If you’re new to the Downtown School, there are probably a few terms you’re unfamiliar with like, “All School Sing” or “Book Swap” or “Balanced Literacy”! You’re not alone. Our PTA has created a “Glossary of Terms” for DTS parents. Click on the headline above to check it out. Or find it under the “Parents” tab.

We hope everyone had a terrific first day at school! Remember, the school doors open at 7:50 a.m., school begins at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 3:15 p.m., with the exception of Wednesday. Wednesday is an early out day so teachers can focus on professional development. On Wednesdays, DTS dismisses at 1:30 p.m. Here’s to a fantastic year!

School supply lists are now available for download. They are organized by learning group. If you haven’t registered online, please do so soon. You’ll find a link to your student’s online registration on Infinite Campus. If you need help, staff will be available in the school library on Thursday, July 28 from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. Click on the headline to find your school supply list.

We ended the school year together today in the Central Campus auditorium where more than a few tears were shed! Thanks for a fantastic year. Enjoy your summer and we’ll see you back at school on August 10! To see more photos of our last All School Sing of the year, click on the image.

If you have summer food, health or clothing needs, Des Moines Public Schools and Polk County have resources for you. From immunizations to free meals, clothing to utility payments, you’ll find a list of places where help can be found. For a list of DMPS no-cost summer meal locations and times, and to learn more about other available resources, click on the headline.

Birds of a feather stick together — like the DTS Falcons and the Twitter bluebird! Take a moment to follow Downtown School on Twitter for pictures, reminders and more! Click on the Twitter bluebird for a link to our Twitter feed — then click “follow.”

Love a book? Share it! Bring in a gently used book to swap for a “new to you” book. This is a fun way to pass on a great book so you and your friends can enjoy sharing great reads! The Downtown School hosts book swaps weekly on Tuesday mornings before classes begin.

Mrs. Gerstel and Mr. Miller’s 7 and 8-year-old learners put their research, art and performance skills to the test this month when they created their own costumes, set and some of the scripting for their Seussical performance in the culminating event room. To see and download photos from the day, click on the image. Culminating events like this one happen throughout the year at DTS!

Remember, we’ve stepped into the 21st Century and installed an electronic visitor check-in. It’s a snap — if you’ve preregistered! Don’t forget to stop by Deb’s desk with your driver’s license to get registered. It will save you time the next time you’re in a hurry to get to a culminating event. Check-in is mandatory — district orders! Click on the headline to learn more about this district-wide initiative.

Bright Horizons at The Downtown School is now accepting applications for summer camp care, offered weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Central Campus. Bright Horizons offers a summer calendar for a sneak peek at summer activities. Full-time, part-time and drop-in care is available. For contact information, click on the headline.