Home - Des Moines Elementary School
Des Moines Elementary School
23801 16th Avenue South
Des Moines,
WA
98198
206-631-3700
Monday-Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
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Apr
30
Spring Picture Day - 04/30/2026 📸
all day
about Spring Picture Day - 04/30/2026 📸
May
School Board Special Meeting - Work Session
45
PM
45
PM
Central Office - Boardroom
about School Board Special Meeting - Work Session
May
School Board Regular Meeting
00
PM
00
PM
Central Office Boardroom
about School Board Regular Meeting
May
20
School Board Regular Meeting
00
PM
00
PM
Central Office Boardroom
about School Board Regular Meeting
May
25
No School All Grades - Memorial Day
all day
about No School All Grades - Memorial Day
More Than Numbers: Building Understanding in Math Through Literacy
Apr
17
2026
Math can feel intimidating. In Ryan Smith’s classroom at Mount Rainier High School, something is shifting. Lessons often begin with the class learning together. Students work through problems step by step, using notes that combine numbers and written explanations.
Making Time for What Students Need: WIN Time at Evergreen High School
Apr
17
2026
At Evergreen High School, students are building skills beyond the classroom. They’re learning how to manage their time, ask for help and take ownership of their learning. A new structure called WIN Time, short for What I Need, helps make that possible.
Schools of Choice Applications Reopened
Apr
13
2026
Applications are now reopened for schools & programs not at capacity. From marine science and welding to health care, aviation, culinary arts, virtual learning, and college-prep academics, Schools of Choice give students opportunities to find the environment that fits their interests, strengths, and goals — and prepares them for what comes next.
Learning Together: Inside an Inclusive Classroom at Bow Lake
Apr
2026
In Jorge Velasquez’s classroom at Bow Lake Elementary, inclusion means more than simply sharing space. It means every student learns together, supports one another, and belongs.
Principal & Assistant Principal Announcement
Apr
22
2026
Mayra Toledo will depart from her role as principal at Des Moines Elementary at the end of this school year. Assistant Principal Rebecca Williams has also shared that she will be leaving her role at the end of the school year. We are seeking input from you to help us identify the next school leaders.
ParentVUE or ParentSquare? Use Both to Support Your Student
Apr
22
2026
ParentVUE and ParentSquare are two important tools families can use to support their student’s success in school. Each one has a different purpose—and both are helpful
Highline Headlines - April 17
Apr
17
2026
This week's Highline Headlines includes information about our technology transition, CollegeCon, Schools of Choice applications reopening, Kindergarten enrollment and more.
The Promise Podcast: Our People. Our Stories.
Apr
17
2026
Mr. Vaswig talks about building community at the start of the year, helping students take pride in their names and identities, and creating a space where learning and laughter go together. He also shares how he approaches teaching history with honesty.
Support Systems in Action
Apr
15
2026
Across Highline, Culture & Climate Teams help schools create welcoming environments, reinforce positive behavior and respond early when students need support. Nearly all schools now hold regular team meetings, using attendance and behavior data to guide decisions and strengthen consistent support systems for students.
CollegeCon Returns April 25!
Apr
2026
CollegeCon brings students and families together to explore college, career training and other paths after high school. This free event is open to students in grades 7–12 and their families.
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