Let’s Talk About…Core Skills, Soft Skills, and Mental Health
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!
All buildings and district office closed Friday, January 12
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.
2023-2024 Winter Athletic Information
Athletic Participation REQUIRED information
- Parents, please complete our online registration process ASAP if you have a winter student/athlete.
- Your student must have an updated physical and completed online registration to participate. Here is the link to complete the registration: https://ankenycentennial-ar.rschooltoday.com
The winter season offers 8th grade athletes a split-season structure in the CIML conference that offers Girls’ Basketball, Girls’ Wrestling & Boys’ Wrestling in the early season (mid October – late December) and Boys’ Basketball in the late winter season (late December – late February). Please see the details below.
Click here to view any of our CIML sports team schedules.
8th Boys Wrestling
Practice begins Monday, October 16th at NVMS after school (3:45-5:30 pm)
- 8th Wrestling Meeting – 8:00 am East Gym; Friday, Oct. 6th
- There will be an 8th Wrestling Parent Meeting – 6:30-7:00 pm – NV Room 1103 (Please use Main Entrance); Wednesday, October 11th
Contact Coach Nathan Smith with questions: nathan.smith@ankenyschools.org
8th Girls Wrestling
Practice starts October 16th in the gym at Orbis (Northview).
- There will be an 8-12 informational parent meeting Sunday, October 15th 5pm (Northview MS Small Gym). Enter through doors S-10
Contact one of the coaches with questions. Mykel Carlson, Olivia Willers, or Dustin Roland
mykel.carlson@ankneyschools.org olivia.willers@ankenyschools.org
dustin.roland@ankenyschools.org
9-12th Boys Wrestling
Informational meeting is October 25th after school at Northview Wrestling Room. Mandatory body fat testing is on Thursday, October 26th at 7am at Northview. 9th wrestling practice begins on November 13th at ACHS. You can ride the ACHS shuttle after school to get to ACHS.
For more information- Contact Coach Jay Groth: jay.groth@ankenyschools.org
9-12 Girls Wrestling
Practice starts October 30th in the gym at Orbis (Northview).
Informational meeting will be held at NV on Friday, October 6th at 8:00am in the East gym OR at ACHS on Tuesday, October 10th @ 8am in the small gym.
Contact Dustin Roland, Olivia Willers, or Mykel Carlson for more information:
dustin.roland@ankenyschools.org
olivia.willers@ankenyschools.org
mykel.carlson@ankneyschools.org
8th Girls’ Basketball
Informational meeting will be held on Thursday, September 21st from 7:45-8:00 AM in the Northview East Gym. You can also sign up in the front office and get handouts there.
Practice begins Wednesday, October 11th after school at Northview Middle School.
Contact Coach Tony Klein with questions: tony.klein@ankenyschools.org
JV1/JV2 Girls Basketball
There will be an informational player meeting on Thursday, October 19 at 7:45AM in the East Gym for 9th graders only.
The first practice will be held after school on Monday, November 6th at the high school.
We will host a scrimmage on Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 8-10AM at NV.
If you missed the meeting or have any questions, contact Coach Andy Fehn or Liz Bruns.
andy.fehn@ankenyschools.org, , liz.bruns@ankenyschools.org
8th Boys’ Basketball
There will be a players only informational meeting on Tuesday December 5th at 3:45pm in the cafeteria for students interested. Official start date will be Wednesday January 3rd , but there will be optional practices on Monday, Dec. 18th & Tuesday, Dec. 19th after school from 4-5:30 at Prairie Ridge.
Contact Coach Paul Evans with questions: paul.evans@ankenyschools.org
9th Boys Basketball
The 9th Grade Boys Basketball season officially begins on Monday, November 13th. Practices are held after school from 4:00-5:30 pm in the Northview Main Gym. The “A” Team typically plays games on Tuesdays and Fridays. The “B” team typically plays games on Mondays. The “C” Team schedule does not include a typical day on which they play. There will be an informational meeting on Wednesday, November 8th @ 3:45 at Northview.
Contact Coach Tyler McDonald with questions: tyler.mcdonald@ankenyschools.org
To keep up to date on information and announcements download the Remind App on your phone and use the Remind Code: cen9bball
9-12th Boys Swimming
There will be an informational meeting for all boys in 9th grade who are interested in swimming on Wednesday October 11th, 2023 at Ankeny Centennial High School at 4:00pm. This meeting is open to any boy interested in swimming during the 2023-24 season.
We will be discussing the upcoming season and apparel and suit orders!
Contact Coach Dustin Rhoads if you have any questions: dustin.rhoads@ankenyschools.org
8th Grade Boys’ /Girls’ Swimming
Practice will begin in February and the season will end the week before spring break. We practice every school day from 4:00-5:30 at NV Middle School Pool . Boys and girls from both Northview and Southview can participate. Coach Rhoads will meet with interested students after Winter break. Watch the school TV for announcements.
Contact Coach Dustin Rhoads if you have any questions: dustin.rhoads@ankenyschools.org
9th Grade Boys’ / Girls’ Bowling
Anyone interested in 9-12 Girls or Boys Bowling please report to Ankeny High School on 10/12/23 at 6pm in the Upstairs Career Center for a preseason meeting with Coach Nick Payton.
Contact Coach Nick Payton with questions: nicholas.payton@ankenyschools.org
Jag Homecoming Information and Dance Tickets
Get ready to show your Jaguar pride because Homecoming week is almost here! From September 17th to the 21st, join us in celebrating our school spirit with a week filled with exciting events and activities. From the traditional pep rally to the football game and dance, there’s something for everyone. So mark your calendars and come out to support our Jaguars. Let’s make this year’s Homecoming the best one yet!
Sunday, September 17 • On the Prowl
- On the Prowl (OTP) will be held on September 17 at 3:00 pm at the football practice field, here at ACHS. As our student body size grows, so does the number of students that participate in OTP (awesome!). With that being the case parents are welcome to attend but will only be allowed in the stands. We have multiple staff on the fields taking pictures which will be free to download after the event is over.
Homecoming Dress Up Days: Once Upon a Time
- Monday, September 18: Bedtime stories-PJ Day
- Tuesday, September 19: Tacky Tourist Day-Dress like a Disney Dad
- Wednesday, September 20: Turn your pumpkin (backpack) into a carriage (anything but a backpack)
- Thursday, September 21: Welcome to the Jungle- Wear your Jag pride
- Friday, September 22: Kingdom Color Wars-OTP shirt
Saturday, September 23 • Homecoming Dance
- The Homecoming dance will be held on September 23 from 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm in the ACHS commons. Tickets are $15 and will be available for purchase online through InTouch from September 13th – September 21st. If you are unable to purchase a ticket through the TouchBase system, we will sell tickets in the Activities Office only during lunch shifts on Friday, September 22nd.
- Students will pick up their online ticket wristbands during lunch shifts on Thursday September 21, and Friday September 22. Students must have their ID when picking up their wristband(s) and their ID will be required to attend the dance.
- If the student is bringing a guest that does not attend Ankeny Centennial a dance request form will be required. Please return the completed form to the front office by 4:00 pm Wednesday, September 20th. The guest must also bring a form of ID to be admitted to the dance as well.
Voluntary student accident insurance
As we gear up for the new school year, we would like to remind all families (PK-12) about Student Assurance Services student accident coverage.
The Ankeny Community School District is not responsible for any accidental injuries that occur to students while under the school’s supervision or participating in interscholastic sports. Our school district has partnered with Student Assurance Services to give families the opportunity to purchase accident insurance for their student(s). When enrolled, this coverage provides financial assistance with your out-of-pocket medical expenses should your student sustain an accidental bodily injury.
Reasons to consider coverage for your student:
1. Your primary health insurance has a high deductible – copay – coinsurance.
2. No other insurance on your student.
3. Your student participates in a sport where unexpected injuries commonly occur.
This coverage provides an added layer of protection for students, especially for those with high deductible health insurance or those who are currently uninsured. In the unfortunate event of a student injury occurring under the school’s supervision, this coverage can be a crucial asset for your family.
While we hope that none of our students will face any accidents or injuries, it is vital to be prepared and have the necessary safeguards in place.
If you have any questions regarding this voluntary student accident insurance program, please contact Student Assurance Services at (800) 328-2739. You will speak with a live person who can assist you with your questions.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to a safe and successful academic year ahead.
CHS Theater Department to participate in the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards Showcase
Ankeny Centennial High School’s theater department will participate in the 2023 Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards Showcase, presented by EMC Insurance Companies, in honor of the school’s achievements for its April production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
Produced by Des Moines Performing Arts as the culmination of a year-long education initiative, the Showcase will be held at the Des Moines Civic Center on Thursday, June 1 at 7:00 p.m. and will recognize a total of 94 schools from across the entire state.
Ryan Henzi and Abby Fickbohm each earned Outstanding Performance in a Principal Role Awards and are eligible to participate in the Triple Threat Award program with other advanced performing students. In addition to a special performance at the showcase, students will audition for theater camp scholarships and the opportunity to represent Iowa at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards in New York City this summer.
Ryan Henzi will perform an excerpt from his award-winning role in The 25 th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as William Barfée.
Additionally, select students will represent Ankeny Centennial High School by performing in a collaborative inter-school medley led by a guest Broadway music director and choreographer.
Ankeny Centennial will also be recognized with the following awards and honors:
- Distinguished Scene – “The I Love You Song”
- Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role – Rai San Martin as “Chip Tolentino”
- Special Recognition for Achievement in Choreography – Kenzie Halbach,
- Kaitlin Like, Rai San Martin, Drew Carter, & Caroline Trout
Tickets to the Showcase, which start at $15, will go on sale on Friday, May 12, 2023 at 10 AM at DMPA.org, the Des Moines Civic Center Ticket Office, and by phone at 515-246-2300.
The Awards Showcase will be live-streamed at IowaPBS.org as part of a collaboration with Iowa PBS. Iowa PBS will also broadcast a highlights special of the event on Friday, July 14 at 8:30 p.m. and on Sunday, July 16 at 1:00 p.m.
Athletic Signing Night
The Athletic Senior Signing Recognition Night is scheduled for Wednesday, May 17, at 6:30 p.m. in the CHS gym. Centennial senior athletes that are signing with a college to further their athletic and academic careers plan to attend. To be included in the event and program, please send your name, college, sport you are participating in to Marge Rasmuson in the Activities Office by May 10.
Register Now for Summer Enrichment Camps and Activities
Explore a wide range of summer enrichment camps and activities by visiting any of the Summer Enrichment links below. Whether it’s a cooking class, learning about horses, arts, reading, or sports, there are a variety of options for children of different ages and interests.
| Activity | Description | Contact |
| Career Exploration Opportunities | We have a wide range of career exploration opportunities to help you find your passion and prepare for your dream job. Our career exploration programs include internships, job shadowing, mentorship programs, informational interviews with professionals in various fields, career fairs, and networking events. Whether you’re a high school student or in middle school, we have programs and resources to help you explore different careers, gain valuable experience, and connect with industry professionals. Let us help you take the first step towards a fulfilling and rewarding career. | Career Exploration website |
| Reading Activities to help prevent Summer Slide | Suggestions to encourage children to open books even after school doors close. Have some fun and avoid the summer reading slide. | 10 Weeks of Summer Reading Adventures
2023 Summer Library Program for all ages – Find Your Voice Scholastic Article: KIDS & FAMILY READING REPORT THE SUMMER READING IMPERATIVE |
| ACSD Summer Classes | Ankeny Community Engagement is proud to offer quality continuing education courses for students and adults in the Ankeny community and surrounding areas. Whether it’s an adult fitness class, evening or weekend enrichment for kids, or a class to keep your finances in check, you’ll find a wide variety of courses. View our Summer Course Catalog.
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Kristopher Koehler
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| DMACC Kids College Youth Camps | Youth Tech Inc. in cooperation with Des Moines Area Community College West Campus’s Celebrate! Innovation program is an interactive computer camp that focuses on providing enrichment opportunities to students in the world of computers. Classes offered at DMACC’s West Des Moines Campus or virtually. Various courses offered. Age range: 6-17. Registration fee. | DMACC Kids College website |
| Blank Park Zoo Summer Safari Camps | Explore the world of animals and nature. Week-long half-day or full day camp options that consist of hands-on lessons, games, art, zoo explorations and live animal encounters. Age range: 3 years through 7th grade. Registration discount for zoo members. Registration fee. | Blank Park Zoo Safari Camps website |
| Climb Iowa Summer Youth Camps | Climb Iowa camps introduce young adventurers to climbing. Children will learn about trust, teamwork and problem solving while developing their rock climbing skills through interactive games and activities. Ages 8-12. Registration fee. | Climb Iowa Youth Camps website |
| Jester Park Equestrian Camps | Four fun-filled mornings of summer camp at Jester Park Equestrian Center. Enjoy learning all about horses and spending plenty of time riding, along with participating in other fun camp activities like games and crafts. Ages 5-12. Registration fee. | Jester Park Equestrian website |
| Living History Farms Day Camps | Half-day and full day camps offered for children entering kindergarten through eighth grade. Registration fee. | Living History Farms Camps website |
| Polk County Conservation Day Camps | Variety of day camps offered for ages 6+. These day camps are designed to encourage hands-on learning through outdoor explorations, activities, games, crafts, and more. Camps will be led by naturalists. Campers are asked to bring a water bottle and sack lunch for day long camps. Prepackaged snacks will be provided. Registration fee. | Polk Country Conservation Camps website |
| Love Lunches | Love Lunches is served every weekday all summer long to kids and families in Ankeny that have need. Hot and cold lunches served daily at Ankeny Presbyterian Church, 317 SE Trilein Drive in Ankeny from 11:30 am-12:30 pm. Monday-Friday and at Sunset Park, 1320 SW 3rd Street in Ankeny, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm, Monday-Thursday. | Love Lunches facebook page
Mary Kohlsdorf, 515-965-1737, ext. 224. holly.szcodronski@gmail.com (Sunset Park location – Holy Trinity Lutheran Church) |
| Ankeny Park & Recreation Department | The Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of leagues and activities for children ages toddler to 18. Click link for full listing of leagues, camps and courses. | Ankeny Parks and Recreation Activity website |
| Des Moines Performing Arts Summer Camps | Young people sharpen their skills, stretch their imaginations, and create unique memories through a variety of Des Moines Performing Arts education opportunities. With theater professionals as the instructors, students gain a deeper understanding of the process, build confidence, and benefit from a fresh jolt of creative energy. Grades 3-12. | Des Moines Performing Arts Summer Camps website |
| Des Moines Community Playhouse Summer Camps | Variety of Camps held for grades K-12. | Des Moines Community Playhouse Summer Camps website |
| Real Food 4 Kids | Hands on cooking camp for kids and teens, ages 6+. Three options offered for 4 –day sessions. | Cooking Class website |
| Elementary Math Activities and Games | Have fun this summer incorporating math into each day. You and your child can play dice and card games, engage in conversations about a picture, or solve a problem together. You will find FREE resources to help you and your child develop a love of mathematics. | Math Summer Resources |
| Des Moines Y Camps | Overnight and day camp options for ages 6-13 (daycamp) and ages 9-12 (overnight camp). What better place for your child to spend their summer days than at the Des Moines Y Camp located in Boone?
Under the supervision of trained staff your child will spend their summer enjoying the outdoors through various program activities all while building new friendships and growing in the four Y values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Daily traditional activities may include: climbing, hiking, archery, fishing, canoeing, field games, Imagineering, crafts, swimming, gaga ball, horseback riding (additional fee), and so much more! VIP Program for ages 14 – 17 |
Des Moines Y Camps website |
Spring Musical
Ankeny Youth Club of the Year
The Centennial Service Club was named Ankeny Youth Club of the Year by the Mayor’s Youth Council. Each year it is presented to an exceptional youth organization that has served their fellow citizens and/or created an environment for others to serve. The award was presented to the student club members and their sponsor, Lynette Carlson, on Saturday, April 1. The Service Club has had a busy year thanks to all our student volunteers. This year they have organized two food drives with over 1,000 items collected, a sock drive, Hats Not Hate (donated hats to the elementary schools), winter clothing drive, Operation Christmas Child, Giving Tree for YESS, made and donated 60 tie blankets, book drive, organized parking lot cleanups, and are working on planting 28 trees at Northview Middle School on April 29, and a Spirit Wear Clothing Drive. Congratulations and thank you for all you do for our community.