New at Des Moines schools: These "Reimagining" initiatives

The changes

• Expanded preschool busing: All preschool sites will provide transportation after a pilot project last year demonstrated it increased enrollment and reduced absenteeism.
• Sixth-grade reconfigurations: Edmunds, Greenwood, Hillis and South Union elementaries will add sixth grade after doing so at Findley Elementary last school year helped students transition to middle school
• Diploma+: A new graduation distinction for students who meet specific requirements, such as completing 24 college credits or an internship.
• Montessori expansion: Jackson Elementary is becoming the city's newest Montessori school, which uses a different approach to teaching and usually offers more hands-on learning.