Dr. Buck’s Bulletin: February 2025
Dear Waukee CSD Families,
With today’s late start — and more cold temperatures forecasted this week — I wanted to take a moment to share some details about our weather policies.When it comes to school delays or closings due to extreme cold, we generally use a “feels like” temperature of -30 degrees Fahrenheit as our guide. At this point, exposed skin can start to experience frostbite in approximately 30 minutes. We carefully monitor current and forecasted conditions, with input from local city and county officials. While safety is always our top priority, we also strive to keep students in school whenever possible.
During these cold days, I encourage you to make sure your child is bundled up warmly with hats, gloves, and coats. If your family is in need of assistance, our community has wonderful resources available, such as the Waukee Community Schools Foundation and WayPoint Resources (formerly Waukee Area Christian Services), which provide clothing like hats and gloves to students. Please reach out to these organizations or contact your child’s school principal if you need support.
A quick reminder for families: Free bus transportation is offered to elementary students who live 1+ miles from school and to middle/high school students who live 2+ miles from school. Our goal is to ensure that every student has a safe way to get to school, and we’ll continue to make decisions with the well-being of our students and staff at the forefront.
Sincerely,
Dr. Brad Buck
Superintendent
Important Information
Mark your Calendar
Beyond the Bell Registration
Registration for the District’s Beyond the Bell child care program opens on the following dates:
- March 4, 9 a.m. – Summer registration
- April 1, 9 a.m. – School year registration for returning families
- April 7-10 – School year registration for new families (each school has a specific date/time)
Find more information on our website.
Summer Community Ed Registration
Registration for Community Education summer classes will open March 7 at 8 a.m. Classes include Bricks 4 Kidz, chess, robotics, and more! Families can register on RevTrak (click “Waukee Academy – Summer”). More classes will be added in the next couple of weeks.
New Lunch Menus
Waukee CSD Nutrition Services is rolling out new breakfast and lunch menus starting March 3.
District Illness Procedures
As a reminder, students with the following symptoms will be sent home:
- A temperature of 100 or above (must have normal temperature for 24 hours without medication before returning to school)
- Vomiting or diarrhea (must be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning to school)
- Unexplained abdominal pain
- Severe cold and/or cough
- Unexplained skin eruptions or rash
- Swelling, redness, tenderness, discharge of eyes (must have a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment, if needed, or be symptom-free before returning to school)
- Communicable disease (must have a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment, if needed, or be symptom-free before returning to school)
- Any health condition that in the nurse’s judgment is of concern for the child’s or other’s health
Parents must communicate with the school office regarding illnesses, medication, restrictions, and treatments. If your child doesn’t have any of the concerns listed above, we want them to be at school! For more info, visit our website.
Recent News
Waukee CSD Announces Leadership Hires
We’re excited to welcome new leaders to Waukee CSD next year: Kevin Atterberg (Waukee High School Assistant Principal); Chad Vollmecke (Northwest High School Assistant Principal); Mike Danilson (Timberline Assistant Principal); Paige Drucker (Prairieview Assistant Principal); and Stephanie Ver Helst (Elevate Learning Center Program Administrator).
Waukee CSD Named Best Local School District
For the seventh time in eight years, Waukee CSD was named Best Local School District in the annual “Best of Des Moines” contest by Cityview Magazine. We’re so proud of the students, staff, and families who make our District a special place to learn, grow, and thrive.
Video: Bringing Joy to Students
“The most rewarding job I’ve ever had.” Doug Nehls found his dream job helping children as a lunch/recess associate at Grant Ragan Elementary. Watch this video to see how his kindness and dedication make an undeniable impact on students every day.
Igniting Innovation
Students Help Solve Tech Issues
Meet the 5th Grade Tech Squad at Shuler Elementary! These young innovators (rocking the custom shirts they designed themselves) work with teacher Ryan Blankenship to troubleshoot and fix tech issues throughout the school. Great work!
Safety & Security
Securly Home App
- Establish personalized rules and limitations for device use outside of the Waukee CSD network.
- Pause internet access on your child’s device.
- Set offline schedules for your child’s internet usage (ex: during dinner, at bedtime).
Once the student enters our network, Waukee CSD regains control and devices follow the District’s established filters. You can download the Securly app on Google Play or the App Store. Learn more about our Technology Policies and Procedures.
For more news, stories, and updates, follow @WaukeeCSD on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Waukee CSD District Office
560 SE University Ave
Waukee, IA 50263
