October 1, 2026                  
Congratulations to the boys golf team on winning this week’s triangular meet at Otter Creek Golf Course! Varsity finished first, led by Elijah Anderson, who took first place individually. Charlie DePhillips tied for fourth, followed by Eli Huss in sixth, Sammy Clark in seventh and Lucas McNulty in a tie for eighth. JV placed second, led by Tommy Wiskus in second, Jonah McGee in third and Jack Mickelson in fourth. Best of luck at the conference meet! Go Maroons!  
The Dowling Catholic Vanguard recently shared their talents with the community during a special visit to Edgewater Retirement Center, where a small group of members led a parade for residents. Last weekend, the group brought its full show, Bend, to the Marching Dutch Invitational in Pella and delivered a strong performance. The event also featured the Iowa State Marching Band, providing an opportunity to cheer on several DCHS alumni. 
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. Parents/guardians must register online using the site SchoolBookings.net. Conferences will be five minutes each. The system will open for registration at noon on Sunday, Oct. 4, and close at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13. Watch for an email from Dr. Arnold with registration information.
  • Register at https://www.schoolbookings.net/code (once registration begins) using event code 49b5c
  • 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 if you need assistance with registering.
Homecoming Dance: Disco After Dark
Juniors and seniors are invited to attend the Homecoming dance on Friday, Oct. 3, from 8–11 p.m. in the cafeteria. Tickets are on sale now in High5. Students must enter through the 800 doors. Doors will close at 8:30 p.m.
No School Dates
There will be no classes on Oct. 15, 16 & 19 (Conference Break/Teacher P.D.).  
Post Prom - Junior & Senior Parents
Prom is not until May, but planning for Post Prom starts in the fall. Join the committee to help make decisions on entertainment, food and prizes! There are opportunities both big and small. Most meetings are online and work can be done when it fits into your schedule. If you are interested in learning more, email, call or text Mara Van Ee at 515-240-1992. 
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. Any questions can be directed to Mr. Ferguson.
School Picture Retakes 
School picture retakes will take place on Oct. 8 during PRIME Time (2:40 p.m.) or after school in the small gym.
ON CAMPUS
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.
 
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 breakfast, 
activities hosted by student clubs, a bake sale, games, and live entertainment from the band and choir.
Students, teachers and staff will get an EXTRA DAY OFF for Spring Break if we reach 2,500 attendees! Purchase tickets, volunteer, and explore sponsorship opportunities here.  
We're seeking Pancake Breakfast Co-Chairs (Dining Room Operations) Team up with your spouse, friends, or alumni crew and step into this fun, hospitality-focused role! No experience required - you'll be trained by our current co-chairs and learn from the best! Learn more here.  
CAMPAIGN CORNER
Exciting progress is happening on campus as construction on the
new auxiliary gym/storm shelter has moved into a highly visible phase. After months of work below ground, walls are going up, and we’re now seeing the building begin to take shape. 
This is another important step toward bringing the vision of the Honoring Our History, Faith in Our Future campaign to life. With more than 1,000 donors and $58.8 million committed toward our $76 million goal, we’re grateful to everyone helping make this vision a reality.
Follow our progress and learn how you can support the future of Dowling Catholic at dowlingcatholic.org/campaign. 
COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING 
Colleges Visiting Dowling Catholic
Many colleges visit DCHS in the fall to help students learn about their campus, application process, and student life. Encourage your student to sign up in Maia Learning under "Events."
College Athletics Recruiting Webinar
Revolution Prep is holding a webinar for future student-athletes with tips for navigating the college recruitment process on Oct. 6 at 7:00 p.m. Register here. 
DMACC Events 
Click here for upcoming events and opportunities at DMACC for high school students. 

Notre Dame Pre-College Program
Explore interests before college with Notre Dame with flexible online courses. Learn more here. 
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! 
Facebook: 
Maroon Crew | DCHS
Instagram: 
Maroon Crew | DCHS
X: Maroon Crew | DCHS  
TikTok: Maroon Crew
Other school news sources:
Get Connected
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).
Eligible families will receive one check following the end of the school year. Instructions are available here.
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 Dowling Catholic education possible. From faith formation and dedicated teachers to technology, classroom resources, student support services, and activities, the Maroon Fund helps provide the exceptional educational experience our families value.
While ESAs have helped make a Catholic education more affordable and greatly reduced out-of-pocket tuition costs, they do not cover the full cost of educating a student. The Maroon Fund helps bridge the $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! 
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