We Are Ankeny

4:05

Advancing The Vision: Room To Grow

We Are Ankeny ·

2026/09/21

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 students from preschool through graduation.

en

31:35

Let's Talk About... A New Foodie Generation

We Are Ankeny ·

2026/09/08

🍎 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-price meals. They share how our Nutrition Services team continues to create meals that are

en

37:24

Let's Talk About... Built To Support

We Are Ankeny ·

2026/08/25

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 part of creating the Ankeny Experience every day. Get to know the people behind the titles,

en

24:53

Let's Talk About... ACSD Alumni on Duty

We Are Ankeny ·

2026/08/11

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.

en

44:25

Let's Talk About It... Construction Junction

We Are Ankeny ·

2026/07/28

🚧 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 landscaping, and more.Find out what's complete, what's currently underway, and what's coming

en

35:20

Let's Talk About... Project Fresh Start

We Are Ankeny ·

2026/07/14

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 brings community-wide initiatives like Backpack Blitz and Warming Up for Winter to life. Listen

en

36:07

Let's Talk About Being... TK Strong!

We Are Ankeny ·

2026/06/21

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.

en

22:57

Let's Talk About... Now Loading- New Student Leaders

We Are Ankeny ·

2026/06/11

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.

en

24:40

Let's Talk About... The Foundation Behind Ankeny Schools

We Are Ankeny ·

2026/05/27

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.

en

38:03

Let's Talk About... B/ASP & the Kids Who Came Back

We Are Ankeny ·

2026/05/12

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. She continues working while attending Drake University and preparing for a career in school

en

31:58

Let's Talk About... In Step & In Sync, The Sound of...

We Are Ankeny ·

2026/04/26

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.

en

29:32

Let's Talk About... After the bell rings, summer...

We Are Ankeny ·

2026/04/14

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.

en

4:25

Advancing The Vision, A message from Dr. Pruitt...

We Are Ankeny ·

2026/03/26

Superintendent Dr. Erick Pruitt's monthly update to families. March 2026 topic: School finance and budget planning. 4m 45s

en

45:32

Let's Talk About... Potential To Purpose: Stepping...

We Are Ankeny ·

2026/03/12

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.

en

19:54

Let's Talk About... If you Build It, They Will Park

We Are Ankeny ·

2026/02/13

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 the changes you'll see starting soon.

en

27:34

Let's Talk About... 2026 Action Teams Kick-Off

We Are Ankeny ·

2026/01/30

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.

en

34:12

Let's Talk About... Demystifying ISave 529 & FAFSA

We Are Ankeny ·

2026/01/08

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.

en

39:44

Let's Talk About...Understanding Special Education

We Are Ankeny ·

2025/12/12

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 School in Ankeny. IA.

en

24:31

Let's Talk About...The Fastest Minds In The Room

We Are Ankeny ·

2025/11/24

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.

en

38:45

Let's Talk About... Ankeny Schools' Reading Revolution

We Are Ankeny ·

2025/11/13

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.

en

All Episodes

Similar Podcasts

Daily Facts

Amalia Dupray and Montgomery Jones.

Les dents et dodo

BFMTV

The Clinical Problem Solvers

The Clinical Problem Solvers

» Divine Intervention Podcasts

Divine-Favour Anene

AASR Live

The Alliance Against Seclusion and...