Announcements

Congrats to Talon editor and senior Joanna Guerrero for earning an honorable mention through Journalism Education Association’s (JEA) student media contest for her profile of JEA member, English teacher, and journalism adviser Alissa Hansen.

Exciting news! Ankeny High School has been awarded the College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for their outstanding representation of female students in AP Computer Science A!

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Samara Feldhacker and Lilyan McCracken, both students in the class that received the award. They shared with us their inspiration for delving into computer science, their female role models, why girls should explore computer science fields, and their own future plans.

Dr. DJ Johnson, principal at Ankeny High School, expressed his pride in the accomplishment, highlighting the importance of gender parity in computer science education.

This achievement not only celebrates the success of Ankeny High School but also serves as inspiration for schools across the nation. Congratulations to all the students and teachers involved in this remarkable accomplishment!

Watch the Exclusive Interview with the students

Students, parents, and community members are invited to participate in the nomination process for the ACSD People of the Year awards, an event that recognizes outstanding contributions to our educational community.

Nomination forms open on February 1st for the following awards:

Education Professional of the Year Nomination Form

Support Staff Member of the Year Nomination Form

Volunteer of the Year Nomination Form

Your nominations will help us recognize and celebrate the outstanding people that make our school district a great place to be! Please take a moment to consider individuals who have made a positive impact and submit your nominations by March 1, 2024.

There will be no school on Monday, February 5th, due to a professional learning day. School will resume on Tuesday, February 6th.

Attention parents and guardians of AHS students:

Make sure to purchase our 2023/24 yearbook through yearbookmarket.com! Please take advantage of the $52 sale price that lasts until January 31st, 2024. Starting on February 1st, our yearbooks will go to our regular price of $62. All yearbooks must be purchased before the deadline of June 1st, 2024!

Please take note of the important dates below!

• Sale price: $52 until 01/31/24
• Regular price: $62 starting 02/1/24
• Purchase deadline: 06/01/24

Please feel free to reach out to annastasia.manrose@ankenyschools.org if you have any questions! 

Thank you, 

Yearbook Advisor, Annastasia Manrose

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.