Transitional Kindergarten Program
Ankeny Schools is excited to announce the opening of a transitional kindergarten (TK) program for the 2024-2025 school year. This new level is designed to provide students with the time needed to develop essential social and academic skills, acting as a bridge between preschool and kindergarten.
Registration for Transitional Kindergarten will be integrated into the general registration process, commencing on February 2, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. Similar to preschool, available space is limited, and acceptance is determined by the time and date of the submitted complete registration. Class sizes will be capped at 20 students per class, and the total number of classrooms will be finalized by the district later in the spring.
For more information please visit the Transitional Kindergarten website page within the Register section. Applicants can expect to receive an email confirmation of classroom placement or waitlist status by the end of March.
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.
New! Absence Request Feature on Infinite Campus
We are excited to introduce a convenient new way to report student absences to your school! The Absence Request tool in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal allows you to report your student’s absence online with just a few clicks. This can be done using your desktop computer or the Parent Portal app on your mobile device.
Entering an absence request is quick and easy. Follow these simple steps:
- Log in to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal account.
- Select your child’s profile.
- Navigate to the Absence Request section.
- Fill in the required information, including the date and reason for the absence.
- Submit your request.
Visit this Absence Request Guide for detailed information on how to report absences.
Per the student handbook, students who know they will be absent for a reason other than a school-sponsored trip or school-sponsored activity must have a parent notify the school’s office in advance of the absence. This notification can be provided using the Absence Request tool outlined above, or by phone call, e-mail, or written note.
Meet The Teacher and Meet a New Job!
Do you love working with kids? Do you want to work at your child’s school? Or how about being a part of an amazing staff family? We’ve got an opportunity for you!
Monday, August 21, is Meet the Teacher night at all Ankeny elementary schools, and you’re invited to participate in onsite interviews for paraprofessional openings in our elementary buildings! Not ready to interview? Staff will be on hand to answer all your questions about this important role in our schools or to reserve a time for a future interview.
Open Paraprofessional openings include:
- General Education (Part-Time 3 days per week)
- General Education (Part-Time 4 days per week)
- General Education (Part-Time 5 days per week)
- Special Education (Full-Time)
- English Learners(Full-Time shared with another building)
Click here to learn more and apply today!
Make plans to join us on Monday, August 21, from 4-6 at any Ankeny elementary school building.
Kindergarten Jumpstart in Early August
If you have a child preparing to start kindergarten in the fall remember to sign up for Kindergarten Jumpstart, an early August program designed to prepare new kindergartners for the upcoming school year. The program offers incoming students the chance to explore their school, tour their new classroom, and get excited to start learning. If you haven’t already signed up your child for Kindergarten Jumpstart, now is the time to do so!
Free Summer Meal Locations
Take a break from prepping lunch and bring your kids to our free summer meal sites! No cost or enrollment required. Open to all children 18 and younger. Enjoy a tasty meal at two locations. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to give your kids a nutritious lunch this summer. Visit us today!
No service Monday, July 3rd through Tuesday, July 4th.
Autumn Ridge Estates
11:15 am – 12:00 pm
Crestbruck Park
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
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 |
No School: Friday, January 13 & Monday, January 16
Friday, January 13 is a professional learning day for our staff, and Monday, January, 16 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We hope everyone enjoys the extra long weekend and we will see students back in the building on January 17!
Kindergarten Parents: Save the Date!
Onsite Kindergarten Parent Meeting • Thursday, January 26 at 6:30 p.m.
Purpose: Visit your child’s home building before registration opens. Learn about the kindergarten experience within Ankeny Community School District, turn in the Kindergarten Information Form, learn more about Jumpstart, utilize the Address Look-Up Tool and ask questions.