High school graduation is a proud milestone for students and families. A diploma represents achievement, perseverance, and the start of a new journey.

But what if that diploma carried even greater value? What if it reflected not just the completion of high school but also a student’s unique strengths, passions, and future goals?

That’s the idea behind Diploma+, a new program at Des Moines Public Schools designed to make high school more meaningful by giving students opportunities to explore their interests, gain valuable experience, and graduate better prepared for what comes next.

In this episode, host Amanda Lewis speaks with Chief Academic Officer Dr. Robert Lundin about this new program.

Learn more about Diploma+ by clicking here.

Come Here. Become Here.

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Hosted by Amanda Lewis

Produced by Kyle Knicley, DMPS-TV

Graduation season is always a time of reflection, pride, and hope for what’s ahead. No moment captures that more than the words shared by our student commencement speakers.

In this special episode, we’re bringing you the voices of the Class of 2025. You’ll hear speeches from the graduating seniors of East, Hoover, Lincoln, North, and Roosevelt high schools -- students who represent the heart, determination, and diversity of our district.

Let’s celebrate the Class of 2025.

Watch the full graduations here.

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Hosted by Amanda Lewis

Produced by Kyle Knicley, DMPS-TV

Three DMPS schools have earned the prestigious ⁠RAMP⁠ designation from the ⁠American School Counselor Association⁠ (ASCA), and ⁠East High School⁠ is receiving the Program of Promise Award. Let’s explore what these awards mean and why they matter.

Joining the discussion is Erin Kruger Cavazos, the K-12 Counseling Coordinator at DMPS, Mike Freund, a school counselor from East High School, and Barbara Hogan who is the counselor at The Downtown School, and formerly at ⁠Wright Elementary⁠.

We had so much to cover, we made it a two-parter! Join Erin, Mike, and Barbara as they continue the conversation on school counseling, diving deeper into Social Emotional Learning and Iowa's pediatric mental health crisis.

Learn more about ⁠counseling at DMPS⁠.

Come Here. Become Here.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dmschools.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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Hosted by Amanda Lewis

Produced by Kyle Knicley, DMPS-TV

Three DMPS schools have earned the prestigious RAMP designation from the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), and East High School is receiving the Program of Promise Award. Let’s explore what these awards mean and why they matter.

Joining the discussion is Erin Kruger Cavazos, the K-12 Counseling Coordinator at DMPS, Mike Freund, a school counselor from East High School, and Barbara Hogan who is the counselor at The Downtown School, and formerly at Wright Elementary.

We had so much to cover, we made it a two-parter! Join Erin, Mike, and Barbara as they continue the conversation on school counseling, diving deeper into Social Emotional Learning and Iowa's pediatric mental health crisis. Don’t miss Part 2 releasing in mid-April.

Learn more about counseling at DMPS.

Come Here. Become Here.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dmschools.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Follow DMPS:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Flickr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Hosted by Amanda Lewis

Produced by Kyle Knicley, DMPS-TV

This episode is a live recording from the 2025 DMPS State of the Schools event held in the North High School auditorium on February 11, 2025. Reimagining Education at Des Moines Public Schools means providing the best education choices to prepare all students for successful futures.

This multi-year plan calls for major changes and improvements to enhance support for the educational outcomes of students in Des Moines.

Host Amanda Lewis and student co-host Champ-PacifiqueMukiza speak with Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts, Des Moines Mayor Connie Boesen, RE student committee member Christopher Ramirez-Chavez, and DMEA Associate Executive Director Doug Smith to discuss the aspirational goal of reimagining education and reinvigorating schools.

Learn more about the Reimagining Education plan ⁠here⁠.

Come Here. Become Here.

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Hosted by Amanda Lewis

Produced by Kyle Knicley, DMPS-TV

The DMPS Foundation exists to provide direct financial support for teacher requests — whether it’s for decodable books to enhance literacy, gardening supplies to foster hands-on learning, or outdoor murals that inspire creativity and pride in their schools.

We know that teachers go above and beyond to create meaningful learning experiences for their students. The Foundation is here to help.

Host Amanda Lewis speaks with DMPS Board Member and Foundation Chair Jenna Knox and Foundation Board Member Jazlyn Fitz about the initiatives and fundraising events that help to bridge resource gaps.

Learn more about the DMPS Foundation and consider donating here.

Come Here. Become Here.

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Hosted by Amanda Lewis

Produced by Kyle Knicley, DMPS-TV

Iowa School Performance Profile Shows 16 DMPS Schools Improve Categorization Since Last Year

From growth and proficiency in various subject areas to school attendance to high school graduation, many important factors go into looking at the growth and success of students and schools.

In Iowa, the Iowa School Performance Profile (ISPP) serves as an important measurement of the state’s public schools. At Des Moines Public Schools, the results include reasons to celebrate as well as a reminder that much work remains to be done.

Director of Assessment, Data and Evaluation, Jocelyn Sturgis about ISPP designations.

For more information about DMPS and the ISPP: State Report Shows Areas of Growth, Room to Improve

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Hosted by Amanda Lewis

Produced by Kyle Knicley, DMPS-TV

Options Academy is a program for Des Moines Public Schools students who need a new path to their high school diploma. Options students earn their diploma by finishing their credit requirements through self-paced classes and/or HiSET exams.

In addition to a personalized teaching and learning plan for each student, Options Academy also provides students with career coaching and post secondary opportunities.

Host Amanda Lewis speaks with Options Academy Principal, Amanda Dvorak and CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Central Iowa, Tony Timm about this growing program.

Learn more about Options by visiting their website.

Come Here. Become Here.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dmschools.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Follow DMPS: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Flickr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Hosted by Amanda Lewis

Produced by Kyle Knicley, DMPS-TV