| Congratulations to the girls tennis team on qualifying for state! Kezia Edward qualified in singles, while Berkley Johnson and Maddie Shell and Victoria Valverde and Jessi Johnson qualifed in doubles. DCHS also earned a spot at Team State with a 5-0 win over Urbandale. The individual state competition is being held this week in Waterloo, with Team State set for Monday and Tuesday at Waukee Northwest. Go Maroons!
| |
| Students in the Business, Finance & Innovation Career Academy visited Holmes Murphy today to learn more about careers in business, insurance and risk management. Thank you to DCHS alumni Claire Michel ’19 and Dalton Parrot ’11 for helping lead the experience!
| |
|
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Fall conferences will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 5-8 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-3:30 and 5-7:30 p.m. Registration will close at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
- Register at https://www.schoolbookings.net/code using event code 49b5c.
- You will need a list of your student’s teachers which can be found in OnCampus.
- Email Ms. Plasencia or call 515-222-1077 for assistance with registering.
No School Dates
There will be no classes on Oct. 15, 16 & 19 (conferences/teacher PD)
Junior College Planning Night
Junior families: Save the date for the college planning meeting on Nov. 3 from 7-8 p.m.
Senior Class Photo
The senior class photo is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 9:35 a.m. There is no make-up date so please plan appointments around this so your senior can be included. Contact Mr. Ferguson with any questions.
| |
| ON CAMPUS
Campus Ministry Parent Task Force
Interested in supporting faith-related initiatives at DCHS? You're invited to the first Campus Ministry Parent Task Force meeting of the year on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the DCHS boardrooms. We will discuss how the task force can assist Campus Ministry through current and future opportunities. Whether you're willing to jump in right away or just want to learn more, we'd love to see you there! Learn about one-time and ongoing volunteer opportunities. If you or someone you know has interest in helping, please attend this meeting.
Fall Play
The Performing Arts Department presents This Murder Was Staged on Oct. 29 & 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 31 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased through the QR code linked here.
Blood Drive
The Student Philanthropy Council is partnering with LifeServe for the annual DCHS Blood Drive in memory of Ava Vaske ’21 on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Students ages 16+ are invited to donate, earn a service hour, and help save lives while honoring Ava’s legacy. Students who are 16 or 17 will need a signed parent/guardian permission form. Appointments are required — encourage your student to sign up today!
Grandparent Apparel
Looking for a special gift for a DCHS grandparent? The Campus Store is offering a limited-time collection of apparel just for grandparents. Orders are being accepted through Oct. 15. Find more information on the Campus Store website.
| |
| EVENTS
OCT 25: 65th Annual Pancake Breakfast
Join us at the Iowa State Fairgrounds for this time-honored tradition benefiting the Student Activities Endowment. Enjoy activities hosted by student clubs, a bake sale, games for all ages, and live entertainment from the band and choir. The entire school will get an extra day off for Spring Break if we reach 2,500 attendees!
We're seeking Pancake Breakfast Co-Chairs (Dining Room Operations) No experience required - you'll be trained by our current co-chairs and learn from the best! Learn more here.
| |
|
CAMPAIGN CORNER
Celebrate DAF Day by Investing in DCHS
If you have a donor-advised fund (DAF), this is a great opportunity to support the Honoring Our History, Faith in Our Future campaign. Your gift will help ensure that DCHS has the spaces, resources and experiences needed to serve DCHS students for the next 50 years.
To recommend a grant, please share the following with your fund administrator:
- Organization: Dowling Catholic High School
- Designation: Honoring Our History, Faith in Our Future Campaign
- EIN: 42-0788212
Visit our website to learn more about using your donor-advised fund to support DCHS. To follow our campaign progress and learn how to get involved, visit dowlingcatholic.org/campaign.
| |
| COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING
Colleges Visiting Dowling Catholic
Many colleges visit DCHS in the fall. Encourage your student to sign up in Maia Learning under "Events."
DMACC Events
Click here for upcoming events and opportunities at DMACC for high school students.
Harvard Med Pre-College Online Certificate Program
This program is designed for students interested in exploring medicine, science, or healthcare. Learn more here.
| |
|
| Follow Us on Social Media!
| |
|
Yearbook Information
2026-27 yearbooks are on sale now! To purchase, log in to OnCampus, select Resources, Blackbaud Tuition Management, and Purchase Optional Items. Select your child’s name and complete your purchase.
Senior Photos
Submit senior photos to
yearbook@dowlingcatholic.org by Dec. 1. Photos must be a vertical headshot (waist or neck up) with no props (hats, equipment, etc.). If a senior photo is not received by Dec. 1 a school photo will be used in the yearbook.
| |
|
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).
| |
| Dowling Catholic Post
Did you know that DCHS has an amazing online student newspaper? Check it out at
dowlingcatholicpost.com.
| |
| The Maroon Fund
Support the people, programs, and resources that make a DCHS education possible. From faith formation and dedicated teachers to technology, classroom resources, student support services, and activities, the Maroon Fund helps provide the exceptional experience our families value.
While ESAs have helped make a Catholic education more affordable, they do not cover the full cost of educating a student. The Maroon Fund helps bridge the remaining
$3,316 gap per student.
To learn more or make a gift, please visit our website. Checks may also 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 one-time 15% Campus Store discount
- A Dowling Club window cling
Go Maroons!
| |
|
