Our Impact

Work by the Foundation is underway to raise funds and identify worthy recipients.

This page will provide updates on and examples of some of the work of the Foundation, including how your contributions are being put to good use and the impact being made on behalf of Des Moines Public Schools.

Be sure to check this page from time to time to see some of the effort currently underway by the Des Moines Public Schools Foundation:

Summer All-City Honor Band Camp

The Des Moines Summer All-City Honor Band Camp’s 19th year was in jeopardy of being cancelled due to financial shortfalls. But, thanks to a donation from the Foundation and a last minute increase in enrollment, the camp was able to continue. In fact, the Summer Band Camp was the very first donation made by the Foundation, as chair Margaret Borgen presented a check during the camp’s finale concert.

Teacher Grants

Teacher Grants provide support to educators in Des Moines to do something extra: a special project or initiative that supports and adds to their work with students. The Des Moines Public Schools Foundation is pleased to support Teacher Grants through its fundraising efforts. The grants award up to $500 and are focused on two areas: science and the arts in our elementary and middle schools.

Recipients of Teacher Grants have been:

SPRING 2012

  • Capitol View Elementary School: 2nd Grade enrichment program
  • Cowles Montessori School: Butterfly Habitat: materials/resources for classroom library and butterfly garden
  • Meredith Middle School: Welcome to my World
  • Morris Elementary School: Summer arts/literacy nights
  • Moulton Extended Learning Center: science outdoor camp
  • Ruby Van Meter School: music learning lab

FALL 2012

  • Hanawalt Middle School: World Music Project
  • Harding Middle School: Share the Mic
  • Hiatt Middle School: Musical and Allied Activities
  • Wright Elementary School: Art for Learning

SPRING 2013

  • Cowles Montessori School: Cultivating Community Diverse Eco-System Gardening: Introduction to Bird Habitats
  • Hillis Elementary School: “Getting to Know You” event at the Civic Center
  • Jefferson Elementary School: Artwork installation
  • Smouse Opportunity School: Garden Project
  • Wright Elementary School: Artful Learning Initiative