We Are Ankeny

The people who make the Ankeny Experience exceptional. Every student's success is supported by a team of dedicated professionals who bring knowledge, compassion, and specialized expertise to Ankeny Schools. In this month's Advancing the Vision message, Dr. Erick Pruitt shares how these staff members make the difference every day and create exceptional experiences for your student.

🎧For our 100th episode, Dr. Pruitt hosts Mark Moss and Mike Maddalozzo for another ACSD construction check-in. They're giving updates on the new high school facilities, AstroTurf® installation at the baseball/softball fields, and the Ankeny Innovation HUB. Plenty is happening, and more to look forward to. 🎧 Celebrate episode 100 with us and get the latest on what’s taking shape across the distri...

Part 1 of a 3-part series, Dr. Erick Pruitt takes a closer look at what families are choosing when they choose Ankeny Schools. From strong academics and early learning foundations to advanced coursework, career pathways, and the Ankeny Innovation Hub, students have room to grow and find their own path. This is the academic side of the Ankeny Experience: a look at the possibilities available to stu...

🍎 What’s for lunch? Burnt Ends Day is back, and you'd better believe it has Dr. Pruitt’s attention.🔥 The latest We Are Ankeny is serving up A New Foodie Generation ! Director of Nutrition Services Scott Litchfield, Chef Joe Weisz, and Dietitian Susan Carlson talk about what’s new in Ankeny schools, from new menu items and scratch cooking to food allergies, special diets, and free and reduced-pri...

Great schools are built by many people working together, and not all of them are in the classroom. We're introducing three new members of the Ankeny Schools senior leadership team: Chief Financial Officer Deb Farver, Chief Operations Officer Mark Moss, and Chief Information Officer Jerome Hilsher. Their teams are working behind the scenes to support our buildings, staff, and students. They are par...

What does a building hold mean? How is it different from a shelter in place or a lockdown ? Asst. Superintendent Dr. Amy Dittmar is joined by ACSD Safety Coordinators Erin Kohlsdorf and Tanner Iverson, both Ankeny Schools alumni, to explain the language behind school safety drills. Learn why we practice them and how preparation helps create safe learning environments for students and staff.

 🚧 Construction Junction... what's your function? Keeping schools moving forward, one project at a time!  Superintendent Dr. Erick Pruitt sits down with Chief Operating Officer Mark Moss and Director of Operations Mike Maddalazzo for the latest updates on construction projects across the district, including the Ankeny Innovation Hub, Northview parking improvements, HVAC and roofing upgrades, new...

A lot is happening behind the scenes to support Ankeny students and families, and much of it starts with Family and Community Engagement (FACE). 💙 In this episode of Let's Talk About It, Dr. Erick Pruitt sits down with the FACE Assistant Tricia Hugeback and community volunteers Dave Kissinger and Shelly Northway to explore how FACE connects families with resources, coordinates volunteers, and bri...

Discover why more families are choosing Ankeny Schools' Transitional Kindergarten program. Listen to our latest podcast and learn what it means to be #TKStrong  with Ankeny Asst. Principal Ken Vacek, TK teacher Nicole Vortherms, Director of Elementary Education Tara Owen & Superintendent Dr. Erick Pruitt.

The next generation of leaders isn't waiting for the future. Northview students share how attending the 2026 Student Voice Symposium in West Des Moines challenged them to think bigger, speak up, and lead with purpose. 

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. Sh...

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...

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 Scho...

These students think fast, and today they’re talking even faster. Dr. Pruitt hosts Quiz Bowl team members for a conversation full of laughs and strategy. Guests: Eli Pattee, William Peterson, Nolan Gentry, Gabriella Williams, and Coach Mr. Nathan Coombes.

A new way of teaching. A renewed love for reading. A revolution in how students learn. Listen in as the Literacy Leadership team explains evidence-based "The Science of Reading", the “why” behind Ankeny’s Reading Revolution , and what it means for students in every classroom.

Heritage Elementary students stepped in as podcast hosts and put Superintendent Dr. Erick Pruitt in the hot seat.  From “road trip or airplane?” to “graphic novel or chapter book?” these Hot Takes led to fun debates, laughs, and even a few surprises. 

Ankeny  Superintendent Dr. Erick Pruitt has a Q&A session with Dr. Darin Haack, Samantha Aukes, and Eric Brown. They tackle questions sent in by community members about the $130 million G.O. Bond from why the funds won't be used to increase teacher salaries, to how passing the bond directly impacts future grade reconfiguration. Real questions—and real answers—about the implications of what pas...

Ankeny’s middle school secretaries are more than front office staff—they’re navigators. Host Sarah Murphy talks with Jill Vandeloo (Northview MS) and Renee Kester (Parkview MS) about what makes these years unique, how the student–front office relationship shifts , and the introduction of ParentSquare to the District.