Ankeny Schools Snapshot

In this issue:

• ISASP Student Reports in Infinite Campus
• Student Fees Available Online
• Back to School Guide
• We Are Ankeny Podcast
• Day In the Life: Centennial AD Nate Lingren
• Save the Date: Backpack Giveaway

with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Erick Pruitt

This summer, the Ankeny Board of Education held a community-wide book study of Jonathan Haidt's The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Health Illness to develop a deeper understanding of the impact technology has on student learning, mental health, student behavior, and safety.

As we know, technology can be both a tool and a distraction in the classroom. Ankeny Schools is considering technology's role in our classrooms and its impact on teaching and learning.

We are seeking the community’s feedback on cell phone and wireless communication device usage during the school day. Please complete this survey to help inform our work.

Survey Link: https://ankenyschools.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_etb18uWNbJcPlpY

The survey is a unique link per email address for your household in our parent portal, as of July 8. After clicking the link above, you will enter the email address associated with your parent portal account. Each email address can only take the survey once.

The link will be open through September 14, but results will be reviewed throughout the summer. Please complete the survey today as we work to shape the role of technology in our classrooms. We also ask you to encourage your child(ren) in 6th - 12th grade to complete the survey they received in their student email account. Please contact the Communications Department if you have questions or need assistance taking the survey.

Last spring, Ankeny students in grades 3 - 11 completed the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP). The ISASP is intended to provide information to families on how students are performing on the Iowa Core Academic Standards. You can now access your student’s results in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Please follow the directions below to download a PDF report for each student.

Step 1. Log into your account on the Campus Parent app or website. Step 2. From the menu on the left, select More and then Student Reports. Step 3. In the next screen, select your student and the “ISASP Spring 2024 Report” Step 4. Click the “Generate Report” button. The report will download to your computer or mobile device.

Resources to help interpret your student’s Individual Student Report are available at https://iowa.pearsonaccess.com/families/. We recommend you review the document 2024 ISASP Interpretive Information for Families (available in multiple languages) for further information about what is shown on each page of your student’s results.

As you review the ISASP results, take time to talk about the results with your student. Ask questions and get feedback from your student on academic areas of strength, what additional supports will help, and what engages them in the classroom. Reach out to your child’s school to find out more on how to continue to help your student with growth and opportunities or if you have questions.

Ankeny Community School District is now accepting textbook rental fees, purchases of CIML (Central Iowa Metro League) student activity tickets, K-8 activity passes, eight-punch pass activity tickets, and lunch deposits for the 2024-2025 school year. Fees are accepted by:

1. Credit/debit card in your TouchBase account

2. Check or cash using this Fee Payment Form.

Please refer to the fees page with frequently asked questions, for information on making online payments. You may view an instructional video on using TouchBase here.

If you are new to the online fee payment system, visit our website's Ankeny Schools website to view the step-by-step instructions to activate your TouchBase account, and important points about meal deposits and student activity tickets. On our website, you may also click the "Translate" button in the top right corner to see the information in various languages on the website.

Contact Information:

• For questions about the fee and/or fine balances, fee and/or fine payments, please email studentfees@ankenyschools.org.

• For questions about meal balances, meal payments, School Cafe, or the Free and Reduced Meal Program, please email leeanna.vigor@ankenyschools.org or scott.litchfield@ankenyschools.org

• For questions about the Before and After School Program and/or about the payment structure, please email nikki.logsdon@ankenyschools.org.

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.

Tune into Superintendent Dr. Erick Pruitt's podcast, "We Are Ankeny." This engaging podcast is a fantastic opportunity to stay informed about the latest developments in our district, hear from a variety of guests, and gain insights into our community’s educational journey.

Each episode features in-depth conversations with staff, students, and community members, highlighting the unique and inspiring stories that make Ankeny special. From student takeovers to deep dives into district programs, don't miss out on this chance to connect with and learn more about our school community! For more details, visit our website.

Meet Centennial Athletic Director Nate Lingren in our first "A Day in the Life" video series! We had a great time chatting with Nate and learning about his daily routine. Don't miss out on more videos featuring our amazing team members – follow our YouTube channel (youtube.com/ankenyschools) for all the latest updates!

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.

It is the policy of the Ankeny Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity, and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact Ken Morris, Jr., Chief Diversity Officer, at 406 SW School Street, Ankeny, IA 50023, 515/965-9600 or kenneth.morris@ankenyschools.org.

Website: www.ankenyschools.org
Location: 406 SW School St, Ankeny, IA, USA
Phone: 515-965-9600
Facebook: Facebook.com/AnkenySchools
Twitter: @AnkenySchools