Springtime is normally an exciting time for schools. The weather warms for outdoor sports. Tuxes and gowns are arranged for proms. Concerts and plays and musicals take to the stage. And, most of all, a new class of high school graduates is celebrated.

This spring is anything but normal. The COVID-19 pandemic has meant the cancellation or postponement of events, big and small, into the summer and beyond around the world.

As Des Moines Public Schools joins a growing list of districts across the country that will not be re-opening our school buildings to complete the 2019-20 school year, it means changes to some of the things we most look forward to each Spring.

The current status of key school-related activities and events is as follows:

COMMENCEMENTS
Alternatives for how to celebrate the Class of 2020 are actively being considered, in a way other than the traditional ceremony involving thousands of people in an auditorium in late May. DMPS is exploring how this will be implemented and is committed to recognizing the accomplishments of our newest graduates.

PERFORMING ARTS
All concerts, musicals, plays and other performing arts events are cancelled for Spring 2020 and will not be rescheduled.

PROMS
All DMPS high school spring proms are canceled. High schools are looking at alternatives, such as holding at a later date. Details will be shared when known.

SPORTS
The spring sports season for DMPS high schools is cancelled. The school district will re-evaluate on June 1 and decide when to resume practices and competitions for the summer sports season. Any changes to summer sports camps, if any, will be announced at a later date.