Angie DeWaard for Ames School Board

05/29/2026

This summer, we’re cooking so you don’t have to! Through the USDA Summer Food Service Program, kids 18 and under can enjoy FREE breakfast and lunch all summer long! No registration, ID, or paperwork required.

Just stop by, head inside, and fuel up for summer fun! 🍎🥪

When more families participate, it keeps the program strong for all of us. Dates, times, and locations are available on our website at https://trst.in/HZW0AQ

05/21/2026

My son got to be one of these lucky fifth graders, and this was just an exceptional and unique experience! Thank you, Ames Community School District, for taking care of our students from PK and Beyond!

04/12/2026

Welcome to the district, Allison! We're so excited for your experience and ideas to benefit our children as you help grow and nurture our curricula and practices.

We’re excited to welcome a new leader to the Ames Community School District! 🧡🖤

Allison Emery has been named our next Director of Teaching and Learning, bringing extensive experience in curriculum development, instructional leadership, and supporting student success across PK–12 systems.

Throughout her career, Emery has led impactful work in district improvement, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and professional learning—collaborating with educators and staff to strengthen outcomes for all students.

“We are excited to welcome Allison Emery to the Ames CSD and are confident she will be a tremendous asset to our district,” said Dr. Jeff Hawkins, Associate Superintendent. “Her leadership, vision, and commitment to student success align strongly with our values, and we look forward to the positive impact she will have on our schools and community.”

Learn more about Emery on our website and please join us in welcoming her to Ames! https://amescsd.org/2026/04/emery-named-director-of-teaching-learning/

12/06/2025

Thank you, Ames Community School District, for prioritizing the health and well-being of our students!

🍎 FREE SCHOOL BREAKFAST* FOR ALL STUDENTS! 🍎

Great news! Our district will continue offering Universal Free Breakfast* for the remainder of the school year.

What does this mean?
Every student eats free — no forms, no cost, no fees.
No application required.
Healthy, nutritious breakfast* served daily.

All students are welcome, every day! A good breakfast helps students stay energized, focused, and ready to learn. Make sure your student arrives on time to enjoy their morning meal.

*Breakfasts must meet the meal pattern requirements of a fruit or vegetable portion, a grain (or meat/meat alternative), and a milk portion.

11/23/2025

Welcome, Art and Jen! So glad to have you on board!

11/20/2025

State school board conference! My fellow friend and board member Sabrina and I sat in to learn about how proposed tax reforms will affect residential home owners AND schools. I always get a ton of value from this annual conference!

11/07/2025

Congratulations to all! Can’t wait to continue working on this board with some great people.

Local elections matter!

On Tuesday, voters will elect four Ames Community School Board Members, two incumbents and two newcomers. The current Board President, Kelly Winfrey, and newcomers Jennifer Tipton and Arthur Baumgartner run unopposed for three at-large seats. Aaron Rodriguez began serving last year, filling a vacant...

06/13/2025

This Wednesday was Iowa Association of School Boards’ Summit on Student Success. It was a great time - I got to enjoy the company of two of my awesome fellow board members and learn a lot in the process.

At the end of the day, we decorated t-shirts. The first step was to write your name in a way that described who you are. I only got photos of that part of the event itself, but it was greatly worthwhile!

05/30/2025

Happy, happy last day of school to our incredible students, staff, and teachers! Your hard work and incredible achievements have made this a fabulous year.

Enjoy your well-earned summer!

The last day of school is Friday, May 30! 🎉 Students will be dismissed early at the following times:
Elementary – 12:45 p.m.
Ames Middle School – 1:45 p.m.
Ames High – 1:35 p.m.
Have an amazing summer! ☀️

05/08/2025

I just ran across this excellent Ames Community School District video from last year - it is a great help at understanding the basic levels of school funding! There are certainly many additional complex nuances and caveats, but this gets one started.

School district funding in Iowa is a complex topic. In this video we break down the different types of funds within the Ames Community School District.