Cesar Carranza and Brenda Lucero host the new program, with the first episode now available through Des Moines Public Schools and Spotify.
Des Moines Public Schools has launched “Conectando Familias,” a new Spanish-language podcast designed to share district information, resources and stories with students and families.
The first episode is now available and is hosted by Cesar Carranza and Brenda Lucero, two DMPS Bilingual Family Liaisons with a combined 15 years of experience in the district.
In the debut episode, Carranza and Lucero discuss the role of Bilingual Family Liaisons and how they help families communicate with schools, navigate language and cultural barriers and access information related to their children’s education.
Laura McAtee, supervisor of the district’s Bilingual Family Liaisons, joins them as the first episode’s guest.
The first episode explains how bilingual liaisons support families
Bilingual Family Liaisons work with families, school staff and communities to improve communication and help parents participate more directly in their children’s education.
“Our goal is to make it easier for all families to access stories and information from across the district,” McAtee said. She said the podcast gives families another way to hear district information at home, at work or while commuting.
DMPS Superintendent Matt Smith said the podcast is part of the district’s effort to give students and families more ways to stay connected with their schools.
DMPS serves about 30,000 students
Des Moines Public Schools serves approximately 30,000 students and uses multiple communication tools to reach a school community where more than 100 languages are spoken.
The district has also provided community information in languages including English, Spanish, Swahili, Karen, Burmese and Arabic.
Spanish is among the most widely spoken languages in the district, and “Conectando Familias” adds an audio format to the ways DMPS communicates information with parents and students.
“Conectando Familias” is available online now
The first episode is available through the official Des Moines Public Schools “Conectando Familias” page and on Spotify.
Related: Des Moines back-to-school dates and free supplies for 2026
DMPS launched the podcast in October 2026, and its first episode is available to stream now.
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