Ames High changing conferneces

[AltoonaFish]

Anyone who hasn't graduated in the past four years may not entirely understand about this "breaking with tradition" - we were in the CIML from 1991-2021, but we've only been in the Iowa Alliance Conference since 2021? That's not a super long time. And we generally are not playing the big Des Moines schools in the IAC because we're more similarly sized with the smaller schools - if you look back through our Bound seasons, you'll see that we're going all over the state most of the time:


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This is a hot take, and you are totally entitled to your opinion, but AMS is not unsafe. Our eldest is a freshman this year and literally went through all three years with zero incident - but had a TON of great interactions with teachers, staff, clubs, and administration. I think it may be worth talking to some parents of students who are engaged in activities or class and not purposely negative.

Anyone who hasn't graduated in the past four years may not entirely understand about this "breaking with tradition" - we were in the CIML from 1991-2021, but we've only been in the Iowa Alliance Conference since 2021? That's not a super long time. And we generally are not playing the big Des Moines schools in the IAC because we're more similarly sized with the smaller schools - if you look back through our Bound seasons, you'll see that we're going all over the state most of the time:


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This is a hot take, and you are totally entitled to your opinion, but AMS is not unsafe. Our eldest is a freshman this year and literally went through all three years with zero incident - but had a TON of great interactions with teachers, staff, clubs, and administration. I think it may be worth talking to some parents of students who are engaged in activities or class and not purposely negative.

To say there’s not great teachers and staff would be dumb. But I’ve spent a fair amount of time in the school and it’s the only school I’ve ever been to where I’ve witnessed regularly kids getting pushed or yelled or face to face arguments in the halls. Kids yelling and screaming at each other and me personally getting yelled at or called things I haven’t even been called in college. But yes the majority is good, but when a school is understaffed especially in the para educator part it becomes an issue and if I had a choice, my kids would not go there.

Also class sizes are monstrous in my experience outside of the specialized classes. In my opinion it would be difficult to be an average student at Ames middle school. Again, the elementaries I’ve been in are fine and the high school seem to be fine. But the middle school is completely different.

 

[Angie]

The entire state has seen a pretty dramatic drop in academic rankings in the last 40 years.

Agree - we had state education laws and finance that supported education, enabling us to outpace the national averages for a long time, but now the state is being forced into a parallel of national averages: LINK. That isn't Ames, that's the way the state is.

However, to some others trying to specifically cite Ames scores over time - there aren't a lot of places that you can source hard information that goes back that far. The state report cards only go back to 2018. It's also noteworthy to point out that not all states have always used the same assessment tools, so measuring parity was somewhat less reliable. Not every state used the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, for example.

Also - kids use computers to take ISASP these days. The upside of that is that there is some computer-aided technology that can help some students who need assistance during their tests. The downside is that this system may not work for everyone. My youngest absolutely hates it with his ADHD.

To say there’s not great teachers and staff would be dumb. But I’ve spent a fair amount of time in the school and it’s the only school I’ve ever been to where I’ve witnessed regularly kids getting pushed or yelled or face to face arguments in the halls. Kids yelling and screaming at each other and me personally getting yelled at or called things I haven’t even been called in college. But yes the majority is good, but when a school is understaffed especially in the para educator part it becomes an issue and if I had a choice, my kids would not go there.

Also class sizes are monstrous in my experience outside of the specialized classes. In my opinion it would be difficult to be an average student at Ames middle school. Again, the elementaries I’ve been in are fine and the high school seem to be fine. But the middle school is completely different.

If you haven't been there this year, I'd definitely recommend giving it another try.

 

[AltoonaFish]

Agree - we had state education laws and finance that supported education, enabling us to outpace the national averages for a long time, but now the state is being forced into a parallel of national averages: LINK. That isn't Ames, that's the way the state is.

However, to some others trying to specifically cite Ames scores over time - there aren't a lot of places that you can source hard information that goes back that far. The state report cards only go back to 2018. It's also noteworthy to point out that not all states have always used the same assessment tools, so measuring parity was somewhat less reliable. Not every state used the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, for example.

Also - kids use computers to take ISASP these days. The upside of that is that there is some computer-aided technology that can help some students who need assistance during their tests. The downside is that this system may not work for everyone.



If you haven't been there this year, I'd definitely recommend giving it another try.

I hope things have changed, I have not been there this year. The last 2 years I’ve spent probably 15-20 days total but I decided to not to this year.

Growing up no where near Ames, I always wanted my kids to go to a big school and Ames because of the amount of national merit scholars and what not. My opinion changed 3 years ago and it can easily change by the time my kids are in school.

My wife is an Ames alum and had more similar experiences as your children. It is crazy how quickly a school can change for better or worse.

 

[mj4cy]

times have changed since I went to Ames (03 grad). Back then we could compete with any school in the state in any sport. Since then, the DSM suburbs have just shot way past Ames.

 

[CloneFan65]

40 years ago might as well be a million years ago.

 

[Angie]

I hope things have changed, I have not been there this year. The last 2 years I’ve spent probably 15-20 days total but I decided to not to this year.

Growing up no where near Ames, I always wanted my kids to go to a big school and Ames because of the amount of national merit scholars and what not. My opinion changed 3 years ago and it can easily change by the time my kids are in school.

My wife is an Ames alum and had more similar experiences as your children. It is crazy how quickly a school can change for better or worse.

It really is! Differences in curriculum, administration, some key teachers, or just a different vibe of a grade, all of that can make a big difference, you know?

When our eldest's class was in sixth grade, the whole class kind of had a reputation for being ornery - not like super-criminal or anything, just more... I don't have a better word than ornery. I haven't heard that in a few years.

I will say - man, middle school was the crappiest time. Boys were just kind of growing into their testosterone, and girls went through a whole social pecking order situation. And that was in a class of 70 or so - I can't imagine that it's less intense when you put together five different elementary schools for the first time! Fortunately there are a ton of options of friend groups with larger classes.

 

[ISUCubswin]

Some general information because I think people are looking at those from a town size instead of school need perspective

1 - Without intent to speak ill of other schools, the Iowa Alliance was far less competitive in most sports with far fewer participation numbers than Ames. This is public information, not just me guessing. Ames had become in the opposite spot of what they were in the CIML, where they were uncompetitive and had much less numbers than most of the conference

2 - The Little Hawkeye is a much more competitive conference than the Iowa Alliance. For example, playing Indianola, Norwalk, and DCG in basketball will help the program more for the postseason than playing Marshalltown, Mason City, and Ottumwa.

In regards to behaviors, student success, etc…I’d encourage looking at the importance of school leadership. I’m not diving too deep into it, but there’s a reason you couldn’t turn on the news without hearing about Ames 5 years ago and why that’s not the case now.

 

[3TrueFans]

I think Ames’ current leadership, district wide and in the buildings, is quite good and the schools over the last couple years especially are reflecting that.

 

[cyballrulz93]

Some general information because I think people are looking at those from a town size instead of school need perspective

1 - Without intent to speak ill of other schools, the Iowa Alliance was far less competitive in most sports with far fewer participation numbers than Ames. This is public information, not just me guessing. Ames had become in the opposite spot of what they were in the CIML, where they were uncompetitive and had much less numbers than most of the conference

2 - The Little Hawkeye is a much more competitive conference than the Iowa Alliance. For example, playing Indianola, Norwalk, and DCG in basketball will help the program more for the postseason than playing Marshalltown, Mason City, and Ottumwa.

In regards to behaviors, student success, etc…I’d encourage looking at the importance of school leadership. I’m not diving too deep into it, but there’s a reason you couldn’t turn on the news without hearing about Ames 5 years ago and why that’s not the case now.

As an Ames parent with kids in the district, including a high school athlete, everything you described here is 100% spot on.

 

[AuH2O]

It really is! Differences in curriculum, administration, some key teachers, or just a different vibe of a grade, all of that can make a big difference, you know?

When our eldest's class was in sixth grade, the whole class kind of had a reputation for being ornery - not like super-criminal or anything, just more... I don't have a better word than ornery. I haven't heard that in a few years.

I will say - man, middle school was the crappiest time. Boys were just kind of growing into their testosterone, and girls went through a whole social pecking order situation. And that was in a class of 70 or so - I can't imagine that it's less intense when you put together five different elementary schools for the first time! Fortunately there are a ton of options of friend groups with larger classes.

The middle school and HS had a lot of problems a few years ago. In addition to the alternative school helping, in my opinion the former Superintendent Lawson deserves a ton of credit. I feel like he brought a lot of reality to the board and admin that some kids simply need to not be on the building. Other people might know better and disagree but I have a great deal of respect for the job he did. My kids thought it was pretty much night and day difference when he came in. I was sad to see him leave.

 

[AuH2O]

Some general information because I think people are looking at those from a town size instead of school need perspective

1 - Without intent to speak ill of other schools, the Iowa Alliance was far less competitive in most sports with far fewer participation numbers than Ames. This is public information, not just me guessing. Ames had become in the opposite spot of what they were in the CIML, where they were uncompetitive and had much less numbers than most of the conferenceu

2 - The Little Hawkeye is a much more competitive conference than the Iowa Alliance. For example, playing Indianola, Norwalk, and DCG in basketball will help the program more for the postseason than playing Marshalltown, Mason City, and Ottumwa.

In regards to behaviors, student success, etc…I’d encourage looking at the importance of school leadership. I’m not diving too deep into it, but there’s a reason you couldn’t turn on the news without hearing about Ames 5 years ago and why that’s not the case now.

Little Hawkeye is perfect. Granted I have only been concerned w basketball and baseball because of my kids, but baseball and boys hoops Ames was and still is competitive w CIML teams, and is definitely the tops in the current league. They’re 37-4 in conference the last two years and last year didn’t play North, East or Hoover even. They’re are above .500 out of the league and have played really tough no con schedules against Johnston, Centennial, Cedar Falls, Kennedy etc. Basketball they are clearly good on the boys side. Girls hoops it’s a crazy range. They’ll lose to the good CIML teams by 30 then beat a DM metro school by 40. Such a huge range.

Football has been a big struggle for a few years. I don’t keep track of their really that I don’t have a kid playing.

 

[Pat]

Definitely agree. Ames middle school is one of the toughest schools I’ve been too. My kids will not go to Ames. We live in Nevada, but hopefully move before they start school, and Ames isn’t an option.

I’m wading into this to say 1) AMS indisputably has some problems, and 2) if I had my kids randomly put into any middle school in the country and they landed in Ames, I would be thrilled beyond belief. When all my Bay-area colleagues were trying to convince me to move out there, one of my main points (besides cost of housing) was that I happily had my kids in public schools here. With no metal detectors at the door.

 

[NWICY]

All you need to know about the difference between Gilbert and Ames schools:
The most famous person to ever graduate from Ames High moved back to Ames and sent his kids to Gilbert
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That doesn't look like Harrison Barnes.

 

[Angie]

The middle school and HS had a lot of problems a few years ago. In addition to the alternative school helping, in my opinion the former Superintendent Lawson deserves a ton of credit. I feel like he brought a lot of reality to the board and admin that some kids simply need to not be on the building. Other people might know better and disagree but I have a great deal of respect for the job he did. My kids thought it was pretty much night and day difference when he came in. I was sad to see him leave.

Julious Lawson is and was a great man with a ton of vision and heart for kids. And Supt Grimes is the same. These two are great fits for Ames and our needs. And they are both people who put the district ahead of their own optics and agenda.

The Ames Regional Economic Alliance (AREA) does an annual school state of the union with several local superintendents. Sometimes it is hard to get a feel for somebody’s overall agenda or their personality, but these breakfasts allow for more sustained speaking opportunities. Totally recommend going to them whenever they come up, it really gives you a ton of insight.

 

[Chizit]

Conference affiliation has nothing to do with football districts

 

[Sigmapolis]

I wasn't very good at sports, but Ames never seemed as "threatening" during events like state baseball or state track compared to the large DSM- or IC-area schools when I was in high school.

They were *terrifying* when it came to nerd competitions, though (e.g., quiz bowl, mock trial, etc.). They were always the "final boss" in those contests. Going up against teams made up of professors' kids was... difficult. I held my own, but these interactions always gave me the impression that Ames was an elite academic school and made me slightly jealous I was stuck in Boone (even if I did have some good teachers there).

These memories are from 20+ years ago now, though.

 

[mred]

I wasn't very good at sports, but Ames never seemed as "threatening" during events like state baseball or state track compared to the large DSM- or IC-area schools when I was in high school.

They were *terrifying* when it came to nerd competitions, though (e.g., quiz bowl, mock trial, etc.). They were always the "final boss" in those contests. Going up against teams made up of professors' kids was... difficult. I held my own, but these interactions always gave me the impression that Ames was an elite academic school and made me slightly jealous I was stuck in Boone (even if I did have some good teachers there).

These memories are from 20+ years ago now, though.

I was one of those Ames High nerd competition kids (quiz bowl, science bowl, science olympiad, OM, math competitions) and my parents weren't affiliated with the university in any way. But yeah, most of my teammates had a professor parent or two.

 

[ISUTex]

Little Hawkeye is perfect. Granted I have only been concerned w basketball and baseball because of my kids, but baseball and boys hoops Ames was and still is competitive w CIML teams, and is definitely the tops in the current league. They’re 37-4 in conference the last two years and last year didn’t play North, East or Hoover even. They’re are above .500 out of the league and have played really tough no con schedules against Johnston, Centennial, Cedar Falls, Kennedy etc. Basketball they are clearly good on the boys side. Girls hoops it’s a crazy range. They’ll lose to the good CIML teams by 30 then beat a DM metro school by 40. Such a huge range.

Football has been a big struggle for a few years. I don’t keep track of their really that I don’t have a kid playing.

Gonna be tougher in football this upcoming season. Sounds like Ames is losing a key player.

 

[Sigmapolis]

I was one of those Ames High nerd competition kids (quiz bowl, science bowl, science olympiad, OM, math competitions) and my parents weren't affiliated with the university in any way. But yeah, most of my teammates had a professor parent or two.

I shouldn't make it sound like students from "non-academic" families couldn't be good at those competitions. I was 0/6 for parents and grandparents having gone to college and did just fine. But yeah, averages being what they are, Ames concentrated a lot of the children of academicians into one high school.

 

[AuH2O]

Gonna be tougher in football this upcoming season. Sounds like Ames is losing a key player.

Yes - QB I think is in Gilbert district and was open enrolling to Ames and is going to Gilbert now. Good, tough player that played a lot as a RB, LB and TE as a Fr, then became the QB as a Soph.

Coaching turnover on the program has been really hard. I feel bad for the kids.