Des Moines Public Schools

10/08/2026

We're proud to welcome Aaron Jaco as the district's new Communications and Public Relations Specialist. Bringing nearly 20 years of experience in strategic communications, he will serve as a primary media contact and support timely, transparent communication with families, staff and the broader community.

Learn more about Aaron in the news release below. ⬇

10/07/2026

Our own Dr. Gregory Barord, marine biology instructor at Central Campus DSM , is hosting a free Science Friday livestream this week! Tune in Thursday, Oct. 8, at 1pm Eastern / noon Central to learn all about the chambered nautilus, a 500 million year-old, endangered relative of the octopus and squid.

About 70 classrooms across the country have registered for this free Q&A session with Dr. Barord! Students, families, anyone can join the fun - RSVP here:

Join SciFri Educate for a live Q&A about this endangered "living fossil."

10/07/2026

SLIDE INTO WEDNESDAY with these photos from last week's Homecoming Pep Assembly at East High School. The Scarlets brought the energy with dancing, races, music, and games. Congratulations to seniors Jordan Lee and Ny’Kayla Whitson Butts, your Homecoming King and Queen.

More images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dmps/albums/72177720335950672/

10/07/2026

Big cheers from some of the smallest Railsplitters! ❤️

Abraham Lincoln High School's JV and varsity cheerleaders helped 88 students in pre-K through eighth grade learn cheers, build confidence and make new friends at the annual Junior Cheer Clinic.

The junior cheerleaders joined the varsity squad on the field for a special halftime performance!

10/06/2026

October 6, 2026 DMPS Board Work Session
Find this meeting's agenda here: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36031983&MID=33109

10/06/2026

October 6, 2026 DMPS Board Meeting
Find this meeting's agenda here: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36031983&MID=33109

10/06/2026

Every Step Supports Your School. 👟

When you participate in OneRun on Saturday, Oct. 17, you help earn a donation for your chosen preK-8 school at no cost to you.

Walk, run, cheer, or simply join the fun at Water Works Park alongside thousands of students, families, employees, and community members in support of DMPS.

Everyone is welcome. Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/IA/DesMoines/DMPSOneRun

10/06/2026

"This is not just a construction project. This is a promise kept to our community." Here are a few highlights from today's groundbreaking ceremony at Studebaker Elementary School.

Visit the links below to learn more about the classroom addition and to watch a video recording of the full ceremony.

10/05/2026

Another milestone. Another step forward. 🚧 ✅
Today, we broke ground on a classroom addition at Studebaker Elementary School. Funded by the statewide SAVE program, the project will add six classrooms to support students and staff, giving the Studebaker Lions more room to learn, collaborate and thrive.

The new space is expected to open in fall 2027 for the 2027-28 school year.

This is the fifth construction project to begin as part of our voter-approved Reimagining Education initiative. Work began in June at Brody, McCombs, Goodrell and Weeks middle schools.

It is all part of DMPS' continued effort to align facilities with student needs and future programming.

“When we invest in the places where students learn, we send a clear message that they matter and that their future matters,” said Superintendent Matt Smith. “This addition will give the Studebaker community more space to learn, collaborate and grow together.”