Announcements

Not many people know what a Community Engagement department does, but Madisen Gaskin, Community Engagement Coordinator for Ankeny Schools, and her team have big plans to change that. Madisen is at the mic with Dr. Pruitt talking about how volunteers contribute to schools and the district overall, developing new community education classes and how the term intergenerational is integral to the Community Engagement purpose and goals.

For most adults, high school is a formative experience shaped by the people they meet, the activities they engage in, and the academic challenges they face. As students prepare to walk across the graduation stage, they are expected to chart their path, whether that means attending college, enrolling in trade school, entering the workforce, or serving in the military. Comprehensive high schools are designed to offer a wide range of courses and specializations, all aimed at preparing students for life beyond the classroom.

Ankeny’s innovative hub is rooted in the mission to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. This initiative is more than just a collection of programs and courses. It represents a reimagined learning experience that connects students, businesses, and industries in unique and meaningful ways. Whether a student plans to pursue higher education or jump straight into a career, the hub is structured to support teaching and learning that fully develops the 21st-century skills necessary for success.

The vision for this student experience is guided by a set of design principles that focus on expanding experiential and exploratory learning. The hub will integrate core disciplines and offer a groundbreaking curriculum that extends beyond the traditional college prep programs and Career and Technical Education (CTE) centers. This comprehensive approach is designed to prepare students for the dynamic demands of the modern workforce, with courses and experiences that are adaptive and responsive to local, regional, and national industry trends.

A key aspect of the hub is its seamless integration of business and industry into the curriculum. By staying aligned with current and future industry trends, the hub ensures that educational programs remain relevant and effective, preparing students for the real-world challenges they will face. The hub will also emphasize inquiry-based and active learning, providing both students and staff with opportunities to expand their approaches to education and work. For teachers, the hub fosters immersion in project-based teaching and design thinking, offering broader and more enriching opportunities for students to authentically explore various career pathways. For students, learning extends beyond the traditional classroom, offering entrepreneurial and networked opportunities that balance academic knowledge with the 21st-century skills needed to thrive.

Inclusivity and connectivity are central to the hub, ensuring that all students, from early education through high school, have access to its programs and opportunities. By expanding existing programs and developing new ones, the Innovative Campus creates a pipeline that promotes continuous exposure and engagement throughout a student’s educational journey. Ultimately, the hub aims to create a joyful and engaging learning experience for all students, whether they aspire to attend college, work in the trades, serve in the military, or join the workforce immediately after graduation. The innovative hub represents a bold step forward in preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Stay up-to-date on the latest developments with the hub on our website here, or submit a question in the FAQ for the core planning team. We look forward to continuing this work in Ankeny!

We are excited to announce an opportunity for stakeholder involvement in 2024-2025. Please review the committee opportunities listed below and complete this interest form. The deadline to apply is September 6

• Calendar Committee (Timing TBD): Provides input on the district’s school calendar for future school years. 
• Community Engagement Advisory Board (1-hr Monthly Meeting): Identifies opportunities to strengthen the connections between the district and the community at large. 
• Wellness Committee (1-hr Monthly Meeting): Guides Ankeny’s efforts to establish a school environment that provides a comprehensive learning environment for developing and practicing lifelong wellness behaviors and sets goals to influence a student’s understanding, beliefs, and habits related to good nutrition and regular physical activity.
• Equity Committee (2-hr Quarterly Meeting): Advises on and supports with district efforts to live out the district’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as outlined in the DEI Framework.
• Special Education District Developed Service Delivery Plan (DDSDP) Committee  (1-hr Monthly Meeting): Provides input and feedback as the district reviews and updates the DDSDP for its special education program.
• Special Education Parent Connection Event Planning Committee  (1-hr Monthly Meeting): Provide input and feedback on the format of the Ankeny Special Education Parent Connection Event to be held in March 2025.

District staff will review submitted forms and reach out by mid-September with next steps.

Please note that due to capacity, it may not be possible for everyone to serve on committees in which they express interest. The district will maintain a list of people interested in serving and will reach out if additional opportunities become available.

Thank you for your interest in serving our school community!

 A recent change in Iowa law (SF2435), which took effect in July, has outlined specific actions the District must take when a student’s absences reach certain levels- including what may lead to a student being considered “truant” or “chronically absent.” Understanding these guidelines will help us all ensure the best possible outcomes for our students.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Chronically Absent (10% of the semester or trimester): If your child is absent 10% of the time, we are required to notify both you and the Polk County Attorney. You’ll receive a certified letter at the address we have on file to keep you informed.
• School Engagement Meeting (15% of the semester or trimester): If absences reach 15%, we will need to come together for a school engagement meeting. This meeting is an opportunity for you, your child, and school staff to collaboratively develop an “Absenteeism Prevention Plan” to address any challenges and create a path forward.
• Truancy (20% of the semester or trimester): If absences reach 20%, it is classified as truancy, and the truant officer will initiate proceedings with the Polk County Attorney. We will notify you promptly if this step becomes necessary.

The law does provide exceptions for unavoidable absences due to: court orders; religious observations and instruction; IEPs / 504s that impact attendance; and/or legitimate medical reasons.  These absences are not counted, and we are here to work with you to ensure that any necessary absences are properly documented and understood.

Your child’s regular attendance is a key factor in their academic and personal growth, and we are dedicated to supporting you in overcoming any barriers to their school attendance. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s principal. We’re here to help and are committed to working together for a successful school year.

Their experience is the Ankeny Experience! Teachers new to the Ankeny District, Mariah Hoium at Prairie Trail Elementary, Nick Robinson at Centennial High School, and Mary Stewart at Southeast Elementary, share their hopes, expectations, and plans for the 24-25 school year with superintendent Dr. Eric Pruitt on the We Are Ankeny podcast. Listen Here or find our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or Audible.

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.

The Association of School Business Officials International has awarded Ankeny Community School District the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting. This is the tenth year in a row that Ankeny Schools has received this award!

This award represents a significant achievement and reflects Ankeny’s commitment to transparency and high-quality financial reporting. Districts that receive the award have demonstrated their ability to communicate the financial and economic state of their district at the highest level.

We have another online auction running now until Tuesday, July 30, 2024. The auction features equipment and furnishings no longer needed in our schools and offices. This auction inventory includes kitchen equipment, tools, and 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 and bid on until July 30.

All district families are urged to log in to review InTouch account balances. If you have questions regarding outstanding school fees, fines, or payment options, please email studentfees@ankenyschools.org.

Please note: Beginning in June, Ankeny Community School District will use a third-party service to resolve outstanding accounts.

As of July 8, 2024, Ankeny families may view 2024-25 student fees and use their InTouch account to pay online. InTouch online debit or credit card payments will incur a 3.79% and a .40 cent transaction fee. To avoid transaction charges, send a completed 2024-25 Fees Payment Form and a check made payable to:

Ankeny Community School District
406 SW School St., PO Box 189
Ankeny, IA 50021-0189

Due to summer break, school building office hours are adjusted. In-person payments may be arranged by calling the District Office at 515-965-9600 to confirm office availability at your student’s school.

The Ankeny Community School District is currently seeking bids for waste collection, recycling, and yard waste services. The contract will cover a three (3) year period from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027. There is an opportunity for extension upon mutual agreement of the parties each year, potentially extending the contract through June 30, 2029.

All signed bid documents and accompanying attachments must be submitted no later than June 24, 2024, at 4:00 P.M.

For detailed instructions and contact information, please visit the RFP webpage.

Thank you for your interest in serving the Ankeny Community School District.