JANUARY 8, 2026                       
The success continued last weekend for DCHS basketball! The undefeated #3 boys team captured the Catholic Classic title with wins over CR Xavier and Kuemper Catholic, while the #2 girls defeated Ankeny. Both teams play Friday at SE Polk. Go Maroons!
We welcomed five DCHS alumni back to campus to speak with our Foundations of Education class, sharing their experiences as current education and coaching students at Iowa, Iowa State and UNI. Thanks to Averie Meeks '21, Marie Gookin '24, Bridget Murphy '25, Seamus Auen-Ryan '25 and Jake Leo '24 for their advice and insight! Once a Maroon, Always a Maroon!  
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 can be made before 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 11. Juniors will receive 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.
Winter Formal
Winter Formal will be held on Jan. 31 at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown and the theme is "Midnight in Manhattan." Sophomores are invited to the dance this year! 
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. 

ON CAMPUS
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!
Talent Show
DCHS is bringing back the talent show! Auditions will be held Jan. 15 and 16 from 3:45-5:45 p.m. in the auditorium, with a performance on Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. Students can sign up for auditions after Christmas Break with Mrs. Raymond in room 1001.

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 alumni 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!
Campaign Corner: Celebrating Generosity
As we begin this new year, we want to share an exciting update: the Honoring Our History, Faith in Our Future campaign has exceeded $42 million in total pledges from 361 donors. This is an incredible accomplishment. It is energizing, affirming, and clearly demonstrates the strength and commitment of the Dowling Catholic community. To keep track of our progress, visit dowlingcatholic.org/campaign.
COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING
SAT and ACT Prep
Learn about live online SAT and ACT prep courses offered this winter at campusprep.org
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.
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 Physics! 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. 
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 online program prepares students for the certification board exam and future roles. Learn more here. 

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. 
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.
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 ExcellenceStudent & 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 
• A window cling to proudly display Maroon pride Purchase your membership online
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.

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. 

powered by emma