Des Moines Elementary School
23801 16th Avenue South Des Moines, WA 98198

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students at Des Moines

Welcome to Des Moines Elementary

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Latest News

The Power Of Belonging: Student Voices

At Highline, our goal is for everyone to feel they belong the moment they step through the doors. A Culture of Belonging is the first of four goals in our new strategic plan, “Living Our Promise.” Through the voices of our Superintendent’s Student Leadership Team, discover the difference a Culture of Belonging makes in fostering meaningful connections, self-confidence and academic success.

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ParentSquare offers an easy way to keep up-to-date with your child's school. Download the app to see school news and information, review upcoming events, direct message teachers, set your notification preferences and more.

SBG, Standards-based grading

This year, Highline is implementing a new instructional approach standards-based instruction and grading (SBI/G). SBI/G measures your student's progress toward the learning goals for their grade. Here are seven ways families, parents and guardians can support students with their learning.

SBG, Standards-based grading

Your child's report card will be distributed in the next few weeks. A report card communicates a student's learning progress during the grading period. All Highline schools are using standards-based grading (SBG) this year, and student’s scores will reflect this. 

SBG, Standards-based grading

The state sets standards for what students should know and be able to do at each grade level.  Standards-based grading (SBG) measures a student’s learning of specific standards. Traditional grading gives students points for individual assignments or effort, but SBG shows a student's progress toward learning standards. SBG ensures that grades reflect a student’s academic performance and understanding of the material, rather than their behavior or effort. This results in a more accurate representation of a student’s abilities and progress.

We’re Listening: How Our Community is Guiding SEL Development

In shaping the future of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), we prioritized your voice. From 45 Community Advisory Sessions, clear themes emerged: a need for engagement, belonging, and recognition of each student's uniqueness. Students voiced a need for trust, connection, and tools to navigate challenges. Families, community and staff shared a need for collaboration, cultural responsiveness, and lessons on emotional well-being. These insights will guide our 2023-24 SEL framework, ensuring it's community-focused and student-centered.

SBG, Standards-based grading

Have you recently asked your child, “How was school” and “Did you do your homework?” Here are some suggestions for other questions you may consider asking your child about school.

School Director Joe Van points to a voting drop box.

On Highline ballots is the opportunity to vote for school board candidates in Districts 1, 4 and 5. Our five school board directors play a vital role in guiding the direction of our schools. Don’t forget to vote by 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7. See important election dates, directions and links for more information.

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Cyberbullying has emerged as a new form of harassment, causing emotional and psychological distress among students. To provide guidance for students and families, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) offers the following tips and recommendations to ensure safe online interactions.

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Navigating special education? Let our Special Education Family Liaison guide you. Get help with system guidance, collaborative problem-solving, IEP meeting support, language assistance, 
 

Our Mission

At Des Moines Elementary, we value each of the roles within our community. We view students, families, teachers, and staff as integral components to ongoing success. We see every member of our community as having something to offer, something to gain, and many ways to demonstrate success.

Explore our mission