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Congratulations to Layla Crosthwaite ‘26, Owen Heaston ‘28, Mia Driscoll ‘28, Lauren Peters ‘28 and Gianna Jones ‘29 for performing with the South Central Iowa Regional Honor Band at Ankeny High School on Saturday, January 10. Selected through competitive auditions held in December, these students were chosen among the top high school band musicians in the south-central Iowa region. Well done!
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The annual DCHS Madrigal Dinner was a great success, as the court entertained guests with two evenings of song and festive entertainment. With a wonderful meal provided by Christiani’s Catering, the celebration was truly memorable. Thank you to all who attended—we look forward to celebrating again next year!
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Junior Parents – Class of 2027 Registration Timeline
Registration for the 2026-27 school year began Jan. 6 for the Class of 2027. Changes to students’ online course requests were to be made by Sunday, Jan. 11. Juniors received a yellow course requests printout at school on Tuesday, Jan.13. This form must be signed and returned to Student Services by Friday, Jan.16. Please contact your student’s counselor if you have registration questions.
Sophomore Parents – Class of 2028 Registration Timeline Registration for the 2026-27 school year began Jan. 13 for the Class of 2028. Changes to students’ online course requests can be made before 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 18. Sophomores will receive a blue course requests printout at school on Tuesday, Jan. 20. This form must be signed and returned to Student Services by Friday, Jan. 23. Please contact your student’s counselor if you have registration questions.
Winter Formal
Winter Formal will be held on Jan. 31 from 8:00-11:00 p.m. at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown. Sophomores are invited to attend this year! Students must arrive by 8:30 and will be allowed to leave at 10:00. Tickets cost $10.00 per person and can be purchased by students on High 5 starting this week.
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
No School Days
There will be no school on Monday, Jan. 19 for teacher professional development and on Wednesday, Jan. 28 for a faculty/staff retreat.
Evening of Culture
Join us on Jan. 22 for an Evening of Culture! Enjoy music, art and displays in the DCHS Narthex from 5-6:30 p.m. All are welcome!
Service Hour Opportunity
Earn service hours by helping People to People pack the Maroon Market! Students may earn up to 4 service hours by donating unexpired non-perishable food items from Jan. 20-30. Students MUST donate food items between 7:45-8:10 a.m. in room 900 and they MUST sign-in to receive hours. 5 items = 1 service hour, 4 hours maximum. The most requested items are: 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.
Peru Trip - Informational Meeting
An exciting opportunity awaits! The informational meeting about the Summer 2027 Peru trip has been moved to Jan. 25 at 6:00 p.m. in the Media Center. Students and parents are invited to learn about this incredible opportunity! In Peru, students will explore new places, experience a vibrant culture, and build lifelong skills. Learn about the itinerary, hands-on learning experiences, academic connections, trip costs, and enrollment details. Enrollment will open during the meeting and space is limited. RSVP online. Please note, this is a non-school sponsored trip.
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 ages 14+ with special needs, providing an incredible prom night experience featuring red carpet treatment and VIP experiences. Volunteers are needed for setup, makeup, food prep, and serving as buddies. Help make this an unforgettable night—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. Visit our website for details and to RSVP.
FASHION FUNDRAISER: Visit Evereve on Jan. 28 and 15% of purchases will be donated back to the Evening of Style!
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| Campaign Corner: Construction Timeline
Starting mid-January through mid-March 2026, Dowling Catholic leadership will formally request approval of the first phase of construction. The demolition of the four houses on 17th Street will begin between January and February. Your support is helping position us for a transformational moment in our school’s history. In preparation, we are working diligently to ensure a smooth process and limited impact on the school day. Dowling Catholic is committed to maintaining a safe, caring community and continuing its tradition of academic excellence throughout the construction period.
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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.
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. Learn more here.
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.
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 (USA) recognizes Iowa students who demonstrate initiative, leadership and civic responsibility. Learn more here.
Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth (PTY)
Vanderbilt's PTY is now accepting summer 2026 applications. Visit their website for course descriptions and application information.
Scholarship Opportunity
Students who are passionate about making a difference are invited to enter an essay contest for the chance to win amazing prizes! Visit contest rules to learn more. The application is available here. Submit by Jan. 23.
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.
Drake Physics Prize
High school seniors are invited to participate in the 2026 Drake Physics Prize Competition. A variety of awards are available, and the first-place award is a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to Drake University to study hysics! 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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| 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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| A Night to Shine
Support A Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation and hosted by Sacred Heart Parish to benefit the special needs community. Help fund the event by purchasing tickets to the Iowa Wild game on Friday, Jan. 16. Scan the QR code to purchase tickets.
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