Academics

Student Services

Overview

The Student Services department plays an important role in each student’s development and educational experience at Dowling Catholic. Upon enrollment, each student is assigned an academic advisor who will remain with the student over the next four years.

Our counselors support students in a variety of ways, including academic course planning and social and emotional assistance as needed. The counselors meet with students individually at least once each year, and are available for additional parent/student meetings upon request.  The Student Services department also includes two Interventionists, a College Coordinator, Campus Ministry and a Community Liaison.


Student Services Vision

All students from the Dowling Catholic High School will have academic, emotional, social, and career readiness skills to be faith-filled productive members of society. As a result of the comprehensive School Counseling Program, our students will be life-long learners equipped to accomplish their postsecondary life and career goals.

Student Services Mission

The Dowling Catholic school counseling programs' overarching focus is to create an environment that supports and celebrates all students academically, socially and emotionally, and help them access resources to support their needs as they grow into young adults and lifelong learners.

MaiaLearning

Dowling Catholic utilizes MaiaLearning to offer an individualized online guidance program. Students are required to complete this graduation requirement every year. MaiaLearning provides the following:
 
  • Students learn about their individual strengths, interests and career possibilities (online class utilizes profilers/assessments/career and interest inventories)
  • Required job shadow experience
  • Develop detailed plans to bring their career dreams to life
  • Explore colleges, search and apply for scholarships, and compare college costs
  • College application process (manage their college essay, request teacher recommendations, and request transcripts)
  • Current and Future College/Career Planning
  • Parental access

Intervention

The Student Support Plan is a good-faith agreement between the school and family to support the specific needs of students to the best of the school’s ability. Please contact Mrs. Michelle Buhr, Interventionist, with questions or for more information.
 
Dowling Catholic High School takes into account the needs of persons with a qualified disability in determining the aid, benefits or services to be provided under these programs or activities.

List of 8 members.

  • Photo of Rebecca Cooling

    Mrs. Cooling 

    Counselor (Rj-Z & International), Student Services Department Chair
  • Photo of Meghan Osborn

    Mrs. Osborn 

    Counselor (A-E)
  • Photo of Lauri Stilwill

    Mrs. Stilwill 

    Counselor (F-Li)
  • Photo of Taylor Schulte

    Mrs. Schulte 

    Counselor (Lj-Ri)
  • Photo of Michelle Buhr

    Mrs. Buhr 

    Interventionist / ELL Coordinator
  • Photo of Emily Timmins

    Mrs. Timmins 

    Interventionist / IEP Coordinator
  • Photo of Paula Plasencia

    Ms. Plasencia 

    Community & Cultural Liaison
  • Photo of Colleen Koppes

    Mrs. Koppes 

    College and Career Coordinator

Dowling Catholic High School

Dowling Catholic High School is committed to serving the Greater Des Moines Catholic community and embracing learners of all faiths. In an environment that is faithful, caring and dedicated, Dowling Catholic forms each student to become a Christ-centered leader.