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DCHS students kicked off the school year with a pep assembly on Friday! The cheer and dance teams had fantastic performances, and our fall sports teams, along with baseball and softball, were recognized. With fall sports in full swing, there are many chances to support our student-athletes. Let's fill the stands and cheer on the football team vs. Johnston this Friday at Valley Stadium! Schedules for all teams can be found here. Go Maroons!
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Our newest Maroons had the chance to explore life beyond the classroom this week at the Freshman Activities Fair. Thanks to the upperclassmen who shared their time and experiences. With 90+ clubs, groups, and activities offered at DCHS, there's something for every student to be a part of!
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
ESA Deadline
Sept. 30 is the deadline to confirm ESA invoices for first-semester tuition. Parents should have received an email from Odyssey requesting that they complete this step. Please log in to your Odyssey ESA account to confirm the invoice. If you notice any discrepancies, contact the Region Tuition Management team at 515-333-4860 for assistance. If you've completed this step, no further action is required. You will be asked to complete the process again second semester. Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.
Teen Safety Presentation for Parents
DCHS families are invited to a special presentation by the WDM Police Department. Guiding Teens on the Road and Online will be led by Sergeant Danti and Officer Granzow at DCHS on Sept. 15 from 6–7:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity to help protect your family and make you aware of the dangers teens face today.
Opportunities to travel abroad - Summer 2026
There will be an informational meeting about student travel opportunities for summer 2026 on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 6:30 pm in the boardroom. Two options are available: Greece in June 2026 and France & Spain in July 2026. Both will meet in the boardroom and break off to discuss each trip. Please RSVP to learn about Greece here and France & Spain here. These trips are approved by DCHS but not school-sponsored.
Career Academies
DCHS is again offering our Career Academy program designed to expose students to a rigorous core curriculum while simultaneously teaching college-and career-ready skills in specific fields. In our second year, we have 95 sophomores involved, and we're offering academies in Health Sciences, Engineering/Technology, Business, Finance & Innovation, and Education/Human Services.
We're looking for community partners in these fields (especially alumni & parents!) to be guest speakers, serve on panels, and host job shadows. If interested, please complete this form or email Ms.Tickel with questions.
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.
Education Celebration
In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Iowa ACE and HACER (Hispanics Aligned for Choice in Education Reform) are co-hosting a Fiesta for Education event on Oct. 4 from 1-4 pm at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Learn more here.
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| CAMPAIGN CORNER: WHY NOW?
From expanded parking, dining, gathering, and practice spaces to improved safety and accessibility, the Honoring Our History, Faith in Our Future Campaign is about addressing our most pressing challenges and preparing Dowling Catholic for the future. With a growing student body that comes from across the metro area and region, now is the time to invest in facilities that will benefit every student and equip our school to care holistically for all our students for the next 50 years.
Join us for the Campaign Kickoff at halftime of the homecoming game on Friday, September 26.
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| ON CAMPUS
Maroon Market
The Maroon Market is a food and personal hygiene pantry offered for DCHS students/families when needed. There is no cost and no required forms, other than the order form. Information and delivery are confidential. Place an order here. Email maroonmarket@dowlingcatholic.org with questions.
Maroon Crew
Follow Maroon Crew on social media! Maroon Crew is our student spirit group that highlights and promotes student life and activities at DCHS. Follow @MaroonCrew on Facebook, Instagram, X, or TikTok.
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| COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING
PSAT
PSAT registration for sophomores and juniors is now open. This is optional/not required, but it is the sole qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship competition. Only scores in junior year are considered for the competition. The PSAT will be held Oct. 20, 2025 (note: this is a no-school day during conference break) from approximately 9-11:30 am in the Media Center and classrooms. This is an all-digital exam on students' Chromebooks. Cost: $30. Deadline to register is Sept. 25. Register and pay here.
ACT Prep Seminars
DCHS will host ACT Test Prep seminars on Mon, Sept. 15 & Tues, Sept 16, from 3:15 pm - 5:45 pm. Cost: $100. Learn more here.
Coca-Cola Scholars
Each year, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards 150 college scholarships worth $20k to students across the U.S. Students must be graduating during the 2025-26 school year, have a 3.0 GPA, and complete an online application that requires no essays, no recommendations, and no transcripts by Sept. 30, 2025. Click here for more info.
Golden Circle College & Career Fair
The Golden Circle College & Career Fair will be held
Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, 1-3 pm at the Prairie Meadows Conference Center. Entrance is FREE. Learn more here.
DMACC Career Discovery Events
High school students are invited to learn about career pathways and future career opportunities, tour local companies, and refine professional skills through interactive events hosted at a DMACC location. Learn more here and see a list of fall events here.
Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE)
The PTCE Readiness Program at Drake University is a flexible, online program designed to prepare students for the Pharmacy Tech Certification Board exam and future roles in pharmacy. Whether exploring health sciences, planning to attend college in a healthcare field, or looking to enter the workforce after graduation, this program offers a valuable head start. Click here to learn more.
Military Career Fairs
ICAN will be hosting Military Career Fairs across Iowa this fall, including one in Ankeny on Oct. 13. These fairs are designed for high school students and parents to explore all options for life after high school through military service. Click here for event details and to RSVP for this free event.
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EVENTS
OCTOBER 26, 2025
Pancake Breakfast
Please join us for the 64th Annual Pancake Breakfast in the Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in support of the student activities endowment. Please click here to volunteer and purchase tickets.
We are still seeking Pancake co-chairs to shadow our current and be ready to take the reins next year! Please contact Bonnie Bronson if interested or with questions.
OCTOBER 2, 2025
Grandparents Mass
Students and grandparents are invited to join us for this special event. Grandparents will have the opportunity to tour the school, hear from student and faculty speakers, and celebrate Mass with their grandchildren. Click here for more information and to RSVP.
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| THE MAROON FUND
We invite all families, alumni and friends to support the
Maroon Fund, our rebranded 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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Uniform information
The Campus Store is your source for uniform shirts and sweatshirts. We stock men's/women's cotton polo shirts (black/maroon, short/long sleeve, sizes S-XL) and unisex uniform sweatshirts (black, sizes XS-L). Stock fluctuates so feel free to email the store to check on-hand stock.
Other uniform items are considered special order and aren't carried in the store. You can place an order now through Feb. 28, 2026. Uniform orders are placed on the 16th of each month. Please visit the Ordering Calendar for more information. Uniforms are not shipped during the school year. You will receive an email when orders are ready for pick up. Find more information, including store hours and our newest fan apparel on our website.
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| YEARBOOK INFORMATION
The 2025-26 Yearbook Is on sale now! Don't miss out! To purchase, log in to OnCampus, select Resources, Blackbaud Tuition Management, and Purchase Optional Items. Select your child’s name and purchase.
Senior Photos
If your student is a senior, please submit their senior photo by Dec. 1, 2025 to: yearbook@dowlingcatholic.org Photos must be:
• Vertical
• Headshot (waist or neck up) * No props (hats, equipment, etc.).
Senior Baby Ads
Information about placing a senior baby ad will come out in January. Baby ads are optional and cost $30.
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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 our coaches and student-athletes.
With ticket prices for home events increasing by $2, membership offers families significant savings while supporting DCHS athletics. Membership includes:
• Passes to all home athletic 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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