Let's Talk About... Project Fresh Start

Let's Talk About... Project Fresh Start

A lot is happening behind the scenes to support Ankeny students and families, and much of it starts with Family and Community Engagement (FACE). 💙 In this episode of Let's Talk About It, Dr. Erick Pruitt sits down with the FACE Assistant Tricia Hugeback and community volunteers Dave Kissinger and Shelly Northway to explore how FACE connects families with resources, coordinates volunteers, and brings community-wide initiatives like Backpack Blitz and Warming Up for Winter to life. Listen now.

Let's Talk About Being... TK Strong!

Discover why more families are choosing Ankeny Schools' Transitional Kindergarten program. Listen to our latest podcast and learn what it means to be #TKStrong with Ankeny Asst. Principal Ken Vacek, TK teacher Nicole Vortherms, Director of Elementary Education Tara Owen & Superintendent Dr. Erick Pruitt.

Let's Talk About... Now Loading- New Student Leaders

The next generation of leaders isn't waiting for the future. Northview students share how attending the 2026 Student Voice Symposium in West Des Moines challenged them to think bigger, speak up, and lead with purpose.

Let's Talk About... The Foundation Behind Ankeny Schools

Scholarships. Classroom grants. Big impact for Ankeny students. Dr. Erick Pruitt talks with Executive Board Director Sarah Barthole and board members Barb Kesterson and Jen Cross on the newest episode of Let’s Talk About It as they share how the Ankeny Community School Foundation has supported Ankeny Schools for 25 years — and how the Golf Fore Education on June 25 impacts their mission.

Let's Talk About... B/ASP & the Kids Who Came Back

This show highlights the stories of two Before & After School (B/ASP) student participants who came full circle to become program employees. Dr. Erick Pruitt hosts Nancy Jeffs, B/ASP Manager; Mason VanderWaal, who attended B/ASP as an elementary student and now works in the program as a high school student; and Nyah Rouse, who joined B/ASP at summer camp, then as an employee in high school. She continues working while attending Drake University and preparing for a career in school counseling. Their stories highlight how student employment can build leadership skills, mentorship experience, and future career pathways.