Community Partnerships play a pivotal role in the success of our schools, providing support and resources to meet student and family needs that go beyond what is typically available. The guiding principles for Community Partnerships are to strengthen and expand the bridge between the school and the community. While DMPS is charged with the academic education of nearly 30,000 students, we know our success is dependent on the wrap-around supports that so many of our students need and that our partners play an important role in providing.

Definitions:

Community Partners are year-round organizations or businesses that provide FREE services or resources to students and families.

Vendors are contracted fee-based partners that serve students and families, at the schools’ discretion. The Office of Community Engagement does not manage vendors. If you are seeking information to become a vendor of Des Moines Public Schools, please contact Desmoines.Purchasingdept@dmschools.org.

The 21st Century Community Learning Center program provides academic assistance to help students become successful, independent learners. Students in 21st CCLC programs receive tailored, individualized support through coordination between their daytime teachers and their after-school teachers. The Office of Community Engagement does not manage the 21^st Century program or selection of vendors. If you are seeking information regarding 21^st Century, please reach out to claudia.young@dmschools.org.

Becoming an Official Community Partner

How to become an official partner:

• Step 1:Complete Community Partner Identification Tool.
• Step 2:Upon completion, a staff member will be in contact to schedule a connect to ensure alignment with the district.
• Step 3:A partnership agreement will be sent to organization contact for electronic signature via Adobe DocuSign. With the partnership agreement, the organization will need to provide insurance and a background check policy.
• Step 4:Upon approval a Community in Schools Coordinator or appropriate school staff will assist you in working with the schools. The services provided must be in coordination with each individual school schedule and should not disrupt the school day. Maintain regular communication with your coordinator and the Office of Community Engagement.
• Step 5:Renewal process for all current partners will occur on an annual basis beginning every June. New partnerships accepted year-round.

Community Partnership Renewal Process

Thank you so much for your continued partnership with Des Moines Public Schools.  Partnership agreements are completed on an annual basis beginning in November. All partnership agreements are valid January to December.

•  Step 1: Attend annual community partner presentation. Information sent out annually from the Office of Community Engagement.
• Step 2: Complete the Community Partner Identification Tool. Only one (1) request per organization, please fill out the various programs associated with your organization in the request.
• Step 3: A partnership agreement will be sent to organization contact for electronic signature via Adobe DocuSign.
• Step 4: Update insurance certificate (if applicable) with Des Moines Public Schools as a named insured at 2100 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321
• Step 5: Once updated, a community partner staff member will sign the partnership agreement and a fully executed agreement will automatically be sent.

Community Partner Requirements

Insurance Requirements

Background Check

Your organization acknowledges in the Community Partnership Agreement that it is aware that the District prohibits any employee, contractor, or volunteer who is listed on the sex offender, child abuse, or dependent adult abuse registry or who has been convicted of anything other than simple misdemeanor from providing services under this CPA. Organization will at it’s expense, complete a criminal background check, including [federal and multi-state] criminal, sex offender, child abuse, and dependent adult abuse registries on all employees, contractors, or volunteers who may be providing services to DMPS’s students or may be present on DMPS property including but not limited to school buildings, programs, or activities.