Announcements

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.

Ankeny Schools and the Ankeny Board of Education would like to invite the community to participate in a summer book study of The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Health Illness by Jonathan Haidt.

We aim to develop a deeper understanding of technology’s impact on student learning, mental health, behavior, and safety. Technology can be both a tool and a distraction in the classroom. The study will be led by the Ankeny Board of Education Directors and is tentatively planned to be held at the District Office.

Dates: During the weeks of June 10, June 24, July 8, July 22

Location: District Office, 406 SW School St, Ankeny, IA 50023 (location may change based on registration numbers)

Times: 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 6 p.m.

We hope this conversation will help us reach a shared understanding of technology’s role in the classroom and its impact on teaching and learning.

If you are interested in participating, please complete this form by 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 6. (Within the form, you will find each book study group’s dates and times.)

Register here

Please plan to have the first 48 pages read by the first session. Your discussion facilitators will contact you within the next week with further details. 

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our board leadership Katie Claeys or Joy Burk.

As we reflect on the past year, it’s evident that Ankeny Schools has been committed to becoming a district of choice and fostering growth in various aspects of education. From advancing academic programs to enhancing support for educators and planning innovative facilities, the district has embarked on a journey of continuous improvement.

The second implementation year of our Strategic Plan marked significant milestones and achievements. Under Pillar 1: Rigorous and Relevant Academics, the focus was on expanding post-secondary readiness initiatives. Notable progress includes initiatives like Career Speaker Day in middle schools, implementation of Junior Achievement Curriculum, and the introduction of a comprehensive tracking system for students’ career and academic plans. Moreover, the district’s efforts in organizing Career & College Showcases and increasing Career Exploration & Awareness Experiences underline its commitment to holistic student development.

A pivotal endeavor this year was the groundwork laid for the Innovative Hub, envisioned to be a transformative space for education. Extensive research led by the core planning team delved into shaping the future student experience. Themes of partnership, program diversity, facility flexibility, and student mobility emerged, setting the stage for a dynamic learning environment. The concept of “Destination Ankeny” encapsulates the vision of becoming a hub for educational excellence and community engagement. As we neared the end of our research and discovery, it led to the question: 

How might we design an innovative, district-wide culture that promotes curiosity and creates an interactive community impact through experiences to grow student’s creative genius in an ever-changing world?

While excitement mounts for the design phase of the Innovative Hub, the district emphasizes the primacy of academic programming. Plans to offer a comprehensive program of studies across six career and technical education service areas signify a holistic approach to student preparation for the future job market.

This draft program of studies serves as the cornerstone for designing a facility tailored to students’ evolving needs and aspirations.

In Pillar 2: Talented People, efforts to nurture and empower educators have been paramount. Initiatives such as the Educator Empowerment Conference and the Para-to-Educator Seminar showcase the district’s commitment to attracting and retaining top talent. With a retention rate exceeding 90%, Ankeny Schools stands out as a preferred employer, offering competitive benefits and fostering a culture of collaboration and support.

The district’s dedication to providing supportive environments extends beyond personnel to encompass infrastructure, through Pillar 3: Supportive Environments. Comprehensive facility audits and the implementation of a facilities master plan underscore a commitment to safety, functionality, and adaptability. Noteworthy among these efforts is the proposed grade configuration change, aimed at enhancing the middle school experience and optimizing facility utilization.

Exciting developments lie ahead, with plans to collaborate with Des Moines Area Community College for the construction of the Innovative Hub. Designed for flexibility and student-centered learning, the facility aims to foster collaboration, autonomy, and purpose among students. Check out these initial concept drawings by the district’s architect, Envision. 

These are not blueprints, but an idea of how the space will be used. The pursuit of a bond referendum in 2025 signifies the district’s commitment to realizing this vision.

In conclusion, Ankeny Schools’ journey over the past year reflects a relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. From advancing academic programs to supporting educators and planning cutting-edge facilities, the district remains steadfast in its mission to empower students for success in a ever changing world. As stakeholders unite in shaping the future of education, the journey ahead promises to be one of transformation and growth.

As the school year draws to a close, our seniors are eagerly anticipating the next chapter of their journey. Among the many exciting activities leading up to commencement, Decision Day holds a special significance. This is the day our seniors proudly declare their plans for life after high school.

Ankeny High School Decision Day: Ankeny High School kicked off Decision Day on Wednesday, May 8th, marking a momentous occasion for our graduating seniors. It was a day filled with excitement, anticipation, and celebration as students shared their aspirations and goals with their peers and mentors.

Upcoming Centennial Decision Day: Centennial High School is gearing up for its own Decision Day on Friday, May 17th. We are cheering for our seniors as they take this important step towards their future endeavors.

As our seniors prepare to embark on new adventures, we wish them nothing but success, happiness, and fulfillment in all their future endeavors. Their determination, resilience, and hard work have laid the foundation for a bright and promising future.

Important Commencement Information: For important details about commencement ceremonies, including dates, times, and venue information, please click here. Let’s come together to celebrate the achievements of our graduating seniors and send them off with the recognition and support they deserve.

Congratulations to the Class of 2024!

Transforming Learning Challenges into Growth Opportunities

As your child embarks on the journey of growth and discovery, questions and concerns may arise: Is my child ready? Will they make friends? At Terrace Learning Center (TLC), we understand these parental worries and strive to address them with our comprehensive approach to early childhood education.

Begin Your Ankeny Experience:
At TLC, every day is an opportunity for your child to learn and thrive. With a focus on building a strong educational foundation, we invite you to embark on your Ankeny experience with our preschool program.

TLC’s Key Features:
Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our unique features:

• Dual Certified Teachers with Iowa Teaching Licenses ensure high-quality instruction for all students.
• Additional adult support in every classroom fosters a nurturing environment for growth.
• A low student-to-adult ratio ensures personalized attention and support.
• As part of the Ankeny School District, TLC offers the benefits of a PK-only building within a larger educational community.
• Our curriculum is research-based, differentiated, and tailored to meet the individual needs of each student.
• A balanced daily schedule provides opportunities for both academic learning and play.

TLC’s Benefits:
Enroll your child at TLC, and enjoy a range of benefits, including:

• Free access to outside experiences such as field trips and expert visits, enriching your child’s learning journey.
• QPPS certification ensures that our program meets Iowa’s Quality Preschool Program Standards, guaranteeing excellence in education.
• Parent involvement opportunities through volunteering and PTO engagement foster a sense of community and partnership.
• Your child will develop friendships and social skills, gaining independence along the way.
• With a focus on kindergarten readiness, your child will be well-prepared for their academic journey.
• Access to a new library provides students with additional resources to enhance their learning experience.

Call us to schedule a tour and experience our nurturing environment firsthand.

• Call 515-965-9670. Inquire about how to reserve your child’s spot in our program.
• Register online now to secure your child’s place before spots fill up!

Mission Statement:
At TLC, our mission is to transform learning challenges into growth opportunities, empowering every child to reach their full potential in a supportive and enriching environment. Join us in shaping the future generation of learners and leaders.

As the school year winds down, we wanted to share a quick summary of volunteer service in the district.  While we know there are likely some opportunities that weren’t captured in our centralized volunteer hub (Better Impact) this year and we will work to strengthen consistent use of that system next year, we are happy to share the following measures of success from this year:

Volunteerism in Ankeny Schools: 2023-2024

Let’s give a big shoutout to our Before and After School Program (BASP) Team as we celebrate Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week! This is the perfect moment to show our gratitude and support for the dedicated individuals who enrich the lives of young people during their out-of-school hours. We truly value the significant impact they have on youth development. They play a vital role in enhancing program quality, which in turn helps to mitigate risks and fosters positive outcomes for our youth. From boosting social-emotional skills to improving school attendance and academic performance, our BASP professionals work tirelessly to make a difference. Their expertise and dedication create meaningful experiences for our youth, and we couldn’t be more grateful for our incredible BASP team! Show your appreciation by sending a thank you note! (To send the email, please use the email addresses of BASP team members in the format: firstname.lastname@ankenyschools.org)

Please join us for Preschool Parent Information Night for the 2024-2025 school year in the Terrace gym on Thursday, April 18. Please use entrance W16. The event will take place from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

During your visit, discover more about the Terrace Learning Center and our comprehensive preschool program. You’ll also receive details about our PTO and have the opportunity to take a guided tour of our facilities. We look forward to welcoming you!

Visit the Terrace Learning Center website.