| Congratulations to the boys basketball team on advancing to state after a 58-42 victory over Norwalk on Tuesday! DCHS will face Dubuque Senior on Monday, March 9 at 5:30 p.m. at the Casey’s Center in Des Moines. Go Maroons!
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| Congratulations to the DCHS students and teachers recognized at the annual Des Moines Metro Optimist Club Youth Appreciation Luncheon! Annamaria Bush, Matthew Saegh, Ella Larson and Jessica Lai were recognized as essay contest finalists, while Madeline Degen, Molly Juric, Kara Ross and Mary Beth Wiskus received Excellence in Teaching awards.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Senior Parents: Last Chance for Baby Ads!
Baby ads are due March 12! Submit a photo of your senior along with a message for the yearbook! Email photo and message (250 character limit) to yearbook@dowlingcatholic.org. Cost: $30. Scan the QR code to pay.
Maroon Market - Spring Break
Please fill out this form by Friday, March 6 if you are in need of food or personal hygiene items during spring break. Orders are confidential.
Parent Survey: Student Life Assessment
As a valued member of our DCHS family, your perspective matters. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey and share your insights on student life at DCHS. The survey is focused on the four student life goals: Spiritual Formation, Servant Leadership, Holistic Well-Being, and Inclusive Community and Belonging. Answering these questions will help shape future goals.
Lenten Almsgiving
People to People’s annual Lenten Almsgiving fundraiser will benefit Joppa in Des Moines, whose mission is to build communities of love, support and hope for those experiencing homelessness. Students are invited to donate $5 in theology classes during Lent to help us reach our $6,225 goal. Almsgiving during Lent shows love for those in need, helps us let go of material things, and turns our faith into action following Jesus’ example. Thank you for your support. Donate online here.
Exclusive Items for Your Senior!
Ordering for senior yard signs and ornaments is open now through May 1 on the Campus Store website. Please refer to the order fulfillment schedule on the website.
Custom Dowling Catholic tableware is available now in the Campus Store and on the website! Plates, cups and napkins are custom made for DCHS and perfect for your grad party! These items are in-stock and ready for immediate pick up or shipping.
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| ON CAMPUS
Girls Varsity Soccer Announcer Needed
The athletic department is looking for a play-by-play announcer at our girls home varsity soccer games. This is be a paid position. Please email Tom Wilson if interested.
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| EVENTS
APR 11: Bash on Buffalo - Rewind to the 80s!
Enjoy a night of fun and fellowship, featuring live and silent auctions, food, cocktails, a raffle, and more! Proceeds will support the Career Academy Endowment, connecting students with local employers and alumni to provide real-world insight and career exploration opportunities. Click here to purchase tickets — and be sure to follow the Bash Facebook page for the latest updates and exclusive auction item previews! Special pricing is available for groups of eight and young alumni (21+)!
Support the Bash by donating an auction item! Click here for suggested items by class. Donations may be labeled “Bash” and dropped off in the President’s Office during school hours.
Volunteer to help make the Bash a success! Whether you can give a few hours for setup or join us during the event, your time makes a difference for our students. Sign up here.
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Campaign Corner: Matching Gifts
Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match charitable contributions made to the Campaign by their employees. To find out if your company has a matching gift policy, follow this link: https://www.dowlingcatholic.org/give/matching-gifts
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| COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING
The Tippie Gateway Summer 2026 Program
The Tippie Gateway Program is an opportuntity for current juniors to learn about business, college life, and all that a future in business holds. Held June 21-26, 2026 OR July 12-17, 2026 at the University of Iowa. Apply here by April 17. The program is free!
Junior Achievement Rising Women Workshop
This free event will be held July 15 at the Junior Achievement of Central Iowa office in Des Moines. Participants will take part in engaging activities and interactive lessons. Topics include leadership development, financial literacy, career readiness, goal-setting, communication and collaboration.The event is open to 50 female participants, ages 14–21. Learn more here.
Iowa Hero Academy
This one-of-a-kind opportunity is for young women (ages 16-18) in Central Iowa interested in exploring careers in firefighting, policing and the military. This camp is run by the Des Moines Fire and Police Departments and the Iowa National Guard. This five-day, overnight camp will take place July 26 -July 31 at Camp Dodge. Apply here by April 25.
The Pettengill Civic Leadership Academy
The Leadership Academy selects 28 outstanding juniors for this free three-day leadership development opportunity at Drake University July 8-10. Students will stay in the residence hall, and meals and evening activities are included. Applicants must submit either a written or video essay by March 27. Learn more and apply here.
United States Military Academy
Learn more about West Point, life as a Cadet, and the application process. This event will take place on March 30 at 6:00 p.m. at the Freedom Center - Camp Dodge. Note: A valid government ID is required for entry to Camp Dodge. Register here.
Summit Education: 2026 Summer Programs
Summit Education organizes virtual summer programs for high-achieving students interested in STEM fields. In 2026, Summit will offer two programs: the Summit STEM Fellowship (SSF) and Summit Research Scholars (SRS). Applications are now open. Admissions are rolling, and students are encouraged to apply early to maximize their chances of acceptance. Apply online.
ISL Education Lending Scholarship
Iowa students in grades 9-12 are eligible for this scholarship program from ISL Education Lending. Parents, guardians and college students may also enter. Winners receive deposits into ISave 529 accounts. Register by April 3. Learn more here.
Uncommon Student Award
Do you know a junior interested in earning $11,500 to further their education? This award recognizes Iowa students who demonstrate initiative, leadership and civic responsibility. Apply here by April 1.
Study Abroad
Click here to learn about summer programs offered in 40 different destinations across the world.
Summer/Pre-College Immersion Programs
These programs offer students academic enrichment and exposure to college experiences. Click here to learn about programs at DU, Notre Dame, Wake Forest, Fordham and many more!
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Tuition Assistance
The application for Catholic Tuition Organization (CTO) and Diocesan Tuition Assistance (DTA) will not be available until sometime in March as both programs transition from the FAIR to the FACTS application, which will simplify the process. Details will be shared as soon as the application opens. Please click here for more information.
Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) Information regarding ESAs can be found here.
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Honor Roll
The 1st semester Honor Roll is now available. The honor roll is based on a student’s weighted 1st semester grade point average (GPA). There are three levels in which students may qualify. *Please note, the GPA standards for the Academic Excellence and Presidential Honor Rolls were updated with the 2025-26 Student Handbook.
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| 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. Find instructions here.
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| West Des Moines Lacrosse Club
Registration is still open for students interestsed in playing lacrosse. More information is available here. Please note, this organization is not afiliated with Dowling Catholic.
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| Dowling Catholic Post
Did you know that DCHS has an amazing online student newspaper? Check it out at
dowlingcatholicpost.com.
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| The Maroon Fund
We invite all families to support the Maroon Fund, Dowling Catholic's Annual Appeal, to help us prepare Leaders for Life, Centered on Christ.
Your gift strengthens every aspect of the student experience by supporting three essential pillars: Academic Excellence, Student & Faith Life, and School Services.
To learn more or make a gift, please visit our
website. Checks may be mailed to DCHS, 1400 Buffalo Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265. Thank you for your support!
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| Dowling Club
Since 1941, Dowling Club has fueled the tradition of excellence in athletics by providing funding for equipment, facilities, and support for coaches and student-athletes.
Membership includes:
• Passes to all home events (excluding tournaments)
• A 15% one-time Campus Store discount
• A window cling to proudly display Maroon pride.
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| Athletic 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 exposure. Whether you’re interested in ads, field signage, or a custom package tailored to you, we’ve got options! Learn more here.
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