| We were proud to welcome alumna Deanna Strable, Chair, President, and CEO of Principal Financial Group, to speak with 50 of our female Career Academy students. Deanna shared her journey from Dowling Catholic to Northwestern University and her 35-year career at Principal, offering valuable career and life advice. Her leadership, commitment to service, and focus on talent development and innovation inspired our students—and it was wonderful to have her back at her alma mater!
| |
| The Academic Decathlon team recently competed in the state tournament where they had several individual award winners.
Carson Klein was named state champion in Math and placed 3rd in Literature; Molly Wittry was named state champion in Essay and placed 3rd in Music; and Max Fazio placed 3rd in Math, Science & Interview. Congratulations to the the entire team!
| |
|
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Lenten Almsgiving
People to People’s annual Lenten Almsgiving fundraiser will benefit Joppa in Des Moines, whose mission is to build communities of support and hope for those experiencing homelessness. Please donate online to help us reach our $6,225 goal. Thank you for your support.
Senior Survey
Please remind your senior fill out the Future Plans Survey by May 1. This is required for their information to be showcased at the Senior Celebration and Service Assembly on May 13.
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.
Parking Passes
Class of 2027 and 2028 parents will receive an email on April 20 with a link to purchase parking passes for next year’s juniors and seniors. Passes must be purchased by May 8. If you're uncertain if your student will need parking, purchasing a pass is still encouraged as refunds can be issued if necessary. Passes can only be purchased for juniors and seniors at this time.
Due to construction, parking passes will not currently be available for sophomores. If construction progresses as planned over the summer, the sophomore lottery will be held in the fall.
Support the Year-End Carnival
Join the DCHS Chick-Fil-A Leadership Academy at Chick-Fil-A (University Ave.) on Weds., April 8, 5-8 p.m. Mention DCHS and a portion of all sales will be donated to support the carnival, hosted by the Leadership Academy for parochial students.
Post Prom
Please consider participating in one of the fundraisers below to help offset Post Prom expenses and keep ticket prices low.
Scoopie Night : Monday, April 7 from 5-8 p.m. Visit Culvers in West Des Moines and a portion of all sales will go back to Post Prom.
Rent a tux at Skeffington's and receive $10 off. Post Prom will receive a $10 donation when you let them know you're with DCHS!
Parking Passes
Class of 2027 and 2028 parents will receive an email on April 20 with a link to purchase parking passes for next year’s juniors and seniors. Passes must be purchased by May 8 and are only available to juniors and seniors. If you are uncertain if your student will need parking, you are still encouraged to purchase a pass as refunds can be issued if necessary.
Due to construction, parking passes will not be available for sophomores at this time. If construction progresses as planned over the summer, we will hold the sophomore lottery in the fall.
| |
| ON CAMPUS
Time to Recognize Your Senior!
Don't miss out on these exclusive items! Senior Yard Signs and Ornaments are available through May 1 on the Campus Store website. Please refer to the order fulfillment schedule online.
Custom DCHS tableware is also available now in the Campus Store and online! Plates, cups and napkins are in-stock and ready for pick up or shipping.
Uniforms for 2026-27 School Year
Uniform ordering for next year is open through May 15. This is the only opportunity to order and receive new uniform items before school begins on August 24, 2026. The uniform for ‘26/’27 will remain the same. Guidelines (including uniform pants) is available online. Place orders on the Campus Store website.
| |
| APRIL 11: Bash on Buffalo
Enjoy a night filled with music, fun and fellowship, including silent and live auctions, food, cocktails, and more—all for a great cause! Proceeds will support the Career Academy, providing students with real-world insight and career exploration opportunities.
Remote and in-person bidding is available! Click here to purchase event and raffle tickets. Special pricing is available for groups of eight and young alumni (21+)! Please also consider volunteering to help make the Bash a success!
| |
|
Campaign Corner: Your Support
There are many ways to support Dowling Catholic and the
Honoring Our History, Faith in Our Future campaign during this historical time. Donors can make pledges over three years, provide gifts of stock, donate securities and retirement funds, or make an estate gift. If you have not been contacted by a campaign volunteer, and want to make a gift, reach out to Julie Bell. Every pledge brings us closer to building the future for our Maroons. Thank you for your continued prayers and constant support of our students and the entire DCHS community.
| |
| COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING
The Tippie Gateway Summer 2026 Program
The Tippie Gateway Program is an opportunity for current juniors to learn about college life and a future in business. Held June 21-26 OR July 12-17 at the University of Iowa. Apply here by April 17. The program is free!
Junior Achievement Rising Women Workshop
This free event will be held July 15. Topics include leadership, financial literacy, career readiness, goal-setting and communication. Open to 50 females. Learn more here.
Iowa Hero Academy
This opportunity is for females ages 16-18 interested in exploring fire fighting, police and military careers. This camp will take place July 26-31. Apply here by April 25.
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!
| |
|
|
Tuition Assistance
The application for Catholic Tuition Organization (CTO) and Diocesan Tuition Assistance (DTA) is now available through May 5. Click here for more information.
Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) Information regarding ESAs can be found here.
| |
|
Parent Survey: Student Life Assessment
As a DCHS parent or guardian, your perspective matters. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey focused on the four student life goals: Spiritual Formation, Servant Leadership, Holistic Well-Being, and Inclusive Community & Belonging. Your answers will help shape future goals.
| |
| 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!
| |
| 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.
| |
| Kid Captain Nominations Now Open! 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 is back! We’re looking to recognize four outstanding young individuals who inspire others through their courage, character, and impact.
Whether they’ve overcome adversity, made a difference in their community or church, excelled in academics, or shown exceptional kindness—we want to hear their story. 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.
| |
|
