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Your Waukee School District
One Vision. One Mission.
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One Waukee.
Waukee Community School District is committed to providing all of its students with the knowledge, experiences, and opportunities necessary for them to develop the competencies required for success in school, in the workforce, and in life.
As part of our commitment to the growth and success of our students and staff, the district began working to develop a strategic plan in 2019 that was finalized in January of 2020. Since then, many pieces of this plan have already been implemented, and our staff continues to do amazing work each day to provide our students with the best educational experience. The five-year strategic plan lays out the vision, mission, and priorities of the district and expands upon how these goals will be achieved in the years ahead.
VISION
Inspiring learners who feel valued, challenged, and prepared to embrace tomorrow’s opportunities
MISSION
Waukee CSD is a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse school district. We believe every individual’s unique background and culture enhances our schools. By focusing on the joy of learning and growth for everyone, we create a dynamic environment for our staff while engaging our students, families, and community through innovative educational experiences.
CORE VALUES
» We believe in keeping students our priority. » We believe in equity and belonging. » We believe in developing people. » We believe in integrity. » We believe in joy. » We believe in inclusivity. » We believe in innovative problem solving.
When we step inside our classrooms, offices, and school buildings, we see and experience countless examples of our core values at work. We see teachers, nutrition workers, bus drivers, and support staff consistently keeping students as a top priority. We see staff and students leading with joy and tackling tough issues with innovative problem solving. As a result of this work and a focus on our priorities through our core values, Waukee students will be prepared to be successful beyond high school. The pieces of the portrait of the graduate work harmoniously and result in a Waukee student’s ability to articulate and execute a plan beyond high school that results in continuous personal growth and civic contribution. So much of what we strive for is that our students be successful at what they do, no matter what they choose to do after high school. We believe in our staff to focus on academics, future ready skills, leadership, inquiry, and wellness by serving the whole student. Waukee students will be prepared to successfully build positive personal and professional connections in their lives because they have experienced those connections as a Waukee student. The foundation for these connections is understanding the synergy between the heart and the mind which all Waukee students will explore through their K-12 experience.
Spring Lawn Fertilizer 101
Another Iowa winter fades and snow and ice are beginning to melt away from your lawn. Warmer weather is on the way… what’s not to love? It's no secret that spring is the best time of year to take care of your lawn. As the weather is getting better, it's time to prepare it for the long season ahead.
Homeowners can get a head start on summer by completing a number of beneficial tasks in spring. Spring fertilization should be at the top of your list. The secret to maintaining your lawn without a lot of hassle is a regular feeding schedule.
If you feed your lawn two to four times a year, you can turn a so-so lawn into a place that everyone can kick their shoes off and enjoy.
Why fertilize your lawn in the Spring?
Fertilizer is like food. Just like you, your lawn is a living thing that needs to be fed. It needs different nutrients at different times of the year depending on its environment. Spring fertilization is extremely important. The fertilizer boosts the growth of your lawn and restores areas damaged by a long, harsh winter, such as winter kill or snow mold. As the winter months roll in, lawns tend to lose some of their vibrant green colors. Using a fertilizer early in the Spring will help green up a lawn and get it out of its dormant winter state. Due to the combination of optimal temperatures and rain in most regions, cool-season turfgrasses grow most actively in the spring.
Choosing a fertilizer
Fertilizers, like most products, are not created equal. Different fertilizers are rated according to their NPK content - nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) - the essential nutrients the lawn needs. Phosphorus (P) encourages roots to grow deep and establish quickly, while nitrogen (N) helps to promote a deep, dark green color. Potassium (K) helps to improve the turf's general hardiness, helping it deal with heat and drought damage. Fertilizers are activated and released differently depending on the technology they use, and they also last for different amounts of time. Blend analysis, type of fertilizer (liquid or granular), release technology (quick, slow, controlled), and the source of nutrients (organic or synthetic) all play a role in determining the rate of application. Spring fertilizer is typically applied at a rate of 1lb of nitrogen (N) per 1000 square feet. This provides the adequate nutrition the grass needs for spring growth. At Colby’s Lawn & Landscape, we use the right chemicals, at the right time, to keep your lawn neat and lush year-round.
When to apply Spring fertilizer
Short answer: Early spring. Most regions experience ideal temperatures and rains in the spring, which results in the most active growth of cool-season turfgrass. During this period, early spring fertilization is very important, since the turf requires the most nourishment. The best time to apply fertilizer in Iowa is between early April and early May. Colby’s Lawn & Landscape closely watches the weather, timing our spring fertilizer applications for maximum impact.
Next steps
Knowing when to fertilize next is important. Fertilizer type affects when to fertilize next. Store-bought quickrelease fertilizers may need to be reapplied once a month. Unlike slowrelease fertilizers, which need to be applied every six to ten weeks, most lawn care companies use controlledrelease fertilizers that feed the lawn every 12 to 16 weeks. We pay attention to details and track the maintenance of your lawn, which can be time-consuming and frustrating for homeowners. Call Colby’s Lawn and Landscape today to get a quote for fertilizing your lawn this year.
