🌱 Capitol View Elementary Offers ASL Classes + Students Walk Out

Hello again, Des Moines! Important update: You all, as readers, have made the Des Moines Daily so successful that it is my honor to announce the next stage of the newsletter. Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Des Moines Daily. Although I have loved getting to know this community, we want to pass the torch to someone truly local to write about Des Moines long term. So if you're interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

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First, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 56 Low: 32.

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Here are the top three stories today in Des Moines:

1. After noticing a disconnect between deaf and hard-of-hearing students and their parents, Capitol View Elementary School is working to bridge the gap. In January, school staff started offering American Sign Language classes to parents and others who have a relationship with deaf students. The school is planning to start offering an ASL 2 class after spring break. That class will be Mondays at 5:30 p.m. in the school library. This will be in addition to the ASL 1 class, which is offered Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. in the same location. (Local 5 - weareiowa.com)
2. More than 100 students at Central Academy walked out Friday afternoon in protest of the state's new law banning transgender girls from participating in girls' sports at the K-12 and college levels. The students marched several blocks up Grand Avenue to the Governor's Mansion, chanting and holding signs supporting transgender rights. Des Moines Public Schools says it supports students' right to free speech, but it counts absences for those who missed class. (KCCI Des Moines)
3. A woman was sentenced to 30 years in prison after dragging a Washington Police officer for several blocks in a stolen car back in August 2020. Hours later police found the stolen car abandoned in a bean field in Washington with drug paraphernalia and meth inside the vehicle. Brooks was eventually found in Texas, where she was arrested and transported back to Washington County in Jan. 2021. Brooks pled guilty to Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Deliver, two counts of Theft in the Second Degree, and Interference with Official Acts While Using or Displaying a Dangerous Weapon. (KCRG)

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Today in Des Moines:

• Baby Bounce - Urbandale Public Library (9:00 AM)
• Toddler Time - Urbandale Public Library (9:50 AM)
• Air Plant Homes Drop-in - Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden (10:00 AM)
• Preschool Storytime - Urbandale Public Library (10:45 AM)
• Puzzlemania - Urbandale Public Library (2:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• During April, as you make your list for grocery shopping, make sure to add the reusable bags to it! $1 of every "My Heart" reusable Hy-Vee bag purchased goes to Hope Animal Rescue of Iowa when purchased at the MLK Des Moines Location. (Facebook)
• Join the Des Moines Historical Society for another engaging virtual program from Earl Short, the preeminent Des Moines streetcar historian! Earl's program will focus on the Fort Des Moines streetcar line which went into service in 1901 and ran until 1950 when it was converted to gas buses. Earl will also share information about various interesting sights on the line leading up to the fort. Numerous historic photographs of the fort itself will also be featured. This presentation is free and open to the public. (Facebook)
• An exciting new program is coming to East High School. Thanks to the support from the EHS Alumni Foundation, the Avenue Scholars Foundation will start at East a year ahead of schedule, providing career and college opportunities for more students. (Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow morning for another update.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.