Announcements

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!

2023-2024 Winter Athletic Information

Athletic Participation REQUIRED information

• Parents, please complete our online registration process ASAP if you have a winter student/athlete.
• Your student must have an updated physical and completed online registration to participate. Here is the link to complete the registration: https://ankenycentennial-ar.rschooltoday.com

The winter season offers 8th grade athletes a split-season structure in the CIML conference that offers Girls’ Basketball, Girls’ Wrestling & Boys’ Wrestling in the early season (mid October – late December) and Boys’ Basketball in the late winter season (late December – late February). Please see the details below. 

Click here to view any of our CIML sports team schedules. 

8th Boys Wrestling

Practice begins Monday, October 16th at NVMS after school (3:45-5:30 pm)

• 8th Wrestling Meeting – 8:00 am East Gym; Friday, Oct. 6th
• There will be an 8th Wrestling Parent Meeting – 6:30-7:00 pm – NV Room 1103 (Please use Main Entrance); Wednesday, October 11th

 Contact Coach Nathan Smith with questions: nathan.smith@ankenyschools.org 

8th Girls Wrestling

Practice starts October 16th in the gym at Orbis (Northview).

• There will be an 8-12 informational parent meeting Sunday, October 15th 5pm (Northview MS Small Gym). Enter through doors S-10

Contact one of the coaches with questions. Mykel Carlson, Olivia Willers, or Dustin Roland
mykel.carlson@ankneyschools.org                                                                                                 olivia.willers@ankenyschools.org
dustin.roland@ankenyschools.org

9-12th Boys Wrestling

Informational meeting is October 25th after school at Northview Wrestling Room.  Mandatory body fat testing is on Thursday, October 26th at 7am at Northview. 9th wrestling practice begins on November 13th at ACHS.  You can ride the ACHS shuttle after school to get to ACHS.

For more information- Contact Coach Jay Groth: jay.groth@ankenyschools.org

9-12 Girls Wrestling

Practice starts October 30th in the gym at Orbis (Northview).

Informational meeting will be held at NV on Friday, October 6th at 8:00am in the East gym OR at ACHS on Tuesday, October 10th @ 8am in the small gym.

Contact Dustin Roland, Olivia Willers, or Mykel Carlson for more information:
dustin.roland@ankenyschools.org
olivia.willers@ankenyschools.org
mykel.carlson@ankneyschools.org

8th Girls’ Basketball

Informational meeting will be held on Thursday, September 21st  from 7:45-8:00 AM in the Northview East Gym. You can also sign up in the front office and get handouts there.

Practice begins Wednesday, October 11th after school at Northview Middle School.  

Contact Coach Tony Klein with questions: tony.klein@ankenyschools.org 

JV1/JV2 Girls Basketball

There will be an informational player meeting on Thursday, October 19 at 7:45AM in the East Gym for 9th graders only.  

The first practice will be held after school on Monday, November 6th at the high school.

We will host a scrimmage on Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 8-10AM at NV.

If you missed the meeting or have any questions, contact Coach Andy Fehn or Liz Bruns.

 andy.fehn@ankenyschools.org, , liz.bruns@ankenyschools.org

8th Boys’ Basketball

There will be a players only informational meeting on Tuesday December 5th at 3:45pm in the cafeteria for students interested. Official start date will be Wednesday January 3rd , but there will be optional practices on Monday, Dec. 18th & Tuesday, Dec. 19th after school from 4-5:30 at Prairie Ridge.  

Contact Coach Paul Evans with questions: paul.evans@ankenyschools.org 

9th Boys Basketball

The 9th Grade Boys Basketball season officially begins on Monday, November 13th. Practices are held after school from 4:00-5:30 pm in the Northview Main Gym.  The “A” Team typically plays games on Tuesdays and Fridays.  The “B” team typically plays games on Mondays.  The “C” Team schedule does not include a typical day on which they play. There will be an informational meeting on Wednesday, November 8th @ 3:45 at Northview. 

Contact Coach Tyler McDonald  with questions: tyler.mcdonald@ankenyschools.org 

To keep up to date on information and announcements download the Remind App on your phone and use the Remind Code: cen9bball

9-12th Boys Swimming

There will be an informational meeting for all boys in 9th grade who are interested in swimming on Wednesday October 11th, 2023 at Ankeny Centennial High School at 4:00pm.  This meeting is open to any boy interested in swimming during the 2023-24 season. 

 We will be discussing the upcoming season and apparel and suit orders! 

Contact Coach Dustin Rhoads if you have any questions: dustin.rhoads@ankenyschools.org

8th Grade Boys’ /Girls’ Swimming

Practice will begin in February  and the season will end the week before spring break. We practice every school day from 4:00-5:30 at NV Middle School Pool . Boys and girls from both Northview and Southview can participate. Coach Rhoads  will meet with interested students after Winter break. Watch the school TV for announcements. 

Contact Coach Dustin Rhoads if you have any questions: dustin.rhoads@ankenyschools.org

9th Grade Boys’ / Girls’ Bowling

Anyone interested in  9-12 Girls or Boys Bowling please report to Ankeny High School on 10/12/23 at 6pm in the Upstairs Career Center for a preseason meeting with Coach Nick Payton.

Contact Coach Nick Payton with questions:   nicholas.payton@ankenyschools.org

What:  Future Ready Night & Career Showcase 

The night will include learning sessions aimed at helping students navigate high school and post-secondary opportunities as well as a Career Showcase featuring over 30 different careers!

When: Monday, October 16th   5:30-8:15 PM 

Where: 

DMACC Building 5 / Student Center

2006 S. Ankeny Blvd.

Ankeny, IA 50023

Purpose: 

This event is designed for both students and parents

• Students will have the opportunity to explore and engage with various careers at the Career Showcase through hands-on experiences with business professionals.
• Parents, guardians, and students are invited to attend four 25 minute sessions to learn more about opportunities students can take advantage of during and after high school.

Linked you will find a copy of the program for the night. 

Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences:  October 12, 2023 from 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.  More info. to come.

Picture Retake Day–October 12, 2023