April 9, 2026                       
On Good Friday, Dowling Catholic students performed a moving reenactment of the Stations of the Cross, offering a meaningful reflection on Christ’s sacrifice and its message of humility, forgiveness, and hope. Photo: Logan Godinez ‘28
The boys tennis team opened the season with an impressive 11–0 victory over Urbandale. 
Singles wins: Landon Cody, Ian Chapman, Marek Dessimoz, Tyler Cownie, Rob Beecher, Miles Kneif
Doubles wins: Cody/Chapman, Dessimoz/Beecher, Cownie/Flynn, O’Neill/Kneifl, DeJong/Trytten
Way to go, Maroons!
ANNOUNCEMENTS   
Senior Survey 
Please remind your senior fill out the Future Plans Survey by May 1. This is required for their information to be showcased at the Senior Celebration and Service Assembly on May 13. 
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.
Post Prom Fundraiser
Rent a tux at Skeffington's and receive $10 off. Post Prom will receive a $10 donation when you let them know you're with DCHS! 
Parking Passes
Class of 2027 and 2028 parents will receive an email on April 20 with a link to purchase parking passes. Passes are only available for juniors and seniors and must be purchased by May 8. If you are uncertain if your student will need parking, you are still encouraged to purchase as refunds can be issued if necessary. 
Due to construction, parking passes will not be available for sophomores at this time. If construction progresses as planned over the summer, the sophomore lottery will be held in the fall.
ON CAMPUS
Retirement Well Wishes
Parents, students and alumni are invited to share well wishes with the following teachers and staff who will be retiring:
Mr. Mike Rolf, German teacher
Mr. Marshall Pauly, Science teacher
Mrs. Becky Cunningham, Spanish teacher
Mrs. Lauri Stilwill, school counselor
Mr. Del Lark, head athletic trainer & retired DCHS teacher

Spring Musical
The Performing Arts Department will present Singin' in the Rain  on April 23 & 24 at 7:30 p.m. and April 25 at 2:00 & 7:30 pm.
Purchase tickets here
Deadline for Seniors Approaching!
Senior Yard Signs and Ornaments are only available to order through May 1 on the Campus Store website. Don't miss out! Orders will be fulfilled throughout the ordering period; please refer to the schedule on the website.
Custom DCHS tableware is available now in the Campus Store or
online! Plates, cups and napkins custom made for DCHS, perfect for your grad party! In-stock and ready for pick up or shipping.
Uniform Ordering for 2026-27 School Year Now Open
Don't forget to order new uniform shirts, sweatshirts and sweaters  before May 15. This is the only time you'll be able to order and receive new uniform items before school begins on August 24, 2026.
 Order on the Campus Store website.  
EVENTS
APRIL 11: Bash on Buffalo
Enjoy a night filled with music, fun and fellowship, including silent and live auctions, food, cocktails, and more—all for a great cause!
Proceeds will support the Career Academy, providing students with real-world insight and career exploration opportunities. 
Remote and in-person bidding is available! Click here to purchase tickets. Special pricing is available for groups of eight and young alumni (21+)! Please also consider volunteering to help make the Bash a success! 
Campaign Corner: Construction Update
Dr. Dan Ryan | Construction Update - With the four houses along 17th Street demolished, we begin the next step of groundwork to stay on schedule and start our building project on June 1. First up will be the new auxiliary gymnasium/storm shelter and loading dock. Thank you to all donors who made this possible and to those discerning their support.   
COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING
Junior Achievement Summer Camp
Is your high school student looking for a chance to step into a leadership role this summer? The JA BizTown camp provides the opportunity for them to help younger students discover what it’s like to be a CEO, CFO, Sales Manager, and more.
Learn more
The Tippie Gateway Summer 2026 Program
The Tippie Gateway Program is an opportunity for current juniors to learn about college life and a future in business. Held June 21-26 OR July 12-17 at the University of Iowa. Apply here by April 17. The program is free!
Junior Achievement Rising Women Workshop
The Rising Women Workshop is a free event that will be held July 15. Topics include leadership, financial literacy, career readiness, and communication. Open to 50 females. Learn more here.
Iowa Hero Academy
This opportunity is for females ages 16-18 interested in exploring fire fighting, police and military careers. The camp will take place July 26-31. Apply here by April 25
Summit Education: 2026 Summer Programs
Summit is offering two virtual summer programs for students interested in STEM fields. Admissions are rolling. Apply online

DMACC Career Discovery Events
Registration is open for Spring 2026 Career Discovery Events.
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 more! 
Tuition Assistance
The application for Catholic Tuition Organization (CTO) and Diocesan Tuition Assistance (DTA) is now available through May 5.
Click here for more information. 
Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) Information regarding ESAs can be found here
 Parent Survey: Student Life Assessment 
As a DCHS parent or guardian, your perspective matters. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey  focused on the four student life goals: Spiritual Formation, Servant Leadership, Holistic Well-Being, and Inclusive Community & Belonging. Your answers will help shape future goals. 
Dowling Catholic Post
Did you know that DCHS has an amazing online student newspaper? Check it out at
dowlingcatholicpost.com.
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! 

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 
Kid Captain Nominations
Do you know a child with an incredible story?
The 2026 Kid Captain Program, presented by The Greater Des Moines Catholic Football League and Hawks Companies, will recognize four outstanding youth who inspire others through their courage, character, and impact. Whether they’ve overcome adversity, made a difference in their community or church, or shown exceptional kindness—we want to hear their story. Nominate them here.
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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