Ankeny Schools Snapshot
A monthly district newsletter
October 2020
Advancing the Vision
I have now been in the district long enough to have attended two board meetings, which means that I have spent a little over two weeks as the district’s interim superintendent. A lot of that time has been spent listening to community members and reading emails related to people’s opinions regarding the interaction between COVID-19 and the educational needs of students. The opinions vary a great deal, but all represent a deep interest in and caring about the education of the young people of this community. I believe that interest and care are reflected in the quality of schools found here.
All was not new; I came to the district with a bit of background about the schools. Several years ago, I was asked to do some work for the district related to its building needs. During that time, I spent several days in the district looking at school buildings and how their structure matched the curriculum that was being delivered. Another, and maybe more important, connection I have with the district involves my three grandchildren who attend Ankeny Schools. My daughter and her family have lived in Ankeny for over 15 years. As a proud grandparent, I have watched them thrive as they have benefited from quality education and outstanding teachers as they work their way through Ankeny schools. Because of them, my decision to take on the interim superintendent’s responsibilities during this time of unprecedented challenge is personal and professional.
And so the first few weeks have been filled with learning about the system, the community, the wide range of views about how we should be handling the pandemic, and getting to know the people who contribute so much to making the Ankeny School system such a fine place for students. I look forward to the rest of the year.
Highlights from September
Check out the pictures and videos below that highlight the first month of school!
Parkview Peer Review Program
Southview Middle School Spanish Class
Southeast Remote Learning
Equity Update: Start Where You Are
Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. – Arthur Ashe
This is a simple and logical start to any project. Whether it’s a decision to eat healthier, rearranging your closet, or learning more about DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion), taking the first step can be daunting.
Ankeny Community School District partnered with the United Way of Central Iowa in the 21-Day Equity Challenge to examine and open discussions about the impact of racism in our history, today, and how to do better. From October 5 through November 2, we will share readings, videos, podcasts and ideas on how to put ideas into action.
The hardest part of moving forward is taking the first step. Through this partnership and 21-Day Equity Challenge we can take the next step together.
If you would like to join the challenge, go to this link and register for free - https://www.unitedwaydm.org/equity-challenge-about.
Annual Notices
October vBackpack
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