Announcements

One of the great things about Ankeny Schools is the community’s support of our athletics and activities. These events bring thousands of people together to celebrate the achievement of students. Because security is of utmost importance, the district continues to review its practices and identify areas of improvement at such events. As a result, we implement security measures for our activities and events.

Security practices:

• Grades 6-12 must wear school ID while at the game
• Footballs are not allowed
• No baby powder, confetti, signs, noisemakers
• No weapons (real or look-alike)
• The North gate will remain secured at all times unless a team, band, or emergency personnel need access to the stadium
• Families will be encouraged to ensure that students in grades K-5 be accompanied by an adult
• Entrance to the stadium before an event will not be allowed
• There will be no re-entry after leaving the stadium
• Spectators will not be allowed to bring backpacks and large handbags into the stadium; Diaper bags or medical bags are allowed, but are subject to search
• No outside food or drink
• No access without a ticket or pass, including after halftime

These recommendations are the result of numerous conversations with security experts and a review of our current practices. Security can often be at odds with convenience. Our goal is to provide a safe environment for our students and spectators. We look forward to cheering on the Hawks and Jaguars with you this Fall.

For all incoming 8th and 9th graders:

Northview Middle School doesn’t have a specific school supply list.  We encourage parents to purchase or reuse folders, notebooks, pens and pencils.  Just a small amount of these items are generally all that is needed throughout the school year.  If there is something specific that a class needs, your teacher will go over that with you during the first few days of class.  Most classes will do a large amount of their work on the student’s Chromebook.

If you have any additional questions, please call the main office line at #515-965-9700.

Ankeny Centennial High School’s theater department will participate in the 2024 Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards Showcase, presented by EMC Insurance Companies, in honor of the school’s achievements for its April production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

Produced by Des Moines Performing Arts as the culmination of a year-long education initiative, the Showcase will take place at the Des Moines Civic Center on Thursday, May 30 at 7:00 p.m. and will feature a total of 102 schools from across the entire state.

Ankeny Centennial will be prominently featured in a special video presentation at the Showcase, celebrating their receipt of the Outstanding Overall Performance Award, one of the program’s highest honors. Additionally, select students will represent Centennial High School by performing in a collaborative inter-school medley, under the guidance of a guest Broadway music director and choreographer.

We’re proud to announce that Abby Fickbohm (“Ariel”) and Austin Summers (“Sebastian”) have earned Outstanding Performance in a Principal Role honors. They will join other advanced performing students in the Triple Threat Award program. Alongside a special performance at the Showcase, these students will have the opportunity to audition for theater camp scholarships and a chance to represent Iowa at the Jimmy Awards, or National High School Musical Theatre Awards, in New York City this summer.

In addition to these individual accolades, Ankeny Centennial will be recognized with the following awards and honors:

• Outstanding Ensemble
• Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role – Tatum Murphy as “Ursula”
• Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role – Ethan Quinn as “Prince Eric”
• Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role – Drew Carter as “Scuttle”
• Tickets for the Showcase, starting at $15, will be available for purchase on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 10 AM. They can be purchased online at DMPA.org, at the Des Moines Civic Center Ticket Office, or by phone at 515-246-2300.

For those unable to attend in person, the Awards Showcase will be live-streamed at IowaPBS.org as part of a collaboration with Iowa PBS. Additionally, Iowa PBS will broadcast a highlights special of the event later this summer on dates to be announced.

Join us as we celebrate the talent and achievements of Ankeny Centennial High School’s theater department on this grand stage!

Students, parents, and community members are invited to participate in the nomination process for the ACSD People of the Year awards, an event that recognizes outstanding contributions to our educational community. Nomination forms are open for the following awards:

• Education Professional of the Year Nomination Form
• Support Staff Member of the Year Nomination Form
• Volunteer of the Year Nomination Form

Your nominations will help us recognize and celebrate the outstanding people that make our school district a great place to be! Please take a moment to consider individuals who have made a positive impact and submit your nominations by March 1, 2024.

During this time of year, many of our students will be preparing to take assessments. Whether you’re helping an elementary or secondary student prepare for testing, listed below are a few resources to help:

• Helping Your Child with Test-Taking
• Help Your Child Prepare for Standardized Tests

The ACSD maintenance team will be conducting prescribed burns periodically in Ankeny as weather conditions allow, continuing until June 1, 2024. Weather conditions and safety considerations will determine the exact date and time of the fires.

Why do we perform prescribed burns?

Central Iowa’s landscape was once dominated by tall grass prairies. These ecosystems have an abundance of plants, insects, birds, mammals, and reptiles. The native grasses and forbs (flowers) also provide seed and nectar for insects, butterflies, birds, and small mammals. In nature, fire is essential to maintain the integrity of the native prairie plant species located in our parks. Fire is a natural occurrence that helps the plant and animal communities in a park and controlled burning offers a safer way to use fire in a helpful manner. The benefits of prescribed burns include the following:

• Aid in reducing the undesirable plants from invading our native prairie areas
• Help to maintain a rich diversity of wildflowers and grasses
• Decreases the threat of wildfires by decreasing the accumulation of combustibles
• Benefits water quality by aiding in the establishment of deep-rooted natives
• Improves the natural beauty and enjoyment of our parks

Thank you for understanding.

Ninth-grade students at Northview Middle School recently kicked off their exploration of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet with a unique twist—an immersive breakout box activity. This creative approach infused excitement into the traditional classroom setting.

Groups of students engaged in a collaborative challenge, solving puzzles and riddles related to the play’s themes, characters, and historical context. The objective was to unlock a series of locks guarding the mysterious contents of the breakout box. The breakout box activity emphasized teamwork and effective communication. The activity showcases an innovative method to bring literature to life. By combining creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, teachers not only foster appreciation for classic works but also impart essential skills extending beyond the classroom. As these ninth-grade students delve into “Romeo and Juliet,” they do so with newfound enthusiasm and skills that transcend the pages of a centuries-old play.

Listen to these experts as they explore the creation of a culture of belonging. Discover our commitment to equipping educators with the tools to help students develop essential soft skills. Learn strategies for guiding students through the high school to college transition, emphasizing the importance of early connections and proactive support. They also mention how it is important to focus on student well-being, encouraging self-care practices during study sessions, including water breaks, physical movement, and brain breaks. Uncover how Ankeny fosters these skills from pre-kindergarten, aligning with Ankeny’s graduate profile.

Join Kayla Bell-Consolver, Director of the Counseling Center at Broadlawns Community Clinic at Drake University, Shawn Beirman, Social-Emotional Learning Specialist at Ankeny Schools, and Al Neppl, Director of Professional and Leadership Development at Ankeny Schools, in a conversation highlighting the significance of adaptability, empathy, and collaboration for students.

Click here to listen or find us on your favorite podcast app!

Due to inclement weather, tomorrow Friday, January 12, school buildings & district office will be closed.

• No Before and After School Program
• Certified staff will work virtually
• Paraprofessional and secretary professional development is canceled

All other employee groups will operate under closure guidance. Please connect with your supervisor if you have questions about your reporting requirements.

This year marked a historic milestone for OPUS, as it stands out as the most successful in our district’s history. This fall, a remarkable eighty-one students from Ankeny Community School District, spanning grades sixth through ninth, earned the privilege of participating in the esteemed 37th Annual Opus Honor Choir Festival hosted by the Iowa Choral Directors Association. This achievement not only surpassed the representation of any other school district in the state but also set a new record in Ankeny’s own history.

Out of a pool of over twenty-four hundred nominated students, spanning the specified grades, the diligent efforts of Ankeny students resulted in securing one hundred-eighty coveted positions across the four OPUS Honor Choirs. The selection process involved judges evaluating recorded auditions from each nominated student. The grand culmination of this achievement took place on Thursday, November 16, when the 2023 Opus Honor Choirs delivered a stellar performance at CY Stephens Auditorium in Ames.

Heartfelt congratulations are extended to the numerous Ankeny students who dedicated themselves to this endeavor, with special recognition to the exceptional talents of the following selected musicians and their directors: Emma Feldhans and David Sponder from Parkview; Emily Battani and Lisa Rehms from Prairie Ridge; Riley Anderson and Samantha Thomas from Northview; and Jill Bjorklund and Nick Oswald from Southview. Notably, Sebastian Rivera-Alvarez from Prairie Ridge, along with Evan Bahr, Will Heldt, and Ty Porter from Northview, and William Peterson, William Peverill, and Luke Vesperman from Southview, earned the distinguished honor of being selected as solo finalists for the festival, with Ty Porter additionally earning the prestigious distinction of being chosen as a soloist.

A resounding congratulations to all for this outstanding achievement!