May 7, 2026                       
The DCHS community gathered this week for May Crowning, a cherished tradition honoring the Blessed Mother Mary and rooted in the legacy of St. Joseph Academy. We were honored to welcome St. Joseph Academy alumna Maxine (Palmer) Flaherty ’66 and fellow SJA alumnae as part of this special tradition.
The Dowling Catholic Theater Department will participate in the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards Showcase on May 28 in recognition of achievements for Singin' in the Rain! Production honors include Distinguished Scene–Broadway Melody and Special Recognition for Ensemble. Students recognized for Outstanding Achievement in a Principal Role include Jacqueline James (Kathy Seldon), Ben Hall (Don Lockwood), Meara Wallace (Lina Lamont), and Dawson Huinker (Cosmo Brown).
Meara Wallace and Nora McPhail will perform in the collaborative finale medley, while Ben Hall, Jacqueline James, and Dawson Huinker will perform an excerpt from their award-winning roles. Ben and Dawson will also participate in the Triple Threat Award program. Photo: Logan Godinez ’28
ANNOUNCEMENTS    
Final Exam Information for 9th-11th Graders
Tuesday, 5/26 – Semester Exams (periods 1 & 2)
1st pd: 8:15-9:45 am | 2nd pd: 10:00-11:30 am
Teacher office hours: 11:30am-12:30 pm & 1:30-3:30 pm (Students may stop in to ask last-minute questions.)

Wednesday, 5/27 – Semester Exams (periods 3 & 4)
3rd pd: 8:15-9:45 am | 4th pd: 10:00-11:30 am
Teacher office hours: 11:30 am-12:30 pm & 1:30-3:30 pm.
 
Thursday, 5/28 – Semester Exams (periods 5 & 6)
5th pd:  8:15-9:45 am | 6th pd: 10:00-11:30 am
Teacher office hours: 11:30 am-12:30 pm & 1:30-3:30 pm. 

Friday, 5/29 – Semester Exams (periods 7 & 8)
7th pd: 8:15-9:45 am | 8th pd: 10:00-11:30 am | End of Semester!
Click here for exam procedures. Students who qualify must turn in signed exemption forms by Friday, May 22 at 3:30 p.m.
Summer Maroon Market Orders
If your family is in need of food and personal hygiene items over the summer, please fill out this form by May 29 to receive Maroon Market orders. There is no cost and weekly, bi-weekly or monthly orders are available this summer. 
Senior Transcripts
Seniors who have taken college credit courses through St. Louis University or DMACC can request their transcripts utilizing their social security number and birthdate (student ID not requried) Students must request their transcripts directly from the college. To request St. Louis University & DMACC transcripts, search each school's name on the National Clearinghouse transcript site.  
Serva Fidem Parent Survey
If your child particpates in Serva Fidem at Dowling Catholic, please take a few minutes to fill out this survey.
Serva Fidem Conference
The first ever Serva Fidem Conference will be held at Grandview University on July 17-18. Featured speakers will include chaplains Fr. Reed Flood (DCHS), Fr. Max Carson (Saint Albert’s), Fr. Enan Zelinski (University of Wisconsin Madison), and campus minister Katie Hopping (Saint Albert’s). Open to all Serva Fidem students and anyone interested! Register here
Prom & Post Prom 
Prom and Post Prom tickets must be purchased by students in High5 by Friday, May 8 at 3:15 p.m.
Visit the Prom and Post Prom FAQs for more information. 
ON CAMPUS
Retirement Well Wishes
Congratulations to Mrs. Laura DeMarco who will be retiring after 14 years in the Student Life/Attendance Office. Please click here to share well wishes or a note of thanks!
Dowling Catholic Girls Wrestling Academy
A grand opening of the Dowling Catholic Girls Wrestling Academy and the official kick-off session will be held Tuesday, June 2 from 4:30-6 p.m. at DCHS (for DCHS and Valley girls). Free trial session available! Kindergarten- high school age levels. Register here. Email dowlingcatholicgirlswc@gmail.com with questions. 

CAMPAIGN CORNER
Faith Front and Center: Fr. Reed Flood 
Alumni and Chaplin, Fr. Reed Flood took a moment to discuss the campaign projects and what they mean to students, parents and future Maroons. New spaces will alleviate the restricted capacity at all-school Masses and provide opportunities for prayer before events. In addition to the liturgical roles the new spaces will provide, located directly within the main entrance, the first thing you will see is the new campus ministry office. A true welcome to Dowling Catholic visitors and students alike.  

DCHS | Faith Front and Center: Fr. Reed Flood

Learn more at dowlingcatholic.org/campaign


To date, the Honoring Our History, Faith in Our Future campaign has raised more than $45,252,000 from the generosity of 646 donors. 👉 Thank you to all our generous donors.  
EVENTS
AUG 3: Dowling Catholic Golf Outing
Save the date and join us at Terrace Hills for the 48th Annual DCHS Golf Outing! Sponsorship opportunities are now available—learn more here. Golfer registration for families and friends will open in early July.
We're seeking Pancake Breakfast Chairs! Team up with your spouse, besties, or alumni crew! This position is perfect for two or more people. No experience required - you'll train under our current co-chairs and learn from the best! Learn more here 
COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING
College Essay Bootcamp for Juniors
College Essay Guy is offering a free workshop on June 16 to help students get started on their college essay. Learn more and register here
Junior Achievement Summer Camp
Is your high school student looking for a leadership role this summer? JA BizTown camp provides the opportunity to help younger students discover what it’s like to be a CEO, CFO, Sales Manager, and more.
Sign up here.
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.
Summit Education: 2026 Summer Programs
Summit is offering two virtual summer programs for students interested in STEM fields. Admissions are rolling. Apply online
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! 
Uniform Deadline Approaching!
May 15 is the last day to order new uniforms for the next school year which begins on August 24. If you’d like your student to have a new shirt for orientation and the first day of school, this is your last chance to order! Orders will be received over the summer; visit the Campus Store website for more information.
Education Savings Accounts (ESA)
Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are now open in the ESA Portal. Annual applications are required. The deadline is June 30, 2026. Visit the Iowa Department of Education website for more information. 
 
Tuition Assistance 
The application for Catholic Tuition Organization (CTO) and Diocesan Tuition Assistance (DTA) is open through May 5. Click here for more information. 
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! 

Riptide Swim Lessons
Registration for summer swim lessons at DCHS is now open! Spots fill up quickly—help spread the word! Learn more: 
dowlingcatholicriptide.org.
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
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. Nominate an outstanding youth 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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