| The 4th Annual DCHS Evening of Culture was a memorable celebration for our school community. Guests enjoyed engaging cultural exhibits, delicious food and drinks, inspiring performances, and meaningful opportunities to learn from one another. Thank you to all who exhibited, performed, volunteered and attended!
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Freshman Parents – Class of 2029 Registration Timeline Registration for the 2026-27 school year began Jan. 20 for the Class of 2029. Changes to students’ online course requests were to be made before Sunday, Jan. 25. Freshmen received a green course requests printout at school on Monday, Jan. 26. This form must be signed and returned to Student Services by Friday, Jan. 30. Please contact your student’s counselor with questions.
Career Academy
Applications for the Career Academy program are due on Friday, Jan. 30 for any interested current freshmen. Information can be found on page 3 of the 26-27 Course Guidebook. Applications are available in Student Services.
SAVE THE DATE - Parent-Teacher Conferences
Spring conferences will be held:
- Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 5-8 p.m. and
- Thursday, Feb. 19 from 12-3 p.m. and 4:30-7:30 p.m.
- Parents will register online for 5-minute conferences beginning Sunday, Feb. 8 at noon. Watch for an email from Dr. Arnold with registration information.
- Parents/guardians must register for conferences online using the site SchoolBookings.net.
- The system will open for registration at noon on Sunday, Feb. 8, and will close at 8 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 16.
- Register at https://www.schoolbookings.net/code (once registration begins) using CODE: 69387
- You will need a list of your student’s teachers (found in OnCampus). If you need assistance registering, please contact Ms. Plasencia at pplasencia@dowlingcatholic.org or 515-222-1077.
CTO and DTA Application Process
The application for Catholic Tuition Organization (CTO) and Diocesan Tuition Assistance (DTA), which normally opens on February 1, will not be available until sometime in March this year. Both programs are transitioning from the FAIR application to the FACTS application, which will make the financial assistance process much simpler for families. We want to reassure you that CTO and DTA assistance will still be available - this is simply a change in the application process and timeframe. More details will be shared as soon as the application opens.
DCHS College Fair
Save the date for the DCHS College Fair on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Students in grades 10-11 will attend in a rotation throughout the lunch hour. Colleges from across the Midwest region will be in attendance. Parents are welcome to attend! Students should register here to get a barcode for colleges to scan at the fair.
CPR
The Healthy Kids Act requires that every student take a CPR course to graduate. All juniors and seniors enrolled in a PE class in the fall/spring will be certified and do not need a separate course. Courses will be offered on Feb. 10 and 24 in room 500 from 3:30- 5:30 p.m. for students who have not yet fulfilled the requirement. Sign up and pay here.
Seal of Biliteracy
Students interested in earning the Seal of Biliteracy must fill out this form by Feb. 11 to indicate interest. Once they sign up, they will be sent a link to pay the anticipated cost of $25. Once paid, they will be sent a username, password, and testing info. They will complete the tests at home, proctored by a parent/guardian. Testing must be completed by March 13. Click here for more information.
Senior Baby Ads
Senior parents: submit a photo of your child along with a message for the yearbook! Email photo and message (250 character limit) to yearbook@dowlingcatholic.org. The cost is $30 and the deadline is March 30. Scan the QR code to pay.
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| ON CAMPUS
Service Hour Opportunity
Help People to People pack the Maroon Market! Students may earn up to 4 service hours by donating unexpired non-perishable food items by January 30. Students MUST donate food items between 7:45-8:10am to room 900 and they MUST sign-in to receive hours. 5 items = 1 service hour, 4 hours max. Most requested items: Rice, black beans, baked beans, kidney beans, canned or plastic pasta sauce, tortillas, hard taco shells, poptarts, granola/breakfast bars, hamburger helper, scalloped or mashed potatoes. Email sselinger@dowlingcatholic.org with questions.
Post Prom Volunteers
Post Prom is looking for a parent (or group of parents) to solicit and obtain prizes for this year’s event on May 9. Anyone interested in learning more or joining the committee, please reach out to Mara Van Ee at maravanee@hotmail.com or 515-240-1992.
A Night to Shine — Volunteers Needed
Adult and student volunteers are needed for A Night to Shine, hosted by Sacred Heart on Friday, Feb. 13. Sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, this free event celebrates individuals 14+ with special needs, providing an incredible prom night experience, centered on God’s love and featuring red carpet treatment and VIP experiences. Volunteers are needed for setup, makeup, food prep, and serving as buddies. Sign up here.
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| EVENTS
FEB12: Evening of Style
Join us for a ladies' night out presented by Coachlight Clinic & Spa! Enjoy dinner and drinks, themed tables with coordinated attire, and a style show at St. Francis of Assisi in West Des Moines. Proceeds benefit the Bash on Buffalo Auction and the Career Academy Endowment, helping connect students with mentors and real-world career experiences. Please visit our website for details and to RSVP by Jan. 29.
APR 11: Bash on Buffalo
Join us at DCHS for the Bash on Buffalo! Enjoy a night filled with fun, fellowship and generosity - including a silent auction with both in-person and remote bidding, a high-energy live auction, delicious food, signature cocktails, a raffle, and more! Proceeds will support the Career Academy Endowment which connects students with local employers and alumni to provide real-world insight and career exploration opportunities. Click here for more information.
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| COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING
SAT and ACT Prep
Learn about live online SAT and ACT prep courses offered this winter at campusprep.org.
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? Each year, the Iowa Insurance Division provides opportunities to gain real world experience in the insurance industry through an internship as an insurance regulator. Learn more here. The application deadline is Feb. 27, 2026.
Day of Innovation
Help students thrive in the era of artificial intelligence! High school students are invited to join the Day of Innovation, a hands-on experience where students explore AI, creativity, and career pathways through real-world challenges. Space is limited to 250, early registration is encouraged. Learn more here.
Summer TUTTI
Students are invited to apply for this eight-day residential summer high school intensive in dance, music, musical theatre, and theatre. Click here for more information. Priority application deadline is March 1, 2026.
DMACC Career Discovery Events
Registration for Spring 2026 DMACC Career Discovery Events is now open. Students are invited to learn about career pathways, tour local companies, and refine professional skills through interactive events hosted at a DMACC location.
STEM Summer Camps
Registration for 2026 summer camps at South Dakota Mines is now open for current 7th-12th grade students. The faculty-led camps give students an immersive pre-college experience in subjects like biomedical engineering, programming, robotics, geology, and more.
ISL Education Lending Scholarship
Students in grades 9-12 who are residents of Iowa are eligible for this scholarship program from ISL Education Lending. Parents, guardians and current college students may also enter. Winners receive deposits into ISave 529 accounts to choose when and how to use the awards. Register by April 3. Learn more here.
Summer Institute for Politics
Salve Regina offers a dynamic, pre-college summer program for future leaders in Newport, RI. Dates: Sunday, July 12 – Friday, July 17, 2026. Learn more here. Submit applications by April 1.
Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth (PTY)
Vanderbilt PTY is now accepting summer 2026 applications. Visit their website for course descriptions and application information.
Uncommon Student Award
Do you know a high school junior who would value the opportunity to earn $11,500 to further their education? The Uncommon Student Award recognizes Iowa students who demonstrate initiative, leadership and civic responsibility. Learn more here.
Fordham's Summer Leaders Academy
This immersive pre-college program offers innovative academic courses along with activities in New York City. On-campus housing and commuter options are available. Learn more here.
Wake Forest Online Immersion Program
Wake Forest offers pre-college online courses to help students explore their interests. The summer application period is now open. Learn more here.
Notre Dame Pre-College Programs
Click here to learn about a collegiate experience at Notre Dame offered in summer 2026. Please email precoll@nd.edu with questions concerning the programs or financial aid.
Study Abroad
Click here to learn about summer programs lasting 3-4 weeks in 40 different destinations across the world.
Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE)
The Drake University PTCE online program prepares students for the certification board exam and future roles. Learn more here.
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| Yearbook Information
The 2025-26 yearbook is on sale now! To purchase, log in to OnCampus, select Resources, Blackbaud Tuition Management, and Purchase Optional Items. Select your child’s name and purchase.
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| Campaign Corner: Your Support
There are many ways to support DCHS and the
Honoring Our History, Faith in Our Future
campaign during this historical time. Donors can make pledges over three years, provide gifts of stock, donate securities and retirement funds, or make an estate gift. Every pledge brings us closer to building the future for our Maroons.
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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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| 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 Purchase your membership online.
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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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