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The Speech & Debate team kicked off the season with an impressive showing at the Iowa Forensic League season opener! Champions included Cesar Duran (Congressional Debate), Olivia Kruger (Original Oratory), Jackson Smith (#1 Speaker in Lincoln-Douglas), and Keerath Chhatlani and Alessia Antezano (Novice Public Forum). Congratulations!
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The DCHS Boys Golf team is state-bound after winning the district meet at Copper Creek Golf Course! The Maroons shot a team score of 294 to place first out of 14 teams. Low rounds: Dewell Anderson (Sr) 69, Elijah Anderson (Fr) 71, and AJ Sposato (Sr) 75. Go Maroons!
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President’s Spotlight
One of the things I cherish most about Dowling Catholic is the sense of community. One of the ways our students find community and friendship is through clubs, the arts and athletics. In a similar way, our parents congregate around their children’s activities, creating bonds while supporting their children. Many alumni stay connected with their classmates throughout life. Simply put, community is what makes Dowling Catholic special.
Gathering the entire DCHS community can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. One event that brings our community together is the Pancake Breakfast - a cherished tradition for the past 64 years. I want to take this opportunity to personally invite you to join us on Sunday, October 26th at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
This event is focused on building community. Even if you’ve never attended a Dowling Catholic event before, I encourage you to join us and bring your family and friends. You’ll see everyone from our priests to the principal flipping pancakes for a great cause. I will also be manning a griddle and look forward to meeting as many parents as I can.
One tradition we are bringing back is the friendly competition based on ticket sales and attendance, with big prizes for students, including an extra day of spring break. Proceeds from this event support student activities – an important part of the DCHS experience with more than 90% of our students participating in a club or activity. Student representatives from these groups will be at the event to tell you more!
If each student sells just three tickets, we can reach our goal of 2,500 gathered to support our mission. I look forward to seeing you there!
Dr. Dan Ryan
President
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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. Proceeds support the mission of DCHS and enhance the opportunity for students to participate in extracurricular clubs and activities. Tickets are $10 each. Please click here to purchase. The ticket sales contest is underway so don't forget to credit your purchase to your student at checkout — just search for their name, it’s already in the system!
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| Campaign Corner: Meeting Challenges Together
With enrollment rising and our campus stretched to its limits, the need for updated spaces is more urgent than ever. From crowded hallways and inadequate parking, to outdated athletic facilities and kitchen spaces, our challenges affect every member of the Maroon community. This campaign is about meeting these challenges head-on and creating an environment where every student can thrive.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Fall conferences will be held Tuesday, Oct. 14 from 5-8 pm and Thursday, Oct. 16 from 10 am-12 pm, 1-3:30 and 5-7:30. An email from Dr. Arnold was sent with registration information.
Visit https://www.schoolbookings.net/code to register for five-minute conferences using event code dx8d3. The system opened on Sunday, Oct. 5 and will close at 8 am on Monday, Oct. 13. You will need a list of your student’s teachers which can be found in OnCampus. Please email Ms. Plasencia or call 515-222-1077 for registration assistance.
No School Dates
Reminder that there will no classes on Oct. 16, 17 and 20 for conference break.
One Million Book Giveaway
Dowling Catholic's Chick-Fil-A Leadership Academy is hosting a book drive Oct. 6-15. New and gently used books will be accepted in collection boxes around the building.
International Travel in 2027
An exciting student travel opportunity to Japan will take place in summer 2027. Students will visit Tokyo, spend a night outside of Mount Fuji, visit reindeer in Nara, and much more! An informational meeting about this life changing adventure will take place on Thursday, Oct. 23 at 6:30 pm in the Media Center. RSVP here. Contact Sarah Selinger with questions.
Senior Class Photo - New Date
The senior class photo date has been changed to Oct. 22 at 9:45 am due a conflict with the CIML Conference Cross Country meet. Please contact Mr. Ferguson with questions.
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| ON CAMPUS
Fall Play
The Performing Arts Department will present The Outsiders on Oct. 30 & 31 at 7:30 pm and Nov. 1 at 2:00 & 7:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased online.
Job Openings
DCHS has immediate openings for servers in the cafeteria. These positions are full-time with hours from 6 am-2:30 pm, M-F. Please visit our website to learn more and apply.
Post Prom - Junior & Senior Parents
There will be a Post Prom informational meeting on Tuesday Oct. 28 from 6:15-6:45 pm in the board room before the College Planning Night at 7:00. Post Prom is in May, but planning starts in October for this event which is organized and run by parent volunteers. If you're interested in helping with this fun event or would like more information, please email Mara Van Ee or call 515-240-1992. Many hands make for light work and the committee needs you!
Spirit Night
Dine at Bennigan's on Merle Hay Rd. on Tuesday, Oct.14 in support of the Dowling Club! Learn more here.
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| COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING
Junior College/Career Planning Night
The Junior College/Career Planning Night will take place in the Media Center from 7-8 pm on Oct. 28. General college application tips, scholarships, and financial aid information will be shared in addition to a Q&A with a college admissions panel.
AP Testing
AP testing will take place May 4-8 and May 11-15. Learn more about an AP exam vs. dual credit here. Students must enroll in a class section using the join code provided by their teacher. If students do not join their AP classroom, a test can't be ordered. Cost is $100 per exam. Pay using this link.
Deadline to register is Nov. 14. After that, a $40 late fee will be assessed in addition to the exam cost (*with the exception of spring semester courses AP Government and AP Microeconomics*). There is no refund if your student decides not to take the AP exam in the spring.
Davidson College
This free virtual workshop series is designed to help prepare students for the college search and application process and will cover topics including building a college list, admission & financial aid, college essays and more. Register online. Contact admission@davidson.edu with questions.
DMACC Career Discovery Events
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.
Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE)
The Drake University PTCE Program is a flexible, online program designed to prepare students for the certification board exam and future roles. Whether exploring health sciences, attending college, or entering the workforce, this program offers a valuable head start. Learn more here.
Military Career Fair
ICAN will host a Military Career Fair on Oct. 13 for students to explore options for life after high school through military service. Click here for details and to RSVP.
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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. Instructions are available here.
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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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| 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 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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| Career Academy
The DCHS Career Academy is designed to expose students to a rigorous core curriculum while simultaneously teaching college-and career-ready skills. We're offering academies in Engineering/Technology, Health Sciences, Business, Finance & Innovation, & Education/Human Services.
We're looking for community partners in these fields (especially alumni & parents!) to serve as guest speakers, on panels, and to host job shadows. Please complete this form or email Ms.Tickel with questions.
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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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| 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 Maroon Market with questions.
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Parents for Educational Choice
Iowa ACE is seeking parents to support educational choice in Iowa through participation in a new parent-led organization, Parents for Educational Choice. Learn more online.
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