate in the annual All-State as follows: Music Festival at Hilton Coliseum on the campus of Iowa State • District 1: Jaylin James, University on November 20-22. WR/DB, East; Juleo Harris, LB/WR, East; • Orchestra: Vaughan Josh Davis, LB/RB, East; Hommerding, Violin (four Jonathan Harrington, LB, years); Maya Miller, Flute; East; Billy White, DE/OL, Elizabeth Fisher, Violin; East; Geneva Gaukel, Bass; • District 2: Mikal Settle, Julian Gruber, Violin; Students in Sarah Skidmore’s art QB, Roosevelt; Luke Olivia Helton, Violin; Mila class at Oak Park Elementary Donnelly, TE/DE, Kaut, Violin; Shana Liu, School colored pictures for families to enjoy while eating at the annual Roosevelt; Prince Krah, Violin; Anna Steenson, Parks Community Thanksgiving WR/DB, Roosevelt; Brad Cello; Andrew Thai, Violin Dinner. This year volunteers served Warren, LB, North; Tim • Chorus: Joshua Smith 4,000 dinners to needy families. Turner, WR, North. (Lincoln), Tenor; Rebekah • District 3: Darius Ostermann (North), Shumpert, RB, Lincoln; Soprano

9 Celebrating Our Achievements Continued from Page 9... and professional development Berniece Ford, who teaches 2nd the magazine was impressed with programs. Jessica Watson is a grade at Phillips Traditional the energy efficiency efforts that multi-age science teacher at the School, was recognized as an have been a part of our school Downtown School in the Des “honored nominee” at the Excellence renovation projects which have led Moines Public Schools. Molly in Education Awards banquet to millions of dollars in utility cost Sweeney is a multi-age math hosted by the Iowa State Education savings. According to the magazine, teacher at the Downtown School in Association. the honorees were selected from the Des Moines Public Schools hundreds of nominations submitted from around the country. The ADMINISTRATION selected districts are of various sizes Sarah Majoros of Madison and demographics representing Elementary School was named Des Moines Public Schools is one 28 states. DMPS is one of the the 2014 Iowa Elementary School of the inaugural recipients of the featured honorees in the magazine’s Counselor of the Year by ISCA. Districts of Distinction award, a new November issue. In their article honor for the nation’s school districts about DMPS, they note “Over presented by District Administration its first five years, that dependable Goodrell Middle School teacher magazine. DMPS was among the revenue stream has supported a flood Eric Galvin was awarded the awardees for the work being done of innovative school renovations WHO-TV/Allied Insurance through the district’s Student First focused on energy efficiency and Golden Apple. program, an effort to renovate and environmental stewardship in all of upgrade school facilities throughout the city’s neighborhoods.” all of Des Moines. In particular,

Look who we found outside raking leaves and making friends with the neighbors this fall! South Union 4th and 5th grade student council members and Principal Bill Szakacs spent the afternoon serving their neighborhood. We had a big, positive response to our Midwest Lunch in October. Students gobbled up roasted chicken drumsticks from Denison, locally grown sweet corn and apple crisp, sourced from 10 local apple orchards. The chefs at the DMPS Central Nutrition Center are continually looking for ways to incorporate Iowa products into school lunches. New this year, the CNC is working on a Food Rescue project aimed at reducing food waste at lunchtime. Watch dmschools.org for more details.

10 A Note from Superintendent Ahart about Winter Weather

Dear DMPS Families:

The official start of winter is still about a week away, but the weather is making up its own mind. I have a sister who teaches in Minnesota. Her district has already missed one day of school due to weather. I am grateful that I’ve not had to make that decision … yet.

My top priority as superintendent is student safety. When it comes to inclement weather, the health, safety and well-being of our students drives my decisions. After serving as superintendent for two winter seasons, I have been made aware that each of my weather-related decisions is equally supported and opposed. I know I cannot please everyone, but I want you to understand what drives my decisions.

When extreme weather is imminent, the DMPS operations staff and I are actively investigating and monitoring the precipitation, temperature, wind chill, and road conditions. Additionally, I stay in contact with the superintendents of our neighboring districts, the National Weather Service and other sources to ensure that I have the most comprehensive information available to inform my decision.

When the information supports it, I may make a decision that differs from that of some of our neighboring districts. There are a number of reasons that this may be the case, so please know that when that happens it is not random. Some of the factors that may be different in DMPS than in other districts include: the number of rural miles that buses need to traverse; the number of students that walk to school; coordination with Des Moines Area Regional Transit which transports a number of our middle and high school students; and coordination of our very large food service operation. The decision to call a late-start or an early-release instead of cancelling school altogether must be made earlier in Des Moines than in most other districts for the reasons mentioned above.

Regardless of what decision is made, we also consider the ripple effect it has on the entire community: not only for our 32,000 students and 5,000 employees but for tens of thousands of parents and family members, many of whom must go to work no matter the weather. Whatever decision is made, and we realize any decision will have those who disagree, it is made based on the best information available and in the best interest of our students and staff. With this in mind, I encourage you to create a plan for your family in the event of a school cancellation, late start or early dismissal. I know these changes to our routine are disruptive and challenging for our families.

Finally, regarding the timing of the decision: my goal is to make a decision prior to the 10:00 PM news the evening before, but that is not always practical. Temperature and precipitation conditions can change rapidly. I always attempt to make a decision as early as possible, but one that is also defensible the next morning. It is much more convenient for you to know what will happen as far in advance as possible and we strive to provide clarity as early as possible.

Thank you for your support of Des Moines Public Schools and your flexibility as we make our way through another Iowa winter. I wish each of you a happy holiday season with family and friends and safe travels.

Sincerely,

Tom Ahart, Superintendent

11 How to Learn of Weather-Related Changes to the School Schedule

There are several ways DMPS Second, DMPS will use the notifies the community of Infinite Campus automated weather-related cancellations, message system. If you have delays or early dismissals. an Infinite Campus account, please make sure your contact First, if you use social media, be information is accurate. If you sure to follow the district’s Twitter do not have an Infinite Campus or Facebook pages, or download account, your child’s school can /dmschools the DMPS Mobile App to receive help you set one up. notifications on your phone. Finally, the local media is Announcements are also made notified of weather-related on the DMPS web site and on school changes and normally /dmschools DMPS-TV (Mediacom channel share such announcements 12.1 or 812). on-air or online.

Students Start Flexing Voting Muscles

Merrill Middle School and The Downtown School students cast Students Harvest Eggs, Chickens ballots on paper and online on Students in the agriculture sciences program at Central Campus often get out from Election Day 2014. The mock behind their desks and into the farmyard. This fall the urban farmers sold eggs and cleaned elections brought with them lessons chickens. They also took care of pigs and cattle. Danielle Wanfalt, the class instructor, says in voter registration, booth and the program plans to expand the egg laying operation. ballot design. Students said their Right now they have 11 laying hens so production numbers are going up. As of votes were most influenced by December 4th they’d produced and sold 366 eggs since the beginning of the school year. what they heard on the car radio They sell for $3/dozen and $4/18-pack. and saw on TV. Meat chickens are selling @ $3/lb. and are bagged and ready for sale. Revenue generated through these projects funds new animals at the lab, new equipment, feed and etc. This helps the program be self- sustaining and allows for new opportunities for the students.

12 A New Newsletter: Coming in 2015 Happy Holidays!

Those of us in the Department of Communications and Public Affairs often feel like we have Winter recess and all that comes with the easiest jobs in the district because we get to brag about all the great work being done it is only days away. Best wishes to all on a daily basis by everybody else, from administrators to teachers to food servers to bus DMPS staff, students and families for a drivers to, most frequently and importantly, our students. We never run short of stories to safe, healthy and joyous holiday season. tell. In fact, it’s hard to keep up! We do our best. Here’s a reminder about the district’s Starting in early 2015, we are going to have a new (and we hope improved) newsletter. It will holiday calendar: be an actual e-newsletter – linking you to the latest news and information – as opposed to the current PDF newsletter. The frequency will be increased to monthly in order to provide Dec 22-Jan 2 Winter recess – not only more timely updates about the good things taking place at DMPS but also more No school regular announcements for the families we serve. Dec 24-25 Holiday – No school, officesclosed

Dec 31 Holiday – No school, Harding Middle School’s Arts Alive officesclosed Performing Arts Troupe became a flash Jan. 1 Holiday – No school, mob, treating visitors at Capital Square to officesclosed a full make-up and costumed performance of Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Jan. 5 – Classes resume

More DMPS News and Information The DMPS Community Report Available Online and On Air DECEMBER/JANUARY | Vol. 7 No. 3 The DMPS Community Report is Des Moines Public Schools is the largest provider of public education in Iowa, which means one published by the office of newsletter alone cannot provide all of the information or share all of the stories about everything Communications and Public Affairs. taking place in your school district. More news and information is always available online or on air. Editor/Writer: Phil Roeder ONLINE Writer: Amanda Lewis, Mike Wellman You can find information on our schools, news, stories, data, contacts and more on the DMPS Designer: Adam Rohwer web site at www.dmschools.org and on our mobile app available for iOS and Android. In addition, Photographer: Kyle Knicely, Jon Lemons follow DMPS on the following social media sites: • Facebook: facebook.com/dmschools • Twitter: twitter.com/dmschools Des Moines Public Schools • Pinterest: pinterest.com/dmschools Office of Communications and Public Affairs 901 Walnut Street Des Moines, IA 50309

ON THE AIR (515) 242-8162 Tune in to DMPS-TV on Mediacom Cable channels 12.1 and 812 at any time to see stories about programs and events from throughout the school district. If you do not subscribe www.dmschools.org to cable television, you can still view stories online at www.dmschools. org. And if you’re in the mood for interesting talk and music, tune into Des Moines Public Schools’ own radio station - 2014-2015 Board of Directors KDPS 88.1 - where your hosts are students from Central Campus and GrandView University. Cindy Elsbernd, Chair Rob X. Barron, Vice Chair Bill Howard The Des Moines Independent Community School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status Connie Boesen (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) Teree Caldwell-Johnson in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for Toussaint Cheatom processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this Pat Sweeney policy, please contact the district’s Office of Human Resources, 901Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309; phone: 515-242-7911.

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