Announcements

The Ankeny Community School District (ACSD) is committed to keeping our students, staff, and community safe while we continue to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic. In order to respect current social distancing requirements and to protect the health and safety of our staff and community, the procedures communicated below may be different compared to past practices.

Ankeny Community Schools is accepting the annual textbook rental fees, purchases of CIML (Central Iowa Metro League) student activity tickets, K-8 activity passes, eight-punch pass activity tickets, parking passes, and meal account deposits for the 2021-2022 school year. Fees are accepted by:

• Credit/debit card online at TouchBase. This is the preferred method of payment.
• NEW/CHANGE – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY – Credit/debit card at a building.
  • School building: An appointment must be made by calling that building’s main office. Please know that office hours may be limited.
  • District Office building: An appointment must be made by calling 515-965-9600. Please know that office hours may be limited. Checking the website would be beneficial.
  • Credit/debit card numbers CANNOT be taken over the phone.
  • Mail check to 306 SW School Street, PO box 189, Ankeny 50021-0189 using this payment form.

For information on making online payments, please refer to the online fees and meal payments. You may view an instructional video on using TouchBase.

You can learn more about how to use TouchBase by reading this new user guide.

Important points regarding online payments:

• Meal account deposits may be made throughout the school year. Try the recurring purchases feature on TouchBase!
• NEW/CHANGE to staying online all school year: League student activity tickets (9-12 only) and the K-8 grade activity tickets may be purchased online until Sunday, August 8.
• Eight-punch activity tickets can be purchased online until Sunday, August 8. Beginning August 9, payments for the eight-punch activity tickets/passes may be purchased from your feeder system’s high school Activity Office or at a home event.
• TouchBase can be found under Online Payments, which is located in the Quick Links at the top right and bottom of the page. Please note, when accessing TouchBase, you will be leaving the Ankeny Schools website and entering a secured environment hosted by InTouch Receipting.

What is the annual Textbook Rental?

The Textbook Rental is an Iowa Department of Education state-wide term used that covers not only textbooks, but electronic textbooks and any supplementary instructional materials used that conveys information to the student or otherwise contributes to the learning process. This is referenced and authorized in Iowa Code 301.1.

If you have already paid the textbook rental fee for this year, you do not need to do so again.

Free/Reduced Priced Meals and Other Fees

To be eligible for free/reduced price meals and textbook rental fees, you must submit an application and the fee waiver form EACH SCHOOL YEAR. This can be done online late July on the nutrition services free and reduced meals webpage.

Please contact LeeAnna Vigor before completing an application, if:

• You are enrolling a kindergarten student and another student in your household was eligible for free or reduced meals the previous school year.
• You have a student who is transferring from another school in Iowa and was eligible for free or reduced meals at that school.  Eligibility does NOT automatically transfer – you need to notify LeeAnna Vigor.
• The state has placed a foster student in your care.

To be eligible for Free/Reduced Text book Rental, a free/reduced priced meal application and the fee waiver form must be completed and approved on October 4, 2021 or before. If not, unless a student is a new enrollee, full priced Textbook Rental Fees will be applicable for students in your household. PLEASE NOTE: if a fee waiver is applicable, it is only valid if completed and submitted within that eligible school year.

Contact Information:

• For questions about fee and/or fine balances, fee and/or fine payments, please email studentfees@ankenyschools.org
• For questions about meal balances and/or meal payments or School Cafe, please email leeanna.vigor@ankenyschools.org or scott.litchfield@ankenyschools.org.
• For questions about the Free and Reduced Meal Program, please email leeanna.vigor@ankenyschools.org.
• For questions about the Before and After School Program and/or about the payment structure, please email nikki.logsdon@ankenyschools.org.

The Ankeny Centennial High School National Honor Society held its induction ceremony on Thursday, May 27th, at 7:30 p.m. Since there was no ceremony last year we awarded memberships to both the 2020 and 2021 inductees at this year’s event. Brigadier General Shawn Ford, Deputy Adjutant General of the Iowa Air National Guard gave the keynote address. A grand total of 135 students were admitted to National Honor Society. The ceremony was attended by many parents, friends, and family members. 

Students apply to become members of National Honor Society, an organization chartered by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, which has been in existence since 1921. Successful applicants must have a minimum unweighted grade point average of 3.5 or above, a demonstrated record of scholarship, extracurricular involvement, community service, and character. Tim Garner is the sponsor of the Ankeny Centennial High School chapter of National Honor Society, and he can be reached at tim.garner@ankenyschools.org, or by telephone at 515-965-9610. 

Below is a list of the 2020 and 2021 memberships:

Sophomores:
Claire Aronson
Ella Becker
Katelynn Bender
Thomas Brustkern
Maddie Carleton
Dara Cleveland
Clayson Cox
Braydon Cunningham
Grace Dodder
Nicholas Eaton
Sophia Elgin
Kaylee Fornoff
Jeanna Fuller
Quinn Geiger
Autumn Graybill
Kennedy Hade
Zach Hansen
Mallory Hoogensen|
Mason Inman
Alexis Jansen
Katie Johnson
Kendall Jorgensen
Savannah Klingensmith
Kathryn Krueger
Evan Larson
Taylor Lehman
Allie Lensch
Nick Littlefield
Aaron Martin
Abby Mayo
Colin Moran
Kristen Menges
Delaney Miller
Ellerson Miller
Peyton Mitchell
Matthew Monsivais
Cleao Murray
Nathan Neppl
Hailey Paulson
Erica Peters
Caden Rasmus
Eden Rodekamp
Isabelle Sash
Tyler Schermerhorn
Ashley Simpson
Julianne Stevens
Jasmine Underwood
Brooks Wee
Lindsey Wessel
Maria West
Tessa Woerdehoff

Juniors:
Lauryn Auderer
Mandy Bendezu
Raylee Bishop
Brody Blakeslee
Aubree Bloom
Brianna Busch
Ryan Bybee
Anna Christensen
Kaden Christensen
Sydney Clark
Macy Cowman
Connor Cunningham
Blake DePhillips
Grace Dickinson
Eva DiMeo
Emma Donnelly
Hannah Doup
Bethany Ehmcke
Ben Fountain
Kyrillos Girgis
Tyler Graham
Peter Guzman
Abby Housker
Emily Huff
Mason Jensen
Nate Jones
Aly Jumper
JaKyla Kaniaru
Parker Kintigh
Taylor Kruse
Miranda Kuehl
Jade Nettrour
Mackenzie Longmire
Halle Northway
Zeynep Oghan
Emmy O’Meara
Lindsey Paulson
Lauren Playle
Bella Robben
Zach Solis
Scott Talmadge
Spencer Thiele

Seniors:
Cole Bosch
Mallory Logsdon
Allison Robinson
Mya Taylor
Anna Teeple

Students from ACSD competed in the Polk County Bar Association’s Law Day contest and garnered several awards in each category. Students in grades K through 12 were invited to compete in the visual arts, music, essay, and poetry categories.

This year’s theme was Advancing the Rule of Law Now. The Rule of Law is the bedrock of our democracy because the same laws apply to everyone, and no one is above the law. The Rule of Law is a system of laws, rules, policies, and principles that apply to everyone to ensure a fair and just society where everyone is treated equally under the law. This includes having a fair and independent judiciary and making sure human rights are guaranteed for all.

Law day has been celebrated since 1958 when President Dwight Eisenhower signed the proclamation declaring it a day to celebrate and strengthen the American heritage of liberty, justice, and equality under the law.

This year’s celebration was held virtually. Guests from the legal profession spoke to students, emphasizing the importance of the Rule of Law, and entertained questions from the students. A visual presentation was shared that showcased student work.

Anna Rowling – Prairie Trail

Vivian Zhang – Rock Creek

5th grade:
Anna Rowling (Prairie Trail) – 1st Place in Poster
Vivian Zhang (Rock Creek) – 2nd Place in Essay
Zena Jorgensen and Ingrid Weber (Ashland Ridge) – 1st Place in Visual Arts

Zena Jorgensen and Ingrid Weber – Ashland Ridge

Alanna Bredice – Prairie Ridge

Kalyani Bhat-Prairie Ridge

Emmarie Becker-Prairie Ridge

Rosie Howieson-Prairie Ridge

Maia Bredice-Prairie Ridge

Lauren Boka-Prairie Ridge

7th Grade:
Alanna Bredice (Prairie Ridge) – 1st Place in Technology
Kalyani Bhat (Prairie Ridge) – 1st Place in Music & Performing Arts
Emmarie Becker (Prairie Ridge) – 3rd Place in Poetry
Rosie Howieson (Prairie Ridge) – 2nd Place in Poetry
Maia Bredice & Lauren Boka (Prairie Ridge) – 3rd Place in Visual Arts

Finn Stukerjurgen and Avery Bacon from Southview Middle School

8th grade:
Avery Bacon (Southview) – 2nd place in Middle School Visual Arts
Josie Bishop (Northview) – 3rd place in Middle School Essay
Olivia Madison (Northview) – 1st place in Middle School Poetry
Finn Stukerjurgen (Southview) – 1st place in Middle School Essay
Meghan Wolf (Northview) – 1st place in Middle School Visual Arts; 2nd Place in Middle School Essay

9th graders from Northview at Law Day

9th grade:
Lio Aguirre (Northview) – 3rd place in High School Essay
Lio Aguirre, Caeden deBruin, Mary Faidley and Addison Pollock (Northview) – 1st place in High School Visual Arts
Kylie Kinzie (Northview) – 2nd place in High School Visual Arts

Julia Yount – ACHS

10th grade:
Julia Yount (ACHS) – 2nd place in High School Poetry

Allison Su

12th grade:
Allison Su (ACHS) – 3rd place in High School Visual Arts

What: On the Prowl

When:  May 17^th – 7:00 pm start time

Who:  Juniors and Seniors that signed up with a team.  You MUST be on a team or volunteering with Student Council to be on the field.

Where: ACHS Football Stadium (at the High School, NOT Ankeny Stadium)

Student Arrival Time and Info: Teams should arrive with all team members and staff sponsor no later than 6:50 pm as the start time is at 7:00 pm. Teams will enter by the home concession stand on the football field and then enter through the gate behind the home stands to the field west of the stadium.

Spectator information: Due to our smaller field this year and Covid, we are not allowing spectators to follow teams. There will be an area where spectators may watch, but they will NOT be allowed on the field this year. Staff members will be taking pictures throughout the night and these will be available to download for free. A link will be sent out once the pictures have been uploaded.

Masks REQUIRED: Teams will not meet the social distancing policy, per the district, so even though we are outside, teams must still wear masks. Team captains will be reminded of this at their captain’s meeting. Teams should provide their own masks.

Here is the Senior Calendar for 2021.

Please note, this calendar includes important dates for Seniors and their families.  Many items are still “TBD” (to be determined) as details are still being finalized.  This document will be updated as that information is available.

Senior-Calendar-2021

Between preparing healthy food, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile, Ankeny Community School District nutrition professionals have a lot on their plate. To celebrate their hard work and commitment, Ankeny schools will celebrate School Lunch Hero Day on May 7. This day, celebrated annually since 2013, was designated by The School Nutrition Association and Jarrett Krosoczka, author of the “Lunch Lady” graphic novel series. School Lunch Hero Day provides an opportunity for parents, students, school staff and communities to thank those who provide healthy meals to nearly 30 million of America’s students each school day. 

All across the school district, school nutrition professionals will be honored and recognized from students, school staff, parents, and the community.

The importance and nutritional value of school meals are well documented. For many children, school lunch is the most important and nutrient-rich meal of their day. The Ankeny Schools Nutrition Services mission is to promote a culture of health and wellness in the Ankeny Community School District by providing safe and nutritious foods that support the learning process. Join us in thanking our School Lunch Heroes throughout the District! Get the details about School Lunch Hero Day at www.schoollunchheroday.com. To learn more about the school nutrition program for Ankeny Schools, visit https://ankenyschools.org.staging2.juiceboxint.com/departments/nutrition-services/.

It’s almost time for After Prom!

After Prom is free to attend and will be held at Ankeny Centennial High School following Prom on Saturday, April 10. Just like Prom, only Senior students will be able to attend After Prom this year. All Seniors are welcome to attend After Prom, whether they attend the dance or not.

After Prom Details:

• Doors will open at Midnight. There will be no entry after 1 a.m.
• A school ID is required for entry to After Prom.
• Seniors must leave the building and return to After Prom following the dance.

Parents of Seniors:

After Prom needs your help to make these events happen! Your contribution of $30 is needed NOW!  After Prom greatly depends on the parent donations. Your donation can be sent to Ankeny After Prom, PO Box 1181 Ankeny, IA 50021 or drop off at the Centennial High School office or Venmo @Jaguar-AfterProm.

Your help is also needed the night of After Prom. Please visit the ACHS Facebook page Ankeny CentennialHighSchoolAfterProm for more information on how you can volunteer!

Open Mic’ Night LVI – The Ankeny and Centennial High School libraries are excited to host our first open mic’ night since last winter! This will be held in the CHS Library on April 28^th at 5PM.  Come share a song or poem with your friends and family!  Please sign up with Mrs. Wirtz at AHS or Mr. Honz at CHS.  Masks are required.

All Twelve Ankeny Schools Students Named 2021 National Merit® Scholarship Finalists

Ankeny Community Schools is proud to announce that all 12 students that were recognized as Semifinalists in September have now been named as Finalists in the 66th annual National Merit® Scholarship Program. This is a record number of NMSC Finalists for the Ankeny Community School District.

The honored students include Ankeny Centennial High School seniors Kiran Bhat, Lawrence Deng, Grant Miller, Andrew Stapleton, Allison Su, Jordan Su, Spencer Thiele, and Meghan White.

The academically talented high school seniors who are selected for this honor have an opportunity to compete for about 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $30 million that will be offered this spring. More than half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship and earn the Merit Scholar® title.

NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The program honors individual students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

Steps in the 2021 Competition

Over 1.5 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.

To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the Semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, and write an essay.

From the approximately 16,000 Semifinalists, about 15,000 advanced to the Finalist level. All National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from this group of Finalists. Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference.

National Merit Scholarships

Three types of National Merit Scholarships will be offered. Every Finalist will compete for one of 2,500 National Merit $2,500 Scholarships that will be awarded on a state representational basis. About 1,000 corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards will be provided by approximately 240 corporations and business organizations for Finalists who meet their specified criteria, such as children of the grantor’s employees or residents of communities where sponsor plants or offices are located. In addition, about 200 colleges and universities are expected to finance some 4,800 college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards for Finalists who will attend the sponsor institution.

National Merit Scholarship winners of 2021 will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July. These scholarship recipients will join more than 353,000 other distinguished young people who have earned the Merit Scholar title.

The 2nd Annual Ankeny Future Ready “Night” begins on February 8th and will run through February 19th. This year, our “NIGHT” has turned into a website with all of the information that parents/guardians and students will need in order to select courses for the 2021-2022 school year.

Within the website, you will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of programs, resources and opportunities available to our students. Last year, parents were only able to choose up to four different sessions to attend, but this year all of these sessions are available via the website. Each of these sessions will provide you with tools to help your student select courses that align with their post-secondary plan.

Future Ready Night Website