February

Welcome to February at The Downtown School. You'll find some new information and several important dates below.

You may have seen a recent article published in the Des Moines Register referencing budget constraints and the possibility of closing programs/schools at DMPS. I can assure you that The Downtown School has been allocated for the '23-'24 school year.

As always, please reach out with any questions that may come up.

We are here to SERVE,

Mr. Burnett

February Break

No School - February Break - No school the week of February 13th - February 17th

The Downtown School Auction

YOUR SUPPORT NEEDED!

Every other year, The Downtown School puts on an Auction for various products/services that our community has a connection to. This is by far our largest fundraiser! Our auction will be on April 20th at Ricochet in downtown Des Moines. In the meantime, we would LOVE if you could help us begin compiling the list of possible items/services to be auctioned off. Be thinking of a special experience you could provide another family, any connections to businesses that might want to donate something, or any other service or item that you think could bring in to generate some auction action! Please email the following PTA volunteers for ideas and donations towards the cause!

Emily Argo - ewurst7686@gmail.com or Sarah Shaffer - sarahc815@yahoo.com

Movie Night Follow Up

The PTA was overwhelmed and pleased to see so many families at this year’s movie night.

However, as anyone in attendance can attest, this event was both fun and frustrating for many families. We are sincerely sorry that students were injured during this year’s event.

Movie Night, the upcoming Skate Night, and most other PTA-sponsored events are designed for students to enjoy with their families. At these family events, supervision of students is not provided by the PTA or staff members; it is up to families to set and enforce boundaries and rules.

Thanks to all the families who shared their concerns and experiences at Movie Night with the PTA. At the recent PTA Board Meeting, we decided not to hold a Movie Night during the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. The PTA also plans to ensure that logistics and expectations for future PTA-sponsored events are communicated more directly to families.

Thanks for your grace and participation as we continue to find safe and fun ways to connect families, support our classrooms, and create a strong Downtown School community.