What does a building hold mean? How is it different from a shelter in place or a lockdown?

Asst. Superintendent Dr. Amy Dittmar is joined by ACSD Safety Coordinators Erin Kohlsdorf and Tanner Iverson, both Ankeny Schools alumni, to explain the language behind school safety drills. Learn why we practice them and how preparation helps create safe learning environments for students and staff.

 🚧 Construction Junction... what's your function? Keeping schools moving forward, one project at a time!  Superintendent Dr. Erick Pruitt sits down with Chief Operating Officer Mark Moss and Director of Operations Mike Maddalazzo for the latest updates on construction projects across the district, including the Ankeny Innovation Hub, Northview parking improvements, HVAC and roofing upgrades, new landscaping, and more.

Find out what's complete, what's currently underway, and what's coming next as we prepare for another great school year.

A lot is happening behind the scenes to support Ankeny students and families, and much of it starts with Family and Community Engagement (FACE). 💙 In this episode of Let's Talk About It, Dr. Erick Pruitt sits down with the FACE Assistant Tricia Hugeback and community volunteers Dave Kissinger and Shelly Northway to explore how FACE connects families with resources, coordinates volunteers, and brings community-wide initiatives like Backpack Blitz and Warming Up for Winter to life. Listen now.

Discover why more families are choosing Ankeny Schools' Transitional Kindergarten program. Listen to our latest podcast and learn what it means to be #TKStrong with Ankeny Asst. Principal Ken Vacek, TK teacher Nicole Vortherms, Director of Elementary Education Tara Owen & Superintendent Dr. Erick Pruitt.

The next generation of leaders isn't waiting for the future. Northview students share how attending the 2026 Student Voice Symposium in West Des Moines challenged them to think bigger, speak up, and lead with purpose. 

Scholarships. Classroom grants. Big impact for Ankeny students. Dr. Erick Pruitt talks with Executive Board Director Sarah Barthole and board members Barb Kesterson and Jen Cross on the newest episode of Let’s Talk About It as they share how the Ankeny Community School Foundation has supported Ankeny Schools for 25 years — and how the Golf Fore Education on June 25 impacts their mission.

This show highlights the stories of two Before & After School (B/ASP) student participants who came full circle to become program employees. Dr. Erick Pruitt hosts Nancy Jeffs, B/ASP Manager; Mason VanderWaal, who attended B/ASP as an elementary student and now works in the program as a high school student; and Nyah Rouse, who joined B/ASP at summer camp, then as an employee in high school. She continues working while attending Drake University and preparing for a career in school counseling. Their stories highlight how student employment can build leadership skills, mentorship experience, and future career pathways. 

You hear the music. You feel the energy. Ankeny’s band directors, Scott Hook, Jennifer Williams, Janelle Hook, and Kelly Weber, share stories from marching band and color guard to the full instrumental music experience. In our latest podcast, it’s a conversation about confidence, leadership, and student growth. 

Madisen Gaskin, Ankeny Schools' Family & Community Engagement Manager, brings together guests from the Kirkendall Library, Ankeny Parks & Recreation, and the Uptown Ankeny Association to share real ideas on ways kids and families can stay learning, active, and connected this summer. 

Curious about how Ankeny plans for a bright future? Superintendent Dr. Erick Pruitt’s March update dives into school finance and budget planning. In just under 5 minutes, get the latest on how we’re working to support every student and school. Watch now!