|
|
Over 400 parochial school sixth graders visited DCHS today for a special matinee performance of Shrek the Musical before the production opens for the community tonight at 7:30 p.m. Additional performances will take place on May 2nd at 7:30 pm and May 3rd at 2:00 & 7:30 pm. Don’t miss this outstanding production — purchase your tickets online today!
| |
Congratulations to all who participated in the 2025 BURBS Student Art Show hosted this year by Waukee Northwest High School. We are proud to recognize the following award winners: Annamaria Bush, Alaina Heaston, Audrey Lynner, Eric Revelez, Abby Rodriguez, Madelyn Schreiber, Natalie Schwartz, Kate Smith, Carter Tate, Eleanor Townsend and Matilda Vizcarra.
| |
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Final Exam Information For 9th-11th Graders
Friday, 5/23 – Semester Exams (periods 1 & 2)
1st pd: 8:15-9:45 am | 2nd pd: 10:00-11:30 am
Teacher office time: 11:30 am-12:30 pm
Tuesday, 5/27 – Semester Exams (periods 3 & 4)
3rd pd: 8:15-9:45am | 4th pd: 10:00-11:30 am
Teacher office time: 11:30 am-12:30 pm and 1:30-3:30 pm
Wednesday, 5/28 – Semester Exams (periods 5 & 6)
5th pd: 8:15-9:45 am | 6th pd: 10:00-11:30 am
Teacher office time: 11:30am-12:30 pm and 1:30-3:30 pm
Thursday, 5/29 – Semester Exams (periods 7 & 8)
7th pd: 8:15-9:45 am | 8th pd: 10:00-11:30 am
Please click here for important requirements and exam procedures. Students who qualify to be exempt will have until 3:30 pm Thursday, May 22nd to turn in their signed exemption forms.
Iowa Education Savings Account (ESA) Program
NEW this year, all Iowa families are eligible for an Education Savings Account (ESA). Each eligible student may receive $7,983 for the 2025–2026 school year to help cover educational expenses at an accredited nonpublic school, including DCHS. To access these funds, please log into the Odyssey website to complete the application process. Once approved (typically instant), select DCHS and indicate the grade level your child will be entering. In July, log back into your Odyssey account to approve the invoice for tuition and fees. Don't delay! Timely application is essential to ensure that funding is properly allocated to your student’s account. Please contact our school office at 515-225-3000 if you have questions or need assistance with the application.
Prom & Post Prom
Tickets for Prom and Post Prom are now on sale and must be purchased by students through their High5 app. Students who purchase their Post Prom tickets by Friday, May 2nd at 3:15 pm will automatically be in a raffle to win one of two prizes, $100 or $50 cash! Ticket sales will close Friday, May 9th at 3:15 pm.
- Prom will be held on Saturday, May 10th from 8:00 - 10:30 pm at the Science Center.
- Post Prom will be held at Spare Time in West Des Moines from 11 pm - 2 am. The first 300 people to attend will get Father Flood socks! The events will inclucde bowling, arcade games, laser tag, a casino table, free food & soda, awesome prizes (like $500 Cash!) and more! Tickets are $15. Visit Prom FAQ and Post Prom FAQ for more information.
- To attend Post Prom, all DCHS students must have a parent/guardian sign and submit the Required Post Prom Liability Release. Forms can be returned to Mrs. Navarro in the Principal's Office. Blank forms can be picked from her desk as well.
Post Prom doesn't work without help from parents! Here's how to help...
- Monetary and In-Kind Donations cover the cost of the venue, food, prizes and entertainment. Donate online or by sending a check to the Business Office with Post Prom in the memo line.
Donate a prize like gift cards, air pods, or anything your teen would love! Donations can be dropped off at the Business Office and marked Post Prom.
We need YOU! We are short parent chaperones! This event can't happen without parent volunteers. Click HERE to learn more and sign up! Questions, please contact the Co-Chairs, Kathy Joblinske or Mara Van Ee.
Join Our School Community: Volunteer for 2025-2026 Faculty & Staff Lunches!
We invite parent volunteers to help make our Back to School and Christmas faculty and staff lunches unforgettable. Your support will not only honor our educators but also offer a chance to connect with the school community.
How You Can Help:
- Set Up: Prepare the lunch room for the event
- Serving: Help serve meals and show appreciation to our faculty and staff
- Tear Down: Assist with cleaning up after the event
Why Volunteer?
- Community Building: Connect with parents and staff
- Appreciation for Educators: Show our faculty and staff how much we value their hard work
- Fun Experience: Enjoy a rewarding and engaging experience
Sign up to volunteer and be part of our vibrant school community. We look forward to seeing you!
Last Chance - Senior Yard Signs & Ornaments
Ordering for personalized yard signs and ornaments closes May 5th. This is a great way to recognize your senior! Pickup begins May 5th in the Campus Store.
Uniform Ordering - IMPORTANT
Uniform ordering will close at midnight on May 15th. Place your order here. You must order now if you'd like your student to have new items when school begins. Please read through our guidelines for uniform pants. While not required, ensure 100% compliance by purchasing uniform pants on our Lands' End ordering page.
International Host Families
Are you interested in learning about hosting an international student attending DCHS? Host families are compensated for expenses, including food, room and transportation. Please email Swallow X Yan, Education Without Borders, or call 515-988-0901.
Athletics Sponsorships
Looking for a meaningful way to support DCHS AND spotlight your business or organization? We’re excited to offer exclusive athletic sponsorships—a perfect chance to support our student-athletes while gaining valuable brand exposure. Whether you’re interested in ads, field signage, or even a custom package tailored to you—we’ve got options! New this year, we have a DCHS Kid Football Captain sponsorship and an exciting Indiana Fever game opportunity! Click here to learn more. Don’t wait—team up with DCHS Athletics today!
Nonpublic Transportation Reimbursement
Families who live more than three miles one-way from DCHS may be eligible for a nonpublic transportation reimbursement. Forms must be submitted each semester (by Dec. 1 & May 1). Eligible families will receive one check following the end of the school year. Instructions are available here.
| |
ON CAMPUS
Year-End Carnival
Join us on May 17th from 4-6 pm at the DCHS gym for a fun-filled afternoon! This free event is for Pre-K to 3rd grade kids in the Diocese of Des Moines. Enjoy carnival games, face painting, balloons, music, prizes, and more! All are welcome—feel free to bring friends with younger children, even if they’re not part of the diocese. Learn more here.
Job Openings
DCHS is seeking an Operations Manager to join the Advancement Team. We are also seeking a registrar to work with student records and assist the Assistant Principal with scheduling, grading, progress reports, and transcripts. Learn more and apply online.
Camera Donations
The art department is looking for Digital (DSLR) and Film Cameras (SLR). Please email Lindsay Cooper if you have questions.
Dowling Catholic Post
Did you know DCHS has an amazing online student newspaper? Visit dowlingcatholicpost.com to read the latest news!
Dowling Club
Join the Dowling Club boosters who have been supporting our student-athletes since 1941! Membership includes admission to ALL home athletic events (excluding tournament play) and a one-time 15% Campus Store discount. Find the membership level that best suits your needs here. Thank you for your support!
| |
COLLEGE AND CAREER PLANNING
ACT
The ACT is changing - starting in September 2025! Students will see an updated format that’s shorter (44 fewer questions) and lets you choose whether to include the science section, allowing for greater flexibility while maintaining the accuracy and reliability colleges rely on. The Composite score will now focus on English, math, and reading, while science scores will be reported separately for those who take it.
Health Sciences Career Day
The Iowa Dept. of Education is partnering with the Iowa Hospital Association to introduce middle school and high school students to high-demand health care careers during a virtual event on Thursday, May 15 from 9 am to 12 pm. Students will have an opportunity to see professionals at work through engaging video content, hear more about their education, training and experience during live panel discussions and ask panelists questions. The day will feature six high-demand professions that offer students a range of postsecondary education pathways from certificate programs or associate degrees to bachelor’s and advanced degrees. Sign up here.
Military Service Academy Virtual Learning Opportunity
The offices of Senator Chuck Grassley and Senator Joni Ernst are hosting two virtual information sessions focused on U.S. service academies — including West Point, the Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy. These sessions will cover the application process, how to seek a congressional nomination, academic requirements, and more. Learn more here.
Junior Achievement Workshop
On July 16th, Junior Achievement is hosting a Rising Women Workshop. Open to 50 female students, ages 14-21, participants will experience presentations and activities surrounding important topics, such as leadership skills, career-readiness, and goal-setting.
Drake Healthcare Opportunity
Drake College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers a unique opportunity for high school students and recent graduates to explore health professions. The BullD.O.G.S. in Healthcare Overnight Experience will take place July 10-12 on the Drake campus. Learn more here.
Iowa Hero Academy
The Iowa Hero Academy is launching this summer providing a one-of-a-kind opportunity for young women (ages 16-18) to explore careers in firefighting, policing and the military. This camp is run by the Des Moines Police and Fire Departments and the Iowa National Guard. It will take place July 27- August 1 at Camp Dodge in Johnston. Apply at DSM.city/IowaHeroes.
Scholarship for Youth Caddies
The Evans Scholarship is a full-tuition and housing college scholarship for youth caddies. Wakonda and the WGA are partnering with area schools to connect high-achieving (and need-based) students with summer caddying jobs. A program overview is available here.
Raikes School Summer Camp
The Raikes School of Computer Science and Management Raikes School at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is accepting applications for a learning opportunity for high school students. Final Application Deadline: May 1, 2025. Learn more and apply online.
Iowa Insurance Division Internship
Are you aware of a junior or senior high school student in Iowa trying to decide which career field they wish to pursue? The Iowa Insurance Division provides opportunities to gain real-world experience through an internship as an insurance regulator. Click here to learn more.
UW–Madison Badger Precollege Program
Summer 2025 registration for Badger Precollege opened on Jan. 13. This innovative program provides students with the opportunity to explore their academic interests and learn more about the college experience. Courses are offered in various subjects from engineering and computer science to art and psychology. Learn more and register here.
Barnard Pre-College Programs
Students are invited to apply to the Barnard Pre-College programs designed to inspire students to explore their academic passions, build leadership skills, and experience the vibrant life of New York City. Learn more here.
Upcoming Scholarship Deadlines for Seniors
Scholarship season has started with many deadlines approaching. View the ICAN scholarship database for a list of scholarships your student may be eligible for.
| |
DOWLING CATHOLIC | 1400 BUFFALO RD. | WEST DES MOINES, IA | 50265 | DOWLINGCATHOLIC.ORG
| |
|
|
|
