About The Principal

NAME: Dan Koss

SCHOOL: Perkins Elementary School

SCHOOL PHONE: (515) 242-8430

EMAIL: danny.koss@dmps.k12.ia.us


I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and share my 
excitement about my appointment as the new principal at Perkins Academy 
School.  Perkins Academy has a reputation of excellence.  I feel fortunate to 
be joining a school culture focused on student learning, a commitment to high 
expectations, innovation, and collaboration.  It is my intention to carry on 
these important traditions and practices.

Let me share some information about my educational background and 
professional experience.   I attended Upper Iowa University.  While at UIU, I 
studied Elementary Education.  After receiving my bachelor’s degree, I 
attended Viterbo University where I earned a Masters of Arts in Education and 
became involved in research to help struggling learners develop reading 
comprehension strategies. Later, I received an endorsement in School 
Administration.  I began my professional career in the Des Moines School 
District. I have had the honor of working with parents and their children at 
Willard Elementary School, Morris Elementary School, and Weeks Middle School. 
Additionally, I have been affiliated with Upper Iowa University and Viterbo 
University as an Adjunct professor. 

On a personal note my wife and best friend, Kris, manages the castle. We have 
two beautiful daughters. Our first born Kimberly is a School Psychologist in 
Columbia, SC. My youngest daughter, Tiffany, studies at UNI and is hoping to 
go to Nebraska to Law School. Our newest addition to the family is my 
grandson Liam who will be two years old in July. He is the best.
 
I look forward to meeting the Perkins Academy families and meeting your child 
(children) in the coming months.  With my “open door” policy, I think you 
will find me to be open, honest, and compassionate.  I look forward to 
meeting everyone.
 
 
  
Sincerely,

Dan Koss

At Perkins Elementary School, we are committed to going ”Above and Beyond” to 
meet the needs of all students of learners where parental involvement helps 
to substantially enrich and enhance our educational program. Our Parent 
Teacher Association (PTA), Inner Community of dedicated educators, and 
Technology Committee, are three examples of the successful working 
partnerships between parents and staff. In the classroom, we create a 
community of learners. This program helps students to develop citizenship 
skills, helps the school to maintain a productive learning environment, and 
emphasizes in-depth learning through attentive listening, mutual respect, and 
personal responsibility.

I look forward to your input and involvement in the school this year. Please 
feel free to contact me with your ideas, questions or concerns.