Ankeny Schools Snapshot
A monthly district newsletter
October 2022
Advancing the Vision
with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Erick Pruitt
You may have heard some students say or even felt yourself that “I’m just not a math person.” We’re working to change that narrative both in our community, but particularly among our students. The more we as adults and a community can make math approachable and achievable, the better results we’ll see in our student’s own belief in their math abilities.
As you know, this year K-5 elementary students began utilizing Illustrative Math as the main resource. Illustrative Math is a problem-based curriculum where students spend time using mathematical language to discuss and solve carefully crafted and sequenced problems. The math curriculum creates:
More ways for students to learn math standards,
A logical learning sequence as students move through each grade, and
A focus on depth of understanding over memorization.
Additionally, secondary math and computer science curriculum builds on the learning in K-5, and creates clear pathways through secondary courses. What this looks like is focusing your math course pathway through secondary on your postsecondary plans. For example, beginning next year, a student interested in pursuing a career in engineering would take a “Calculus Pathway”. Certainly, opportunities to take additional interest and change pathways will exist, but, ultimately, students will leave Ankeny Schools more prepared for their postsecondary plans.
Throughout the school year, we will continue exploring the math curriculum students use in ACSD and throughout the community. Stay tuned to our social media accounts for helpful videos and resources as we work to make every Ankeny student a “math person”.
Thank you,
Dr. Erick D. Pruitt
Superintendent of Schools
Clothing Drive
With the cold weather approaching, it is important to know that Project Fresh Start, in partnership with Ankeny Community Engagement, is hosting the annual Faith and Education Winter Donation, Winter Clothing Giveaway. This event is open to all Ankeny families and will take place at Prairie Ridge Middle School.
Giveaway Dates and Times are:
Saturday, November 12 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Sunday, November 13 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Committee Opportunities
Additional committee opportunities have become available within the district, and you are invited to share your input on a district committee this year!
Please review the committee opportunities and share your interest in involvement here:
The sign-up will be open through October 31. District staff will review submitted forms and reach out by early November with next steps.
Please note that due to capacity, it may not be possible for everyone to serve on committees in which they express interest. The district will maintain a list of people interested in serving and will reach out if additional opportunities become available.
Thank you for your interest in serving our school community!
Strategic Plan Implementation Update
We are about 14% complete with the strategic plan work for this year and are actively engaged in an additional 33% of the planned work, which means we are right on target. Our first year of implementing the strategic plan is focused on studying so that the district has a solid base of knowledge to draw on when building towards our goals. Leaders from different departments across the district meet monthly to evaluate plan progress.
Some of the top priorities for the 2022-2023 school year are:
Pillar 1:
- Audit challenge-based learning and career exploration opportunities and begin planning for expansion
- Continue with planned expansion of Leader in Me
Pillar 2:
- Continue expanded implementation of individual professional development plans for staff
- Begin study of high-leverage retention strategies
Pillar 3:
- Facilitate Facilities Master Plan Committee & Innovative Secondary School Task Force
- Research and lay the foundation for expanded family/community engagement resources
Thank you for your continued support as we work to make our strategic plan a reality!
Certified Enrollment
Inclement Weather System Test - October 26
On Wednesday, October 26, we will be testing our Inclement Weather Notification System. You will receive an email and/or text alert from our Blackboard system at approximately 12:30 p.m. We perform this test each year to ensure our systems are working properly and give parents the opportunity to check that they are signed up to receive alerts. Please remember to mark this date on your calendar! Click here to find additional information on our Closing and Delays policy.
Ankeny Community School District
It is the policy of the Ankeny Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact Ken Morris, Jr., Equity Director at 306 SW School Street, Ankeny, IA 50023, 515/965-9600 or kenneth.morris@ankenyschools.org. The grievance will then be directed to the appropriate administrator charged with managing the program or department specified in the grievance.
Website: www.ankenyschools.org
Location: 306 SW School St, Ankeny, IA, USA
Phone: 515-965-9600
Facebook: Facebook.com/AnkenySchools
Twitter: @AnkenySchools