DES MOINES, Iowa — With back to school fast approaching, and looking much different amid the pandemic, families across central Iowa may be wondering if the first day of school will be different.
Many school districts have already adjusted when classes will start.
Return to Learn plans are subject to approval from the state, with state law mandating at least 50% of teaching be in-person unless a waiver is granted.
Districts in violation of the law will not receive credit towards the state's 180-day instructional time requirement.
For more information on your school's Return to Learn plans, click here.
Ames
The Ames Community School District board voted on Monday to move the first day of school back two weeks to Tuesday, Sept. 8. The district also scheduled "Return to Learn" conferences from Aug. 31-Sept. 4.
Students' last day of school will be June 8, 2021.
Ankeny
Due to the derecho storms, Ankeny Schools delayed their start date to August 27.
Des Moines
The first day of school for DMPS is currently set for Aug. 26.
Des Moines Public Schools has two "cohort" classes for those who opt for hybrid learning.
Grades K-8
- Cohort B: Thursday, August 27
- Cohort A: Monday, August 31
Grade 9
- Home high school: Friday, August 28
- Central Campus: Thursday, August 27
Grade 10
- Home high school: Thursday, August 27
- Central Campus: Friday, August 28
Grade 11
- Home high school: Tuesday, September 1
- Central Campus: Monday, August 31
Grade 12
- Home high school: Monday, August 31
- Central Campus: Tuesday, September 1
The district is also working on submitting a plan to the state to delay the start of school until after Labor Day.
Johnston
The Johnston Community School District has announced their first day of class will be Aug. 24.
Administrators said this is regardless of learning plan.
Urbandale
With the exception of Rolling Green Elementary, the first day of school for the Urbandale Community School District is Aug. 25.
Waukee
On Monday, the Waukee Community School District board approved moving the start of school to Aug. 25.
They said there won't be school on Aug. 28.
West Des Moines
West Des Moines Community School District is planning to have their first day of class on Aug. 26.
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