[News] June Waukee School Update
Wayne Cooper
waynec941 at mchsi.com
Mon May 29 15:50:30 EDT 2006
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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June 1, 2006
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www.waukee.k12.ia.us
Simon Estes was here!
I hope none of you missed one of the biggest events in Waukee when Simon
Estes spent two days working with students in each of our secondary
buildings thanks to the efforts of the Waukee Area Arts Council. He spent
time with students talking, listening, teaching and performing. He was the
latest celebrity to visit Prairieview as part of the Character Counts
speaker series. And, the closing concert on Friday May 5 included 12 solo's
songs by two of his students who flew in from Boston University, and songs
with a combined choir of students from Waukee 5th-12th grade students. What
a night! Thanks again to all who made this once in a lifetime opportunity
available to our students!
Also on May 5th was a great event at Walnut Hills Elementary where students,
parents, staff and community members participated in a walk to raise funds
to add books to the building library. Over $1000 was raised in this part of
the fundraising plan.
Congratulations to the track team for a great showing at the Drake Relays
last month.
Sandy Raike let me know that the Girls Sprint Medley team won 1st place at
Drake Relays. Team members were
Maddie Romano, Whitney Westrum, Betsy Embree and Colette Gnade (two seniors
and two freshmen!!)
What a season for the high school track team! Congratulations to all of our
athletes who qualified for state last week:
Aaron Wies, John Lassaux, Jacob Stroebele, Zach Davison,Todd Stiles, Justin
Warner, Greg Pingel, Jake Knott, Jeff Getting, Andy Unruh, Noah Mortell,
Kyle Burns, Ross Lorber, John Karch, Robbie Utterback and David Wonders.
Allison Williams, Trisha Carpenter, Brittany Schmacker, Liz Strebele, Addie
Cook, Ann Klein, Whitney Westrum, Betsy Embree, Colette Gnade, Reiko
Cunningham, Michelle Phillips, Jillian Carlberg, Emily James, Renee Freeman,
Amaura Cope, Maddie Ramano, Lauren Raike, Claire Johannesan, Ashley Wink,
Kelsey Barton, and Brittany Angell.
With the growing class sizes, this year's graduation took place at the Drake
Knapp Center on May 27th. What an afternoon as the entire class received
diplomas. Congratulations to all of our seniors. I wish you well in your
future!
The senior Baccalaureate and awards night was held on May 24 where
scholarships where announced for nearly 140 of our seniors totaling over
$350,000. Special thanks to the Dollars for Scholars Committee and the
community support that allowed them to present $350 scholarships to all 130
seniors who applied and attended a short interview.
I hope you all read the May 2 West Des Moines Register article that talked
about Waukee having the highest graduation rates in the metro area.
Following two 100% graduation rates, last year's dropped to 99.51 when one
student didn't complete graduation requirements. The article quoted several
students who each pointed to our teachers and deans as primary reasons for
our graduation accomplishments, and also noted the alternative settings
available to ensure every student reaches their potential. The quotes in
this article mirrored the comments you have provided to me over the last two
months on why you picked Waukee as the place for your students education.
It's great to be part of a district that cares about every student and makes
sure they are prepared to graduate on time!
Changes took place this month after Edie Eckles, Director of Teaching and
Learning accepted the position of Superintendent at Grinnel-Neuberg School
District. Thanks to Edie for her outstanding work on curriculum and testing
analysis!
Following Edie's announcement, the district promoted Cindi McDonald,
current Brookview Elementary Principal to take Edie's old position, and
Terry Hurlburt was hired as our new Principal at Brookview. Two of our
outstanding elementary teachers were also promoted: Karen Allison as the
new Brookview / Eason Assistant Principal and Nicole Tjaden as our new
Waukee Elementary / Walnut Hills Assistant Principal. Congratulations to
all!
It was another busy month as our elementary students participated in a wide
range of field trips to close out the year. May saw students visiting the
Iowa Cubs game, Exchange City, Living History Farms, the Capitol and State
Historical Museum, Springbrook State Park, Science Center, and Saylorville
Lake, Middle School students visited the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo.
May also featured several of our final vocal and band concerts and year end
athletic, vocal and band awards night.
Waukee Dollars for Scholars again this year awarded a scholarship to every
graduating senior of Waukee High School who completed the application
process. This is quite an accomplishment with the class sizes getting
larger each year, and it is our hope to continue it. One hundred and thirty
students each received $350!
Through the very generous support of our Waukee families, businesses, and
friends, Dollars for Scholars will remain strong. Thank you for making your
support a commitment to this program each year.
The Spring - 2006 campaign has now wound down, however, donations will still
be accepted. Please send them to: Waukee Dollars for Scholars, 560 SE
University, Waukee, Iowa 50263, or call 987-5161.
Congratulations to Dessie Luna for her outstanding performance on the
National Spanish Exam. Dessie received first place in the state on the Level
3 Exam.
A few months ago the board received a report on the K-12 program for the art
department and how they build on skills and talents at each grade level.
The level of their expertise is outstanding.
Thanks to Donna Trickel and Paula Tomlinson for sharing information on our
art students who showed at the Grand View College art show last month. We
could take 15 pieces of art. Our students came home with 9 ribbons.
Little Hawkeye Conference Art Show results:
Charcoal Drawing: Travis Bird-1st place
Digital Photo: Emily Carver-1st place
Textiles: Laura Cavalier-1st place
Batik: Katy Clough-1st place
3-D mixed Media: Lizzie DiSantis- 1st place
Dark room Photography: Emily Carver-2nd place
Acrylic Paint: Hannah Haskins-2nd place
Graphic Design Painting: Chris Lo-2nd place
Jewelry: Zach Bruns-2nd place
I had a chance to attend the Dallas Center Art Show on May 12 to witness
first hand how our students compared to others in the area. What talent!
BEST OF SHOW: TEXTILES: Katy Clough
TEXTILES: 1st place- Katy Clough
2nd place- Rebbeca Smith
3rd- Cynthia Waters
Honorable Mention: Laura Cavalier
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY: 1st place- Emily Carver
DARK ROOM PHOTO.: Honorable Mention- Chelsey Crowell
ACRYLIC PAINTING: 1st place: Hannah Haskins, Honorable Mention: Brooke
Faulkner
INK DRAWING: 1st place- Anne Porter
SCULPTURE: 1st place- Laura Cavalier
WATER COLOR PAINTING: 2nd place- Ivory Becker, Honorable Mention: Katy
Suckow
OIL PASTEL DRAWING: 2nd place-Laura Cavalier, 3rd place- Brian Wentworth
PASTEL DRAWING: 2nd place- Gregg Eberle
TEMPRA PAINTING: 2nd place- Jake Mortenson, Honorable Mention- Elizabeth
Tomlinson
JEWELRY: 2nd place- Brittany Ridgeway
2-D MIXED MEDIA DRAWING: 3rd place- Luke Helm
The high school art students are now painting little houses for Safety City,
a Waukee Police Dept. program.. The shop class made them and my students and
Art Club are painting them. They are currently in the Industrial Tech Dept.
I also had the chance to stop at Brookview this month to see three benches
painted by their students that look like they just came out of the STICKS
showroom! They will soon be installed outside the front doors as a
permanent feature of the building. Stop in and take a look when you get a
chance!
On May 25th, board member Russ Wiesley and I were able to stop by the Apple
Store at Jordan Creek Mall to see the Brookview Elementary computer club
showcase some of their talent. Thanks to BrookTech Sponsors Mr. Pierce and
Ms, Beardsley for their great work providing this opportunity for those
students. We also received a DVD that the club made showcasing Brookview
School for families new to the district.
At our May 9 board meeting we received a report from our ESL (English as a
second language) team of Roxanne Cumings, Director of Student Services and
instructors Meredith Bowen, Lindsay Garvin, Megan Gates and Jayne Phillips.
Waukee currently has 112 students who speak 15 languages or dialects. The
team talked us through the testing and program used to help these students
learn English, and provided the data showing success in helping these
students reach grade level in class work.
We are blessed to have a dedicated team of professionals in this specialized
area! Did you know that our entire ESL team serve on the Heartland AEA
Advisory Committee and that both Roxanne and Cindy McDonald serve on the
State committee for ESL students?
Rick Adams suggested that I share information on the AEA Technology Fair
where his daughter Abbie Adams and her classmates had a great showing in
April. Thanks to Susan Wouters for sharing the following summary of the
event.
As part of a collaborative effort between Mrs. Mayo's - 4th grade teacher,
Mrs. Weeda - Technology Coordinator for Walnut Hills, and Susan Wouters -
ELP teacher, a math unit was planned to extend the 4th grade curriculum for
the division unit. Students learned about characteristics of word problems,
selected a picture taken at WHE and began the process of creating a division
word problem from their photograph. Once students created their word
problem, edited and worked problems through peer partners, the group then
moved to the computer lab to learn MS PowerPoint. Groups worked over the
period of several class periods creating a slide show with their word
problems. Three projects were selected to represent the group at the
Heartland AEA Technology Fair on April 18. Approximately 170 projects from
across the area were entered in the fair. WHE representatives presented
their project to judges and were awarded a blue ribbon for their work.
During the 2 1/2 hour fair, students were able to see other
schools/students' work and see what else can be done with technology.
Congratulations to Katie Suchow for qualifying for State Golf for her second
straight year! Good luck at State this week!
Thanks again for all the work done by our athletic booster club! Here are
the new officers who were elected to lead next year. Feel free to contact
any of these officers if you would like to get involved!
* President Pat Foley
* Vice President (in charge of membership) Diane Hillenga
* Secretary Kerry Wright Haag
* Treasurer (also oversees concessions) Anne Kratz
* Parent Rep Coordinator Sandy Phillips/Jay Stroebele/Laura Knott
* Past President Perry Meyer
At our May 23 board meeting, we received a report on the academic results
for the year. These were shared in the Waukee Today, but in case you missed
the paper here is a summary:
4th Grade Reading: NCLB Goal 70%. Waukee 4th Graders 91.7%
8th Grade Reading: NCLB Goal 66.7% Waukee 8th 'Graders 84.5%
11th Grade Reading: NCLB Goal 74.2% Waukee 11th Graders 87.2%
4th Grade Math: NCLB Goal 68.3%. Waukee 4th Graders 90.1%
8th Grade Math: NCLB Goal 65% Waukee 8th 'Graders 87.7%
11th Grade Math: NCLB Goal 83.6% Waukee 11th Graders 83.6%
The scores show the great work being done by our teachers but also pointed
out that we still have work to do in order to ensure that every student is
learning at grade level. The new math program I talked about last month is
just the latest in plans to accomplish this goal. It's great to be Waukee!
Also at this meeting we took time to recognize and thank our Waukee PTO and
the Waukee Area Arts Council for the great work they do throughout the year
to help meet the needs of our students and teachers. It's impossible to
articulate the importance of the work by our parents and community
volunteers and how that helps our students' success. Please find a way to
get involved again next year!
Coming events:
1. Calling all golfers!!!!!!!!!!
The Waukee School Foundation annual golf outing will be held Wed. June 21st
at Beaver Creek Golf Course at 12:00 noon. There will be prizes awarded,
lunch provided and a traveling trophy for the winning team. You can sign up
individually, as a foursome, or find a business to sponsor your team. Cost
is $75.00 per player or $280 per team.
Come support the Waukee School Foundation - guaranteed to be a good time!!
Contact Jeff Menz at <mailto:menz.jeff at Principal.com>
menz.jeff at Principal.com or 987-2944 with questions or to sign up your team.
2. Calling all parents and students!!!!!!!!!!
The Waukee District Schools Parent Teacher Organization has been selected to
be a food vendor at the upcoming RAGBRAI event July 25th and 26th, 2006.
This is a wonderful opportunity to raise funds that will help our school
community. The PTO is planning to sell walking tacos, water and a cookie
for $5.00. In order to make this fundraiser a success we need your help in
working the stand. The hours will be from 10am to 10pm July 25th. The busy
times will be from about 2:30pm to 7:30pm. We could even be open for
breakfast the morning of July 26th if we have volunteers and any food left.
There is nothing like Mexican food for breakfast! If you are interested in
helping the PTO and your school please email me at c.thomson at mchsi.com or
call me at 987-0676. If you cannot volunteer your time there are other ways
to help. We need some sort of tent or stand, coolers, warmers, decorations
and of course cash donations are always welcome. Thank you in advance for
your help. Millie Thomson
3. Calling all students!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Volleyball camp for first through fifth grade will be from 8:00 - 9:30 June
12-13 at Waukee High School.
Registration deadline is May 30. Contact Kim Tierney at
ktierney at waukee.k12.ia.us.
Spanish camp for first through fourth grade will be from 10:00 - noon or
1:00 - 3:00 June 12-15 at Waukee High School.
Contact Joan Maxwell at jmaxwell at waukee.k12.ia.us.
Girls Basketball Camp will be 6:00 - 8:00 pm June 12-15. First and Second
Grade at Walnut Hills Elementary, third through fifth grade at Prairieview.
Contact Fran Wierson at fwierson at waukee.k12.ia.us.
Volleyball camp for sixth and seventh grade will be from 1:00- 3:00 Aug
7-10. Registration deadline is Aug 1. Contact Kim Tierney at
ktierney at waukee.k12.ia.us.
Girls Basketball Camp for sixth through eighth grade will be 6:00 - 8:00 pm
June 12-15 at the high school. Contact Fran Wierson at
fwierson at waukee.k12.ia.us.
Volleyball camp for eighth grade will be from 1:00- 3:00 Aug 7-10.
Registration deadline is Aug 1. Contact Kim Tierney at
ktierney at waukee.k12.ia.us.
The Kim Davis Volley ball Camp for ninth through twelfth grade will be from
June 17-28. Contact Fran Wierson at fwierson at waukee.k12.ia.us for more
information.
4 Calling all ice cream lovers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tammy from the Ice Cream Shoppe invites everyone to stop by for cold treats,
including ice cream, icy coffee drinks and cool lunch choices. Hot days are
coming but we can help keep you cool!
5 Calling all sports lovers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You don't have to have a child involved in baseball, softball, soccer or the
other summer sports to come out and support them. Take in a game and cheer
on our Warrior athletes this summer!
6 Calling all community members!!!!!!!!!
This year's Relay for Life takes place Friday evening June 9 with opening
ceremonies at 6:00 pm and wrapping up with closing ceremonies at 6:00 am on
Saturday morning. Lets pull together to make this the biggest event ever.
Stop out with your whole family, civic group, church or neighborhood
sometime during this important fundraiser and do our part to cure cancer!
................................
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
............................
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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