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Faces of Waukee: Hassan Atarmal

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Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Morocco, in a very small town with limited opportunities and minimal access to modern conveniences. My parents worked hard to ensure my siblings and I could go to school and have better futures. During my first few years of college, I lived with my uncle who ran his own business. I worked there during my time off from school, and that’s where I was inspired to embrace entrepreneurship. 

In 1998, I came to the U.S. in search of better opportunities and landed in New York, where I managed a bagel shop for several years. In 2004, I met my wife, who happened to be from Iowa, and after a few years, we moved here so I could get a business degree from UNI. I worked for a few years as a home mortgage underwriter, which I enjoyed, but deep down I wanted to do something that brings people together. So, I went for something that did just that—fresh and tasty food. Hence, Fresh Mediterranean Express was born. 

When did you first realize you had a passion for food?

I grew up watching my mom cook and I remember helping her peel vegetables or adding spices to a dish and the outcome was always amazing. I’ve become even more passionate about cooking and experimenting with fresh ingredients as I’ve gotten older. I enjoy the creative aspect of what you can do with fresh ingredients to create a flavorful dish. 

How did you end up in Waukee?

When I was looking to open Fresh, my research showed that Waukee was on trend to grow exponentially, and there were very few healthy eating options here. So my wife and I decided Waukee would be a perfect fit for our concept and we opened Fresh Mediterranean Express in 2014. 

You make an effort to give back through various programs and charities. Tell us about that.

We are passionate about giving back. We support organizations that improve the well-being of children, including those with a focus on literacy.

What is the most popular item on your menu?

It’s hard to limit it to just one, but Gyros are a top seller, and ours are some of the best in town. Oh, and you can find our fresh hummus at Hy-Vee, too. That’s definitely a customer favorite!

Featured Teacher: Kathy Liston

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School is out for the summer, but for teachers, the work never really ends.  While summer may be a time to dial back a bit, it’s also a time to reset, look back over the last school year and prepare for the next.  And next year, Waukee’s Brookview Elementary students can once again look forward to working with this issue’s Featured Teacher, instructional coach Kathy Liston.

Liston was exposed to teaching early, as her mother taught preschool.  “I loved watching her work with students, and the excitement she had when they learned how to do something new was contagious,” she explained.

When she first got to college, Liston took business classes, with the goal of becoming an accountant.  Outside of classes, she became involved working with students at a local church, providing mentorship and support with schoolwork.  According to Liston, that job showed her “the power a teacher can have in a student’s life.” She quickly switched her major to elementary and middle school education.

After earning her teaching degree, Liston taught for three years in the Des Moines Public School District before moving to the relatively new (at the time) Brookview Elementary in the Waukee School District.  She taught second grade for a year at Brookview before transitioning into her current role as an instructional coach, a role she has held for eleven years.

Liston’s role as an instructional coach is to provide support to teachers, support staff and students at Brookview.  “I typically say my job is to walk alongside teachers in whatever capacity they want,” she explained. This, not surprisingly, encompasses a wide range of duties and activities.  Working with new and veteran teachers alike, Liston provides professional development, co-teaches in all grade levels and supports with new curriculums and resources. She also strives to provide “a space for brainstorming and dreaming,” as well as being a sounding board for the staff and students.

Liston has a high regard for the Waukee School District, which she said is an innovative district that focuses on students first.  “Not only are we allowed to focus on developing the whole person in Waukee, but we also strive to provide the best academic environment,” said Liston.

The district’s work around developing leadership skills in all students and staff was instrumental in Brookview Elementary being named the first Lighthouse School in Iowa.  This distinction is awarded by The Leader in Me, an organization that engages students and empowers them to act on their leadership abilities and potential at school and at home.  Brookview was recognized in 2018, and Liston said she has seen firsthand the positive effects of this certification.

Liston enjoys not only the Waukee School District, but her role within it, and said the staff and students are what she enjoys most about her work.  “I could not do this job without the amazing teachers at Brookview, who continue to challenge me in my own understanding of best practices in education.  Every teacher at Brookview and across the Waukee district wants to continue to grow and learn, which makes my job easy,” she explained.

Liston said she also loves working with the students and that her position allows her the opportunity to watch them not only learn, but become leaders in and out of the classroom.

The connections she forms with students don’t end with them leaving Brookview, either.  “I have been fortunate to develop lasting relationships with many students and families throughout my years at Brookview,” she said.

Liston was nominated for this spotlight by her peer, Brooke Folkers, who had high praise for her.  “Kathy does an outstanding job,” said Brooke. “She supports all staff and meets with students regularly.  She is incredibly kind and she’s passionate about her job. Everyone who knows her would say she adds great value to Brookview Elementary.”

Faces of Waukee: Kevin McCormick

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Where did you grow up?

I’m originally from Decorah and graduated from Garner-Hayfield. I attended North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City.   

Tell us about your family.

I’ve been married to my wife, Marie, for 26 years. We have four children—Cole, Maddie, Bayley and Tanner.

Readers might think you look familiar. Why might that be?

You might know me as the manager of your Waukee Fareway. I started working with the company in Clear Lake over 30 years ago. Since then, I’ve worked at stores in Winterset (which is where I met my wife, a Saint Charles native), Ames, Boone, Independence, Ottumwa, Burlington and the south side of Des Moines. I should probably have a punch card.

In 2010, I moved back to the metro to manage the Clive store and bought a home in Waukee. In 2016, I became the manager of the Waukee store.

What do you like most about the Waukee community?

Waukee is a small city with a big heart, and I truly mean that. We also love its top-notch school system and its great swim program for our kids.

Our store has been a part of the Waukee community since 1998, providing great service and competitive prices—in my humble opinion.

We’re proud to serve the Waukee community, and will do so for many more years to come. Thanks for reading a bit about me, and I hope to see you on your next visit to Fareway.

Faces of Waukee: Clint Robinson

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Tell us about your family.

My wife, Jenny, is a nurse. We’ve been married for 19 years, and both of us are from Waukee, although she likes to remind me that I am “a few years older.” We have three kids, ages 16, 12 and 9. We spend as much time outdoors as possible doing things like hunting, fishing, hiking and camping.

Tell our readers what you do.

As the Fire Chief for the city of Waukee, I am responsible for all operations of the fire department—including response, budgeting and personnel. The Waukee Fire Department is a combination department, meaning it employs a combination of full- and part-time firefighter/EMTs and paramedics in-house.  The department is an all-hazards department, responding to fire, ambulance and rescue calls.

Your team often makes the news for their acts of valor and quick thinking. To what do you attribute the success of Waukee’s Fire & EMS departments?

The success is 100 percent attributable to the dedication and skill of the employees and the time they spend training and preparing for emergencies. In addition to their initial training, they also spend time training each night in order to keep their skills sharp. After 27 years in the department, I am still amazed at the dedication of the firefighters.

As winter lingers a little longer and residents spend more time in their homes, odds are increased for fires in the home. Do you have any prevention tips for our readers?

·        Keep a clear space around all space heaters.

·        Make sure smoke detectors are operational with fresh batteries.

·        Have a plan with your family on how to react in an emergency.

·        Be sure carbon monoxide detectors are working and appliances are properly maintained.

·        Keep a clear area around fire hydrants.

·        Check on elderly family members more frequently than you typically would.

Waukee Centennial Park Ice Rink

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The variety of parks and trails in the city of Waukee makes it easy for residents to get out and about during the warmer weather months.  It’s not so easy to continue one’s outdoor activities in the winter, when cold and snow can make it much less appealing to be outside. But for the second year in a row, area residents can take advantage of a great opportunity for outdoor winter activity at Centennial Park Ice Rink in Waukee.

According to Matt Jermier, Parks & Recreation Director for the City of Waukee, the city was approached a couple of years ago by the Iowa Wild and Wells Fargo to partner on an ice rink in the community.  This partnership announced its first community rink in Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines in 2016. With the addition of the rink in Waukee, as well as another in Ankeny, the Wild and Wells Fargo have now donated three facilities throughout the metro.

The rinks provide a nice recreational option to encourage outdoor activity during the winter and to help grow the game of hockey in Iowa.  Centennial Park, with its level ground and abundance of parking space, was selected as a good central location for the rink, according to Jermier.  “We felt like the close proximity to all of the schools would spur additional interest in using the facility,” he added.

The 80×40-foot rink is constructed each year by the Waukee Parks Department, with help from the Waukee Fire Department.  This year, however, the construction process hit an unexpected snag in December. “It appears that someone tried to skate on the ice prior to the ice being thick enough for skating,” said Jermier.  This caused major problems for the base of the rink. “The liner was cut, which caused us to lose the water that had not frozen. City staff had to order a new liner,” Jermier added. The entire base of the rink had to be redone once the new liner arrived, delaying the opening of the rink.

Although it was a less-than-ideal experience, the incident provided valuable insight for Parks staff for future years.  “What we learned is that we really need to wait to fill the rink with water until the long-term forecast calls for multiple days of freezing weather,” said Jermier.  He added that staff posted additional signage at the rink and reminders on social media cautioning residents to stay off the ice until all of the water had frozen and the ice was ready for skating.

Despite the setback in December, the base was repaired and the rest of the rink construction proceeded as scheduled.  Centennial Park’s ice rink officially opened on Jan. 21 of this year, and according to Jermier, it has seen quite a bit of use, even during the polar vortex that descended on the state in late January.  “The response has been great,” he said.

When weather permits, the ice is open for hockey from dawn to noon daily, and open skating commences at noon and goes until dusk.  Per the City website, a green sign is posted at the gate to indicate that the rink is open; a red sign will be posted when the rink is closed.  The rink is not supervised, so patrons should keep in mind that they are skating at their own risk.

Tech Teens

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The FIRST Tech Challenge Pathfinders

It’s a Friday evening, and we’re gathered in the basement of Owen Scott’s home. He’s one of eight members of the FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) Pathfinders, an award-winning robotics club in Waukee. (FIRST stands for “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology” and is the parent organization of robotics clubs across the nation.)

We’re there for their weekly meeting. Scott and his teammates—a nearly equal mix of boys and girls—are eighth and ninth graders in the district.

The kids are huddled together on the couch as their coach, Shannon Stone, mother to team member Kristen Stone, and mentor Bhooshan Karnik, father to team member Arya Karnik, watch the students respond to my list of questions.

In addition to Arya, Owen and Kristen, Sabarish Mogallapalli, Shriya Magatapalli, Sean Eastman, Katie Morrison and Ben Avilez make up the FTC Pathfinders.

Behind the couch, there’s a large matted area known as “the field.” It’s where they’re fine-tuning their robotics project for an upcoming competition in Sioux City.

The FTC Pathfinders—named after NASA’s Mars Voyager—are one of seven robotics teams in the district.

“There’s also the STEM Punks, Enginerds, WaukeeTaukee, System Overlords, Circuit Breakers and ICE,” the students chime in.

They walk me through a typical meeting.

First, they begin by reflecting. Each student shares what they accomplished at the last meeting, what they hope to accomplish at this meeting, barriers to reaching their goals and how they can help each other overcome those barriers.

Next, they divvy up duties. Some work on finance and others on the engineering notebook—a record of everything they do throughout the season, including team activities that occur both in and outside Owen’s basement.

And, of course, they work on their robot.

“Each year, we’re given tasks and awarded point values for completing them. We design part of the robot to complete those tasks,” says Kristen.

The students are given a FIRST manual to follow, and they’re awarded points for whatever tasks their robot is able to do from that manual. The theme this year is space. The students and I walk over to the field to watch the robot in action.

There’s a red and white lander in the middle of the field. It looks like a miniature version of something you might see in a space exhibition. The robot lifts and lowers itself on and off the lander. Two corners of the square field are taped off, acting as storage depots for the “minerals” scattered around. The other two corners act as craters. One of the robot’s tasks is to pick up the minerals from the crater and deposit them in specific spots on the lander.

Most team members got their start in an FLL (FIRST Lego League) geared toward fourth through eighth graders. The FTC teams are for students in seventh through twelfth grade.

During their first season together (2014- 15), there were just two members from the current team. Together, they advanced to the state competition. As others joined, the Pathfinders’ success continued.

One of their most notable projects is an app called “City Recycle Day,” created with input from MetroWest Authority. It lists important dates for taking out trash and recycling receptacles.

In the spring of 2016, the team entered the app in the Verizon App Challenge. They won “Best in State.” They then submitted it to the Congressional App Challenge. They won that, too, and presented the app to members of Congress at the United States Capitol.

This spring, they’re headed back to Washington D.C. after winning with their latest submission, “FastLane,” which notifies parents and students about district bus schedules and delays.

While there, they’ll present to state representatives and attend talks by tech giants and innovators like Amazon, Microsoft, Southwest and Boeing.

Both apps have a community focus—something incredibly important to the Pathfinders. Outside of their meetings, the students spend time networking with teachers, visiting elementary schools across the district and making connections with local businesses.

Out of curiosity, I ask the team which subjects they’re thinking about studying after graduation.

This seems like a group that might know. They answer without hesitation.

“Aeronautical engineering,” says one.

“Biomedical or chemical engineering,” says another.

“Medical research.”

“Software engineer.”

It is evident I am far from the smartest person in the room. I am impressed with how, at such a young age, these students have already found a career path they love. For many, it’s all they’ve known.

“STEM is my life,” says Karnik.

Like many in the group, both of his parents work in the field.

“All the people I look up to are in STEM,” says Katie. “That’s where everything is headed. There’s so much you can do in it.”

Stone adds, “There is a significant shortage of engineers. It’s really important we prepare ourselves for the future. We have to keep evolving with the world.”

It’s obvious that their coach, Shannon, is proud.

“The team is just a great bunch to be around. They amaze me. They face a lot of challenges, whether it be tech or otherwise, and they always keep a positive attitude and support each other. They keep marching forward,” she gushes.

Not only do the Pathfinders get to practice their STEM skills in robotics club, they also work on fundraising and acquiring sponsorships, public speaking and presentation skills.

“We’re in a lot of situations where we’re talking to people about our team or projects—from judges, business owners and kids. So, we learn confidence and how to improve our speaking skills. We also learn time management and how to prioritize doing multiple things and meeting deadlines,” says Arya.

They also learn about a concept called “gracious professionalism,” a hallmark of the many virtues FIRST promotes. It’s the idea that despite their competition, teams should collaborate, learn from one another and help each other whenever possible.

“It’s just like good sportsmanship, whether you win or lose, you’re respectful and kind to those around you. That gets returned to you later when others are willing to help out,” says Katie.

The students are regular visitors in the Waukee elementary schools, where they participate in interest groups to discuss the club with prospective team members. They say teachers are their best advocates for recruiting future FLL or FTC students.

For information on joining a robotics club, visit firstinspires.org or reach out to the Pathfinders at pathfinders13497@gmail.com or email Jeff Longman, Director of Community Education at Waukee Community School District, at jlongman@waukeeschools.org.


myWaukee Exclusive: Our Past, Present, & Future Video Story

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To say Waukee has come a long way since its coal-mining roots is an understatement.

MyWaukee partnered with Waukee APEX Associate Caleb Neese to create this look into where we were, where we are, and where we’re headed in Waukee, Iowa.

myWaukee Exclusive: Waukee Second High School Video Story

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We take a look at the growth of the Waukee Community School District and the upcoming second high school expected to be accepting students in the Fall of 2021.

This video was created in Partnership with the Waukee APEX Program. The story was conceived, shot, edited, and produced by APEX Associates Debashish Koirala and Ben Jordison.

From the School District: Color Us Impressed

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Many people are curious what the mascot and school colors will be for the new high school in Waukee. To us, this shows the interest and investment our community has in our growing district.

People have moved to Waukee—in record numbers—for the exceptional education our staff provides and they’ve stayed because we’ve delivered on those expectations. A second high school will allow us to expand opportunities for all of our students and create spaces where new opportunities can be implemented.  

Our leaders understand how fortunate we are to have the community’s support as we grow as a district. When we asked the community to vote on the bond referendum in 2018, it was passed at more than 90 percent. To us, this shows that our community is supportive of our decision to grow the school district into two high schools. Because the bond referendum passed, we are able to design a 21st-century facility that allows us to meet the current needs of students and educators.

After the completion of the Waukee Innovation & Learning Center in 2013, it was clear to us that students are learning in different ways than they did in the past, and educators are teaching in a different way—for the better. Most districts in the state are not building new facilities; instead, they have to be creative with the resources they already have with declining enrollments. We are taking a hard look at how we spend taxpayer dollars to make sure it’s in the best interest of our students and staff, to last long into the future of Waukee Community School District.

To circle back to the frequently asked questions about the mascot and colors, we will be working with current staff and key stakeholders to help us through these and all of the important decisions. We do not want to have a split district with an “us vs. them” mentality. Waukee is a tight-knit community, with our schools being the anchor, and we don’t want that to change. Engaging our staff from the beginning has been very beneficial in making decisions on classroom layouts, how we use the spaces in the new buildings, and resources we can provide to enhance learning. This has worked well for us in the past and will continue to build a sense of community and excitement for the new school. We are going to enjoy this journey and have some fun in the process, so stay tuned.

An official groundbreaking event for the new school was held on Dec. 11. We were proud to involve the entire community in the ceremonial groundbreaking. For more updates on the construction of the new high school, visit https://2ndhs.waukeeschools.org/.

 

Faces of Waukee: Keri Weston-Stoll & Alex Coggeshell

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Left to Right: Keri Weston-Stoll & Alex Coggeshell

Keri Weston-Stoll

Tell us about your family.

I live with my husband John; we have been married for six years. He is the youngest of six siblings, and I am the oldest of four. We enjoy spending time with our nieces, nephews and our extended family.

What do you do for a living?

I lead a department of three youth services staff who create and present all of the fun library programs for children and teens ages 0-18 and their caregivers. We spend a lot of time planning and preparing events that are fun and sneakily educational, and we make many outreach visits to area schools, preschools, and child-care facilities. I also enjoy working with our Teen Advisory Board and our other amazing teen volunteers. Additionally, I purchase all of the books, DVDs, STEAM kits and other materials for children and teens.

What do you think sets the Waukee Library apart from other metro-area libraries?

To me, two of the most exciting things about our library are our Digital Scholar program and our STEAM Library. Digital Scholar is a partnership with the Waukee schools that allows all Waukee students access to our online materials with their student ID numbers. Our STEAM Library offers a wide variety of educational items that all library cardholders can borrow for three weeks at a time. The most popular item is a Dash Robot. We also have a learn-to-knit kit, a keyboard, a telescope, a microscope, Little Bits, more robots, and several other items. This collection is growing all the time.

Any exciting winter programs you’d like to tell us about?

We have a Winter Reading Bingo challenge going on for all ages until the end of January. People can sign up on our website or stop into the library for a Bingo card. For special events, we have some new monthly programming for elementary students who are fans of the “I Survived” series, a new monthly Craft Lab and a Family Disney Fan Trivia fundraiser coming up on Feb. 2.

Any New Year’s resolutions you care to share with our readers?

Nothing too exciting—just trying to be more healthy!

Alex Coggeshell

Tell us about your family.

My family and I are originally from the Des Moines area, but we moved to Joplin, Missouri when I was in junior high. Now I’m back and proud to be an Iowan again! My grandpa, Paul Coggeshell, had a chiropractic clinic on the south side for many years—it’s surprising and heartwarming how many people recognize my last name and ask if there’s any relation. I am a spoiled only child and was raised by my wonderful mother, Micci Krause, who owns a thriving real estate company. Though it’s a bit of a trek from Joplin, my grandma and mom make frequent trips to visit me—and to go shopping at Jordan Creek.

What do you do for a living?

I’m the adult services librarian at the Waukee Public Library. I’m in charge of planning all of the adult programs as well as managing and developing the adult book collection. In short, I’m responsible for running all the fun events and buying all the books for our adult patrons. I’m also in charge of Lit+Fix—our personalized book selection service for busy caregivers and parents. Soon, I’ll have a hand in curating our library’s new art gallery, which is opening in the spring.

What do you think sets the Waukee Library apart from other metro-area libraries?

I think our library is set apart by the strong sense of community in Waukee. We serve one of the fastest growing cities in the metro, but our library offers a welcoming environment and friendly customer service that’s usually attributed to smaller towns. Library staff members really take the time to get to know our patrons and we pride ourselves on working together to meet the community’s needs.

Any exciting winter programs you’d like to tell us about?

I have so many great upcoming programs planned for adults! There will be classes on 5k Training and Disney Travel 101, a craft workshop on Beginner’s Knitting, an Herbal Tea: Mixology 101 class, and history talks on “Lessons from the Holocaust” by Brad Wilkening and “Buxton, Iowa: The Making of a One-Of-A-Kind Town” by Iowa author Rachelle Chase.

In March, we’ll kick off a new year of our Local History Series in partnership with the Waukee Area Historical Society with a presentation on “Minburn Singing Wheels” and our Lunch & Learn sessions in partnership with Waukee Parks & Recreation with an iPad Basics class.

Be sure to check out our website, give us a call or stop by the library to get all the details!

Any New Year’s resolutions you care to share with our readers?

My resolution is always to eat healthily (but save room for dessert), stay active and make some great memories.

 

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