Des Moines Public Schools Virtual Campus K-8 Information For 2020 To 2021

Press release from the Des Moines Public Schools:

July 11, 2020

Des Moines Public Schools K – 8 Virtual Campus… Where connected online learning means more than learning at home!

A Connected, Online Education

The Des Moines Public Schools Virtual K – 8 Campus provides a connected, online education to current DMPS students, in a flexible yet structured learning environment that supports the growth and development of the whole child. Students will engage in academic instruction in all core areas, including physical education, fine arts, foreign language, and other electives. Students will be offered play-based and experiential learning opportunities so they can connect their learning with meaningful experiences, hands-on activities, and other personalized options. All courses are created and taught by Des Moines Public Schools educators in order to provide equitable access and connections for all learners to achieve through relevant, rigorous, and standards-driven learning opportunities.

Connected means… “powered with a link…”

Students will receive their own computer. Students will also receive a charger, a bag, the Canvas Student App, and Microsoft Teams. Students and families will commit to online learning for at least one semester and will follow the same school calendar as the traditional schools. Teachers will also strive align the pacing of instruction in the Virtual School with the pacing in the traditional school.

Connected means… “provided access…”

Students and families will have equitable access to academic, social-emotional learning, family and student supports, and community resources as they would in a traditional brick and mortar school setting. Students will also have access to state and district-wide assessments as another way to ensure they are progressing.

Connected means… “in a relationship…”

Students and families will have a relationship with the teacher(s) who will provide core instruction to a community of learners of approximately 25 students. Teachers will conduct small group, individual instruction, and in person, as needed. Counselors, technology personnel, bi-lingual staff, community partners, and administrative staff will strive to create a supportive school community.

Learning Cohorts

Families of current DMPS students will be able to choose from different learning cohorts for their children. Within the instructional time, students will experience:

• Whole-class, teacher-led online daily instruction
• Small group teacher-led online differentiated instruction
• Adult & teacher supported and/or independent activities

Cohort A

7:30am- 10:30am

Cohort B

11:30am- 2:30pm

Cohort C

3:30pm- 6:30pm

Virtual Campus Services

As the school year evolves and we gather feedback, K-8 Virtual Campus will adjust its practices to support the health and safety of the school community.

• Enrollment is currently open for current DMPS students.
• All students will receive instruction in Literacy, Math, Social science, and Science, as well as PE, Health, Spanish, Art, and Music.
• Teachers will provide live instruction. Just as in a traditional school setting, teachers will provide resources and guidance about how to use those when they provide project assignments.
• All students will have a Community Meeting (Elementary) or Advisory time (Middle School) in which they will build community with their classmates and receive information, social-emotional learning, and relationship-building opportunities.
• All students will continue to have a connection to their home school. Support staff, such as nurses and counselors, might continue to reach out to your family. Virtual staff and counselors will also be available to assist all students and families.
• All students and families will have access to resources for mental health services.
• School staff will identify any student who needs supplemental instruction. Extra support could be provided in either a small group online or individually. Parents will be contacted about times that will be best for their child to receive this support.
• All 504 plans will be followed by the teaching staff. ELL and Special Education supports will be accessible for students as well.
• Tutoring services will be accessible, provided by Drake University students through the Des Moines Partnership.
• School breakfast and lunch will be provided. Locations for weekly pick-up will be provided prior to the start of school. Your family is also welcome to access any school’s food pantry.
• Students will be eligible to participate in extra-curricular activities and clubs. More information will be forthcoming.

Connect with K – 8 Virtual Campus

If you are interested in enrolling your current DMPS student or learning more, please email virtualcampus@dmschools.org for more information.

This press release was produced by the Des Moines Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.