Announcements

Ankeny Schools Educator Named Finalist in the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

Angela Schneden, first grade teacher at Prairie Trail Elementary School, has been named as a finalist for the prestigious Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Five Iowa educators have been named as finalists for this award in 2021. Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. The PAEMST program is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

“Being named a state finalist for a PAEMST award means so much to me,” says Schneden. “I was a student who struggled with mathematics when I was young. As I studied to become a teacher, I pushed myself to lean into the discomfort I felt learning mathematics and to grow my own understanding so that my future students would benefit as well.”

Ben Muller, principal of Prairie Trail Elementary School, says, “This is a well-deserved honor. It is a true testament to Schneden and her desire to seek out best practice with the intention to be better each day. She not only excels, but she is willing to share her expertise with others. We are very fortunate to have her here at Prairie Trail.”

“For me, this honor recognizes the importance of honoring and sharing students’ thinking, creating concrete mathematical experiences to grow foundational understandings, and providing instruction that meets students where they are and nudges them to their next instructional goal,” says Schneden. “My students are my biggest inspiration. Every day I am amazed by their thinking and how they persevere in problem solving.”

PAEMST is the highest recognition that a kindergarten-through-12th grade mathematics or science (including computer science) teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Since 1983, more than 5,000 teachers nationwide have been recognized for this honor.

Winners will be announced later this year.

Beginning Friday, February 5 at 8:00 a.m., parents will be able to enroll their incoming kindergartener via online registration. More detailed information is available on the Enroll/Registration page.

Per Board Policy 501.15, applications will be considered late if they are received after June 1. Late registrations will not be considered until all other placements have been made.

What is Needed for Registration?

Please follow the kindergarten registration checklist, as a guide detailing the required documents. Most of the documents can be uploaded into your online application. However, if you do not have the capability to upload documents or if you need copies made, please submit documents starting February 5 to your neighborhood elementary or the registrar at the district office, 306 SW School St. The required documents are:

• Home Language Survey
• Proof of Residency
• Proof of Child’s Birth Date

Medical documentation will be collected at a later date.

Informational Meeting – Updates to Come

This year, the kindergarten parent informational meeting will be conducted virtually. This meeting will be held on April 22 at 6:30 p.m. More information regarding how to join will be shared at a later date.

Due to increased elementary enrollment and limited space, parents are encouraged to enroll their upcoming kindergartener based on the process set forth by the district.

Important Dates to Remember

Visit this document to review important dates for kindergarten families for the 2021-2022 school year.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19Dic2GIwS5PD5Q5-go4_mUJFdd8xwaxS?usp=sharing