[News] August Waukee School Update

[Wayne Cooper]

For those receiving this for the first time, welcome to my monthly update of
happenings in the Waukee School District.  Please feel free to share with
others who may be interested or let me know if you would like to be taken
off the mailing list.  Others can get on the list by sending me an e-mail.  

                

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August 1, 2006

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www.waukee.k12.ia.us

 

 

Well, school was out, but not the continuing string of accomplishments by
our students.  Congratulations to both the girls softball team and the boys
baseball team for winning the conference championship.  With these
victories, Waukee ended the year with 7 conference banners!  Thanks to all
of our student athletes, coaches and staffs who contributed to this
outstanding year!

 

The bikers came, and came and came!  It took hundreds of volunteers by the
school boosters and thousands to handle all of the activities in the city,
but Waukee once again showed our great hospitality as RAGBRAI stopped in
town last week.  I think everyone knew that RAGBRAI was more about
showcasing the hospitality of our community than a big moneymaker, and I'm
confident that we succeeded.  I had a chance to talk to a lot of bikers from
across the country, and without exception they praised or community, our
volunteers and our schools.  I talked with a teacher from California who
couldn't believe how nice our middle school was.  He had been hired away
from public schools by a private school that only accepted the academically
elite, and had almost all PHD's as teachers. He insisted that California
needed private schools because their public schools are some of the worst in
the country, while Iowa's one of the best.  I tried to talk him into coming
to Iowa to teach, but wasn't successful.  I talked with several other folks
from across the country.  When I asked why they kept coming back, they said
because they loved the Iowa countryside, the rolling hills, and great people
at every down they passed.  Special thanks to everyone who led our host
committees and to everyone who helped make Waukee a special place to visit!

 

As always, the summer construction has been at full speed.  Additions to the
high school continue on all sides of the building, the addition to the
administration building has started and the new Maple Grove Elementary is
moving along quickly.  Signage is up at Walnut Hills and hopefully we will
soon see one at Prairieview.  Driving to school this fall will take longer
and require patience as University will not open by the time school starts.
You will want to remind your student drivers to take their time and don't
take any chances at major intersections.

 

Sarah Schaefer sent me a note to let you know that  the 7th graders will be
presenting Annie, Jr. at the Waukee auditorium in October. Ms. Schaeuele and
I are very excited about the production. I will get you more info for the
September update but I thought a little teaser would get people thinking. We
will do our auditions the beginning of September. "The sun will come out
tomorrow!"  I've tried to make every 7th grade play since my daughter's
play.  They are great opportunity for our students to showcase their
talents.

 

The Benders sent a note to share that Shari Bender leaves for Leverkusen,
Germany, on July 30 where she will be representing Waukee, WHS & Waukee
Rotary Club as an ambassador for a year. She hopes to see her classmates
next year when they travel to Germany/Dortmund. She will return to Waukee to
finish her senior year.  Shari attended a school board meeting to tell us
about her opportunity.  I'm looking forward to her report following her year
in Germany.  Thanks to the Rotary Club for helping to make this opportunity
come true.  She can be reached by email: scb152008 at yahoo.com.

 

Congratulations to the new Athletic Booster Club officers and thanks to each
of you for the great job you do supporting our student athletes:

 

*         President          Pat Foley

*          Vice President (in charge of membership)            Diane
Hillenga

*         Secretary          Kerry Wright Haag

*         Treasurer (also oversees concessions)     Anne Kratz

*         Parent Rep Coordinators              Sandy Phillips/Jay
Stroebele/Laura Knott

*         Past President:        Perry Meyer   

*         Activities Director:    Jim Duea, ex-officio, non-voting

 

Despite all the rhetoric we hear from certain media about how bad public
schools are, the facts appear to dispute those claims.

Public schools and private schools are in a statistical deadlock when it
comes to students' average reading and math scores, according to a new study
released by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).   When you
consider that private schools can accept only those students who meet their
high admittance guidelines, I think that really says public schools are
doing an excellent job!  Be careful of those who berate public schools.
They may have an agenda quite different than providing the best possible
education for ALL students.

 

School will be starting in just a few weeks, the band has been practicing
all week, fall sports are staring, 70 new teachers have been in school
getting training in the "Waukee Way", and kids just can't wait to get back
to school.  Stay involved in our district.  

 

School Board elections will be coming up Sept. 12.  We had 4 candidates take
out papers for 3 positions open this fall:

Fellow board members, Tracy Lepeltak and Russ Wiesley are seeking
re-election along with Pat DeMouth and Doug Haag.

Board chair, Embree Edgington is not seeking re-election.   I wish all 4 the
best as they seek your support.

 

Thanks again for the opportunity to serve you on the school board!

 

Have some news I can share?  Just send me a note and I'll be glad to share
it next month.

 

Wayne Cooper

Waukee School Board

WayneC941 at mchsi.com 

 

 

Our significant purpose:

*	Create a caring culture where students feel safe and nurtured. 
*	Provide students the skills to be literate and productive citizens
in a democratic society. 
*	Build a foundation for the pursuit of continuous life-ling learning.


 

Values we are committed to:

*	Integrity, Responsibility, Perseverance, Respect, Trust, Honesty,
Tolerance, Optimism, Loyalty 

 

We want to be:

*	A caring school community where adults model the district's values
and build a solid partnership with  teachers, students and parents. 

 

 

 

 

 

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