Announcements

The school district’s burn permit runs from now until June 1, 2021, work will be done as site conditions allow during this time-frame. Burn times and locations will be announced via the district website, www.ankenyschools.org, Facebook, and Twitter.

Natural and native areas need periodic fires to thrive and prescribed burning is an important, cost-effective tool for maintaining and restoring native plant communities and wildlife habitat, managing invasive species, and reducing wildfire danger. Many of the plants and animals of Iowa’s woodlands, prairies, and wetlands are fire adapted.

Ankeny School District grounds crew, trained in wild land firefighting, are working with local fire rescue agencies, police, and county health department to insure safe, successful burn events.

The Ankeny Board of Education approved the hiring of Ty Adams as the new principal of Heritage Elementary School for the 2021-2022 school year at its April 5, 2021 meeting. Mr. Adams will take over leadership of Heritage Elementary from Matt Dunsbergen, who has accepted a new position outside the Ankeny Community School District. Mr. Adams is currently the Principal in Colo-NESCO Community School District.

“I’m very excited to join the Ankeny School District,” said Adams. “What I want to do every day is what’s best for the kids and make sure they have a safe and fun elementary experience.”

“What set Mr. Adams apart was his experience in building a strong community among staff, students and families,” said Dr. Al Azinger, Interim Superintendent of Schools. “We believe this will be a strength as we transition to new leadership after a year unlike any other.”

During his administrative career, Mr. Adams established a proven track record of building a strong school culture. In addition, he brings experience and instructional expertise as an elementary school teacher. He taught both third and fifth grade while at North Polk Community School District for several years.

Ty Adams is married to Jill Adams, a first grade teacher in Nevada, IA. They have two children, Maddux, age 5, Preslee, age 2 and a family dog, Junior. While teaching at North Polk, the couple lived in Ankeny and in the future plan to call it home once again.

Mr. Adams received his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. He also holds a Master of Science in School Leadership from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.

Welcome to Ankeny, Mr. Adams!

Today, April 6, is National Librarian Day! Join us in celebrating the dedication of our library staff throughout the district! Ankeny’s Digital Learning Teachers and Teacher Librarians keep our libraries in order and contribute to the enrichment of our communities every day. Our students, teachers, and staff are so grateful for your knowledge and support. We encourage you to take a moment to say thank you to your library staff!

Congratulations to Mr. Mike Bakker, Athletic Director at Southview Middle School, for being named the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association Central District Middle School Athletic Director of the Year! We are thankful for all that you do for our students!

On March 1, the Ankeny Board of Education approved hiring Dr. Jill Urich as principal of Ankeny Centennial High School. This position will formally begin on July 1, 2021.

Throughout the past month, Dr. Al Azinger, Interim Superintendent of Schools, met with numerous community stakeholder groups to obtain their input on the key characteristics we should look for in the search for the next principal. Group after group described Dr. Urich as the ideal candidate.

“We are pleased that Dr. Urich will continue in her role as principal. Dr. Urich’s dedication to Ankeny students and her passion for collaboration make her an excellent choice to lead the community at Ankeny Centennial High School,” said Dr. Al Azinger, Interim Superintendent of Schools.

Dr. Urich has served a number of leadership positions within the Ankeny Community School District, including Assistant Principal of Ankeny High School, Principal of Northview Middle School, Chief Academic Officer, Director of College and Career Readiness, and most recently serving as the interim Principal for Ankeny Centennial High School.

Not only is Dr. Urich a proven leader with a record of success in the district, but she has also been integral in curriculum planning and building our current college and career readiness programming, including the Orbis program.

“I am excited to lean into the role of principal at Ankeny Centennial High School as it is a position I have grown to love this past year,” Urich said. “Serving Centennial, coupled with my continued work with Orbis, is an opportunity for me to do my part in helping every student graduate with an informed ‘Plan A.’ I have a passion for the staff, students, and parents of Ankeny Centennial, and I look forward to continuing our work together.”

Dr. Urich has led Orbis since its inception in 2017. Going forward, Orbis will be jointly led by both Ankeny high school principals, Dr. Jill Urich and Mr. Peter Apple. The pair will lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of the Orbis program. This joint effort will allow for collaboration and integration in both high school buildings.

Severe Weather Awareness week is March 22nd – 26. Iowa’s annual tornado drill will take place Wednesday, March 24 at 11:00 AM. Weather radios will activate and outdoor warning sirens will sound for 3-5 minutes. Buildings will complete a tornado drill during this time. If your building has already completed the 2 required drills for this semester then you are excused from participating. Please send Hannah Leidal an email after your drill is complete and she will record it in the drill log. Thank you for your participation and keeping our schools safe!

Ankeny Dollars for Scholars

Due to a road closure off of 18th street, the curbside meal pickup route at Northview Middle School will be altered slightly on Wednesday, March 17 and Friday, March 19.

Please use the following directions for curbside meal pickup. View map.

-Enter from NW 9th St (south of Northview Middle School)

-Exit the normal route onto North Ankeny Blvd.

The Ankeny Community Network hosted adult and youth panel discussions centered around International Women’s Day! These women are Ankeny’s very own. They are moms, entrepreneurs, leaders, activist, change makers and boss chicks. They are all vested in shifting the narratives and making the world around them better. Visit the links below to watch the panels.

Adult Panel
Youth Panel