We Are Ankeny

Exciting changes are coming! The renovation of an original Ankeny school buildings is almost complete and scheduled to open in January 2023. It will be used as the new office for district administration. New construction has also started at the site for our newest elementary building. It's scheduled to open Fall of 2024. Here's your chance to hear how these projects are progressing and get some insight to how the district plans for big projects like these. 

There's just something about the first week of school. In this episode, Dr. Pruitt talks with Tara Owen, Executive Director of Elementary Schools and Bev Kuehn, Executive Director of Secondary Schools for Ankeny Community School District. These administrators have a lot to say about the preparation that has taken place by the principals and teachers for ACSD. Tune in and find out what your kids will see and experience in these first few days. 

The topic of student safety in schools is a serious one around the nation. This episode welcomes Ankeny's Chief of Police, Darius Potts and Ankeny Schools Safety and Security Specialist, Jon Davis to address our district's readiness plans for weather, threats and emergencies.  

Join Tim Simpkins as he provides details of current renovation to Ankeny school buildings, the decision for new landscaping, and how the district decides the when, where and what of scheduling these projects with Dr. Pruitt, Superintendent and Dr. Haack, Assistant Superintendent of Ankeny schools.  

On July 1, 2022 ACSD partnered with First Student, Inc. as the district's transporation provider. Spencer Shoemaker with First Student has a lot to say about the safety, comfort, and experience First Student brings to Ankeny students in the upcoming school year. 

Let's Talk about the DEI Framework. Ken Morris Jr. the Chief Diversity Officer with Ankeny Community School District takes a deep dive into a conversation with Ankeny Superintendent Dr. Erick Pruitt about what it means to create and live a DEI Framework for the district. The conversation includes how this framework supports the Strategic Plan and how it will positively impact students. 

The topic is computer science in part two of a two-part series on new curriculum at Ankeny Community Schools. In this podcast, Carol Eddy, Director of Curriculum, is back and joins Dr. Erick Pruitt, superintendent of Ankeny Schools talk about the future expectations of computer science in grades K - 7. 

As a parent, when your school district starts talking about a new curriculum it can make you panic. In Part one of a two-part series, Dr. Erick Pruitt chats with Ankeny Schools' Director of Curriculum, Carol Eddy. Pull up a chair to our table as Ms, Eddy explains what curriculum is vs the perceptions, the changes you as may see at home, and how you can help your student navigate it all. 

School nutrition is more than just pizza for lunch. Scott Litchfield Ankeny Schools' Nutrition Director talks about summer plans, 2022 successes and plans for next year. Pull up to the table and let's talk about school nutrition. 

STEM, which stands for science, technology, engineering and math has added "A" for Art to become STEAM. Ankeny school, Heritage Elementary, hosted it's first STEAM night to provide hands on fun and exploration of STEAM skills. Host, Samantha Aukes, Communications Director for Ankeny Schools sat with STEAM Night organizer Sara Sparks, Digital Technology Teacher at Heritage Elementary to discuss how building administrators are focused on increasing STEAM interests and the future of this successful event.