Counselors' Quarterly
Volume 1, Issue 3: March & April 2020
Happy Spring!
In Case You Missed It
February 20, 2020 - 6th Grade Orientation
- Presentation linked here: 6th Grade Orientation
February 27, 2020 - "Future Ready Students" was presented by PRMS School counselors at parent-teacher conferences.
- Find their presentation LINKED HERE
NOTE: Due to Spring Break, there will not be a Family and Community Engagement Presentation during the month of March.
Student-Led Groups/Clubs
As mentioned in our last newsletter, we (PRMS) continue to support students' creativity, need for connection, and a sense of belonging by encouraging the formation of various student-led groups.
Additionally, we continue to host Expeditions and partner with Community Engagement to offer courses to meet the needs of our students as well.
Students interested in starting a new student-led group should reach out to Kathleen Steffen, our Assistant Principal.
Current student-led groups include
- PRISM
- Climate Club
- Bible Study Group
- Debate Club (NEW!)
Upcoming Events & Notable Dates
- Various registration dates: see next section below
- March 13th - March 22nd: No School, Spring Break
April: National Autism Awareness Month
- April 10th: No School (PD Day)
May: Mental Health Awareness Month
- May 25th: No School (Memorial Day)
- May 29th: Tentative Last Day of School
June: LGBTQ+ Pride Month
Other National Education & Health Awareness Dates: Calendar LINKED HERE
6th, 7th, & 8th Registration
- Ashland Ridge: Monday, March 2nd
- Northwest: Tuesday, March 3rd
- Northeast: Wednesday, March 4th
- Westwood: Thursday, March 5th
- Rock Creek: Friday, March 6th
**QUESTIONS about 6th grade (current 5th graders) registration can be directed to PRMS Counselors according to the student's last name:
- A-G: Emily James - emily.james@ankenyschools.org
- H-O: Amy Northway - amy.northway@ankenyschools.org
- P-Z: Aaron Weddle - aaron.weddle@ankenyschools.org
7th Grade (current 6th graders): Wednesday, March 11th
- Student will register for 7th grade during their literacy class
- Elective Options: study hall, band, and/or choir.
- Exploratory courses required fro 7th grade: Art, Technology, Spanish, & French
8th Grade (current 7th graders): March 5th & 6th during Advisory
- Students heard from Northview counselors on February 27th & 28th regarding activities & available courses
- Students required to get this registration form signed by parents/guardians prior to registering on March 5th & 6th. The form should have come come on 2/28 or 2/28 with 7th grade students.
- Other options for students: PEOPEL P.E. Application & Early Bird P.E. Form
- Foreign Language Information: Why should I take a language?
**QUESTIONS about 8th grade (current 7th graders) registration can be directed to counselors at Northview**
- A-G: Mary Snyder - mary.snyder@ankenyschools.org
- H-O: Katelyn Schaney - Katelyn.Schany@ankenyschools.org
- P-Z: Lexia Junker - lexia.junker@ankenyschools.org
Spotlight on Future Ready Students
Naviance
Ankeny Schools has partnered with Naviance to provide secondary students and families with a comprehensive resource for career and academic planning.
- Learn more about Naviance by clicking here or
- view the "Future Ready Students" presentation mentioned in the ICYMI section.
ORBIS
Ankeny Community Schools also uses project-based Learning through ORBIS to prepare every learner for a lifetime of personal success.
- Learn more about ORBIS by clicking here
- ORBIS Homepage LINKED HERE
Other Links of Interest
- District Definition for College and Career Readiness
- District Plan for College and Career Readiness
- Definition of College and Career Readiness in Iowa
- Universal Constructs: Essential for 21st Century Success
Where will the counselors be?
Parent/Guardian & Student Resources
If you or your child would like to report a concern:
- Please click here to access the TIPS Report Incident System, or
- Call the hotline: 963-7233 (963-SAFE).
LifeWorks
LifeWorks provides outpatient and school-based therapy services within the Ankeny and DSM metro area. Reach out to your school counselor for more information about LifeWorks, or access their website linked here.
Student Assistance Program (SAP) hosted by Employee and Family Resources (EFR)
Ankeny Community Schools contracts with Employee and Family Resources to provide a student assistance program for Ankeny students. PRMS utilizes this service for small group interventions, external counseling services, etc. Learn more about how you or your family can utilize the Student Assistance Program by reaching out to your student's counselor or accessing their website linked here.
Prairie Ridge Middle School
Location: 1010 Northwest Prairie Ridge Drive, Ankeny, IA, USA
Phone: 515-965-9705
Twitter: @AnkenyPRMS