Professional Development Days
Have you ever wondered what teachers are focused on during their professional development days? Check out this video to get the behind-the-scenes scoop from Rock Creek teachers Caroline Bengston and Laura Wallen!
AHS Newspaper staff for The Talon bring home 13 awards
The Talon, the student publication of Ankeny High, competed with class C schools in the Iowa High School Press Association’s spring contest due to its size. The class C schools are known as phenomenal, impressive, groundbreaking student publications across the state that have been in the scholastic journalism for a very long time. This did not deter the students of AHS since the publication secured a spot among the best of the best by showcasing quality work in both print and web. Judges were impressed by the phenomenal work of high school journalists across the state, and The Talon held its own alongside them. Their adviser Alissa Hansen cannot wait to see what they do next.
13 awards go to the following Talon journalists for their stellar writing and reporting:
- First Place for Sports Story goes to seniors Gabby Risk & Sophie Rohlfing
- Third Place for Sports Story goes to sophomore Adam Mein
- First Place for School News Story goes to junior Vivian Wu
- Second Place for School News Story goes to senior Sophie Rohlfing
- Honorable Mention for School News Story goes to 2022 AHS graduate Lauren Kemp
- Third Place for News Story goes to senior Gabby Risk for
- Second Place for Editorial Cartoon/Comic Strip goes to junior Julien Noble
- Third Place for Editorial Cartoon/Comic Strip goes to junior Julien Noble
- Second Place for Reviews goes to senior Lejla Ahmetovic
- Honorable Mention for In-Depth News Story goes to junior Julien Noble
- Honorable Mention for Personality Profile goes to junior Vivian Wu
- Honorable Mention for Personality Profile goes to junior Joanna Guerrero
- Honorable Mention for Feature Story goes to senior Drew Taylor
The Talon is also among the top 15 contenders for the Iowa High School Press Association’s All-Iowa News Team. The winner of the prestigious award will be revealed during the IHSPA fall conference in October. It is indeed a remarkable achievement for The Talon to secure a spot on this list, and it speaks volumes about the newspaper’s dedication to excellence and journalistic integrity. Congratulations to the team behind The Talon!
AHS Drama Department to participate in the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards Showcase
Ankeny High School’s Drama Department will participate in the 2023 Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards Showcase, presented by EMC Insurance Companies, in honor of the school’s achievements for its April production of The Wizard of Oz.
Produced by Des Moines Performing Arts as the culmination of a year-long education initiative, the Showcase will be held at the Des Moines Civic Center on Thursday, June 1 at 7:00 p.m. and will recognize a total of 94 schools from across the entire state.
AHS will be honored in a special video shown at the Showcase, in celebration of its receipt of an Outstanding Overall Performance Award – one of the program’s highest honors.
Jacynda Santiago and Jemma Bullock will represent AHS by performing in a collaborative inter-school medley led by a guest Broadway music director and choreographer. Additionally, Carter Evans will perform an excerpt from his award-winning role in The Wizard of Oz as Zeke/Lion.
Carter Evans will also participate in the Triple Threat Award program with other advanced performing students. In addition to a special performance at the showcase, students will audition for theater camp scholarships and the opportunity to represent Iowa at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards in New York City this summer.
Ankeny High School will also be recognized with the following awards and honors:
- Outstanding Overall Performance
- Outstanding Ensemble
- Outstanding Performance in a Principal Role – Carter Evans as “Zeke/Lion”
- Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role – Jenna Freeseman as “Glinda”
- Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role – Grant Miner as “Hickory/Tinman”
- Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role – Jacynda Santiago as “Dorothy Gale”
- Special Recognition for Featured Ensemble – Oz Company Singers
Tickets to the Showcase, which start at $15, will go on sale on Friday, May 12, 2023 at 10 AM at DMPA.org, the Des Moines Civic Center Ticket Office, and by phone at 515-246-2300.
The Awards Showcase will be live-streamed at IowaPBS.org as part of a collaboration with Iowa PBS. Iowa PBS will also broadcast a highlights special of the event on Friday, July 14 at 8:30 p.m. and on Sunday, July 16 at 1:00 p.m.
CHS Theater Department to participate in the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards Showcase
Ankeny Centennial High School’s theater department will participate in the 2023 Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards Showcase, presented by EMC Insurance Companies, in honor of the school’s achievements for its April production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
Produced by Des Moines Performing Arts as the culmination of a year-long education initiative, the Showcase will be held at the Des Moines Civic Center on Thursday, June 1 at 7:00 p.m. and will recognize a total of 94 schools from across the entire state.
Ryan Henzi and Abby Fickbohm each earned Outstanding Performance in a Principal Role Awards and are eligible to participate in the Triple Threat Award program with other advanced performing students. In addition to a special performance at the showcase, students will audition for theater camp scholarships and the opportunity to represent Iowa at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards in New York City this summer.
Ryan Henzi will perform an excerpt from his award-winning role in The 25 th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as William Barfée.
Additionally, select students will represent Ankeny Centennial High School by performing in a collaborative inter-school medley led by a guest Broadway music director and choreographer.
Ankeny Centennial will also be recognized with the following awards and honors:
- Distinguished Scene – “The I Love You Song”
- Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role – Rai San Martin as “Chip Tolentino”
- Special Recognition for Achievement in Choreography – Kenzie Halbach,
- Kaitlin Like, Rai San Martin, Drew Carter, & Caroline Trout
Tickets to the Showcase, which start at $15, will go on sale on Friday, May 12, 2023 at 10 AM at DMPA.org, the Des Moines Civic Center Ticket Office, and by phone at 515-246-2300.
The Awards Showcase will be live-streamed at IowaPBS.org as part of a collaboration with Iowa PBS. Iowa PBS will also broadcast a highlights special of the event on Friday, July 14 at 8:30 p.m. and on Sunday, July 16 at 1:00 p.m.
Co-editors of The Talon secure a top ten spot as emerging journalists
Ava Tomlinson and Vivian Wu, Talon Co-Editors and juniors, have secured a top ten spot in the state of Iowa as Emerging Journalists by the Iowa High School Press Association. The duo’s dedication to objective reporting and commitment to seeking the truth has earned them this recognition. Congratulations to Ava and Vivian on their achievement. Read more on on the IHSPA website.
Online Auction – bid until May 16
We have another online auction running now until Tuesday, May 16. The auction features equipment and furnishings no longer needed in our schools and offices. The inventory includes kitchen equipment, lawn mowers, vacuums, office supplies, tables, carts and much more.
The district is contracted with Purple Wave Auction, an online auction service, for the sale. Holding an online auction allows more people to see and study what is available, says Jeff Johnson, our district purchasing agent. All available auction items may be viewed here.
Andrew Burg Named Principal of Abbie Grove Elementary
Andrew Burg has been named as the principal for Ankeny’s new Abbie Grove Elementary school, slated to open in the Fall of 2024, pending board approval.
Burg has been the principal at East Elementary in Ankeny since 2015 and will remain in this role for the 2023-2024 school year. Prior to joining the Ankeny school district, Burg worked in the Des Moines school district, where he served in many roles, including principal, dean of students, and as fifth-grade teacher.
“Andrew’s leadership and dedication at East Elementary to the students, staff, and families has resulted in a thriving learning community that will continue on through this leadership change,” said Dr. Erick Pruitt, Superintendent of Ankeny Schools. “Mr. Burg’s innovation as an instructional leader, ability to build relationships, and commitment to Ankeny Schools sets up Abbie Grove Elementary for a future of success alongside Ankeny’s ten other elementary schools.”
“It is bittersweet to share that I will be transitioning to the principal role at Abbie Grove Elementary starting in the 2024-2025 school year, as I am both excited to begin this new role and sad to leave the East Elementary family,” says Burg. “Having the opportunity to work with the students and the uniquely dedicated staff at East has truly been a daily gift. I sincerely believe in the positive impact of the school and family partnership and will continue to foster these partnerships as I transition to my role at Abbie Grove.”
Burg has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Iowa and a master’s in educational leadership from Drake University. He previously served as an adjunct instructor at Drake University in elementary school mathematics methods.
Andrew lives in Ankeny with his wife, Josie, a first-grade teacher in the district, and their middle school-aged son.
Abbie Grove Elementary is the district’s twelfth elementary school. The new elementary school, located in the Grove development at NW 18th St and NW Abbie Dr., will be part of the north-feeder system. It will have five sections for kindergarten through fifth grades and hold up to 800 students.
Controlled Burns on District Property
A controlled burn of the District’s prairie grasses through June 1, 2023. The burns will be conducted when the weather is within our parameters. The burns will be at:
The DNR recommends a burn every three years to maintain prairie grasses. District staff conducting burns have been trained and certified in prescribed burns.
Register Now for Summer Enrichment Camps and Activities
Explore a wide range of summer enrichment camps and activities by visiting any of the Summer Enrichment links below. Whether it’s a cooking class, learning about horses, arts, reading, or sports, there are a variety of options for children of different ages and interests.
| Activity | Description | Contact |
| Career Exploration Opportunities | We have a wide range of career exploration opportunities to help you find your passion and prepare for your dream job. Our career exploration programs include internships, job shadowing, mentorship programs, informational interviews with professionals in various fields, career fairs, and networking events. Whether you’re a high school student or in middle school, we have programs and resources to help you explore different careers, gain valuable experience, and connect with industry professionals. Let us help you take the first step towards a fulfilling and rewarding career. | Career Exploration website |
| Reading Activities to help prevent Summer Slide | Suggestions to encourage children to open books even after school doors close. Have some fun and avoid the summer reading slide. | 10 Weeks of Summer Reading Adventures
2023 Summer Library Program for all ages – Find Your Voice Scholastic Article: KIDS & FAMILY READING REPORT THE SUMMER READING IMPERATIVE |
| ACSD Summer Classes | Ankeny Community Engagement is proud to offer quality continuing education courses for students and adults in the Ankeny community and surrounding areas. Whether it’s an adult fitness class, evening or weekend enrichment for kids, or a class to keep your finances in check, you’ll find a wide variety of courses. View our Summer Course Catalog.
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Kristopher Koehler
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| DMACC Kids College Youth Camps | Youth Tech Inc. in cooperation with Des Moines Area Community College West Campus’s Celebrate! Innovation program is an interactive computer camp that focuses on providing enrichment opportunities to students in the world of computers. Classes offered at DMACC’s West Des Moines Campus or virtually. Various courses offered. Age range: 6-17. Registration fee. | DMACC Kids College website |
| Blank Park Zoo Summer Safari Camps | Explore the world of animals and nature. Week-long half-day or full day camp options that consist of hands-on lessons, games, art, zoo explorations and live animal encounters. Age range: 3 years through 7th grade. Registration discount for zoo members. Registration fee. | Blank Park Zoo Safari Camps website |
| Climb Iowa Summer Youth Camps | Climb Iowa camps introduce young adventurers to climbing. Children will learn about trust, teamwork and problem solving while developing their rock climbing skills through interactive games and activities. Ages 8-12. Registration fee. | Climb Iowa Youth Camps website |
| Jester Park Equestrian Camps | Four fun-filled mornings of summer camp at Jester Park Equestrian Center. Enjoy learning all about horses and spending plenty of time riding, along with participating in other fun camp activities like games and crafts. Ages 5-12. Registration fee. | Jester Park Equestrian website |
| Living History Farms Day Camps | Half-day and full day camps offered for children entering kindergarten through eighth grade. Registration fee. | Living History Farms Camps website |
| Polk County Conservation Day Camps | Variety of day camps offered for ages 6+. These day camps are designed to encourage hands-on learning through outdoor explorations, activities, games, crafts, and more. Camps will be led by naturalists. Campers are asked to bring a water bottle and sack lunch for day long camps. Prepackaged snacks will be provided. Registration fee. | Polk Country Conservation Camps website |
| Love Lunches | Love Lunches is served every weekday all summer long to kids and families in Ankeny that have need. Hot and cold lunches served daily at Ankeny Presbyterian Church, 317 SE Trilein Drive in Ankeny from 11:30 am-12:30 pm. Monday-Friday and at Sunset Park, 1320 SW 3rd Street in Ankeny, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm, Monday-Thursday. | Love Lunches facebook page
Mary Kohlsdorf, 515-965-1737, ext. 224. holly.szcodronski@gmail.com (Sunset Park location – Holy Trinity Lutheran Church) |
| Ankeny Park & Recreation Department | The Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of leagues and activities for children ages toddler to 18. Click link for full listing of leagues, camps and courses. | Ankeny Parks and Recreation Activity website |
| Des Moines Performing Arts Summer Camps | Young people sharpen their skills, stretch their imaginations, and create unique memories through a variety of Des Moines Performing Arts education opportunities. With theater professionals as the instructors, students gain a deeper understanding of the process, build confidence, and benefit from a fresh jolt of creative energy. Grades 3-12. | Des Moines Performing Arts Summer Camps website |
| Des Moines Community Playhouse Summer Camps | Variety of Camps held for grades K-12. | Des Moines Community Playhouse Summer Camps website |
| Real Food 4 Kids | Hands on cooking camp for kids and teens, ages 6+. Three options offered for 4 –day sessions. | Cooking Class website |
| Elementary Math Activities and Games | Have fun this summer incorporating math into each day. You and your child can play dice and card games, engage in conversations about a picture, or solve a problem together. You will find FREE resources to help you and your child develop a love of mathematics. | Math Summer Resources |
| Des Moines Y Camps | Overnight and day camp options for ages 6-13 (daycamp) and ages 9-12 (overnight camp). What better place for your child to spend their summer days than at the Des Moines Y Camp located in Boone?
Under the supervision of trained staff your child will spend their summer enjoying the outdoors through various program activities all while building new friendships and growing in the four Y values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Daily traditional activities may include: climbing, hiking, archery, fishing, canoeing, field games, Imagineering, crafts, swimming, gaga ball, horseback riding (additional fee), and so much more! VIP Program for ages 14 – 17 |
Des Moines Y Camps website |
Fill the Fund: April 26
The fifth annual Fill the Fund fundraiser will take place on Wednesday, April 26 in Ankeny. Fill the Fund is an event organized by the Wiedenman Family Foundation to benefit the Ankeny Community School District. The city-wide eat-out event allows Ankeny community members to eat out for a cause! On this day, participating restaurants donate a portion of their proceeds back to the Wiedenman Family Foundation, which is putting the monies raised toward replenishing negative school lunch balances throughout the district!
Participating restaurants include:
- Blue Bean
- Cabaret Sports Bar & Grill
- Chick-Fil-A
- ColdStone – Prairie Trail
- Leaning Tower of Pizza
- Little Caesars
- Magee’s Irish Pub & Eatery
- Main Street Cafe & Bakery
- Rise & Grind
- Sorriso Grille
- Sports Page Grill
- Thrive
- Tropical Smoothie
- Whiskey River
- Wig and Pen
- Yankee Clipper
The Wiedenman Family Foundation, a 501c3 tax-exempt, non-profit organization was formed to undertake projects that will enhance Ankeny and the surrounding communities.