The Department of Learning Supports: The mission of the Des Moines Public Schools Department of Learning Supports is to connect schools with families and community in order to expand opportunities for students to graduate. Last year, 4,921 students were provided personalized learning supports to remove barriers to academic success such as; poverty, below grade level skills in reading and math, failing grades, frequent absences, behavior concerns and other learning barriers. Three programs within the Learning Supports Department include:

Project Connect Mentoring Program is a school-based mentoring program, which utilizes mentors in order to foster academic achievement and positive social/emotional development for at-risk elementary, middle and high school students. The program is provided in 17 Des Moines Public School buildings and Holy Family (K-8 private school). Year-round programming is provided and includes mentor training and student learning activities. Mentors are recruited from a number of organizations including Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC). Students are referred to the program by counselors, teachers, and SUCCESS case managers. The program also provides students and mentors the opportunity to participate in evening, weekend and summer programming.

SUCCESS Program is a school-based youth services program offered year-round on a prenatal to age 21 basis, and is available in 31 Des Moines elementary, middle and high schools. The program is predicated on the belief that students are best served when their social, emotional, and behavioral needs as well as their academic needs are met. Professional staff with backgrounds in human services are employed as case managers to engage students and families in removing barriers that interfere with students’ academic, social, and/or vocational growth. Numerous linkages are made with community services, and various agencies reposition staff within the schools. SUCCESS case managers offer over 60 different after-school and summer groups that focus on such areas as social skill building, drug and violence prevention, tutoring, and service learning. Way To Grow family development specialists focus on the most vulnerable young families who are pregnant or have children under the age of six to prepare them for school success.

Ron Sallade Children’s School Clothing Program has one objective – to meet the basic school clothing needs of Polk County students from low-income and homeless families. Students qualify for fifty-dollar vouchers, based on economic need or free or reduced price lunch eligibility. The program provides clothing undergarments, footwear, coats and gloves to families that might not otherwise be able to afford these items.

For further information on the programs of the Department of Learning Supports, please contact:

Jennifer Farley

Dropout Prevention Specialist

Department of Learning Supports

Des Moines Public Schools

(515) 242-7890

Jennifer.farley@dmps.k12.ia.us

For further information on the Des Moines Public Schools, please visit our website: