For more than a century, Des Moines Public Schools has been communicating with families. The technology and methods of connecting with each other have changed, but the dedication to keeping everyone informed and included in school life remains as strong as ever.
In a district of 31,000 students and 5,000 employees, the district’s small but hearty communications staff takes on the herculean task every year of keeping information flowing for tens of thousands of stakeholders, schools and families.
Some of the communication team’s most visible work is on billboards, in photographs, blog posts and media outreach. But did you also know that the communications staff creates content for and maintains the district’s websites, social media platforms and television station, designs the logos, mascots and school signs you see everyday, prepares district directories, weekly informative newsletters for families and annual reports, and directs funding-related campaigns, school budget forums and more?
The work of this team is largely unnoticed only because it is all around us, all the time, and becomes more essential with each passing year.
The Iowa School Public Relations Association (ISPRA) recognizes outstanding communications work from districts around the state. DMPS hosted this year’s ISPRA Spring Conference at the Smouse Opportunity Center. Amanda Lewis, DMPS communications officer, has served on ISPRA’s Board for the last three years, as conference chair and now president of the association.
The DMPS Communications Team, lead by Director Phil Roeder, and including Ms. Lewis, graphic/web designer Adam Rohwer, videographer Kyle Knicley and photographer Jon Lemons, took home 16 honors during last week’s ISPRA 2022 Communications Awards, including four Blue & Gold Awards, ISPRA’s top honor.
A list is compiled below so you can see the work quietly being done everyday is impactful and well-respected in the school communications community.
Bond/Finance Campaign
BLUE AND GOLD AWARD WINNER
Smart Planning for Des Moines Public Schools (RPS)
Associated Billboards
Branding/Image Package
BLUE AND GOLD AWARD WINNER
COVID-19: Wearing is Caring
Infographic
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
DMPS District Facts
Photography
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Vaccinated and Fabulous
Class of 2035
Crowned as Queen
Graduation Celebration
AWARD OF MERIT
Hubbell Dream Walk
Special Purpose (Brochure, Poster, Partnership Collaboration)
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
#DMPSstrong Yard Signs
Iowa Athletic Conference Logos
Rolling Billboards
Advanced Learning Logo
Video (Long)
BLUE AND GOLD AWARD WINNER
Student Voices for Leadership Institute Conference
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Preschool Benefits
Welcome New DMPS Employees
Video (Short)
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Central Campus: Where Learning Leads to Earning