Patch AM: How Des Moines Schools Reduced Chronic Absenteeism This Year
Good morning Des Moines! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️
In today's newsletter:
How did Des Moines schools drive down chronic absenteeism this year?
How a Des Moines toy giveaway is reshaping police-community trust
How a Des Moines rabbi is responding to overseas antisemitic violence
Also on today's calendar:
The Angel Tree at Outlets of Des Moines
and 9 more events.
Today's riddle:
My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Weather forecast:
Thursday:
Very windy; rain and drizzle, with a high of 41 and low of 12 degrees.
⛄️ Brr!
Friday:
Breezy in the afternoon, temps: high: 36, low: 30.
Saturday:
Partly sunny, with a high of 42 and low of 20 degrees.
📰
News we're reading
- DMPS sees improvement in student attendance, chronic absenteeism down
Des Moines Public Schools have cut chronic absenteeism to 26%, down from about 30% last year, and are stepping up early outreach to families when students miss class. Local staff credit persistent communication, support for transportation and illness challenges, and new statewide guidance under Senate File 277. Families are urged to contact schools early if they’re struggling to keep kids attending regularly.
- Des Moines toy giveaway strengthens bonds between police and refugee families
A Des Moines toy giveaway at Zion Lutheran Church brought about 300 refugee and immigrant children together with law enforcement cadets acting as personal shoppers, aiming to build trust in a familiar setting. Organizers raised more than $10,000 statewide to make the event possible and say the church’s weekly “Stars” program continues supporting 100–200 local kids beyond the holidays.
- Des Moines rabbi mourns cousin killed in terrorist attack at Australia Hanukkah celebration
A Des Moines rabbi is grieving his cousin, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was killed in an antisemitic mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia. Speaking from Des Moines, Rabbi Levi Goldstein describes his cousin’s dedication to Jewish outreach and vows that local Jews will not hide their identity despite rising hate.
- Identity of man found dead in Des Moines homeless camp released
Authorities have released the name of a 55-year-old man found dead late Sunday in a homeless encampment in northeast Des Moines, about a mile north of Polk County River Place. Investigators now believe existing medical conditions, not just cold exposure, may have contributed to his death, and say foul play is not suspected while they await final autopsy results.
- Drake University launches new disability and rehabilitation services program
Des Moines students considering careers in disability support now have a new option at Drake University: a Bachelor of Science in Disability and Rehabilitation Services launching in Spring 2026. The program, based in Drake’s School of Education, prepares graduates for roles in agencies, schools, and HR departments statewide, with up to $10,000 per semester in extra scholarships for those pursuing certain rehabilitation careers.
📸 Around Des Moines
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🗓
Upcoming Events in Des Moines
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
Thursday December 18
The Angel Tree at Outlets of Des Moines
Outlets of Des Moines, 801 Bass Pro Dr NW, Altoona
10:00 am
Outlets of Des Moines Toys for Tots Drive
Outlets of Des Moines, 801 Bass Pro Dr NW, Altoona
10:00 am
Howl-iday Cookie Class
Paws & Pints, 6218 Willowmere Dr, Des Moines
5:30 pm
Comedy Penthouse
Bash Events & Catering, 1312 Locust St, Des Moines
7:00 pm
Friday December 19
Boys Basketball: Des Moines Roosevelt vs Des Moines Lincoln (JV1)
Roosevelt High School, Des Moines, IA 50312
4:45 pm
Girls Basketball: Des Moines East vs Ottumwa (JV1)
East High School, Des Moines, IA 50316
4:45 pm
Boys Basketball: Des Moines East vs Ottumwa (JV1)
East High School, Des Moines, IA 50316
4:45 pm
Girls Basketball: Des Moines Roosevelt vs Des Moines Lincoln (JV1)
Roosevelt High School, Des Moines, IA 50312
4:45 pm
Saturday December 20
"Bill Owens Work and Leisure" on view December 20, 2025 - April 19, 2026
Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines
10:00 am
12 Bars of Christmas - Des Moines
Pints Bar Rooftop - PBR Country, 319 Court Ave, Des Moines
4:00 pm
Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
Scottish Rite Consistory, 519 Park St, Des Moines
8:45 pm
Sunday December 21
Candy Cane Course - Des Moines
Big Creek State Park, 8550 NW 142nd Ave, Polk City, IA, 50226
9:00 am
📣 Des Moines Shout Outs!
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It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself!
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💬
Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
Lost dog roaming around 27th and woodland.
Has a collar but won’t let me near it to try to get the number. (Nextdoor Woodland Heights)
Hey Neighbors, I was thinking of ways to reduce expenses and had an idea.
Groceries are a big chunk of the budget but being able to buy in bulk can be more cost effective than getting things in small quantities. The… (Nextdoor Oak Park)
Atrium Hospitality posted a job opening for Front Desk Night Auditor in Des Moines. Apply here.
G2 Secure Staff posted a job opening for Ramp Agent in Des Moines. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Des Moines here.
Ok Des Moines!
So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to DISCOVERTRENDAM!
-- The DISCOVERTRENDAM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle:
I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for DISCOVERTRENDAM? Send it to us!
👉
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