Transitional Kindergarten Program
Ankeny Schools is excited to announce the opening of a transitional kindergarten (TK) program for the 2024-2025 school year. This new level is designed to provide students with the time needed to develop essential social and academic skills, acting as a bridge between preschool and kindergarten.
Registration for Transitional Kindergarten will be integrated into the general registration process, commencing on February 2, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. Similar to preschool, available space is limited, and acceptance is determined by the time and date of the submitted complete registration. Class sizes will be capped at 20 students per class, and the total number of classrooms will be finalized by the district later in the spring.
For more information please visit the Transitional Kindergarten website page within the Register section. Applicants can expect to receive an email confirmation of classroom placement or waitlist status by the end of March.
Let’s Talk About…Core Skills, Soft Skills, and Mental Health
Listen to these experts as they explore the creation of a culture of belonging. Discover our commitment to equipping educators with the tools to help students develop essential soft skills. Learn strategies for guiding students through the high school to college transition, emphasizing the importance of early connections and proactive support. They also mention how it is important to focus on student well-being, encouraging self-care practices during study sessions, including water breaks, physical movement, and brain breaks. Uncover how Ankeny fosters these skills from pre-kindergarten, aligning with Ankeny’s graduate profile.
Join Kayla Bell-Consolver, Director of the Counseling Center at Broadlawns Community Clinic at Drake University, Shawn Beirman, Social-Emotional Learning Specialist at Ankeny Schools, and Al Neppl, Director of Professional and Leadership Development at Ankeny Schools, in a conversation highlighting the significance of adaptability, empathy, and collaboration for students.
Click here to listen or find us on your favorite podcast app!
All buildings and district office closed Friday, January 12
Due to inclement weather, tomorrow Friday, January 12, school buildings & district office will be closed.
- No Before and After School Program
- Certified staff will work virtually
- Paraprofessional and secretary professional development is canceled
All other employee groups will operate under closure guidance. Please connect with your supervisor if you have questions about your reporting requirements.
Picture Retakes
Fall Picture Retakes are scheduled for November 29th.
Digital Student IDs Coming Soon for Grades 6-12
Beginning November 1, all students in grades 6-12 will have access to a digital student ID through an app called Minga. While all students will continue to receive a physical student ID card, students who choose to utilize the digital ID will have access to an ID that replicates and functions the same as their physical ID.
How will this benefit a Westwood student?
This includes the ability to use the digital ID for admittance to athletic events for students with SATs and K-8 activity passes.
Click here for more information, including how to access Minga.
Westwood Warrior Challenge is Thursday, September 28th!
Westwood students should wear tennis shoes and clothing appropriate for the Warrior Challenge obstacle course! T-shirts will be distributed on Thursday morning if they weren’t sent home earlier this week. Thank you to the Westwood PTO for all their hard work and efforts to make this event such a success!
Volunteer at Westwood!
There are many volunteer opportunities available at Westwood Elementary! Click here to learn more and SIGN UP TODAY!
Meet the Teacher Night is Here!
Stop by Westwood Elementary tonight, Monday, August 21st from 4-6 pm to meet your student’s teacher! Families are invited to get familiar with the building, drop off school supplies, see friends both old and new, and meet the teachers of Westwood! See you soon!