At Waukee CSD, we’re all about helping students grow as leaders. From Leader in Me to Student Council, there are plenty of leadership opportunities that allow students to step up, get involved, and make a difference.
Leader in Me
Some of our Waukee CSD schools use the Leader in Me approach to help create a culture of leadership. We believe every child has the potential to be a leader — they just need time, support, and the right tools.
At the center of this approach are The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, which are built into our school traditions, daily routines, curriculum, and overall culture. They also connect with our Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), guidance lessons, and 21st Century Skills.
Each year, students can apply for specific leadership positions and committees. These leaders may lead a service project, give tours of the school, help with leadership assemblies, and more. The school will share more information about how to get involved.
National Honor Society
National Honor Society (NHS) membership has been a mark of student achievement for more than 100 years, but it goes far beyond a report card. By empowering, championing, and recognizing well-rounded students, NHS encourages scholarship, service, leadership, and character.
Juniors and seniors with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above are able to apply for membership after the fall semester, typically in early February. The induction ceremony is held in April, and NHS members wear a designated sash at commencement.
Once selected for the NHS, students will sign a code of conduct agreement, represent the four pillars in everyday life, and participate in leadership and community service activities.
Contact Us
- WHS – Lesley Christensen, lchristensen@waukeeschools.org
- NWHS – Jena Kline, jkline@waukeeschools.org, Alyson Bechtum, abechtum@waukeeschools.org
Student Council
The Student Councils at our high schools and ninth-grade buildings play a vital role in shaping school culture and student engagement. The elected members are responsible for planning and organizing key events such as Homecoming Week, pep assemblies, and blood drives.
More importantly, Student Council members serve as representatives of the student body, providing a voice for their peers and helping to foster communication between students and school leadership. Elections are typically held in the spring for the following school year.
School Board Student Representatives
Each year, one student from each high school is selected to join the School Board as a non-voting member. This role enables students to gain insight into the policy-making aspect of education, while representing the interests of their peers.
- Participate in an orientation to learn about Board responsibilities and procedures
- Attend all regular Board meetings (excluding closed sessions)
- Communicate Board decisions and updates to fellow students
- Adhere to the Board’s Code of Ethics and all relevant Board policies
The application opens to all juniors at the beginning of the school year. Representatives serve from the first regular meeting in October of their junior year to the second September meeting of their senior year.
Middle School Student Ambassadors
Many of our middle-level schools have Student Ambassadors or similar leadership positions to help plan assemblies, dress-up spirit days, and service projects. These leaders also work with school administration to represent their peers and provide feedback to new ideas. Schools may have additional specific leadership opportunities such as the Art Leaders at South Middle School.