Dr. Buck’s Bulletin – May 2024
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We made it! It’s officially the last week of the 2023-24 school year, and summer is within reach. Thank you for your support, partnership, and involvement to make this a successful year. I also want to thank our amazing teachers and staff, who have gone above and beyond to provide positive educational experiences and ensure that each student has the opportunity to succeed.
Please read this newsletter carefully, as there are important reminders and information for this summer. You’ll also find recent highlights including our high schools’ commencement ceremonies, senior signing days, and some exciting elementary outdoor projects.
As we look ahead to the upcoming 2024-25 school year, we will continue to strive for excellence in education and foster an environment where every student feels valued. Your feedback is always welcome as we work together to make Waukee CSD the best place to learn and thrive.
Thank you once again for a fantastic school year. Wishing you a safe, happy, and restful summer!
Sincerely,
Dr. Brad Buck
Superintendent
Important Information
Middle/High School Students: Turn in Devices
The Waukee CSD IT team is collecting technology devices this week in middle and high school buildings. Please ensure your student returns all accessories and a fully charged device as instructed by their building. Fees will be applied to student accounts for any items not returned by June 5. Items returned after school is out for the summer should be taken to the District Office.
Order School Supplies Box by June 2
Students in preschool through middle school can order a box of school supplies for the next school year from EPI. The boxes will be delivered to the respective school buildings before school begins in August. Your order also benefits the school’s PTO! Complete your order by June 2. See all the school supply lists.
FREE Summer Lunch Begins June 5
Join us for our annual summer meal program, Picnic & Play! Stop by one of six locations in West Des Moines and Waukee on weekdays from June 5 to Aug. 9 (closed July 4-5). Meals and activities are free to all children 18 years old and younger. Learn more on our website. Questions? Contact Nate Grebner at ngrebner@waukeeschools.org.
Register for Summer Classes and Camps
It’s not too late to sign up for classes, clinics, and camps this summer!
- Community Ed offers enriching courses for students of all ages in subjects including game design, rocketry, coding, bowling, archery, writing, sports broadcasting, culinary, and chess. Sign up now.
- WaukeeBackpack is filled with camps to keep students active over the summer. Organized through the WHS and NWHS activities departments, camps include football, tennis, basketball, volleyball, and more. Sign up now.
Purchase Apparel at District Office All Summer
Waukee CSD’s pop-up store will be open all summer at the District Office (560 SE University Avenue). Stop by Monday-Thursday, 8-4 p.m. to shop for a variety of WHS and NWHS t-shirts and sweatshirts, available in child and adult sizes. You can pay at the front desk and eliminate shipping time/cost.
Join Us for Support Staff Job Fair on June 26
Our annual Support Staff Job Fair is June 26, 4-6 p.m., at the Waukee Innovation & Learning Center. We’re looking for special education associates, lunch/recess associates, child care providers, nutrition workers, and custodians. Enjoy competitive pay, great benefits, and a joyful working environment! If you or someone you know is interested, apply in advance online or stop by the event to chat about the opportunities. Please share our Facebook event to help us spread the word!
Reminder: Find Support Through Student Assistance Program
Looking for extra support for your child this summer? Waukee CSD offers a Student Assistance Program to help with anxiety, stress, depression, bullying, relationships, and more. To learn more, talk to your child’s school counselor or visit our website.
Save the Date: Back-to-School Resource Fair is Aug. 7
The Waukee CSD Back-to-School Family Resource Fair will be Aug. 7, 4-7 p.m., at South Middle School. At the event, you can complete required forms, schedule a free haircut for your child, access community resources, and more. This event is open to all Waukee CSD families; however, pre-registration is strongly recommended. Registration is limited and offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Look for an email to register later this summer.
You don’t have to wait for the Resource Fair to schedule your student’s wellness physicals and dental/visual screenings. Provider offices fill up in August, so schedule an appointment now! If you need help finding a doctor, dentist, or health insurance, contact a Dallas County Health Navigator at 515-993-3750.
Recent News
Waukee CSD Celebrates 2024 Graduates
Congratulations to the Class of 2024! Waukee High School and Northwest High School held their commencement ceremonies on May 19 at Wells Fargo Arena. See pictures of WHS Commencement and NWHS Commencement on Facebook, and watch this video of highlights from the special day. Best of luck to all our graduates — we can’t wait to see what you all accomplish!
Seniors Recognized at Signing Days and Ceremonies
We’ve been busy this month celebrating our seniors’ commitments after high school! Check out Waukee CSD social media (@WaukeeCSD) to see photos from the District’s Fine and Performing Arts Signing Day, Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Skilled Trades Career Commitment Day, Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) pinning, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) recognition, WHS and NWHS Decision Days, and our Community Transition Center Student Showcase.
Iowa’s First Mini-Forest Planted at Brookview
Students from Brookview Elementary and high schoolers in the Waukee APEX program helped plant the first-ever mini-forest in Iowa in a public space near Brookview. Developed by a Japanese botanist in the 1970s, mini-forests involve planting small areas with native species. This effort is being led by the West Des Moines Parks and Rec with support from Waukee CSD.
Igniting Innovation
Sugar Creek Students Design Outdoor Classroom
Fourth and fifth grade students at Sugar Creek Elementary designed an outdoor classroom, which they brought to life with the help of high schoolers in the Waukee APEX’s Construction Leadership course. As part of the project, the students surveyed teachers and peers to make it the best space for all. The outdoor classroom includes raised and lowered garden beds, a circle of benches for classes or small groups, picnic tables, various seating options, and rocks painted by every student in the school.
Safety & Security
Anti-Bullying and Harassment
Waukee CSD is dedicated to providing a safe environment for students, staff, and community members. The District prohibits harassment, bullying, hazing, or any other victimization of students, staff, and volunteers based on any of the following actual or perceived traits or characteristics: age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status.
If you or someone you know has experienced bullying or harassment, please inform a Waukee CSD staff member who will alert the respective investigator. Learn about Waukee CSD safety and security, find the complaint procedures, and review the anti-bullying and harassment form on our website.
Spotlight: Operations Department
The Communications Department at Waukee CSD is dedicated to telling the District’s story and ensuring parents, students, staff, and community members receive timely, relevant, and accurate information. The team is responsible for internal and external communications, logos and brand identity, website maintenance, social media management, ParentSquare oversight, sponsorships and vendor partnerships, crisis communications, media relations, and more.
Find more information, including a list of approved vendors, public records request form, and the latest episodes of our Talk the Wauk podcast, on our website. And be sure to follow Waukee CSD on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
