10 minute read
SCHOOL DISTRICT
New School, New Traditions – Same Waukee:
Teacher & Student Reflect on Year One of Northwest High School As the first year of Waukee Northwest High School comes to an end, there's a lot to reflect on. Throughout all the excitement, activities, challenges, and success, one thing remained the same — Wolfpack pride, and a strong sense of community.
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Chad Vollmecke, an English teacher and wrestling coach at Northwest, looked back on the year, and recalled many of the memories and emotions that stood out. “This year was definitely a success. We started a new culture and created new traditions within the classroom and with all the activities.” Vollmecke was definitely one of many people who helped cultivate the Northwest spirit. “I was so ready to be a Wolf,” he said when asked about the moments leading up to the beginning of the year. But, he wasn’t the only one who embraced this excitement. “Everyone bought into the culture of being a Wolf. Everyone had so much school spirit. It all brought us closer together,” he shared. The year was filled with many fun events that will continue as traditions for the years to come. From football games, pep assemblies, and dress-up weeks, there was excitement surrounding the halls. “This year will definitely go down in history as a great first year,” Vollmecke said. Now, as the school year wraps up, it’s a bittersweet ending for the Class of 2022. This year’s seniors paved the way for the future of the school, and they will always be remembered as the first graduating class of Waukee Northwest High School.
Northwest Wrestling Team
Vollmecke expressed his gratitude for the students who will be graduating in May. “I'm going to miss them. My heart is with these kids, so I feel a special connection to them. I've seen these kids grow up and evolve into great humans. They have had such strong leadership, and they helped bring everyone together for such a memorable first year. I'll always remember the senior class was special in their ability to lead in so many different ways.” One of these leaders, Audrey Abbott, will be the very first student to cross that stage on graduation day and receive her first diploma from Northwest High School. As a member of the first graduating class, Audrey took some time to reflect on her experience this year. She shared about the highlights of the year and what she hopes will continue for the future members of this Wolfpack.
- Audrey Abbott
There have been so many firsts this year, for students, staff, and the community. Everything was a first. The first time walking into the new building. The first day of classes. The first football game. The first Homecoming. And this year of firsts ends with another important first – graduation. “It’s special to be the very first graduate of Northwest High School. It’s exciting, but also bittersweet that this year is coming to an end,” she said. For Audrey and so many others, there have been many special moments that stand out from this first year of Northwest High School. From leading the student section at games to creating new traditions like Wolf Winterfest, it’s been an incredible opportunity to build something new. “I know it might sound cheesy, but it really does feel like home — the spirit at Northwest. Everyone has had so much pride in being part of this new thing, this new school. It’s been special, and it honestly brought us together,” Audrey said about being part of this first year. She hopes that all students will feel this same way, that they are indeed part of something, that they belong. As she reflected on her experience, she talked about planting the seeds of community, belonging, and Wolfpack pride that will hopefully grow into something that stands the test of time — for all future classes that will one day graduate from Northwest High School.
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Congratulations to both of the Waukee CSD graduating classes from Waukee High School and Northwest High School on an incredible year, and best wishes on all your future endeavors. Go Warriors and Wolves!
Read Off the Path with the Library!
Summer is almost here and we’re getting ready for the Summer Challenge at the Waukee Public Library! This year’s challenge theme is “Read off the Path” and will run from June 1 until July 30. Everyone is invited to participate!
Watch the Library’s website and follow our social media accounts to get up to date information about upcoming events including performances, weekly activities, and pick-up times for craft packs and prizes. Warrior Lane construction will continue through the summer months. During construction, the Library is only accessible from the south on Warrior Lane. Watch the Library’s website and follow our social media accounts to get up to date information about upcoming events including performances, weekly activities, and pick-up times for craft packs and prizes. Warrior Lane construction will continue through the summer months. During construction, the Library is only accessible from the south on Warrior Lane.
JUNE EVENTS
Introvert Book Club
All Month Long
Introverts, it’s time to unite! Separately. In your own homes. If you want to join a book club but aren’t sure you’re up for the time commitment or peopleing — this is the book club for you! Each month there’s a new book selection, but there’s never a meeting. May’s book is “In the Dream House” by Carmen Maria Machado.
IowaWORKS Online Services
Des Moines IowaWORKS American Job Center is offering free, virtual employment workshops throughout the week! These workshops will help you develop a career plan, interview and negotiate, conduct a job search, create a great resume, and more. Visit iowaworks.gov to learn more and register.
Preschool Storytime
Tuesday, June 7, 14, 21, and 28 | 9:15, 10, and 11 AM Wednesday, June 8, 15, 22, and 29 | 9:15 and 10 AM
25-30 minutes of stories, songs, and rhymes, with a craft to take home to make. Recommended for children ages 3.5-5 years old and their caregivers. Registration is required.
Toddler Time
Tuesday, June 7, 14, 21, and 28 | 9:15, 10, and 11 AM Wednesday, June 8, 15, 22, and 29 | 9:15 and 10 AM
20-25 minutes of short stories, songs, and lots of movement, with a craft to take home and make. Recommended for toddlers ages 18 months to 3 years and their caregivers. Registration is required.
Explorer Camp: Campsite Fun
Wednesday, June 8 | 2 PM
campsite fun! For youth entering grades K-5 in the fall. Registration is required.
Movie Matinee
Thursday, June 9 | 10 AM
Join us the second Thursday of every month to watch a movie on the Library’s big screen. We’ll be showing everything from major blockbusters to classics. No registration is required.
Circus Variety Show
Friday, June 10 | 9:30 and 11 AM
Prepare to be amazed at this one-woman circus variety show! Expert performer Martika Daniels will bring the feel of the circus to the Library will silk fans, juggling, glow-in-the-dark hula hoop tricks, and more. Registration is required.
Critter Crafts
Friday, June 10 | 4 PM
Calling all creative, animal-loving crafters! Use simple materials to create a variety of animalthemed art projects. For youth entering grades K-5 this fall. Registration is required.
Seeking the 7 Summits: Iowa Climber Jen Loeb
Saturday, June 11 | 1 PM
Jen will talk about her experiences and motivations for completing her grueling but fulfilling missions of climbing all seven continents’ tallest summits. Her photographs from the climbs are on display in the Library’s Art Gallery May 1-June 11.
New Art Gallery Exhibit
Sunday, June 12
The watercolor botanical exhibit, “Lost in the Weeds” opens in the Library’s Art Gallery. Artist Kelsey Wilson will be teaching a Botanical Drawing class at the Library on Tuesday, June 28 at 5:30 PM. This exhibit will be up until June 28.
Games and Ghost Stories
Monday, June 13 | 6:30 PM
When does registration begin?
May 1, but reading for the Summer Challenge doesn’t start until June 1.
How do I register?
You can register online at waukeelibrary.beanstack.org, through the Beanstack app, or pick up a reading log at the Library.
Who can participate?
All ages!
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 in person or online at waukeepubliclibrary.org/getacard.
How do I earn prizes?
READ! Magazines, audiobooks, and eBooks count, too! To find out more about the Library’s Summer Challenge, go to waukeepubliclibrary.org/summer.
Facebook – @WaukeePublicLibrary Instagram – @Waukee_Library Twitter – @WaukeeLibrary YouTube – Waukee Public Library For more library information, contact us at askme@waukee.org or (515) 978-7944.
Prepared to be scared! The lights will be low and flashlights available while everyone gathers around campfire style to hear and share ghost stories. After the stories, everyone can have fun playing One Night Werewolf. For students entering 6-12 grade in the fall. Registration is required.
Parenting Workshop: Nurturing Healthy Sexual Development
Tuesday, June 14 | 5:45 PM
This free workshop offered by Crisis Intervention and Advocacy Center is intended to give parents and caregivers accurate information about children’s sexual development, as well as help develop the skills and comfort to promote healthy behaviors and respond to children’s questions. Registration is required.
Explorer Camp: Birds Galore Wednesday, June 15 | 2 PM
Explore a variety of STEAM activities about birds! For youth entering grades K-5 in the fall. Registration is required.
My Very Silly Monster
Friday, June 17 | 9:30 and 11 AM
Get involved in this interactive, artistic storytelling event with author and artist Tim Read. Registration is required.
Who Would Win Book Club
Friday, June 17 and 24 | 4 PM
Each month you’ll explore a title in this fun nonfiction series, followed by an extended learning activity. Participants will chart data, consult maps, make predictions, and use their imaginations to figure out which animal would come out on top! For students entering grades 2-5. June’s book is “Polar Bear vs. Grizzly Bear.” Registration is required.
En Plein Air Painting Saturday, June 18 | 10 AM
Come paint “en plein air” (outside) in Centennial Park! Amanda Arthur-Struss will walk you stepby-step through this beginner-friendly class as you paint a landscape scene. Registration is required for this Adult-only class.
Solar S’mores
Saturday, June 18 | 2 PM
All supplies will be provided for making s’mores with heat from the sun! Each participant will go home with a reusable, solar-powered, s’more making device. For students entering 6-12 grade in the fall. Registration is required.
Outdoor Survival Camp Monday, June 20 | 6:30 PM
Complete a variety of activity stations to develop and test your knowledge of basic outdoor survival skills. Learn about finding safe drinking water, how not to get lost, basic first-aid, and more. For students entering 6-12 grade in the fall. Registration is required.
Books on Tap
Tuesday, June 21 | 6 PM
Meet at Mickey’s Irish Pub to enjoy food, drinks, and a discussion of “Detransition, Baby” by Torrey Peters.
Explorer Camp: Buggin’ Out
Wednesday, June 22 | 2 PM
Explore a variety of STEAM activities about bugs! For youth entering grades K-5 in the fall. Registration is required.
Family Magic Show
Friday, June 24 | 9:30 AM
You’re invited to be amazed and filled with laughter as you’re entertained by professional magician Jonathan May! Registration is required.
To see more upcoming June events, please go to: askme@waukee.org or
