Summer is still in full swing, but the time to go back to school will be here before you know it! Stay in the know about all things back to school with our Back to School Guide. From school supply lists to lunch menus, this guide covers everything you need to know to get ready for the new school year.

The first PTO meeting will be on Tuesday, September 10th at 6:30 in the East Library. You are welcome to attend.

East PTO's Back-to-School Social is on Saturday, August 24th from 2:00-4:00 PM.

You will see many new faces around East this year! We will be introducing them all to you throughout the year.

My name is Camy Eisentrager. I grew up in Ankeny, got married and moved around a bit, and have been back in Ankeny for 18 years. My husband works for Fareway which is also where we met 28 years ago. We have 3 grown children, Allison who is a second grade teacher in the district and lives in Johnston with her husband, Hector. Tanner, works for Fareway as well doing maintenance for the company. Our youngest, Tyler made us an empty nester last year by starting his studies of Kinesiology at Iowa State. I have worked in the district since 2010. I enjoy working in the elementary setting where I can make a difference and create relationships with both adults and children. I am looking forward to joining the team at East Elementary!

Hello East Elementary! My name is Becky Lause and I’m so excited

to announce that I will be your new school nurse, starting August 1st, 2024.

My husband and I live in Altoona, just outside the city limits. We have two daughters and

recently gained a son when our oldest got married last October. We also have two dogs

that are a big part of our family. I enjoy traveling, doing all things outdoors, and spending

time with loved ones.

I’m thankful for the time I’ve had working in different healthcare settings such as Home

Health Care, a Pediatric Clinic, and the hospital. Through the years, I have realized that

school nursing is where my heart is. Students learn their best when they are at their

healthiest which is one of the reasons why I’m so passionate about school nursing. I enjoy

working together with staff, parents, and students to keep health and safety a priority so we

all can learn and grow to our fullest. I am so excited to start my 5th year as a school nurse.

I’m grateful to be able to share my joy of nursing with all who enter East Elementary. I

cannot wait to meet all of you and start working on building a strong and healthy 2024-2025

team!

See you soon,

Becky

Hello there! I am so excited to meet all of you. Please stop in the Health Office on your way in or out of the building during Meet the Teacher Night.

Let's work together to ensure all who enter East Elementary are as safe and healthy as possible. Please review the below guidance and reach out if you have any questions. Email is the quickest way to reach me now and throughout the school year. Once summer hours are over, you are also welcome to call East Elementary Monday through Friday from 7:30am - 3:30pm to talk with me. If I am unable to take your call due to helping a student at that time, I will be sure to return your call. Rebecca.lause@ankenyschools.org.

Medications:

• It is best practice for students to take their medication at home, but if it is necessary, they can take their medication at school.

• If your student is taking medication at school, please reach out to me before the August 20th Meet the Teacher Night.

• Please have medications and required paperwork turned in to me by August 20th in the non expired original prescription bottle.

Health Conditions:

• If your student has a health condition such as asthma requiring an inhaler, allergies requiring Epi-Pen, Seizures, Diabetes or any other type of health condition that could affect them at school, please reach out to me on or before August 20th.

• Please check in with me during Meet the Teacher Night so we can ensure all required paperwork and medications are at school.

Immunizations:

If your student is not up to date on their immunizations, now is the time to make those appointments. Please reach out to me if you have any questions.

Illness and Injury:

• If your student becomes ill or injured during the school day, their teacher will excuse them from class to go to the nurse’s office. If it's necessary for them to go home, parents/guardians will be contacted for pick up. Please have a plan in place with also a back up plan for such events.

• When your student develops symptoms of illness, they need to stay home from school and the school should be notified.

Clothing:

Clothing accidents happen for many reasons and students feel more comfortable changing into their own clothes. Please keep a change of clothes in your student's backpack for these unplanned events.

Kindergarten Students:

• Please turn in the following during Kindergarten Jumpstart (August 8th):

1. Immunization Form

2. Department of Health Dental Screen Form

3. Department of Health Vision Screen Form

4. Physical Form

A reminder note will go home during Kindergarten Jumpstart that lists important health related information and what paperwork is required. Please review this note, provide the needed paperwork by the first day of school and reach out if you have any questions.

3rd Grade Students:

The State of Iowa requires all incoming kindergarten as well as third grade students to have a vision screening prior to the first day of school. A screening is valid if it is done up to one year prior to enrollment and no later than 6 months after enrollment. Please provide their Department of Health Vision Screen form.

I am looking forward to meeting you all and having an amazing 2024-2025 school year!

In Health,

Becky Lause, East’s School Nurse

You will get to know new to Ankeny teachers, Grace Elton (1st), Camry Batteram (3rd), Madi Miller (Music), and Nikki Russell (5th).

Summer is a time to get outside and enjoy all that nature has to offer. Hot summer days can also be filled with reading and learning. This Summer Reading and Learning slide deck contains details, links and passwords for some kid-friendly fun.

Add these dates to your calendar:

The Kirkendall Public Library summer program begins on May 28, 2024

The SE Elementary Book Mobile will be in the SE Elementary parking lot each Wednesday, beginning June 5th from 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM.

The links students visit throughout the school year are still available on the Ankeny Digital Learning Website. Technology can be a helpful resource when hunting for new recipes, craft ideas, or to learn a new hobby.

A huge “Thank You” to all the students, families and staff that have made my final years in education so amazing. I will always remember the laughter, memories and learning we have shared.

Keep reading, keep learning, keep creating!

Mrs. Dales

K-5 Digital Learning Teacher

All existing families are required to complete the annual update for each student in their household using the Infinite Campus portal. This is also where existing families can add a child who is new to the district, such as incoming preschool or kindergarten students.

Families can now view the 2024-2025 Academic Calendar.

The Community Engagement Department is excited to collaborate with Project Fresh Start for its 20th Annual back to school event, Backpack Blitz. Students of the Ankeny Community School District (including St. Luke, ACA, and homeschooled) are invited to receive FREE school supplies and a backpack! Items will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. New this year, there will be a resource fair to connect students and families with local organizations!

The event will take place at Southview Middle School, 1020 SW Cherry St in Ankeny, on August 10 from 10am-1pm and August 11 from 11am-1pm. Please contact the Community Engagement Department for more information at 515-289-3960.

August

August 8 - Kindergarten Jumpstart

August 13 - Teacher Assignments Posted in Infinite Campus *Tentative*

August 13 - Parent and Guardian Virtual Meeting with Mr. Mathis

August 20 - Meet the Teacher Night from 4:00-6:00 PM

August 20 - Band Parent Meeting with Mrs. Meinen at 4:30 PM

August 23 - First Day of School

August 24 - Back to School Bash Sponsored by PTO on the East Playground at 2:00 PM

September

September 2 - No School

September 3 - First Day of Preschool

September 20 - Fall Picture Day

September 23 - No School for Students - PD for Staff

October

October 8 - PTO Meeting at 6:30 PM

October 13 - Trunk or Treat

October 14-17 - Parent-Teacher Conferences

October 18 - Fall Break - No School

October 20 - Trunk or Treat Rain Date

October 21 - No School for Students - PD for Staff

November

November 1 - Picture Retakes

November 8 - No School for Students - PD for Staff

November 12 - PTO Meeting at 6:30 PM

November 14 & 15 - PTO Movie Night

November 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break - No School

December/January

December 3 - Winter Band Concert at 6:30 PM

December 10 - PTO Meeting at 6:30 PM

December 23-January 2 - Holiday Break - No School

January 3 - School Resumes

January 10 - Semester Ends

January 13 - No School for Students - PD for Staff

January 14 - PTO Meeting at 6:30 PM

January 20 - Dr. Marin Luther King Jr. Day - No School

January 25 - PTO Fun Night

February

February 10 - No School for Students - PD for Staff

February 11 - PTO Meeting at 6:30 PM

March

March 3-6 - Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences

March 6 - Spring Band Concert at 6:30 PM

March 11 - PTO Meeting at 6:30 PM

March 14-21 - Spring Break - No School

March 28 - Spring Picture Day

April

April 8 - PTO Meeting at 6:30 PM

April 14 - No School for Students - PD for Staff

April 25 - PTO Fun Run

May

May 13 - PTO Meeting at 6:30 PM

May 23 - Last Day of School - 2 Hour Early Dismissal

The information distributed in the Virtual Backpack (vBackpack) is provided as a community service to inform members of the community of available activities or services. The majority of information included in the vBackpack is from community organizations. The vBackpack can be found here on the district's website.

Email: ea.office@ankenyschools.org
Website: East.ankenyschools.org
Location: 710 Southeast 3rd Street, Ankeny, IA, USA
Phone: 515-965-9600
Twitter: @AnkenyEast

Ankeny Community School District does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, military affiliation, socioeconomic status, or familial status. Inquiries or grievances may be directed to Kenneth Morris, Jr., Equity Director, 306 SW School Street, P.O. Box 189, Ankeny, IA, 50021-0189, (515) 965-9600, kenneth.morris@ankenyschools.org; or the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Grimes State Office Building, Des Moines, IA, 50319-0201, (515) 281-4121; or the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1475, Chicago, IL 60661.