Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How did Des Moines schools drive down chronic absenteeism this year?

Happening soon: The Angel Tree at Outlets of Des Moines on the Des Moines Patch calendar

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Thursday December 18th Patch AM
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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.

Find out what's happening in Des Moinesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Des Moinesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • 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

1. DMPS sees improvement in student attendance, chronic absenteeism down (who13.com) — 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.
   

2. Des Moines toy giveaway strengthens bonds between police and refugee families (kcci.com) — 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.
   

3. Des Moines rabbi mourns cousin killed in terrorist attack at Australia Hanukkah celebration (kcrg.com) — 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.
   

4. Identity of man found dead in Des Moines homeless camp released (who13.com) — 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.
   

5. Drake University launches new disability and rehabilitation services program (kcci.com) — 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

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📣 Des Moines Shout Outs!

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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 Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM 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 PatchAM? Send it to us!

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