Announcements

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.

This spring, the Ankeny Centennial high school drama and music departments are producing Disney’s The Little Mermaid! Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Ariel wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull, and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea. This fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible and familiar songs!

Adult tickets are $15 and child/student tickets are $10; they can be purchased online here or at the door with cash/check. All seating is general admission.

ORBIS excels in devising solutions for diverse business challenges. As enthusiastic students, we are eager to assist and expand our knowledge through new experiences. If you’re interested in collaborating with us, kindly complete our Project Discovery form. While you’re there, explore our latest and most impressive projects on our social media channels below.

On Friday, January 5, 2024, Orbis opened its doors to an array of local businesses, providing a platform for the exhibition of 50 diverse projects presented in two distinct blocks. The event not only celebrated entrepreneurial spirit but also facilitated connections between student innovators and seasoned members of the business community.

One standout project involved the creation of a year-long content calendar for the Uptown Ankeny group. This innovative approach aimed to streamline social media management, eliminating guesswork and introducing a scheduling platform with budget considerations. Speaking with the brains behind this initiative revealed a dedication to enhancing online presence and fostering effective communication.

Claire Linn, an Ankeny alumna, shared her motivation behind the inception of the project showcase idea. Her vision was to provide students with an opportunity to present their ideas to the community, attracting new businesses and expanding exposure. Research efforts focused on connecting with agricultural and trade companies, amplifying their presence in this unique showcase. Tyler Sparks, another Ankeny alumnus, emphasized the significance of word-of-mouth promotion for student innovators. His belief in the mutual growth of students and businesses underscored the importance of community engagement.

Another noteworthy project, aptly named Busy Bees, took a hands-on approach to problem-solving. The group delved into on-site research, addressing a space-related challenge faced by Sweet Endeavors, a local honey business. By personally visiting the site and collaborating with the business owner, the team crafted scalable plans and recommended optimal supplies to enhance operational efficiency.

The Orbis project showcase not only unveiled inventive solutions but also highlighted the collaborative spirit of Ankeny’s entrepreneurial community. Through firsthand experiences and strategic initiatives, these student entrepreneurs demonstrated their commitment to driving positive change.

 

The event was captured by Evie Neller of EN Studios LLC, providing a visual narrative to complement the innovative stories shared at Orbis.

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.

Getting published isn’t easy but how Orbis came to be makes a great story. The program mission statement “Unleash passion. Realize potential. Impact the world.” focuses on that exact purpose aiming to solve real problems and improve the community. Authors, Trent Grundmeyer, School of Education, Drake University; Jill Urich, Ankeny Community School District; Jill Olson, Results Group; Stephanie Brown, Ankeny Community School District; and Susan Gentz, Ben and Susan Gentz Strategies, came together for this article explaining the Orbis program at Ankeny Community School District and the influence project based learning has on high school students. View their publication in Science Publishing Group!

Dr. Pruitt stopped by the Orbis classroom last week to pitch their first project as a class for the 22-23 school year. The onboarding included interacting with Orbis innovators and discussion around the project. Stay tuned to find out how it turns out! Click here to find out more about our Orbis program and what it’s about!

We are excited to launch the process of re-imagining our graduate profile! This document will work together with our strategic plan and equity framework to help chart a path for the district’s future. Please view this short survey to provide feedback on our graduate profile.

The Ankeny Community School District and Superintendent Dr. Erick Pruitt invite parents/guardians to attend the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting on Thursday, December 9 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Northview Middle School in the Cafeteria. Please park on the west side of the building near the football stadium and enter through doors W22.

We will be sharing information about our new learning management system, Canvas, the resources available to teachers as outcomes of curriculum reviews, and reporting student progress with standards.

The Parent Advisory Committee gives parents an opportunity to provide input on topics and ideas that are relevant to the district’s goal of preparing every learner for success. The committee will also provide insight into projects and initiatives that can be implemented to help move the district forward. Parents and guardians will have the opportunity to collaborate with each other and work together as one entity to ensure success for our students and community.

Committee involvement is open to all parents of students enrolled in the Ankeny Community School District.