Announcements

The Ankeny Community School District places a strong emphasis on ensuring the safety of our students by implementing various security measures. One key aspect of our safety protocol is the practice of keeping both exterior and classroom doors locked throughout the school day. This proactive approach helps to control access to the building, preventing unauthorized individuals from entering. The district has also implemented the Raptor system, a sophisticated visitor management system that enhances the screening process for anyone entering the school. This system helps identify and track visitors, ensuring only approved and verified individuals can access the school facilities.

In addition to door security and the Raptor system, all ACSD buildings utilize airphones as an additional layer of safety. These communication devices are strategically placed at building entrances, allowing staff to interact with visitors before granting access. This provides an extra level of security by enabling school personnel to verify the purpose of the visit and ensure the safety of everyone within the premises. 

The district is committed to maintaining a secure environment, and this dedication is reflected in the presence of a devoted staff that actively works to keep students safe. Ankeny Schools has a strong partnership with the Ankeny Police Department. We use a combination of school resource officers, district safety and security personnel, and contracted security officers to serve all of our buildings and special events. 

As a parent in Ankeny schools, you may have heard the term post-secondary readiness and wondered what it’s all about. Post-secondary readiness, or PSR, encompasses the preparedness of students for life beyond high school and empowering students to make informed choices about their future pathways. In Ankeny schools, post-secondary readiness is a component of our Strategic Plan in Pillar One: Rigorous and Relevant Academics. We strive to ensure all students acquire the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to succeed in whichever pathway they choose after high school, whether that is employment, enlistment, or enrollment in an educational institution or training program. 

Parents play a vital role in shaping a well-rounded and future-ready educational experience for Ankeny students. One way in which parents can contribute to post-secondary education efforts in our district is through volunteering time to share their careers and experiences at events for various grade levels. Upcoming opportunities to get involved include

• Heritage STEAM Night
• Parkview Career Day
• Junior Achievement Finance Park
• Career and College Showcase Exhibitor
• Orbis Project Provider

Another way parents can support their student in planning for post-secondary success is by simply having a conversation about it! Listed below are a few easy conversation starters that we suggest: 

For elementary students:

• What is something you enjoy learning about?  
• If you were a teacher for a day, what would you teach the students in your class?  
• If you woke up tomorrow and were an adult, what job would you have?

For middle school students:

• If you could learn about anything, what topic would you want to learn about and why? 
• If you could create a new class at our school, what would it be?

For high school students:

• What type of lifestyle do you want to live when you are older? What will you need to do in order to get the lifestyle you want?
• Imagine your life five years after you graduate from high school. What challenges do you want to solve? How does this relate to a career? 

Click here for a full list of conversation starters. 

The Ankeny Board of Education will hold a work session on the services received from Heartland Area Education Agency and its impact on the Ankeny Community School District as they seek to understand the impact House Study Bill 542 would have on the district. The work session will be held on Monday, January 22, from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. The board meeting will begin at 6:00 pm. This work session will be live-streamed on our YouTube.

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.

Do you have questions or concerns about whether your child is ready for kindergarten next year? Have you been looking for other solutions to transition your child from preschool to kindergarten? If so, this email is for you!

Ankeny Schools is exploring the option of adding a transitional kindergarten (TK) program for the 2024-2025 school year. 

What is transitional kindergarten?

Transitional kindergarten (TK) gives children additional time to develop the necessary social and academic skills to bridge preschool and kindergarten.  Students who turn 5 by September 15 are eligible for the full-day Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program.  

Program includes: 

• Same programming as Ankeny elementary schools
  • Specials: Art, Digital Learning, Instrumental Music, PE, and Vocal Music.
  • Supplemental Support, Interventions, & Extensions
  • ESOL Services
  • Counselor/Social Worker Support
  • Special Education Services 
• Same calendar as Ankeny elementary schools (7:55 a.m. – 2:55 p.m.)
• Eligible for Ankeny Schools’ Before and After School Program, if space is available
• Eligible for district transportation (for those who live two miles or more from their neighborhood elementary school.)   

The district is considering starting Transitional Kindergarten (TK) for the 2024-2025 school year if there is enough interest to fill at least one classroom. 

If you are interested in the Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program for your child, please complete the interest form below by Friday, January 19. 

Please note that completing this form does not register your child for school or guarantee placement in Transitional Kindergarten (TK). If the interest warrants the opening of Transitional Kindergarten, you will still need to enroll your child in school on February 2, 2024. More information about registration can be found here.

Parent Resource: Kids and Internet Addiction

All elementary schools will host a kindergarten information night on Thursday, February 8 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. for families who are considering enrolling their child for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. Registration opens to all families on Friday, February 2. This meeting will provide an opportunity for families to learn more about kindergarten at their child’s home building. Parents will also turn in their child’s kindergarten checklist, learn more about Kindergarten Jumpstart, and meet other families at the school. Families transitioning to a new building next year are also encouraged to attend. Find more information about registering for Kindergarten.

We have another online auction running now until Tuesday, January 9, 2024. The auction features equipment and furnishings no longer needed in our schools and offices. This auction inventory includes kitchen equipment, playground mat squares, carts, tractor tires, deep freeze, dishes, exercise equipment, kettleballs, 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 and bid on until January 9.

Introducing a fresh approach to spread the positive happenings in your school, classroom, or building – it’s time to Share Your Story. We engage with people by connecting through narratives because stories cultivate trust. Seize this chance to amplify your voice.

Check out the video and spot the QR code at the end, leading you to a form where you can share the details of your story. Once submitted, the form will be directed to the Communications team for review to see how it can be promoted or shared.