Ankeny Schools Snapshot
A monthly district newsletter
November 2020
Advancing the Vision
As we head into the winter months and the holidays, we are still struggling with the challenges of the pandemic. Clearly, this has been a year like none any of has experienced. We are all suffering from COVID exhaustion. One of the concerns from the instructional patterns the virus has forced on us is a question about student learning: has it suffered as a result of the pandemic? Educators are always concerned about “summer regression” when students are on break and learning is often not reinforced. Last spring’s closure of the schools extended the period that students were out of school, thus adding to the normal concerns of regression. There have also been concerns expressed regarding the various modes of teaching the disease has forced on us.
While fall is not the time we offer the main portion of our student assessments, the district does give a standardized assessment in reading and we did again this year. (The assessments are repeated in January and May which offers some insights into student growth during the school year.) The assessment at this time is a snapshot of each grade level to see how that particular group of students is doing compared to students from past years at the respective grade level. Obviously, because it is a grade-level comparison and not a student achievement test, the tests will have some variation in results just because each group of students is unique. This year, in spite of all the distractions the pandemic has added to the schools, the assessment was in the range of past years. There was a slight decline for a couple of grade levels in early elementary school. Whether that decline was the result of the group of students in the grade, the lack of school attendance last spring, the different teaching modalities or some combination of the these or other factors is impossible to know without intense research beyond what school districts are equipped to do. What it does tell us, however, is that students have been pretty resilient and for the most part managed the challenges of the virus quite well. When compared with other schools in the state, Ankeny students (at the grade levels that are part of this state assessment) are doing very well.
Much of this student success rests with the tremendous work building staff – teachers, associates, custodians, secretaries, lunchroom workers, and administrators— have done. It is also the result of parents who have struggled with the difficulties and frustrations that the pandemic has brought to their households, but have worked with their students to help them adjust to the reality the pandemic has brought to all of our lives.
Stay safe and enjoy Thanksgiving!
Remote Learning Option Reminder
You must complete this form even if you selected remote learning first semester. That selection will NOT carry over automatically.
Inclement Weather & School Cancellations
As we head into the winter weather season and begin planning for second semester, we want to review our procedures for inclement weather and potential school cancellations. Our school calendar includes the flexibility to allow for two school day cancellations without need for students to make the days up at the end of the year. In the event that we experience more than two days, the district will add the missed day(s) to the end of the school year.
On Monday, November 9 at 1 p.m., we will conduct a district-wide test of our winter weather notification including email and text message. All communication will be clearly labeled as a test of the notification system.
One additional note for your calendars, beginning Wednesday, January 20, 2021 the district will resume its standard Wednesday start times as follows:
Elementary Buildings 8:55 a.m. start
6-7 Buildings 9:30 a.m. start
8-9 Buildings 9:20 a.m. start
High School Buildings 9:25 a.m. start
2020-2021 Enrollment Update
Ankeny Schools' certified enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year is 12147.36 This is down from 12,255.80 last year.
National Public Radio reports a 16% drop in kindergarten enrollment around the nation, with little information about if those students went to private school, home school, or are delaying entry to school for a year. (Enrollments Dropping In Public Schools Around the Country) In Ankeny, nearly 30% of the decline was comprised of students who could have started kindergarten, but the families elected not to enroll this year.
To help provide context for the impact of this year's enrollment and provide projections for the future, the district’s demographer provided an annual update to the Ankeny Board of Education this week. They project the district will grow by another 1,100 students in the next five years. Of the 1,100 increase, 70% is anticipated to be a growth in elementary students. These numbers will put Ankeny’s north-feeder elementary system over capacity in the near future.
Ankeny Schools long range facility plan includes adding an elementary in the north-feeder in time for the 2023-2024 school year.
- View the enrollment projections chart here.
- View the demographer’s November 2020 PowerPoint presentation to the Board of Education here.
These projections suggest that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the district’s enrollment will not last. In fact, the enrollment numbers are expected to rebound and continue increasing in the coming years.
When current projected enrollment data is compared to school building capacities, it shows capacity issues at the secondary level will arise for the 6-7 middle schools within the next ten years. This suggests the district will most likely need additional 6-7 building capacity by the end of the decade.
Perky Hawk/Java Jag Coffee Sales
Support our schools and your community by purchasing some coffee! In addition, the flavored coffee being sold is locally roasted by Café Diem, who have been a great partner for us in this work.
Please review this “how-to” guide for purchasing.
The flavored coffee will be roasted locally by Café Diem, who have been a great partner for us in this work.
A Classroom of Your Own
Following a passion to teach when you already have a career or family may seem impossible. University of Northern Iowa has created the 2+2 Elementary Education (BA) which provides an education without relocation.
The 2+2 program begins with two years of courses at a DMACC campus including Ankeny, Boone or Carroll. Students then transition to virtual UNI courses and occasional meetings with instructors.
If your dream is to lead your own classroom, then visit the UNI Continuing Education website and learn more about the 2+2 Elementary Education (BA) Program for non-traditional students.
FEWD Winter Donations Giveaway
The Project Fresh Start's Faith and Education Winter Donations (FEWD) Giveaway is fast approaching! The giveaway will be taking place on Saturday, November 14 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, November 15 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church (510 East First Street).
On the day of the event, there will be enough space for 50 people to enter at a time. Masks will be required, as well. If you have any questions concerning the giveaway, you can contact the Ankeny Community Engagement department at 515-289-3960, or by visiting our website.
This is your last chance to donate to this giveaway! Donations will be accepted at your school building until Thursday, November 5. Contact your building for further details. Items approved for donation include new or gently used coats, hats, thick gloves, and snow pants. Boots, scarves, and thin one size fits most gloves will not be accepted this year.
Annual Notice: Free and Reduced Meal Program
November vBackpack
- Educational Opportunities: Write Now: Hawkeye Haiku Writing Contest
- Sports and Activities: 2020 Fall Volleyball, AVBA Volleyball, Ankeny Basketball Club, Iowa Figure Skating Academy
- Volunteering, Drives, and Giveaways: Community Cares Coat Drive & Warm Winter Items, TAKE Christmas Room, Ankeny Service Center's Holiday Assistance Program, Faith and Education Winter Donations (FEWD)
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