Dr. Buck’s Bulletin: September 2024
Dear Waukee CSD Families,
Happy September! I hope your family has had an excellent start to the school year. Our students and staff are settling into their routines, and the energy in our schools is vibrant — especially as we dive into Homecoming weeks!
In this newsletter, you’ll find updates about new District land acquisitions, school fees, and more. You can also see an update on North Middle School and watch a video of the first day of school from a first grader’s perspective.
I also want to remind you that Waukee CSD is beginning discussions around cell phones in schools. In case you missed it, here is an email I sent out a couple weeks ago. We are getting ready to send a survey to parents, staff, and students to gather feedback, so please be on the lookout for an email soon.
Thank you for being such an integral part of our school community. Let’s keep up the great work!
Sincerely,
Dr. Brad Buck
Superintendent
Important Information
NWHS and WHS Celebrate Homecoming
Northwest High School Homecoming is underway, with fun events all week! Here are the highlights:
- All week – Homecoming dress-up days
- Today – NWHS home volleyball game
- Wednesday – Iron Man Volleyball
- Thursday – Pep rallies at feeder schools, Northwest Fest, Powder Puff, and Homecoming Coronation
- Friday – NWHS Homecoming football game
- Saturday – NWHS Homecoming Dance
Next week, it’s Waukee High School’s turn! Check out the schedule:
- Sunday – Iron Man Volleyball
- All week – Homecoming dress-up days
- Thursday – Homecoming Parade, Powder Puff, and Homecoming Coronation
- Friday – Pep rallies at feeder schools, WHS Homecoming football game
- Saturday – WHS Homecoming Dance
See a full schedule on our website, and follow @WaukeeCSD on social media to see photos, videos, and a “student takeover” on our stories.
Waukee CSD Purchases Land
Recently, Waukee CSD acquired land for two important projects:
District Office Expansion:
We purchased a parcel on SE University Avenue for the addition to our District Office. This project was approved by voters in the November 2023 bond, and we’re excited to enhance our space to better support the community.
New Facility on Vista Drive:
We acquired the former Kindercare site on Vista Drive in West Des Moines to modify into a specialized school for students in our District. We strive to provide an exceptional and supportive educational experience for all students, including those with complex and specific needs. The District explored various options and determined that establishing a dedicated site (rather than renovating one or more of our current schools) would be the most appropriate solution long-term to meet students’ needs. We anticipate the building will open by the end of this calendar year.
Sign Up to be a Mentor
Mentor Iowa has partnered with the Waukee Community Schools Foundation to provide mentoring for Waukee CSD students. If you’re looking for a way to get involved and give back, sign up to be a volunteer mentor. To learn more, complete this form.
Apply to be a Swim Instructor
Waukee CSD is starting the Aquatic Experiences program to provide swimming instruction for 2nd and 3rd graders at the Natatorium. We need swim instructors Monday-Friday, 9:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m. No certification required; we’re looking for applicants who enjoy working with kids. Apply now.
Watch the Harlem Wizards on Oct. 21
Join us to see the Harlem Wizards take on Waukee CSD staff in a basketball game filled with tricks, hoops, and alley-oops. The game will be held at Northwest High School on Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. Game proceeds support the Waukee Community Schools Foundation. Purchase your tickets now.
Reminder: Pay Student Fees
We’re hiring! Waukee CSD is looking for passionate and dedicated associates to join our team for the 2024-25 school year. Enjoy a supportive team, excellent benefits, and a rewarding job that allows you to make a difference every day.If you or someone you know is interested, learn more and apply on our website.
Recent News
Welcome, Waterford Elementary!
We cut the ribbon and celebrated the official opening of Waterford Elementary! Waterford is our 11th elementary school, and the third in the city of Urbandale. We were excited to welcome students and staff to the brand-new classrooms this school year.
North Middle School Construction Continues
We’re making progress at North Middle School. Crews are currently working on interior painting and installing the ceiling grid, as well as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. The school will welcome students in 6th-8th grades next fall. Watch this aerial video to see more.
Video: First Day of School
We wanted to share the magic of the first day of school, so one of our brave first graders at Waukee Elementary volunteered to wear a GoPro! Take a one-minute glimpse of this special day through her eyes.
Safety & Security
Annual Updates
In case you missed it, we shared our annual safety and security informational email last week. Here are some reminders from that message:
Physical Security Information
- Following the start of the school day, buildings are single-point entry.
- We use the Visitor Aware software, which uses facial recognition to conduct background checks.
- School Resource Officers (SROs) are in all Waukee CSD secondary buildings.
- All Waukee CSD PreK-12 schools have internal and external camera systems.
Training for Staff and Students
- All employees have annual required training and biannual awareness protocols.
- A video produced in partnership with the Waukee Police Department is shared annually with K-5 families to explain our procedures during an active threat.
- Students in grades 6-12 are shown the “Run, Hide, Fight” video in class, then discuss protocols and procedures to prepare them for active threat scenarios. District leadership is exploring additional student training involving the “Run, Hide, Fight” tactic this year. More information to come.
Learn more about Waukee CSD safety and security
For more news, stories, and updates, follow @WaukeeCSD on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
Waukee CSD District Office
560 SE University Ave
Waukee, IA 50263
