| Our students, faculty and staff gathered yesterday for a beautiful Ash Wednesday Mass, marking the beginning of the Lenten season. Earlier in the week, students visited the chapel during Theology classes and were invited to write on a cross one area of their life in need of resurrection. That cross was on display during Mass, uniting those petitions as we begin this sacred season together as one faith-filled community.
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| Fifty juniors took part in a two-day leadership conference yesterday and today led by the Dardis Communications Group. The Classroom to Career Program has been created for high school students to enhance their high school experience and build a foundation for job skills after they graduate.
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| Congratulations to David Juric ’27 and Gianna Jones ’29 on their acceptance and performances with the Cyclone Honor Band February 6-7. Selected by resume and region, they joined top students from across Iowa for a weekend of rehearsals, collaboration and performance. They also enjoyed a concert by the Iowa State Wind Ensemble and the opportunity to perform in C.Y. Stephens Auditorium, one of the state’s premier venues.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
No School Dates
There will be no school on Feb. 20 and 23.
Capital Campaign - Community Update
Join Dr. Dan Ryan to hear updates on the Honoring Our History, Faith in Our Future campaign on Wednesday, March 4 at 6 p.m. in the Media Center. Dr. Ryan will discuss fundraising progress, the anticipated construction timeline, and insights into the future of Dowling Catholic. To reserve your seat, please RSVP here.
Career Academy
All current freshmen are invited to apply for the Career Academy Program, designed to provide students with meaningful opportunities to explore future college and career pathways. Students must apply during freshman year to participate throughout their sophomore to senior years. Interested students should complete this application and return to Ms. Tickel by Feb. 25 for consideration.
Bash on Buffalo Auction Donations
The Bash committee is seeking donations for auction packages. Click here for suggested items by class. Donations may be labeled “Bash” and dropped off in the President’s Office.
Honor Roll
The 1st semester Honor Roll is now available. It is based on a student’s weighted 1st semester grade point average (GPA). There are three levels in which students may qualify. *Please note, the GPA standards for the Academic Excellence and Presidential Honor Rolls were updated with the 2025-26 Student Handbook.
CPR
The Healthy Kids Act requires that every student take a CPR course to graduate. All juniors and seniors enrolled in a PE class in the fall/spring will be certified and do not need a separate course. A course will be offered on Feb. 24 in room 500 from 3:30- 5:30 p.m. for students who have not yet fulfilled the requirement. Sign up and pay here.
Senior Baby Ads
Submit a photo of your senior along with a message for the yearbook! Email photo and message (250 character limit) to yearbook@dowlingcatholic.org. Cost: $30. Deadline: March 30. Scan the QR code to pay.
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| ON CAMPUS
DCHS College Fair
The DCHS College Fair will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 24. Students in grades 10-11 will attend in a rotation throughout the lunch hour.
Seventy-one colleges from across the Midwest region will be in attendance. Parents are welcome!
Campus Ministry Parent Task Force
If you would like to help support the faith life of DCHS, Campus Ministry is looking for parent volunteers to help support our sacramental and formational activities. Please email Fr. Flood or Stephanie Parks for more information and available opportunities.
Girls Varsity Soccer Announcer Needed
The athletic department is looking for a play-by-play announcer for the girls home varsity soccer games. This is be a paid position. Please email Tom Wilson if interested.
Freshman Movie & Game Night
All Class of 2029 students are invited to a fun and relaxed Movie & Game Night on Monday, March 3, from 7:00–9:00 p.m. in the boardroom hallway. Students will enjoy a movie, games, pizza, and time to connect with classmates in a safe, supervised setting. Parent chaperones are needed. If you are available to help, please email Mr. Andy Reid.
Post Prom Fundraiser
Head to Evereve on Thursday, Feb. 26 and 15% of your purchase will be donated back to Post Prom! The store is stocked with new styles perfect for spring break and upcoming events!
Seeking Post Prom Volunteers
A parent (or group of parents) are needed to obtain prizes for Post Prom coming up on May 9. Please contact Mara Van Ee at maravanee@hotmail.com or 515-240-1992 if interested.
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| EVENTS
APR 11: Bash on Buffalo
Enjoy a night filled with fun and fellowship, including live and silent auctions, food, cocktails, a raffle, and more! Proceeds will support the Career Academy Endowment, connecting students with local employers and alumni to provide real-world insight and career exploration opportunities. Purchase tickets here. Special pricing is available for groups of eight and young alumni (21+)!
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| Campaign Corner: Did You Know?
Dowling Catholic will exceed 1,550 students by 2027–28. Growth is a blessing – but it also brings challenges. Our campus must evolve to meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s opportunities. The
Honoring our History, Faith in our Future campaign ensures every student has the space, safety and support they deserve. Learn more at dowlingcatholic.org/campaign.
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| COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING
Young Writers Workshop
Rising juniors and seniors are invited to apply for this 10-day program that includes workshops, sessions with faculty and notable writers, and more. Learn more here. Apply by March 3.
Iowa Insurance Division Internship
Do you know a junior or senior trying to decide which career field to pursue? Each year, the Iowa Insurance Division provides opportunities to gain real world experience through an internship as an insurance regulator. Learn more here. Apply by Feb. 27.
ISL Education Lending Scholarship
Iowa students in grades 9-12 are eligible for this scholarship program from ISL Education Lending. Parents, guardians and college students may also enter. Winners receive deposits into ISave 529 accounts. Register by April 3. Learn more here.
Uncommon Student Award
Do you know a junior interested in earning $11,500 to further their education? This award recognizes Iowa students who demonstrate initiative, leadership and civic responsibility. Apply here by April 1.
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 Notre Dame, Wake Forest, Fordham and many more!
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| 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. The deadline is February 28.
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Tuition Assistance
The application for Catholic Tuition Organization (CTO) and Diocesan Tuition Assistance (DTA) will not be available until sometime in March as both programs transition from the FAIR to the FACTS application, which will simplify the process. Details will be shared as soon as the application opens. Please click here for more information.
Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) Information regarding ESAs can be found here.
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| 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.
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| Dowling Catholic Post
Did you know that DCHS has an amazing online student newspaper? Check it out at
dowlingcatholicpost.com.
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| 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!
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| 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.
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| 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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