Orbis gets published!
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!
Prescribed Burns
A prescribed (controlled) burn of the District’s prairie grasses have a start window of Dec. 1, 2022 through June 1, 2023. The burns will be conducted when the weather is within our parameters. The burns will be at:
The DNR recommends a burn every three years to maintain prairie grasses. District staff conducting burns have been trained and certified in prescribed burns.
Skilled Trades Camp – a big success!
This summer, Ankeny students got a hands-on look at different jobs within the trades industry. The skilled trades camp, put on by the Des Moines Home Builders Association, allowed these future graduates the chance to learn about additional options to a viable career outside of the school setting. Students traveled to different unions and were able to interact with specific responsibilities of plumbers and steamfitters, electricians, carpenters, as well as non union job sites. This opportunity provided clarity which pathway to take which could help them plan their next few years of high school and beyond. This camp gave our students confidence in making decisions about their pathway after high school. Check out the video!
Superintendent Pruitt pitches project to Orbis students
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!
Join Us April 21 for the Parent Advisory Committee
Please join us for the April 21, 2022 PAC meeting. This will be an open discussion about the draft Strategic Plan and Graduate Profile. The partnership between families, parents, students, and the school has always been a priority in Ankeny. This collaboration will grow as parents and families unite in support of student learning experiences such as career exploration and awareness of work-based learning. Determining a student’s vision for their future and engaging in learning that centers the student’s voice and choice in the process is best done when the educational team and the family work together.
When: Thursday, April 21 • 6-7:30pm
Where: Northview Middle School, 1302 North Ankeny Boulevard
Click here to review documents and provide feedback.
Save the Date: ESOL Family Night, May 9
When: Monday, May 9th, 6-8pm
Where: Northview Middle School, 1302 North Ankeny Boulevard
What: Join us for English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Family Night! This event will help ESOL families to learn more about the district and available community resources. Please bring your child’s Chromebook. Dinner will be provided.
March Important Dates
March: In Like A Lamb, Out Like A …?
As we are enjoying this unseasonable balmy first day of March here are some important dates to remember.
- February 28 – March 3rd: Parent/Teacher Conferences
- March 11th: No School
- March 14-18: No School/Spring Break
View our parent calendar for more.
Profile of a Graduate
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.
Black History Month Challenge
Calling all students ages 13-18!
- First Place: $3,500 scholarship
- Second Place: $1,000 scholarship
- Third Place: $500 scholarship