����vlog

It's back-to-school time and students in almost every district in ����vlog's coverage area start classes today. Here's more as students head back to school. Iowa law: Cell phones banned during instructional time While some Iowa school districts already had bans on cell phones, it's now mandatory to restrict cell phones and some other electronic devices during class time. “(Seventy-two percent) of high school teachers say cell phone distractions are a major problem in the classroom,” Gov. Kim Reynolds said when she signed House File 782 into law on April 30. “As many schools around the state who have enacted their own cell phone policies have already seen, these changes will not only improve the learning environment for students, but the social interactions they have with each other and their teachers."In West Des Moines schools, officials adopted a policy in June that prohibits use of personal electronic devices during instructional time and, depending on grade level, may be banned completely. See West Des Moines' policy.Jacket weather to start the first dayTemperatures dipped into the low-50s and even high-40s for some areas this morning, so students may want a jacket as they head out the door. But we'll rebound quickly with highs in the 70s. See the full first day of school forecast.Des Moines Public Schools partners with new communication platformDes Moines Public Schools is switching from Snap! Connect to ParentSquare, a communication platform already used by more than three dozen other school districts across Iowa.DMPS ran a pilot program with the app at four schools last year: Studebaker Elementary School, Hiatt Middle School, North High School, and All Points Academy. The district says it saw great results. It will serve as the primary hub for everything from one-on-one teacher messages to school-wide newsletters, event notices, and parent-teacher conference updates. It also stores parent contact information, class schedules, grades, and permission slips — with plans to eventually include attendance notifications as well.DMPS says it has been sending invitations and reminders about the new app since May, and it will continue to do so throughout the first few weeks of school. District officials ask that parents and guardians double-check that their contact information is accurate to receive messages.The district says parents don't actually need the app downloaded to receive all updates — they will still get important messages by text or email. Plus, instead of tons of messages throughout the day, the new system is set to bundle updates into one daily digest. It can also send out urgent alerts right away for emergencies or if classes are dismissed early for weather.Iowa DOT reminds drivers how to handle back-to-school traffic"It's illegal in every state to pass (school buses) while the stop-arm is extended and the red lights are flashing," the Iowa DOT posted on its Facebook page. "When you’re approaching a school bus slowing down or stopping, you should stop at least 20-25 feet from the vehicle from either direction. And it’s not just the bus that you need to put eyes on. Children often wait several feet away from a bus and may cross the street to board or step off."They posted this refresher on bus lights:Yellow flashing lights: The bus is preparing to stop to load/unload children. Slow down and get stopped. Red flashing lights: These lights and extended stop-arms indicate the bus has stopped and children are getting on/off. You must stop your car and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before you can proceed.����vlog team shares back-to-school photosDes Moines Roosevelt, Hoover football teams mergeSchool lunch tips: Dietitian urges color, protein and whole grainsBack-to-school means busy mornings and sometimes the toughest question is what to pack for lunch. Dietitians say the right fuel can help kids stay sharp and energized as they settle back in.For younger kids, color keeps them interested, so fun snacks like a fruit kabob may help. Parents should also try to mix in protein, fiber and healthy fats — like chips baked in avocado oil instead of sunflower oil. Picking out a fun lunch box, a sustainable water bottle, and setting aside time to try new foods with your child can also encourage them to get excited about eating healthy.At the start of the school year, Hy-Vee dietician Payton Vest encourages shoppers to take advantage of seasonal fruits to save a couple bucks. “Or just choosing different frozen options," she said. "So that you’re not feeling like if you don’t get to that fruit or veggie that you purchased during the week, it’s not going to go to waste.”Food Bank of Iowa addresses student food insecurity with new programsThe Food Bank of Iowa is addressing food insecurity for students as they return to the classroom by implementing school pantry and backpack programs.According to the Iowa Department of Education, 42% of Iowa students qualify for free or reduced lunch. In the evenings, on weekends, during breaks, or when school is canceled, there can be uncertainty for some children in knowing where their next meal is coming from.The food bank helps families through its school pantry program and backpack program, both of which provide food to students and their families."It's great that there's a recognition that kiddos need to have food when they're missing those school meals and then to be able to do something about it," said Tami Nielsen, Food Bank of Iowa president and CEO. "You know, last year there wasn't a program in place. And so we're really excited this year that, you know, we're able to do this."The Food Bank also partners with schools to establish on-site pantries.Some Iowans protest against using public money for private schools57 superintendents manage two school districts in Iowa; two others lead threeOne of the growing trends since the start of the 21st century has been school district sharing top administrative jobs.In Iowa, there are two superintendents overseeing three separate school districts. There are also 57 superintendents in charge of two school districts.It works, says Lory Krummen, the school board president for the Sioux Central district in Buena Vista County. Sioux Central shares a superintendent with Laurens Marathon and Clay Central-Everly."It helps us financially. It helps those two districts financially. I would say those are the biggest wins because we're sharing all the staff," Krummen says."Operational sharing" is the official term.Schools began merging different roles such as superintendents, HR managers and business managers in the early 2000s. In 2025, the Iowa Legislature took steps to encourage it more.Lawmakers expanded the idea and increased the revenue for districts that share positions.����vlog Investigates: Meet one of Iowa's few superintendents leading three school districtsViral illnesses see an uptick in central Iowa ahead of the school yearDoctors are urging parents to be vigilant about viral illnesses that tend to spike during this time of year. Dr. Hannah Hartman, a family medicine physician at UnityPoint, says several viral bugs are already circulating, including the common cold, some cases of COVID-19, and most notably, hand, foot, and mouth disease.With schools reopening, Hartman anticipates an increase in viral cases in the coming weeks. She advises parents to keep sick children at home and ensure they are fever-free for at least 24 hours before returning to the classroom."Other things that just make sense," she said, "washing your hands, not sharing food or beverages, covering your mouth if you're sick."Des Moines nonprofit helps kids prepare for school with free haircuts and suppliesBarbers for the Future hosted their annual back-to-school event Sunday afternoon, providing students with free haircuts and school supplies. The organization handed out backpacks filled with school supplies, shoes, and hygiene products. Barbers for the Future estimates that about 200 families came to the event.Waukee North Middle School opens its doorsWaukee officials held a ribbon cutting earlier this month for North Middle School, and the district's newest building officially welcomes students Monday.Principal Adam Shockey leads the building after previously serving as a school administrator at Waukee Middle School, Trailridge and Timberline. "I firmly believe that all of us are very lucky to be part of this community, given the passion of our teachers and staff, and the commitment to a quality education that’s supported by our families and community," Shockey says. "I’m looking forward to continuing to serve our community in this new school."How families can save money this back-to-school seasonCheck out these tips from CNN for ways to save as school starts.Get library cards for the whole familyLibraries are a great way to save money not only on physical books, but also e-books, audiobooks and movies. Some public libraries also offer printing services, discounts for local attractions and cost-free tutoring services that can be used year-round.Repair instead of replacingA growing number of Americans live in states with “right to repair” laws that make it easier for consumers and independent businesses to repair electronics without having to go through manufacturers. These laws are relatively new – New York, the first state to enact one of these laws for consumer electronics, only did so in 2023, and �ձ�油��’s governor signed a right to repair law in June. An advocacy organization that supports these laws estimates that they might save families upwards of $300 a year.Take advantage of tax laws529 plans have traditionally allowed families to save money for college, but recent changes might allow families to increase savings before their kids graduate high school.Included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a change to 529 plans that allow parents to withdraw money from the accounts to pay for expenses related to K-12 schooling, including books, standardized test prep and other “instructional materials.”While contributions cannot be deducted from federal income taxes, most states allow residents to deduct contributions to these plans from their state income taxes. But importantly, “the earnings are not subject to federal or state tax when they’re used for qualified education expenses,” says Alexander Maged, an employee benefits lawyer at Ivins, Phillips & Barker. Withdrawals for qualified educational expenses are not subject to federal income taxes.When withdrawing money from these 529 plans, it’s important to maintain good records for purchases, balance current spending with future savings goals, and consult with an IRS representative if you’re unsure about what expenses qualify.Make budgeting a teaching lesson for kidsImpulse buying can quickly add up costs, especially when kids want the newest sneakers or an expensive first-day-of-school outfit. Setting a firm budget for back-to-school costs and giving kids a role in the discussion can help save money in the short term and teach kids an invaluable life lesson.“Families that include kids in back-to-school budgeting often find the process less stressful as children are incentivized to work within limits instead of pushing against them,” Julia Perez, a wealth manager at Crux Wealth Advisors, told CNN in an email.Kids are often tempted by immediate gratification, she said, so explaining what’s worth saving for can help “develop critical longer-term perspectives that can re-direct impulses and shape behavior.”“Over time those habits compound. By the time they’re managing rent, student loans, or saving for a first home, saving isn’t an afterthought… it’s second nature.”First days of school