GREETINGS FROM CENTRAL CAMPUS
It's May! And with it comes a month of celebrations. We are so proud of our Central Campus students and all they have accomplished this school year. From the classroom to the lab, to real-world work experiences, our students embodied our mission in possessing the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to be successful with their postsecondary lives. Of course, May also brings a time in which we cheer on the great accomplishments of seniors and shed a few tears as they proceed to their next adventure. Whether that be employment in a career field, enrolling in college, or enlisting in the military, we wish the Central Campus Class of 2024 the best!
As for me, I have decided to wrap up my 38-year career in education and retire from Central Campus come June. My career has allowed me the opportunity to work in multiple Iowa school districts and teach students in grades kindergarten through graduate school. I learned something about myself and education in every school setting. Though, I think I learned the most at Central Campus. The opportunity to work with 2,300 students from 22 different Central Iowa schools and a teaching staff full of experts in their field has been wonderful! I wish every student and educator could learn in a place like Central Campus. For it is here where students understand the relevance of their learning and have the support they need to succeed with life. I am so grateful I was given the opportunity to be a part of this amazing place!
Of course, I don't like to say I am retiring, but rather rewiring. What rewiring looks like, I’m not quite sure. Though I know I will continue to support and celebrate the great work of Central Campus.
Thank you!
Dr. Lisa Hill
Associate Principal
Central Campus
Des Moines Public Schools
1800 Grand Avenue | Des Moines, IA 50309
P: 515-242-7846 ext. 7846
Program Spotlight - Health Sciences
Instructors - Amy Cherry
The Health Science program is part of a quickly growing curriculum at Central Campus that gives students the opportunity to explore information and careers involving the human body. Some of the courses included in our program include Medical Terminology and Human Anatomy & Physiology.
Medical Terminology is a course designed to teach students the language used in healthcare professions. It focuses on learning the vocabulary and terms commonly used in medical settings, including anatomy, physiology, diseases, treatments, and medical procedures. This class gives each student a strong, basic understanding of medical terms that they will need as their career goals in healthcare begin to grow.
Human anatomy and Physiology provide students with a solid foundation in understanding the structure and function of the human body. This basic knowledge is essential for various health care professions including medicine, nursing, physical therapy, and others and should be considered as a good “starting point.” This class helps all other health classes make better sense.
The growing number of Health Science classes at Central Campus include something for the student that wants to be career ready upon graduation as well as the student that wants a foundation upon which to build as they continue their education.
Health Science Business Partners
UnityPoint Health-DM
Smile Orthodontics
Child Service
On with Life
Gateway Dental
Clive Fire Dept
Iowa Donor Network
Life Serve Blood Center
Iowa National Guard
Wesley Acres
DMACC
Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home
Valley View Village
TEACHER FEATURE
Instructor Mr. Kerry Manus - Intro to Construction
Mr. Manus grew up on a farm in Northern Illinois. In high school he loved his Industrial Arts classes such as woodworking and drafting. In addition, his other favorite subjects included Math and History. He went to Dordt College (University) in Sioux Center, Iowa, and earned a bachelor’s degree in business education with minors in Economics and Physical Education. After graduating from Dordt, he began his teaching career with teaching positions in private and public schools. He left teaching for ten years to work in corporate training and human resources for insurance companies. In 2008, he earned his Master’s in School Administration from Northern Illinois University (DeKalb, IL) and worked in school leadership for the next seven years as an assistant principal, principal, and private school superintendent. The school leadership positions were in Iowa, Illinois, and California. After returning to Iowa from California, Mr. Manus decided to return to teaching. He accepted a position at North High School as an Industrial Tech teacher. He is now teaching Intro to Construction at Central Campus in the Skilled Trades Academy.
Intro to Construction class is designed as an exploratory class for individuals that are beginning to investigate possible careers in a technology program. This course is designed as a semester class that is in block scheduling. Students interact with concepts in blueprint reading, drafting, construction math, measurement, plumbing/HVAC, electricity, and carpentry. Most of the concepts are presented on a smaller scale to help students identify what field most appeals and be the best fit for the student. Attention is given to drafting, construction math, measurement, and industry awareness.
Mr. Manus lives in Urbandale with his wife, Jennifer, and two dogs Ruby and Polly. He and his wife have five grown children: Stephen, Kendrick, Mikayla, Teagan, and Eliot. Three of the kids live in the Des Moines area, Mikayla lives in Portland, OR, and Eliot is in the U.S. Navy. Mr. and Mrs. Manus have 3 grandchildren: two in Des Moines and one in Portland. They also love to go on “bucket list” travels such as the trips they have taken to Hawaii, Iceland, Ireland, Scotland, London, SE United States, NE United States, and NW United States. Remaining on the current list are Alaska, Italy, Germany, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Australia, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. In his spare time, Mr. Manus enjoys going for rides with his wife on his Harley Davidson motorcycle. He also enjoys watching intriguing TV series, movies, Premier League Soccer, and spending time on his patio grilling or relaxing
CENTRAL FASHION HITS THE RUNWAY FOR 2024
It is always one of the most popular events of the school year: the Central Campus Fashion Show. We stopped by last night's show in the school auditorium - which felt more like the fashion runways of Paris or Milan - in order to share a look at the students' productions and creations. Click here to enjoy photos from the 2024 Central Campus Fashion Show.
- TheWeek@DMPS 5/3/2024
SENIOR FINISHING SHELBY COBRA FOR AUTO CLASS
For several years, a Shelby Cobra kit car has been stored in the automotive technology center at Central Campus. This school year, senior Natasha Harwell is getting it ready to hit the streets of Des Moines. One of her instructors, Kevin Moravek, says her "work ethic/attitude towards this project has blown me away." We can't wait to see this roadster on the open road!
TheWeek@DMPS 5/3/2024
CENTRAL CAMPUS AUTO PROGRAM SHOWCASE
An event Tuesday night for the Central Campus automotive technology students showcased their talents as their projects were put on display. One star of the show was this restoration of a 1978 Des Moines Police Department squad car. The automotive collision repair program is part of the Transportation Academy at Central Campus. Click here to learn more about taking classes.
- TheWeek@DMPS 5/3/2024
GREENHOUSE PLANT SALE CONTINUES IN MAY
The annual Central Campus Plant Sale continues now through May 8. We stopped by to share a look at horticulture students hard at work preparing everything for this popular annual event. They are selling perennials, annuals, hanging baskets, veggies, herbs, houseplants, and more. Click here to open a flyer with details on the sale.
-TheWeek@DMPS 5/3/2024
Shanee Saidu
Shanee Saidu, who attends East High School and Central Campus, is the 2024 recipient of the Affinity Credit Union Scholarship which will award $1,500 in scholarship money. Shanee has taken several classes at Central Campus such as Photography, Graphic Communications and is currently taking the EMT program. Shanee holds a 3.95 GPA and will attend Iowa State University after graduation to pursue a major in Public Relations with a minor in Sociology and Digital Media. Congratulations Shanee “we are proud of you”!
A NOTE FROM THE NURSE
Spring is in the air! Time for graduations, proms, warmer weather, and to start thinking about back-to-school requirements for Fall 2024. especially for students entering 12th grade, regarding immunizations. All 12th graders need one of the following to stay enrolled in the fall, I have copies of the waivers/certificate if you need one:
1) a second dose of Meningococcal (MCV4)
2) Medical Waiver
OR
3) Religious Waiver
Make appointments early to receive the required immunization(s) at either the Polk County Health Department, your local pharmacy, or at your physician’s office to avoid the rush and ensure adequate supplies are in stock as well. A 30- to 60- day provisional is offered by home school nurses to complete the vaccination requirement. The number of days offered is specific to the individual school. Let me know if you have questions/concerns regarding this back-to-school requirement.
Another sign of Spring, which has been hitting Central Iowa hard recently, is severe weather. Some things to consider during a severe weather incident include:
1. Knowing the hazards – be aware of what you might face during a weather event.
2. Knowing when to expect dangerous weather -monitor forecasts/info from your local news.
3. Pay attention – be aware of watches/warnings/advisories affecting you.
4. Have a plan -be proactive to keep you & your loved ones, including pets, safe.
Here is a link to the National Weather Service Preparedness & Weather Safety for more information regarding severe storms/weather events: Preparedness and Weather Safety
Be safe, healthy, and well!
Nurse Jasmine Lester
515-242-7779
New Attendance Reporting Option
The Infinite Campus Parent Portal now has the "Absence Request" tool to allow you to notify us in advance when your child is going to miss classes. It will take requests on the day your child is absent or future dates if you know ahead of time. To excuse past absences, you must still call or email us.
PHONE: 515-242-7653
The Absence Request tool is very user-friendly and takes only moments to complete. AND the best part is that your request is sent to all schools in which your child is enrolled, so you do not have to contact both your home school and Central. We all get the same information and process it for our respective schools with one easy parent entry!
Instructions:
In the Campus Portal app, select the three horizontal lines in the top left-hand corner, then select More. At the bottom select Absence Request. Select your child, the reason for the absence, and the absence type. You must also add a comment.
Example:
Student name: First Last
Excuse: SICK: Student is sick
Absence Type: Full Day Absence
Date: 12/1/2023
Comments: Student has a fever so they will stay home until they are fever free
Click Submit.
WRITTEN DIRECTIONS: Parent Portal Absence Request 11.28.2023
VIDEO: Portal Absence Request
You may delete a request that you have submitted if we haven't processed it yet. Once it has been processed by the attendance clerk, it can't be deleted through the Campus Parent Portal app and will require a call to our office (515-242-7653). Parents and Guardians will be able to view all absence requests that have been submitted from the Parent Portal for the student anytime during the school year.
Breakfast and Lunch Information
Breakfast and lunch are served at Central Campus. Any student who has a class at Central Campus periods 3 and/or 5, will eat at Central Campus. All other students will eat at their home high school. In addition:
- Students may leave the building during their lunch.
- Breakfast and/or Lunch may be cancelled if there is a change to the daily schedule because of weather or other unforeseen situations.
Health Sciences Academy
- Career Opportunities in Health
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- EMT
- Physical Science/Therapy
Human Services Academy
- Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management
- Criminal Justice
- Dream to Teach
- Early Childhood Careers
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Leadership through JROTC
Central Campus
Email: centralcampus@dmschools.org
Website: https://centralcampus.dmschools.org/
Location: 1800 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, USA
Phone: 515-242-7846
Facebook: facebook.com/CentralCampusDSM
Twitter: @CentralCampusDM