Baseball and Softball Begin Practice June 1
Last week, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced that high school summer athletic baseball and softball seasons may begin with practices starting June 1st. Both the IGHSAU Board of Directors and IHSAA Board of Control voted to approve resuming the 2020 summer seasons under Iowa Department of Education guidelines.
Read moreHarrison and Brittany Barnes Donate for Upgrades to Ames High Gymnasium
Harrison Barnes’ legacy extends far beyond basketball as he continues to make an everlasting impact in the Ames community and youth through his Harrison and Brittany Barnes Community Fund. His most recent donation is giving back to the high school that began his basketball career. Harrison and his wife Brittany approached the Ames Community School District about donating funds for upgrades to the competition gymnasium in the new high school. The upgrades include adding student bleachers, adding a video board, upgrading the scoreboard to include player stats, lighting enhancements, and adding floor mounted “NBA” baskets. The school board approved the acceptance of the donation on May 18, 2020.
Read moreAmes High Pride in Haiti
Senior Kerlande Mompremier is finishing her Ames High School career and fulfilling her continuous learning requirement from the island of Haiti. Over spring break, Mompremier traveled to Haiti to visit family and made the decision to remain there after schools in Iowa closed. She now works on her classes remotely and is giving back to the community through her volunteering and tutoring efforts.
Read moreKristi Mixdorf named as new Director of Teaching and Learning
The Ames Community School District is excited to announce Kristi Mixdorf as the new Director of Teaching and Learning. She is currently the principal of Edwards Elementary School, a position she has held since 2018. Mixdorf has 20 years of experience in education as both a leader and a teacher. Prior to her position at Edwards Elementary, Mixdorf served as the Director of Teaching and Learning for the North Polk Community School District. Her previous experience included being an Instructional Coach in Ankeny, and a classroom teacher in both the Ankeny and Des Moines School Districts.
Read moreFood Drive / Student Support Fund
Since school closure, it has been our goal to find numerous ways to help families with food insecurities alleviate that stress in their lives. The Grab & Go Meals through the summer food program have provided thousands of meals a week to students, and we have supplemented that by collaborating with the Food Bank of Iowa. As food supplies around the state and from the Food Bank of Iowa decline due to high demand, we are wanting to continue to ensure that food boxes are going to those families who are in need. We have received numerous requests from community members asking how they can contribute and support our students. As a result, the Ames Community School District is providing several ways to help in our drive to ensure that no family goes without food.
Read moreAmes High Commencement Save the Date(s)
As a district, we are determined to find a way for the Class of 2020 to celebrate its graduation in person. While some districts are opting now to schedule virtual ceremonies, the feedback we have heard from students and families indicates that there continues to be a strong desire to have the celebration in person even if it is delayed. While it will not be possible to have graduation on May 24 as scheduled, we are hopeful that as conditions evolve in the months ahead there may be some easing of restrictions on public gatherings that would allow us to hold a graduation ceremony. To assist families in planning, we have identified several dates that will serve as our target date, as well as back up dates in the event that conditions are not to the point where we can hold a large gathering. We ask that graduates and families please hold both of these dates in their calendar.
Read moreSevond Cole named as new Fellows Elementary Principal
The Ames Community School District is excited to announce Sevond Cole as the new principal of Fellows Elementary School. Cole is currently the principal at Schaller-Crestland Elementary (PK-5) and Ridge View Middle School (6-8) within the Schaller-Crestland Community School District, a position he has held since 2018.
Read moreJunior Yuer Zhu named a 2020 All-State Visual Arts Awardee
Ames High junior Yuer Zhu was named a 2020 All-State Visual Arts Awardee by the Art Educators of Iowa and the All-State Visual Art Awards Committee. Zhu’s outstanding portfolio represents the top 20% of applicants across the state of Iowa and she was one of twelve class 4A students to receive this recognition. In a press release, the All-State Committee said, “We appreciate the time and effort it takes to compile a portfolio and complete the submission process. Though we provide the opportunity to recognize students for outstanding work, it is the time, nurture, and support that individual teachers give students with potential that is most significant.”
Read moreThe Misplaced Building: Story of Ames High #3
By 1936, the building known as “Old” Central (the 1911 building, aka Ames High #2), had become inadequate. Enrollment was on the rise in Ames and the building was exceeding its capacity. By December of that year, the school district started working with architects and the Ames Planning Commissions to look at designs of buildings and locations for the next Ames High School. The district had land available at the corner of 13th Street and Grand Avenue for the building. With a vote of 4-1, the School Board moved to build Ames High #3 on that property. This vote was unpopular to a group of community members and started one of the most interesting referendums in Ames Public School history.
Read moreElementary Chromebook Checkout
As a way to support continuous learning while at home and to assist in our voluntary learning plan for the Elementary students, we will be allowing parents/guardians to check-out Chromebooks from their Elementary school for students in all grade levels. We will have set times for pickup at each of the Elementary schools later this week. Parents/Guardians are not required to pick up school computers if you already have a device at home that is meeting your learning needs. Your children can still access their school’s activities through their SeeSaw (K-2nd grade) or Google Classroom (3rd-5th grade) using their school Google account.
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