Announcements

Mrs. Buck’s entire 5th grade class at Heritage Elementary entered the Red Cross Heroes of the Heartland essay contest. One of her students, Noah Martinez, was selected as a winner for his essay about his great-grandfather. The essay talked about his great-grandfather serving his country and how he was always a special influence in Noah’s life.  March 29, 2022 was the Heroes of the Heartland breakfast where Noah was honored as a winner and given a $100 prize.

This powerful event brings together community members to honor ordinary people who do extraordinary things; those who have gone above and beyond in service to others. Additionally, the event helps raise money to ensure the Red Cross can offer help and hope to Iowa during emergencies.

We have another online auction running now until Tuesday, March 29, 2022. The auction features equipment and furnishings no longer needed in our schools and offices. The inventory includes tools, cabinets, office furniture and more.

The district is contracted with Purple Wave Auction, an online auction service, for the sale. Holding an online auction allows more people to see and study what is available, says Jeff Johnson, our district purchasing agent. All available auction items may be viewed here.

The Abdelkader Education Project (AEP) is pleased to announce the results from our annual Abdelkader Student Prize competition. This competition is presented by AEP in partnership with Iowa National History Day and is open to middle and high school students across the U.S.

Students were asked to do one of the following:

1. Write an essay discussing how Emir Abd el-Kader’s life and values influenced his actions and how those values apply to modern day challenges.
2. Create a graphic story (comic) based on one vignette from the Abdelkader Stage Project (middle school or high school).

Middle School Winner

Emmarie Becker
Northview Middle School, Ankeny, IA (Grade 8)
Essay

“From the start of Emir Abdelkader’s life, he was preparing how to be a great leader and how to overcome challenges. Learning about Abdelkader can show you how to meet your own challenges as well.”

HS Honorable Mentions

Kayla Clark
Northview Middle School, Ankeny, IA (Grade 9)
Art Book

View a panel from their work

The 2022-2023 competition will open this fall. Entry guidelines are subject to change. Please check back in the fall for updated requirements and prompts.

We want to send a big thank you to everyone who participated in our contest and helped make it a success! Special thanks to the following teachers: Kathy Cooper, Steph Schares, Maria LoBianco, and Alexa Long.

Congratulations to Angie Schneden, first grade teacher at Prairie Trail Elementary, for being named a 2021-2022 finalist for the prestigious Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

The PAEMST program, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, recognizes outstanding teachers for their contributions to the teaching and learning of mathematics and science.

PAEMST is the highest recognition that a kindergarten-through-12th grade mathematics or science (including computer science) teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Since 1983, more than 5,200 teachers nationwide have been recognized for this honor.

Winners will be announced later this year. Good luck, Mrs. Schneden!

On March 3, five Ankeny teams competed in the regional mock trial event in Johnston. Out of 26 teams that attended the competition, the team consisting of Katie Hernandez, Nicki Casady, Emily Byrnes, Jocelyn Riley, Lucas Weathers, Genevieve Pietruszynski, Caleb Zea and Logan Weathers finished in first (winning team pictured below). This team has earned the right to advance directly to the state competition which will be held from March 31-April 2.

2 other Ankeny teams placed in the top 12 and advanced to the play-off round which was held on March 7. After the playoffs, 1 of the 2 teams placed high enough to move on to the state competition. This team consisted of Chloe Andersen, Stephanie Gray, Sydney Howe, Mallory Jordan, Marissa Larson-Minar, Grant Miner, Dylan Krahenbuhl, Hannah Pross, Noah Yeager, and Samuel Zea. (pictured below).

The state competition will be held on April 1 and 2 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.

A prescribed (controlled) burn of the District’s prairie grasses will be executed this spring. The DNR recommends a burn every three years to maintain prairie grasses. District staff conducting burns have been trained and certified in prescribed burns.

The Ankeny Community School District is pleased to announce Dr. Daniel “DJ” Johnson as the new principal for Ankeny High School. Dr. Johnson is currently the Principal at Dubuque Senior High School in Dubuque, Iowa. He has served in this role since 2013. 

During the selection process, parents, students, staff, and administrators on the selection committee were able to ask questions and give feedback on finalists. Parents noted that Dr. Johnson is very student focused and staff noted he was an experienced, inspiring leader with a focus on building culture that is inclusive and community driven.

“I am honored to be chosen as the next principal of Ankeny High School and am excited to connect with students, staff, and the community,” said Johnson.

Dr. Johnson has more than 20 years experience in education, including working in multiple capacities within a high school, including as a counselor and assistant principal. In addition to his roles within the school community, Dr. Johnson is a dedicated mentor. He is the founder of a leadership development group called the Gentlemen’s Breakfast Club,  whose mission is to develop future leaders who positively contribute to their community. He has conducted training for the City of Dubuque, Dubuque Police Department, Dubuque County Sheriff’s Department, Dubuque Community Schools, and various colleges and universities.

Dr. Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Sciences from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, a Master of Education degree in Counselor Education from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and a Doctorate of Educational Leadership from Edgewood College. 

Dr. Johnson will officially begin his duties July 1 but will collaborate with staff toward a smooth transition. 

The Ankeny Community School District is pleased to announce Mr. Ben Huebsch as the new principal for Parkview Middle School. Mr. Huebsch is currently the Associate Principal at Parkview. Mr. Huebsch has served in a number of leadership roles for the Ankeny Community School District over the past nine years including as an administrator at Northview Middle School, Summit, and Parkview Middle School.

During the selection process, parents, students, staff, and administrators on the selection committee were able to ask questions and give feedback on finalists. Several noted that Mr. Huebsch’s experience with building a strong culture and working collaboratively with families to support student success would serve as a key asset for the building. His focus on the individual student experience and work to ensure all students feel safe and welcomed demonstrated his commitment to the success of each student at Parkview Middle School.

“From the first time I joined the staff at Parkview, I have loved this school and the people who come to learn and grow within it,” said Huebsch. “I am both grateful and excited for this opportunity, and I look forward to partnering with the students, staff, and families to maintain what is great about our school and find ways to make it even better!” 

Mr. Huebsch’s nearly 20 years in education includes experience working in all capacities of a middle school as an instructor, improvement specialist, and an associate principal. Mr Huebsch is a proven instructional leader and community organizer. In addition to his roles within the school community, he was the cofounder of Engage Ankeny that connects local nonprofits with volunteers, donors, and residents in need.

Huebsch holds a Bachelor of Science in Middle/Secondary Education from the University of Kansas, a Masters of Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Kansas, and a Masters of School Leadership from Baker University.

Ben and his wife, Kelsey, have four children, including three daughters, , and a son,  .

Mr. Huebsch will officially begin his duties July 1 but will collaborate with staff toward a smooth transition. He will take the reins of Parkview Middle School from Mr. Jeff Schumacher, who is retiring this year.

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.

What: Meet Rachelle Chase the author of Buxton: Creating the Black Utopia via zoom
Why: Learn about Buxton, Iowa, and a chance to win $2000 Scholarship
When: Wednesday, Feb. 23,  3:50 to 4:50 p.m.
Where: ACHS Media Center