Character Day Explores Literary Interests

Downtown School may have some of the best class photos in the district. Students and teachers dressed up as a favorite book character for a rally and group photos in the library. Dozens of characters were represented and students were all smiles. Click the image for more photos.

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‘Peep, Peep,’ Says Ricky the Chick

If you hear, “Peep, peep, peep,” coming from Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Wheeler’s classroom, you can believe your ears. A brooder with half-dozen chicks now sits in the middle of the room. Students have been learning about the life cycle of a chicken. To read more about it and see photos, click on the image.

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Downtown Pep Rally Scores Big

The Downtown School Pep Rally was one of several events this week to honor teachers. The rally was sports themed. Teachers wore matching jerseys and entered the auditorium through a tunnel of graduating 5th graders to the cheers of hundreds of pompom waving students. The teachers were also treated to lunch, ice cream, flowers and a whole lot of thanks. Click the pic to see more.

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Civil War Play Shows Large Effort

Downtown School nine, ten and eleven-year-olds researched the Civil War and put on a play for their classmates complete with music, costumes, multiple sets and lots of historical facts. The musical was written, directed and designed by the children in Amanda Clark and Molly Sweeney’s Learning Group. To read more and see photos, click on the image.

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Downtown School Adds DMPS-TV 12.1

DMPS-TV 12.1 is one of the first things to greet you when you walk in the front doors of the Downtown School. It’s a new addition, and one Principal John Johnson says show-cases the wonderful educational activities taking place all over the district. “It is important for visitors to know we are proud to be a part of Des Moines Public Schools,” he said.

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7/8 Years Find it is ‘Easy Being Green’

Downtown school’s 7/8 year old learning groups say it’s so easy being green, they’ve written a musical about it!  See how easy it can be to save energy and the environment.  The students performed in the Central Campus Auditorium …

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Students Learn About Activity, Snacks

Mrs. Miller’s learning group takes a break and enjoys a healthy snack after joining the entire Downtown School student body for 30 minutes of sustained exercise in the Central Campus Gym.  Downtown School students have been learning about …

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Kindergarten Musical Features Farmers

Mrs. Wheeler’s kindergarten students dress up to hoedown! The musical featured farmers, worms and everything you want to know about los pollitos. The students have been learning about animals and life on the farm. To see more fun photos, click on the picture!

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Downtown School PTO Receives Grant

Downtown School’s PTO received a $5,000 grant from the Rotary Club of Des Moines today. The money will be used for new library furniture. RCDM members often read to Downtown School students and donate books weekly to the library in honor of their keynote speakers.

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Great Minds Think Alike

Six Downtown School teachers found themselves in the Zebra Club on Tuesday. Principal John Johnson says it’s a record! Click the picture to see the fun we had with our dress-alike teachers.

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