MyWaukee May/June 2021

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PA I D

DES MOINES, IA PERMIT NO. 5107

MAY/JUNE 2021

also WAUKEE STORMWATER GRANT PROGRAM CITY OF WAUKEE WAUKEE LIBRARY SCHOOL DISTRICT

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May/June 2021

FROM The Publisher BACK TO BUSINESS You know things are picking up when it takes you 3 nights to get through an episode of your favorite show – because you’re absolutely exhausted from the week’s activities.

Seasons are passing by and this year seems to be moving more quickly, at least for me. Summer is right around the corner, kids will be out of school, and we probably won’t be complaining about how chilly it’s been.

MAY/JUNE 2021

We’ve entered the time of year when kids are performing year-end musical events, recitals and things of that sort – and it’s good to see them being creative and sharing their talents.

Publisher & Partner Jason McArtor

Creative Director & Partner Zachary Kern

Businesses seem to be really active right now, as well, across a number of industries, from what I’m seeing at my day job. I’m happy for that too, and it’s always fun to hear from businesses who are looking to ramp up and improve or expand what they’re doing.

My oldest child just finished her final season of club softball that she won’t be able to drive herself to, which will certainly have its benefits, and it’s good to know she may not need mom & dad as much as she used to, but the old saying about them not staying little forever is happening right in front of us.

It’s good to see people getting back to business.

Content Kellyn Pappas

Photos / Creative / Layout FARMBOY Marketing & Web Development

Copy Editor

Jason McArtor P u b l i s h er & Pa r tner j a s o n @ mytownm a g a z ines.com / 515-3 14 -13 21

Marjorie Sandner

Advertising Darby Brincks 515-306-050 8

Distributor Goldfinch Media

Address 8527 University Blvd Suite 7 Clive, Iowa 50325

Email info@myTownMagazines.com

CONTENTS May/June 2021 HI GHLIGHT S

04 CITY OF WAUKEE

Guide to Summertime

Residents and visitors of all ages can find something entertaining and enriching in Waukee this summer.

07 COVER STORY

A Cut Above

11 STORY

Stormwater Grant Program

The consequences of stormwater runoff can be dire— not just locally, but on streams and lakes around the state. Fortunately, there are steps homeowners can take to help manage stormwater runoff, and through its Stormwater Grant Program, the City of Waukee is here to help.

Old Station Craft Meats, located on the historic Downtown Triangle in Waukee, aims to contribute to the success—and tastiness—of your next barbecue.

myWaukee Magazine is published bimonthly, six times annually, by myTown Magazines, a division of Goldfinch Media. For subscription and advertising information, go to myTownMagazines.com. ©2020 Goldfinch Media

SECTI ONS

0 3 F ro m th e P u bl i sh er 0 4 Yo u r Ci ty of Wau kee

1 3 You r Wau kee School D istric t 1 4 You r Wau kee L i brary

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Summertime in Waukee is shaping up to be another one full of fun in the sun, exciting annual events, family activities and more!

YOUR GUI DE TO

Residents and visitors of all ages can find something entertaining and enriching in Waukee this summer.

Here are a few highlights. Be sure to mark your calendars, and check waukee.org/summertime over the next few months for updates and more information.

2021 Summer Reading Challenge Register now! • waukeelibrary.beanstack.com The Waukee Public Library’s Summer Reading Challenge is back for 2021 with a fun “Tails & Tales” theme! Find out what’s special about the animals that roam the lands, soar through the air and swim in the oceans. Children, teens and adults can read or listen to books and earn prizes from June 1-July 31. Due to ongoing COVID-19 safety concerns, events will be held entirely online.

Waukee Farmers Market Wednesdays from June 2-Sept. 29 • 4-7 p.m.

Downtown Triangle, Ashworth Drive & 6th Street • waukeedowntown.com Presented by the Waukee Triangle Businesses, the Farmers Market is held in the Downtown Triangle every Wednesday evening during the summer and features local food vendors, fresh produce, handmade items and live music.

Movies in the Park June 4, July 3 & Aug. 13 Centennial Park • Dusk (approximately 8:45 p.m.) • waukee.org/moviesinthepark Join Waukee Parks & Recreation and NCMIC for free screenings of Hollywood's biggest hits under the stars at Centennial Park! Bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks. The three great films on deck for summer 2021 are: Friday, June 4: “Aladdin” (PG) Saturday, July 3: “Jumanji: The Next Level” (PG-13) Friday, Aug. 13: “Black Panther” (PG-13)

Fish Waukee Saturday, June 5 • 9-11 a.m.

Kettlestone Commons Ponds, 2727 Grand Prairie Parkway • waukee.org/registration The Rotary Club of Waukee, the Waukee Parks & Recreation Department and Iowa State University Extension & Outreach of Dallas County are hosting a fishing event using the Fish Iowa! curriculum. Participants in K-6th grades will learn key fishing skills such as baiting, casting, reeling, and fish and wildlife ethics through rotating stations. “Free fishing” areas will be available for children and adults of all ages. The event is free; however, the youth workshops do require advance registration.

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May/June 2021

Bacoon Ride

Waukee Arts Festival

Saturday, June 19 • bacoonride.com Like to ride bicycles? Like bacon? Like the Raccoon River Valley Trail? Put it all together and you have the Bacoon Ride. Enjoy a 71-mile bike ride on the scenic Raccoon River Valley Trail featuring bacon-related specialty foods along the way. This ride supports the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.

Friday, July 16 • 5-10 p.m. | Saturday, July 17 • 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Centennial Park • waukeeartsfestival.org The Waukee Area Arts Council and Stivers Ford Lincoln present the popular Waukee Arts Festival. It will kick off Friday evening with live music from Bonnie Finken and opener Not Quite Brothers. Saturday, enjoy Decoy in concert with opener Dickie. The event also features dozens of local and regional artists, a student art exhibit, food vendors, kids’ activities and a beverage garden.

Waukee's Celebration of Independence July 2-4 Centennial Park • waukee.org/july Each year, Waukee hosts a celebration of our nation's independence. This year it's expanding to three days! Here’s a list of activities being offered: • Carnival • Food Trucks/Vendors • Adult Trivia • Adult Coed Sand Volleyball Tournament • Adult Bags Tournament • Movies in the Park: “Jumanji: The Next Level” • Parade (new route!)

• Des Moines Skydivers • Live Music: AfterShock • Fireworks Discount carnival tickets will be available for purchase June 1-30. Visit waukee.org/july for event dates times, carnival ticket information and other details as they are finalized.

Battle of the 'Burbs Saturday, Aug. 7 • 9 a.m.

NCMIC, 14001 University Ave. in Clive • ncmic.com/battle The rematch is on! Run the Battle of the ‘Burbs 5K or 10K on Saturday, Aug. 7.

Choose the ‘burb you will represent while running (Waukee, obviously). NCMIC passes along 100 percent of the registration fees to the Waukee Betterment Foundation. And, the community with the most runners wins bragging rights!

There’s also a Kids Fun Run.

Waukee Public Safety Day Tuesday, Aug 3 • 5-8 p.m..

Public Safety Day, 1300 SE L.A. Grant Parkway waukee.org/publicsafetyday The Waukee Police and Fire Departments will join forces again for a modified version of Waukee’s Public Safety Day. The details of this year’s event are still being determined. Check waukee.org/publicsafetyday for updates.

Waukee Palooza Music Festival Saturday, Aug. 28 • Noon-10 p.m.

Centennial Park • waukeepalooza.com The Rotary Club of Waukee is hosting its annual musical event in Centennial Park. Previously known as the “Bar-B-Kee Bash,” this event has rebranded to focus on fun for the whole family! Enjoy metro area youth music groups and solo acts, food and beverage vendors, and kids’ activities. One of the Midwest’s fastest-rising country bands—Big Time Grain Company—will headline the event in the evening. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the event.

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Smart Strategies for

Summer

celebrate! But often good weather also brings on some of the most tempting eats and drinks around—ice cream, blended coffee beverages, and potato and pasta salads galore, just to name a few.

Hy-Vee Registered Dietitian Erin Good shares her top three warm-weather tips to help you make the healthy choice an easy choice this summer. Your taste buds and waistline will thank you!

1 Grill something new and seasonal, like stone fruits. Stone fruits include apricots, peaches, nectarines and plums. Simply cut in half and remove pit; grill on medium heat cut-side down, flip once; and remove from grill after five minutes, or when fruit is softened and just charred. Enjoy for dessert, or add to a green or grain salad!

2 Hydrate happier at the pool or baseball game. Plan ahead and make your own fruit-infused waters. Your beverage will not only look delicious, but itʼll taste refreshing while keeping you hydrated. Simply combine thinly sliced strawberries and lemon slices with cold water or try cilantro, lime wedges and watermelon cubes in sparkling water served over crushed ice.

All you do

CAULIFLOWER “POTATO” SALAD Serves: 5

All you need

Warmer weather signals the arrival of summer, and with it comes many reasons to

1 lb cauliflower florets, chopped into ½ inch pieces, steamed and cooled 6 hard-boiled Hy-Vee large eggs, peeled and sliced ¼ cup dill pickle, finely chopped (or sub Hy-Vee dill relish) 1 medium celery stalk, finely chopped Salt and pepper to taste ¼ cup red onion, chopped ½ cup Hy-Vee nonfat plain Greek yogurt 1 tsp Hy-Vee Dijon mustard 1 ½ tsp dried dill 1 Tbsp pickle juice (or sub dill relish liquid) Paprika for garnish

Add cauliflower and eggs in a large bowl. Add pickle, celery, 1/4 teaspoon salt, pepper and red onion. In a small bowl, combine yogurt, mustard, dill, pickle juice and a pinch of salt and pepper.Pour yogurt mixture over the cauliflower; toss gently to coat.

Garnish with paprika. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Facts per serving: 113 calories, 6 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 320 mg sodium, 3 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 11 g protein

Connect virtually with Erin today at Hy-Vee.com/Health and follow her on Hy-Vee’s Healthy You series on HSTV.com for weekly meal and snack inspiration.

Erin Good, RD, LD Hy-Vee Inc., Registered Dietitian egood@hy-vee.com 6

May/June 2021

3 Plan a picnic everyone can enjoy.

Swap potatoes with cauliflower and mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt to save some serious calories and carbohydrates. Be sure to make extra, as I guarantee this side dish is sure to be popular!

STORY By Kellyn Pappas

A CUT ABOVE

OLD STATION CRAFT MEATS Many of us found ourselves cooking at home more often as a consequence of spending more time there during the pandemic. Whether it’s trying out new recipes, or just throwing meat and veggies on the grill, cooking more of our own meals has become not just a necessity for many of us, but a real source of enjoyment. And Old Station Craft Meats, located on the historic Downtown Triangle in Waukee, aims to contribute to the success—and tastiness—of your next barbecue.

CONTINUED>>>

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Old Station

co-owner Nick Lenters comes by his passion for meat honestly. Born and raised on a third-generation farm in Sioux Center, Iowa, where his brother (and fellow co-owner) Adam still lives and raises cattle, the brothers were exposed to the meat industry from a young age. “We’ve always gotten all of our meat directly from the farm. It’s the way we grew up,” said Lenters. “You bought a whole animal directly from the farmer and put it in the freezer.”

As adults, the brothers began buying and owning cows together as a hobby, and a few years ago, they began to entertain the idea of opening their own butcher shop. After throwing the idea out to family and friends, it was Lenters’ dad who finally “pushed me off the fence,” he explained.

His dad challenged him to reach out to people in the butcher industry—at least one person in the following two weeks. Predictably, that person referred Lenters to another person, and so on, until Lenters had eventually accumulated a “network of people who kind of filled in all the gaps for me,” he said. Inspired by whole animal butcheries in the Denver area—places “that kind of hailed back to the old, traditional butcher shop,” according to Lenters—the brothers began to move in that direction themselves.

When it came time to find space to house their venture, Lenters, who’s lived in Waukee for 18 years, says his community stood out. The brothers looked at other areas in the metro and different demographics, but Waukee’s progressive community made it a good choice. “We figured if this concept was going to work, it would work in a place like Waukee,” he said.

Initially looking for space to rent, the brothers stumbled across a building for sale at 450 6th Street that seemed to be the perfect fit. “I like the building because it’s a 100-year-old building, and we’re doing a business that’s kind of a lost craft,” he said. “The building fits really well for what we’re doing now.”

Despite the onset of the pandemic, the brothers pushed forward with their plans to open. “My dad asked me, ‘Are you still moving forward with this?’” said Lenters, referring to the timing. His response?

“Yes, we are.” True to their word, Old Station Craft Meats opened this past December.

The shop focuses on whole animal butchery, a butcher experience more akin to how things were done 100 years ago than the experience you’d get at a big box store today. “A long time ago, when most communities had their own butcher, they’d bring in a live animal or a carcass to that butcher, and the butcher would break down the animal and sell it,” explained Lenters. “Whole animal butchery means that when I bring in a lamb, I get a whole lamb carcass. It doesn’t have organs or the hide anymore, but it still looks like a lamb.”

Butchers at Old Station then break down the carcass.

“You’ll see us processing the whole animal” if you stop in, said Lenters. “We’re taking it down to the component parts.”

While Old Station does still bring in some boxed meat, the shop focuses on whole, single-sourced animals where possible. “When you go to the grocery store and buy ground beef, it could be from multiple animals. Our ground beef is all from a single cow,” said Lenters.

Old Station partners with local producers and processors to source their meat, enabling them to “support local lockers and give them a fair price, based on the quality of their product,” said Lenters. All of Old Station’s meat—beef, pork, and lamb—comes from Iowa, and as close to Des Moines as possible, with the exception of poultry, which is difficult to source locally, according to Lenters.

Proper feeding programs and humane animal care also factor into the raising of the meat.

For example, pork and poultry, specifically, are antibiotic-free.

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May/June 2021

Their whole animal philosophy extends to the sale of the meat as well. “We try to use the whole animal.

We try to market the whole animal and celebrate the life of the animal,” explained Lenters. Old Station doesn’t just sell animal meat, but organs as well, including liver, heart, tongue and even the bones.

“Sometimes we’ve made our own bone broth and sold that, and our own beef tallow,” said Lenters.

The most important aspect of their business, he said, is the transparency involved throughout the process of getting the meat from the farmer who raised it to the customer who’s purchasing it—something that’s become increasingly important to consumers over the last few years. “We know all of the people involved—I talk to all of them on a regular basis,” said Lenters. Want to know the provenance of the pig whose meat will make up tonight’s pulled pork sliders? “I can give you the address of where the animal came from, and you can go talk to the farmer,” he explained.

Those relationships with farmers enable the staff at Old Station to better advise their customers on not only product quality, but the production process itself.

Grass-fed meat, for example, will taste different from grain-fed meat. “What you feed your animals can determine how they taste,” said Lenters. “If you’re looking for a more health-conscious product, grassfed may be the way to go. However, the trade-off is in flavor. I can explain that to the consumer.”

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That background knowledge can push customers to try new things. Lenters cites lamb as an example, noting that most lamb in restaurants or big box stores comes from New Zealand or Australia, where its diet contains significant roughage and makes for a much gamier flavor than lamb raised here. “The lamb we sell, people are surprised at how similar it is to ground beef,” said Lenters.

Old Station can not only provide you with the meat for your grill, but with the actual grill itself—a product of Lenters’ past frustration with having to visit multiple locations to buy different components for the grilling experience. “I wondered, ‘Why is all this stuff not just in the same store?’” he said. In addition to being a Big Green Egg dealer, Old Station also sells charcoal and smoking wood, as well as locally-sourced beer and wine. They also look to cross-market with other local businesses whenever they can. For example, Old Station’s beer brats are made with beer from Barn Town Brewing, just a couple miles away. “We’re always looking to lift up other local businesses,” he said.

“We figured if this concept was going to work, it would work in a place like Waukee.”

Nick Lenters

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What’s next at Old Station?

“We’re very near going into goats,” said Lenters, adding that goat meat may be tested out this summer. “It’s very difficult to find high-quality goat meat, but based on our diverse population, I believe goat meat can be very successful here.”

Despite the ongoing pandemic, Lenters said that Old Station’s whole animal focus insulates it in large part from the meat shortages many grocery stores faced months ago. “If we were to have another pandemic, I can continue to get beef,” he said. “I’m processing it myself. I’m not dependent on big processing plants.”

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Pandemic or not, Old Station Craft Meats’ dedication to providing high-quality, locally-sourced meat—and supporting local producers in the process—sets it apart.

Lenters notes that customers are “paying to support the local economy, and also paying for improved land stewardship. When you support small, local producers, they want to continue to have their farm be productive, so they’re taking care of the land and the animals.”

That level of care translates to the customer experience at Old Station, as well.

“We try to make it an experience for you when you come in,” said Lenters.

“We really want to engage every one of our customers and help them with their selection. I want them to think, ‘Wow, I learned something today,’ or ‘I’ve got a new idea about what I want to eat or how I want to prepare it.’”

Above all, Lenters said he wants every customer to walk away satisfied. “I like the customer engagement piece of it. That’s where I find my pride—when people say they had a great experience.”

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May/June 2021 CB myWaukee Ad 2019_4.1815x9.5.indd 1

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STORY By Kellyn Pappas

Waukee Stormwater Grant Program Many of us probably don’t give stormwater a second thought. Once rain has fallen, or snow has melted, most of us don’t think too much about where the runoff goes, or what ramifications it can have later on. But the consequences of stormwater runoff can be dire—not just locally, but on streams and lakes around the state. Fortunately, there are steps homeowners can take to help manage stormwater runoff, and through its Stormwater Grant Program, the City of Waukee is here to help.

For those who may not know, stormwater runoff is rainfall or snowfall that does not soak into the soil or evaporate into the air, but flows from the surface where it fell and into nearby streams and storm sewer systems. This runoff picks up pollutants from the environment as it moves, such as oil and grease from roadways or fertilizers and pesticides from fields.

Since the stormwater isn’t treated to remove these pollutants, these contaminants end up in our streams, rivers and lakes—the end destination for stormwater runoff. Needless to say, these pollutants have a negative impact on the water quality in these bodies of water. Stormwater runoff can create drainage and flooding problems, as well.

Each Waukee resident pays a Stormwater Utility Fee on their utility bill to help the City manage stormwater. The City’s Stormwater Grant Program uses a portion of those fees to help homeowners with stormwater management on their properties. The program pays up to 50 percent of eligible expenses, up to a maximum contribution per project, depending on the project. The program receives $50,000 in funding each fiscal year. These funds are then granted to property owners to reimburse for projects that improve drainage, improve stormwater quality or repair stormwater facilities.

The Stormwater Grant Program has been around for close to a decade, according to City of Waukee Public Works Director Rudy Koester. Since the City made modifications and added some additional qualifying practices, the number of applications has steadily increased over time, from two or three per year to roughly 22 per year, said Koester.

Residents have numerous options when it comes to which stormwater management project they’d like to implement on their properties. One of the most popular rainscaping practices in the Des Moines metro area is Soil Quality Restoration (SQR).

When soil becomes compacted, or when there is soil with a high clay content, lawns can become brown and patchy, and need to be watered constantly. SQR uses tillage, aeration and compost to increase filtration and organic matter content, naturally improving the lawn’s health and ability to manage water. Another popular project is installing a rain barrel on the property, which will collect and store rainwater from the property’s downspout. Rain barrels are a great way to conserve and reuse water, as collected rainwater can easily be used to water lawns and gardens.

prove to be beneficial. Strategically placing native plants (for instance, placing bands of prairie or woodland plants on the downslope side of a property) can enhance a lawn’s ability to manage water and prevent high levels of runoff.

So how do you know whether a rainscaping project might be right for your property? Koester said it’s all dependent on your particular lawn, but if you notice any issues after a rain event, such as standing water or a lawn that’s still soggy days afterward, your yard might benefit from implementing a stormwater management project.

According to Koester, if you have a natural stream on your property, or “if you’re in an area where you have erosive banks, not stabilized by vegetation,” bank reinforcement for erosion prevention may be a good idea. It’s important to note, he added, that you don’t necessarily have to have a problem with your property in order to implement a rainscaping project. Anyone can implement native grassland, or “enhance your property with native plantings that will attract pollinators, birds and butterflies.”

Overall, said Koester, the most important thing is the homeowner’s desire to make a difference in the water quality in their community. He pointed out the cumulative effect of numerous people implementing positive change: “A bunch of little efforts can become a big effort.”

Waukee resident Mike Kellar can attest to the difference a stormwater management project can make. A landscape designer and friend pointed Kellar in the direction of the grant program while discussing options to address a soggy backyard. “I had a lot of water collecting, primarily in the spring and after big rains, at the bottom of my backyard,” said Kellar. “He suggested an Iowa native flower rain garden and then mentioned the grant program.”

After planting the rain garden this past fall, he’s already noticing improvements in his yard. “The water seems to be draining much better than last year—certainly not the pooling we saw for extended periods of time before the garden was installed,” he said.

Kellar has high praise for the Stormwater Grant Program, saying he would “1000 percent” recommend it to other homeowners. “I had no idea this grant was out there. Without that knowledge, I likely would have gone down a completely different path. It was nice to have financial options from the city to help offset costs.” Kellar added that the application process was “very customer-forward and easy to follow.”

Interested in applying for a Waukee Stormwater Grant yourself? If your property is located within the corporate limits of the City of Waukee and you pay the Stormwater Utility Fee, you’re eligible to apply for funding. Applicants must own the property, and the property must have a full certificate of occupancy for at least one year.

Visit waukee.org/raincampaign to fill out a grant application.

Applicants can upload their applications online, along with any original documents needed in conjunction with the application.

“We review it and make sure it aligns with the program’s intent and requirements,” said Koester. Once approved, homeowners conduct and finance the work themselves, then submit final receipts to the City for reimbursement.

So if you’re interested in improving not only the quality of your lawn but the quality of the water in our lakes and streams, a rainscaping project might be a great step to take. Since residential areas make up a large portion of our community, residents who take steps to manage stormwater on their properties can make a positive difference for local watersheds.

“We can be a partner with the homeowner,” said Koester. “We hope this program continues to encourage people to take those steps.”

Other eligible projects through the grant program include the implementation of rain gardens, which are landscaped depressions that capture runoff in a temporary pond and allow the runoff to absorb back into the soil. If the site isn’t ideal for a rain garden, installing bioretention cells can be a good alternative. An engineered subgrade uses a perforated drain pipe in a rock bed, covered by a sandy soil mixture, to allow captured runoff to percolate into the soil.

Implementing native landscaping on a property can also

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HOME IMPROVEMENT Home Solutions of Iowa Take Advantage of Heavy Rainfalls with a Rain Barrel!

We’ve all heard the phrase “April showers bring May flowers.” While that may be true, we still experience a lot of heavy rains during the months of May and June. Summer storms can be an annoyance to deal with as a homeowner, but you can take advantage of the rainfall by investing in a rain barrel system from Home Solutions of Iowa. Our rain barrels are perfect for any homeowner who wants to save on their water bill and conserve natural resources.

A rain barrel is a system that collects and stores rainwater from your roof that would otherwise be lost to runoff and diverted to storm drains and streams. Rain barrels help our environment by reducing water pollution, improving both soil and water quality, and reducing climate change.

Overall, a rain barrel system helps save the earth and helps save you money.

JOSEPH SMITH

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515-954-3555 Home Solutions of Iowa has established itself as a trustworthy and reliable source for homeowners looking for all sorts of exterior remodeling solutions. We’re a full-service exterior remodeling company specializing in LeafGuard® gutter protection, seamless gutter systems, rain barrels, roofing, insulation, windows, doors, siding, and decking. We started as a one-man show at the Iowa State Fair in 2003 and have since grown to have more than 50 employees serving the entire state of Iowa.

12

May/June 2021

So, what can you do with the rain you collect? Well, it can be used for many different tasks around your home. Many homeowners use their collected rainwater to do things like: Water outside gardens, flowers and vegetables Water houseplants Wash vehicles Wash windows Top off a hot tub or fill a pool Flush toilets With a rain barrel system from HSI, you can harness the power of precipitation. Our knowledgeable team will help you determine the right size of rain barrel in accordance with how you want to use the water you collect. Call HSI today to find out how a rain barrel system can help you take care of your Waukee home!

Our “Made in Waukee Rain Barrels” give homeowners a chance to capture and use rainwater from the roof of their home and/or garage.

WAUKEE SCHOOL DISTRICT Kristin Chavez, WCSD

From

THEN NOW to

A COMMON THREAD: CONNECTION

There’s a common theme when talking to students, staff, and the surrounding community about Waukee Community School District—the importance of people and connection.

Even amidst the growth we’ve experienced over the last several decades, one thing we’ve been able to maintain is a sense of connectedness with all of our stakeholders.

As we move forward into this next chapter of continued growth, it’s important to look at where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re headed.

PAST: Where We’ve Been

PRESENT: Where We Are

FUTURE: Where We’re Headed

When talking to those who have been around since the early days, we can see that much of what we still experience as foundational, key components of the district were present even in the beginning.

As the seventh-largest and fastest-growing school district in the state, with over 1,600 staff members and 11,900 students, we have much to celebrate, including our athletics, academic achievements, and increased student enrollment. We’ve certainly come a long way from the beginning, while still holding on to what makes us Waukee.

As we move into the next chapter of growth and progress, we will remain committed to the sense of connectedness with our students, staff and community. Looking back at our history allows us to see how our connection and value for one another has made this journey possible, while looking forward allows us to see the ways in which connection will play a part in our growth and continued student success.

Susan Hope, Instructional Coach at Waukee Middle School, began teaching at Waukee in 1986 as one of three 5th grade teachers for the district, when K-8 were all in one building, which is now the Vince Meyer Learning Center.

Ali Locker, Director of Elementary Teaching & Learning, has been with the district for the last 12 years. She started as a teacher at Maple Grove Elementary and has been in her current role since 2015. When reflecting on the last few years and where we are today, one thing that stands out to her is the importance of people and human connection.

“The most important strategy in maintaining connection is focusing on individual students and their needs, even as we have grown,” said Superintendent Dr. Brad Buck.

“When I came to Waukee, there was a reputation of excellence, progressiveness and pride,” said Hope. “I was honored to be a One of the most significant changes in our path forward is the part of Waukee early in my career and continue to be proud to addition of a second high school. While we’re excited about this day. The way our school and community have continued to the additional opportunities this will create for our students, work together and support one another over the years doesn’t “I’ve seen so many things stay true to the integrity and values we’re also committed to our continued connectedness, and a happen everywhere. We’re so blessed. We need one another to that we’ve always had, including our value of human capital,” transition to something even more powerful—belonging. achieve excellence.” she explained. “People are the most important resource to “The work associated with belonging is part of our diversity, “There have been many crossroads,” said school board member making this district great—staff, students, administrators, families and community members. Every single day, letting equity and inclusion efforts,” said Dr. Buck. “We envision a and WCSD alumni Mary Scheve. “Moving to neighborhood people know how valuable they are. Honoring relationships future in which all of our students feel a sense of belonging, schools, and now opening up a new high school. I’ve been where the diversity of our student body is considered a strength, amazed at how well it’s gone, with all the change and growth.” and connection, above all. I love that as we continue to grow, we hold onto those values and pair them with a mindset of and where we appreciate one another for what we bring to the The school-community connection is a key part of the district’s innovation and novelty.” table—without a pressure to conform in order to belong.” growth and continued progress, and it’s something that has As we continue on the path forward, the threads of connection Even as we evolve and grow, the foundational pieces that make always been foundational for Waukee. between staff, students and our community continue to be us Waukee will continue to unify and bring us together. A focus “We’re still trying to be the best Waukee we can be,” said very important. They’re authentic and real, and so they remain, on people—our students, our staff, and our community—will Scheve. “We have to progress to be the best, to give people even amidst the growth. continue to be at the root of what we believe. and kids the best opportunity.”

Waukee High School senior Braden Menz has been part of “It will be exciting to see the traditions that remain as we the district throughout his school career, and to him, the move forward, and to see what new traditions begin to community-school connection is unlike any other, and it plays “We envision a future in which all of distinguish the high school pathways from one another,” said an essential role in the student experience.

Dr. Buck. “But through it all, we’ll still be one Waukee, with our students feel a sense of belonging, a focus on meeting the individual needs of our students. In “It’s amazing to think about the things students can do here where the diversity of our student body all of this work, we’re guided by a vision—inspiring learners to prepare them for the future,” said Menz. “Waukee has who feel valued, challenged and prepared to embrace is considered a strength, and where we exemplified what it can look like to set students up for greater tomorrow's opportunities.” things in the future. We have such a tight-knit community, and

appreciate one another for what we bring to the table—without a pressure to conform in order to belong.”

Superintendent Dr. Brad Buck

it’s a neat thing to think about considering how big we are.

The district and community have done a great job to stay close.

It’s really second to none.”

With all of the growth, transition and progress, one thing has been and always will be a foundational piece of who we are— connection. We will continue to put each other first on this path forward, creating the best opportunities for our students, staff and community.

13

FROM YOUR Waukee Library

By Sam Bedford

Adventure through the Animal Kingdom with the Library!

Summer is almost here, and we’re getting ready for the Summer Reading Challenge at the Waukee Public Library! This year’s theme is “Tails & Tales” and the program will run from June 1 until July 31.

Adventure through the world of life around us and find out what’s special about the animals who roam the lands, soar through the air, and swim in the oceans. All ages are invited to participate! Due to ongoing COVID-19 safety concerns, this year’s challenge and events will be held entirely online.

Watch the library’s website and follow our social media accounts to get up-to-date information about upcoming events, including virtual performances, weekly online activities, and pick-up times for craft packs and prizes.

The library is currently open with Library Express hours for book browsing, checkout, and computer use Monday through Friday from 12–6 p.m. and Saturday from 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Road construction will continue through the summer months. During the construction, the library is only accessible from the south on Warrior Lane.

Summer Reading Challenge FAQs: WHEN DOES REGISTRATION BEGIN? May 1, but reading for the Summer Reading Challenge doesn’t start until June 1.

HOW DO I REGISTER? You can register online at waukeelibrary.beanstack.org, through the Beanstack app, or by picking up a reading log at the library.

To find out more about the library’s Summer Reading Challenge, go to waukeepubliclibrary.org/summer.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE? All ages!

Facebook – @WaukeePublicLibrary

DO I NEED A LIBRARY CARD TO JOIN? Library cards are not required. Everyone is encouraged to participate! If you would like to get a library card, you can sign up online at waukeepubliclibrary.org/getacard.

Twitter – @WaukeeLibrary

HOW DO I EARN PRIZES? READ! Magazines, audiobooks and eBooks count, too!

14

May/June 2021

Instagram – @Waukee_Library YouTube – Waukee Public Library For more library information, contact us at askme@waukee.org or (515) 978-7944.

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