Introduction: New School Year Kicks Off in Ankeny and Waukee
The start of the 2024 school year in Ankeny and Waukee has been nothing short of exhilarating. Both districts celebrated the grand opening of their latest elementary schools, marking a significant milestone for the fast-growing suburbs. Abbie Grove Elementary in Ankeny and Waterford Elementary in Waukee welcomed hundreds of eager students for their very first day of school. Let’s dive into the details of these new additions and what makes them stand out.
Ankeny’s Abbie Grove Elementary: A New Educational Landmark
On Friday, the doors of Abbie Grove Elementary in Ankeny swung open, inviting students into a modern and expansive new learning environment. This state-of-the-art facility, located on the northwest side of Ankeny, is the district’s 11th elementary school and boasts an impressive 100,000 square feet of space. Designed to accommodate up to 800 students, Abbie Grove is set to become a cornerstone of education in the district.
Highlights of Abbie Grove Elementary:
- Capacity and Space: 100,000 square feet for 800 students.
- Student Experience: Colourful sidewalk messages like “Oh Happy Day!” and “School Rocks!” greeted students.
- Community Spirit: The first day saw plenty of hugs and excited families, with Superintendent Erick Pruitt actively engaging with students.
- Future Plans: Pruitt is thrilled about the district’s upcoming innovative hub, a career and technical programs building expected to go to a bond referendum next year.
Waukee’s Waterford Elementary: A New Gem in Urbandale
Over in Waukee, the Waterford Elementary opened its doors in Urbandale, also marking a notable expansion for the district. With a sprawling 101,500 square feet, this new school can accommodate up to 750 students. Waterford’s opening was a highly anticipated event, celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an open house.
Key Features of Waterford Elementary:
- Size and Capacity: 101,500 square feet for 750 students.
- School Spirit: The Waterford PTO kicked off its first spirit apparel sale online, and the building’s design incorporates plenty of natural light.
- Community Engagement: Principal Joel Fey captured the excitement on social media, sharing photos of the school’s first day.
Suburban Growth and Future Developments
Both Ankeny and Waukee are experiencing rapid growth, which these new schools aim to address. As both districts continue to expand, they are also making significant investments in additional facilities and infrastructure:
- Waukee District: In addition to Waterford Elementary, Waukee opened a new swimming pool facility and purchased land for a potential third high school.
- Ankeny District: With over 12,600 students across its schools, Ankeny is not slowing down. The district’s upcoming innovative hub will further enhance its educational offerings.
Other School Developments in the Area
The excitement didn’t stop with Ankeny and Waukee. Other districts in the region are also celebrating new beginnings:
- Southeast Polk: Unveiled the Southeast Polk Middle School in Altoona, catering to sixth and seventh graders.
- Dallas Center-Grimes: Renovated its high school to house an alternative education program previously based at Urbandale’s Metro West Learning Academy.
- North Polk: Broke ground on new softball and baseball fields, as well as a career and technical addition to the high school.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Education in the Des Moines Metro
The opening of Abbie Grove Elementary and Waterford Elementary marks an exciting chapter for the Ankeny and Waukee communities. These new schools reflect the ongoing commitment to providing high-quality education facilities that support growing student populations. As both districts continue to expand and innovate, they are ensuring that every student has access to excellent educational resources and opportunities.
For more updates on school openings and educational developments in the Des Moines area, stay tuned and explore the latest news from these vibrant communities.
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