We Are Ankeny

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!

Dr. Erick Pruitt sits down with local non-profit leaders Amy Ratekin and Ako Abdul-Samad. From powerful personal stories to practical advice, this conversation explores how belonging, support, & courage help turn potential into purpose. 

Big changes are coming this spring at Northview MS! 🚧 We’re adding 178 new parking spots for Northview and Ankeny Stadium, and getting ready for the Innovative Secondary Center. Guests include: Dr. Darin Haack, Asst Superintendent, J.D. Hunter, Northview Middle School Principal, and Mike Maddalozzo, Director of Operations for Ankeny Schools. They will share updates and answer your questions about the changes you'll see starting soon. 

Recently, our Ankeny Schools' Action Team Committees launched important work focused on the future of learning in our district.  On the podcast, we’re joined by educators Heidi Reichart, a middle school computer science teacher, and Mike Mertz, career exploration development teacher at Orbis. They serve on the 9–12 Programming Action Team and share the work ahead.

Life after high school includes understanding how to pay for it. So, let's talk about FAFSA and ISAVE 529 with guests, Alicia Callannan, deputy treasurer for the State of Iowa, Erick Danielson of ICAN Succeed, and Lauren Riley, an Ankeny parent sharing her experience planning for the future of her three children.

Starting school can bring questions, especially when your child needs extra support. Hear directly from the leaders who guide special education across our district and in their school buildings. Joining Dr. Pruitt are Nancy Lehman, Director of Special Education; Michael Schweinberg, Associate Principal at Centennial High School, and Chelsey Schroeder, Assistant Principal at Crocker Elementary School in Ankeny. IA.