Dr. Buck’s Bulletin: December 2024
Dear Waukee CSD Families,
As our students and staff get ready for a well-deserved Winter Break, I want to express how grateful I am for everything we’ve accomplished together so far this school year. Thank you for your continued support and involvement, which helps build a strong community here at Waukee CSD.
Below you can find important updates about our new transitional kindergarten program, Community Ed winter/spring courses, and reminders about closings/delays due to inclement weather. Also, please note that enrollment for preschool, transitional kindergarten, and kindergarten opens on Jan. 14! Spread the word to parents you know who have children ages 4-5. We’re excited to welcome new families to our wonderful District.
I hope all of you find time during the break to unwind, enjoy the season, and spend time with loved ones. Wishing you all happy holidays, and a wonderful new year!
Sincerely,
Dr. Brad Buck
Superintendent
Important Information
Introducing Transitional Kindergarten
We’re excited to announce Waukee CSD will begin offering transitional kindergarten (TK) for the 2025-26 school year! This program is for children of kindergarten age who would benefit from an additional year of school to reach key academic and social milestones. Enrollment opens on Jan. 14, and we ask families to register as soon as possible to help us determine the number of TK classrooms. If you or someone you know has a child who would be a great fit for the program, visit our website to learn more.
Give Back at WHS-NWHS Game Tonight
While you cheer on the Warriors and Wolves in basketball tonight, you can also give back to the community! The WHS and NWHS student councils are having their annual friendly rivalry to collect new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. Additionally, the Waukee Community Schools Foundation is collecting food pantry items — and everyone who brings three or more items will get a free game day t-shirt! The matchup is at Waukee High School; the varsity girls play at 6:15 p.m. and the varsity boys play at 7:45 p.m.
Apply for School Meals Assistance
Did you know meal eligibility applications are open throughout the school year? If your financial situation has changed and you need assistance, please complete the Meal Eligibility application to determine if your child is eligible for free or reduced-price meals (breakfast and lunch). Find more information on our website. Those who have already applied do not need to reapply.
Community Ed Winter/Spring Courses
Recent News
Afterschool Program Helps TLS Students
A new afterschool program at Timberline School is offering eighth- and ninth-grade students a lifeline when they get behind. The Warriors @ Work program provides a supportive space with volunteers to help students raise their grades, complete missing assignments, and develop positive study habits.
Students Earn Musical Honors
Last month, 68 high school students from our District were chosen for the All-State Music Festival. WHS senior Lucy Gannon achieved the rare feat of becoming a four-time All-State Pianist! Additionally, 80 Waukee CSD students in grades 6-9 participated in the OPUS Honor Choir, and South Middle School teacher Jennifer Ghelf served as an OPUS director.
Celebrating Fall 2024 Sports Season
- NWHS finished second at state in volleyball and girls swimming
- WHS won the CIML conference meet in boys golf
- All four cross country teams qualified for the state meet
Video: APEX Students Adapt Toys for Kids
High school students in the Waukee APEX Engineering, Technology, and Robotics class are modifying toys to better serve the unique needs of children with fine motor disabilities. Watch this video to see the innovative work they’re doing to bring smiles to kids this holiday season.
Igniting Innovation
Taking Learning to New Heights
Waukee Middle School eighth graders in the new Code, Create, Innovate class are applying real-world scenarios while piloting drones. In one mission, they were challenged to capture drone photos of “sharks” (stickie notes) near the “shore” (building blocks) in 60 seconds! We love to see the ways our students explore computer science and technology.
Safety & Security
Closings & Delays for Inclement Weather
We’ve already seen winter weather, so it’s a good time to share some reminders about our procedures for closings and delays. You can see full details on our website.
Procedures:
- The superintendent will monitor weather forecasts and consider factors such as the type and amount of precipitation, timing and duration of the weather event, and road conditions. The superintendent also consults with city and county officials as well as neighboring school districts.
- A decision is normally made by 5:30 a.m. to delay or cancel school. If school is initially delayed but worsening conditions warrant cancelation, that decision will be made by 7 a.m.
Communication:
We will use the following methods to communicate closings and delays:
- ParentSquare (email, text, and phone call)
- Website (waukeeschools.org)
- Facebook and Instagram
- Local news media
Update from the National Weather Service:
We will use the National Weather Service’s new, simplified language for cold weather:
- Wind Chill Advisory is now called Cold Weather Advisory and will be issued for “feels like” or apparent temperatures of -20 F to -29 F.
- Wind Chill Watch/Warning is now called Extreme Cold Watch/Warning and will be issued for “feels like” or apparent temperatures of -30 F or colder.
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
