Dr. Buck’s Bulletin – March 2024
Dear Parents and Guardians,
March has been an exciting and fun-filled month! If you’re like me, March Madness is one of the best times of the year (did you know Waukee CSD had six alumni compete in the NCAA tournament?). Our elementary schools celebrated spring parties, and some middle school classrooms welcomed baby chick eggs. One hundred Waukee CSD fifth-graders — 10 from each elementary school — participated in our honor choir at Northwest High School. We wrapped up the winter sports season (see highlights below) and started spring practices. And our high schools’ spring musicals are just around the corner!
I hope your student continues to look forward to a dynamic, engaging, and welcoming learning environment every day. I’m proud of everything our District has to offer, and we see our students showcasing their talents and creativity in various ways.
Here are a few additional updates from me:
- Kindergarten registration — We have over 600 incoming kindergarteners already registered! Please remind your friends and neighbors who are new to the District to begin the enrollment process now. Learn more.
- Waukee CSD homepage refresh — Our website homepage got a makeover! The homepage was updated with a vibrant look that features photos of our students and promotes all the things that make Waukee CSD special. (P.S. Check out the new “Parents” quick link at the top to easily locate resources and links relevant to you.) Take a look.
- Darlene’s 100th birthday — Darlene Pitsenbarger, a Waukee High School graduate from the class of 1941, is turning 100 and we’re collecting birthday cards to surprise her. You can drop off a card or mail it to the District Office (560 SE University Ave., Waukee, IA – Attn: Kayla Choate) by April 3. Read Darlene’s story.
Have a wonderful month ahead!
Sincerely,
Dr. Brad Buck
Superintendent
Important Information
register for summer classes and camps
Register your child for our Community Ed classes this summer! We offer enriching courses for students of all ages, from kindergarten to high school, in subjects including game design, rocketry, coding, bowling, archery, writing, sports broadcasting, culinary, chess, and more! See the full Summer 2024 catalog.
In addition, our WaukeeBackpack is filled with Waukee CSD camps to keep students’ minds and bodies busy over the summer. Camps include football, tennis, track, basketball, and more. Learn more and sign up.
shop for apparel at district office april 3-5
Are you wanting new WHS or NWHS gear? Maybe your student is moving to a new school in the District next year, or you’re looking for a graduation gift. Waukee CSD is offering a pop-up store at the District Office (560 SE University Ave.) on April 3-5 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. For three days only, come shop for a variety of Letterman Locker t-shirts and sweatshirts, available in child and adult sizes. You can pay at the front desk and eliminate shipping time/cost.
Update on ParentSquare issues
We are aware of some ParentSquare delivery issues for users with email accounts managed by Yahoo, including yahoo.com, aol.com, and verizon.com. ParentSquare Support is working with Yahoo to alleviate the issue. In the meantime, if you are not receiving emails, we recommend downloading the ParentSquare app on your mobile device via the Apple Store or Google Play and enabling notifications. You will receive the same messages on the app that would otherwise be delivered via email.
Recent News
Eight Waukee CSD seniors named national merit finalists
Waukee CSD celebrates eight seniors — four from each high school — for being named National Merit finalists. The detailed application process is based on academic records, school and community activities, demonstrated leadership, SAT/ACT scores, and more. The NWHS honorees are Abby Adams, Amelia Hanson, Alexandra Hurley, and Saahas Jetti. The WHS honorees are Caleb Chervenka, Defne Tekinalp, Adrian Valluppara, and Lily Voynov. Congratulations!
Waukee CSD Winter sports recap
Student athletes wrapped up a great winter season! We are so proud of their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments. Below are some highlights — to see the full recap, visit our website.
- WHS Girls Basketball advanced to state semifinals, and WHS Boys Basketball were regular season CIML conference champions.
- The combined WHS/NWHS Girls Bowling team was named CIML conference champions and placed third at state.
- NWHS eSports advanced to the state semifinals. WHS eSports placed third in the state tournament.
- WHS/NWHS Boys Swimming won the district meet and placed second at state.
- Raccoon River Girls Wrestling finished the regular season 32-1 and tied for second overall at state.
- NWHS Boys Wrestling won a district title and had 11 wrestlers qualify for state. Carter Freeman and Koufax Christensen both placed second in their weight classes. WHS Boys Wrestling had six wrestlers qualify for state.
Video: Waukee CSD community transition center
Have you heard of our Community Transition Center (CTC)? It’s one option for our students who have finished high school but still need help increasing independence in living, learning, and working. Watch this video as 20-year-old Tucker Swanson showcases a day at the CTC and his job site: Corteva Agriscience in Johnston.
Safety & Security
Visitor aware
Waukee CSD encourages all parents and guardians to be an active part of their child’s educational experience. To ensure we are able to maintain a safe learning environment, our District uses Visitor Aware, a visitor management software that screens all guests entering the building with a background check.
How Visitor Aware works:
- Visitors have the option to create a profile in advance or at the front office. If you didn’t create a profile before your visit, you will need to bring an ID.
- Once the profile is created, the software’s facial recognition identifies visitors.
- All visitors must also sign out at the office when leaving.
If you would like to create a profile before visiting, contact the school. Learn more about Waukee CSD safety and security.
Spotlight: Technology Department
The Waukee CSD Technology Department helps maintain a safe and ethical digital environment for our staff and students. The team provides support to 21 buildings, including maintenance for over 15,000 iPads, MacBooks, and cell phones; software support for all District-approved applications; and management of data and voice networks.
Here are some reminders from the Technology Department:
- Through the Securly Home app, parents have the ability to supervise their child’s technology use on District devices. You can download the Securly Home app in the App Store or on Google Play.
- Students are expected to follow all District acceptable use policies, procedures, and expectations, including:
- Parents can help set clear expectations for using digital devices. The Common Sense Media Family Agreement provides an age-appropriate checklist to help guide conversations with your child about the responsible use of media and technology.
