(Des Moines, IA) -- Des Moines Public School students will start school Monday on a hybrid learning model. Pre-K through 12th graders will have the option of learning remotely or in class two-to-three days per week. The learning model is for students who chose that option for the first semester. The school board's vote was 4-to-3. Supporters coted concerns about falling achievement scores. Opponents said they're concerned about the COVID-19 risk to staff and teachers. The district had earlier asked the state to delay the return of most students, until January 8th. The Iowa Department of Education rejected that request.
The District has released additional information about the resumption of classes January 4th:
- Students in the hybrid learning model were assigned to either Monday/Tuesday or Thursday/Friday for in-person classes, with Wednesday’s alternating between the two groups. Next week, students in the Thursday/Friday group will attend in-person classes on Wednesday. Click here for the Wednesday calendar for the first semester.
- Masks will continue to be required at all DMPS buildings this school year, and the district will continue to practice the COVID-19 mitigation efforts that have been implemented in response to the pandemic.
- High school winter sports, which resumed practices on December 23, will be allowed to continue practices and begin competition effective Monday, January 4.
- MetroKids will offer full-day care (for virtual learning days) and after school care (for in-person hybrid day) starting next Monday. Please click here for more information and to register.
- DMPS will continue to offer all students a free breakfast and lunch this school year. How students receive meals will depend on whether they are in the hybrid or virtual learning model. Please click the meal service link in the right-hand menu for more details.
- Please note that some families may have made a different learning model selection for the second semester than for the first semester. Reminders will be provided prior to the start of the second semester on January 25.