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Waukee Public Library – 90 Years and Counting

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Library celebrates its 90th anniversary of serving the community 

Waukee’s existing public library was formally established in 1929. That year, the Waukee Public Library opened its doors with 500 books, provided by the Traveling Library of the State of Iowa. In 1941, those books, as well as the library’s 190 permanent volumes, were lost in a fire. The library quickly reopened with just 150 books in the back room of City Hall (then located at 410 6th Street). This resiliency and ability to adapt to change is still alive today at the library.

As the Waukee Public Library celebrates its 90th anniversary, its collection sits at more than 40,000 print items. E-books and a vast array of online resources are also available to cardholders. Library Director Kristine Larson, who has been at the helm since 2014, says the library’s impact goes beyond checking
out materials.

“The library is much more than books; it’s a community space,” said Larson. “We have computers for public use, downloadable audiobooks, subscriptions to genealogy and research sites, and so much more. We serve Waukee residents daily by offering meeting room space, study rooms and workspaces. We’ve transformed our children’s area to offer hands-on learning centers and technology activities. Programs and events for all ages continue to fill up. It’s a much more interactive place than it was 90 years ago.”

That interaction is a big draw for residents. Library Board of Trustees President Jared Starkweather is not only an advisor for the library, he’s also a frequent visitor.

“We use the library on a weekly basis, said Starkweather. “
“The Waukee Public Library means a lot to my family and me.
We use the library on a weekly basis. We check out books to
work toward our 3-year-old’s ‘1,000 Books Before Kindergarten’
goal, we participate in the Summer Reading Program, and we check out movies for family movie nights. We also attend numerous events. The library is really an entertainment destination.”

Starkweather is not alone. More than 120,000 visitors flocked to the Waukee Public Library in 2018, and 2019 is on pace to surpass that number. Larson noted that staff members serve about 600 patrons a day during the summer months, and nearly 28,000 people annually participate in the library’s free programs, such as:

  • 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
  • Kids’ storytimes
  • Lego Club
  • STEAM
  • Teen programs and advisory board
  • Summer and Winter Reading Programs
  • Book Clubs
  • Local History Series
  • Sensory Spaces
  • Conversational English
  • Lunch & Learns
  • Movie Matinees

In 1990, the library moved into the former Waukee Christian Church building. The current Waukee Public Library building opened in March 2003 thanks to a $2 million City bond approved by voters. The Hal Manders’ Museum and the Coal Mine Museum were constructed as building additions in 2009 and 2013, respectively. 

With so much growth in Waukee and in library participation, building renovations were necessary to keep up. A new HVAC system was installed earlier this year, and interior improvements were made to the walls, floors, and furniture over the past two years. Larson said the need for future expansion is on the horizon.

“In order to keep up with the Waukee community’s demand for books, computers, meeting spaces and program spaces, the library will need a much larger building to continue to offer a high level of services and resources,” she said. “People may think libraries are fading, but in fact, many libraries are experiencing a significant increase in popularity, ours included.”

Starkweather said even during just four years as a board member, he has seen the high demand for services firsthand. He is incredibly proud of how library staff has risen to the challenge.

“Our circulation is growing, and our Summer Reading Program just had a record 3,000 people participate,” he said. “The library added wireless internet hotspots for check-out, increased children’s programs and STEM activities, opened an art gallery featuring local artist exhibits, began offering the Adventure Pass for free access to local attractions and so much more! It amazes me how much staff of 18 people can do to enrich the lives of so many people.”

With 90 chapters finished in this ongoing story, library board members and staff members encourage citizens to be a part of the next volume. 

The Waukee Public Library is located at 950 Warrior Lane. 

Information and an event listing can be found at waukeepubliclibrary.org. 

Read a book, learn a language, attend a storytime or meet new friends. at the library!

Going Far With Apex

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Waukee Aspiring Professional Experience (APEX) is beginning its sixth school year serving students in Waukee and surrounding school districts. Waukee APEX has 550 active business partners, has completed 1,049 projects, fostered 10 business startups, and has 4,316 college credits earned by its associates, or students. 

Many people have heard of Waukee APEX, but oftentimes don’t fully grasp the scope of the program and benefits it has for our students as they plan for their future. The program is designed through collaboration between education, business, and the community, Waukee APEX develops highly-skilled, adaptable, global innovators and leaders. Waukee APEX draws on the expertise of business partners to bring real-world experience to high school. Through passion-based learning, authentic projects, and experiences, students add value to business partners while exploring career possibilities identified by economic trends within our metro area and state.

One unique aspect of the APEX program is host site involvement. Host sites are satellite business locations where classes can be held throughout the week. Currently, the APEX course Finance, Banking and Investments (FBI) is connected with Central Bank in Waukee. Being in a host site environment exposes student associates to leaders in the industry.

Banking student associates work closely with Mia Thomas, Retail Operations Supervisor, and Matt Klein, Business Development Specialist. These two leaders provide our APEX student associates a great deal of industry-specific learning as well as authentic project learning. This helps any student associate that is aspiring to be a banking professional to really see what it looks and feels like to work in the field. Jesse Hunt, FBI instructor, expressed that, “Having a partner like Central Bank allows for learning to occur organically. The environment is genuine, and Mia and Matt do an amazing job leading our student associates”.

At the start of the term, student associates learn about different banking careers. For example, at Central Bank, there are tellers, personal bankers, managers, mortgage officers, commercial bankers, and credit card managers. Student associates interested in pursuing a career in those fields are encouraged to ask questions to gain further information. Additionally, student associates learn about daily banking operations.

As the term progresses, student associates will be exposed to many different types of finance and banking related topics. Personal finance is addressed, such as savings accounts, checking accounts, interest rates, loan to value, risk assessment, as well as debt to income. Further, the differences between personal finance in comparison to corporate finance are addressed through their value-added project work for various companies in the area. Student associates who are interested in pursuing an entrepreneurial path have the opportunity to learn about business development and the tools it takes to grow your business and professional relationships.

Host sites are an integral part of the APEX program, and we feel very fortunate to work so closely with Central Bank. Matt Klein expressed, “We are really excited to partner with APEX.  It is such a great program and the students are so mature. Really well beyond their years.”

Recently, Waukee APEX had a chance to catch up with APEX alumni, Kyle Boulanger, who graduated in 2015. He was one of the first APEX student associates, and he used his time to explore areas in the medical field. After graduating from high school, Kyle attended Grand View University where he studied biology and biochemistry, conducted research, played football, participated in academic clubs, and served on student government.

Kyle explained that his time in APEX taught him a lot about who he was and who he aspires to become. “APEX allowed me to explore a field in which I was extremely interested in. I was able to gain early insight into potential careers that helped open and close doors.” He is grateful that he had the opportunity to define his career path, as it saved him time and money after graduation. “Everyone has heard countless stories of students changing their major halfway or even all the way through their four-year education. APEX gave me a real-world opportunity where I was able to interact with individuals in healthcare, so I could make a more informed decision when deciding programs of study at Grand View.”

APEX taught Kyle how to interact outside of the classic educational setting. Kyle shared, “Collaborating with physicians, university professors, nurses, and more taught me how to be productive outside of the classroom.” Meeting professionals and working on his own projects taught him the importance of being punctual and professional, which forced him to better manage his time. Kyle explained, “Once you begin a career, being late to work or failing to produce doesn’t simply result in the drop of a letter grade, it results in the loss of future career and life opportunities.” For all of these reasons, Kyle appreciated that APEX provided him a great transition between high school and college. He is certain that his APEX experience led him to be much more prepared than his fellow students during his first semester at Grand View University.

Today, Kyle is working as a research associate in Doug Melton’s lab in the Harvard Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology. The lab that he works in focuses on studying the development of the pancreas, and they use pluripotent stem cells to do so. Ultimately, the lab is focused on developing a cellular therapeutic treatment of Type 1 Diabetes. After his time in the Melton lab, he hopes to obtain a PhD in a stem cell program.

Kyle shared this advice for future students. “I would encourage every student to participate in the APEX program, regardless of what they believe their future entails. You never truly know what field of study will make you tick, and the only way to find out is by jumping right in.”

If you or someone you know would like to become a business partner with Waukee APEX please visit https://apex.waukeeschools.org/ for more information.

Business Profile – El Guapo

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Tequila! The owners of Gusto Pizza Co. are reopening their location on the border of West Des Moines and Waukee with a new, upscale “south of the border” concept. El Guapo’s Tequila and Tacos will offer street tacos and more than 50 different types of tequila.

Co-owners Jared Weiss and Josh Holderness said after six years as Gusto Pizza Co. and experiencing nearly half a dozen pizza places pop up within a one-mile radius, it was time to do something different.

“Waukee has had some unbelievable economic and residential growth, and that’s not going to slow down any time soon. We are committed to the neighborhood and enjoy being here. We wanted to create a concept that allows us to continue fostering relationships in the community,” said Holderness.

When gathering ideas from friends in the area on a new establishment, Holderness said the desire for a neighborhood bar kept coming up.  “There are a lot of options for craft beer in Waukee, but not for cocktails.”

Weiss, a southern California native with a marketing background, was particularly interested in a bar with Mexican flare—and a story. The tale concerns El Guapo (“the handsome one”), an immigrant from Jalisco, Mexico (tequila’s place of origin), who traveled to West Des Moines in 1926 as a distiller. 

“Not a lot is known about El Guapo, but we’re bringing to light to who he was and where he came from,” said Weiss.

In addition to tequila, El Guapo will serve beer—primarily Mexican, but also some domestics—as well as custom cocktails unique to the bar. Weiss said the menu will be simple, with well-thought-out traditional Mexican recipes, including tacos with house-made tortillas.

The DIY concept can also be seen in the newly-designed aesthetics of the space. Everything from the bar to the lighting and the hubcap art installation were crafted by the owners. 

Weiss said they wanted to give the location a totally different vibe and ambiance in its latest incarnation. “I think we’ve done that with finishes you’ll see. It’s really coming together with different textures and elements.”

El Guapo is comprised of three sections—a Day of the Dead room, the Agave Courtyard and the Lower Rider Lounge, which will feature a more relaxed setting with couches. TVs will be placed throughout the bar for customers to catch a game—both football and futbol.

Weiss said that while the restaurant will be family-friendly, it will transition to a bar at night with brunch available on the weekend.

Regular tasting and educational events also will be held at the bar. “We want to show people the many different types of tequila, and how to drink it and pair it with great tacos,” explained Weiss. 

Holderness feels tequila is often misunderstood, and there’s much to learn about it. “It’s a beautiful spirit,” he said.  “We want to teach people how to really enjoy and savor it.” 

The bar’s grand opening is scheduled for Nov. 1, just in time for Dia de los Muertos—the Mexican “Day of the Dead” holiday that follows Halloween. Weiss said Waukee residents can look forward to celebrating El Guapo with a costume party and a mariachi band—and, of course, tequila!

Faces of Waukee: Austin Shane

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Tell us a little about yourself.

I just turned 15, and I’m a Boy Scout in Troop 208. I was born in Arlington Heights, Illinois. My family moved to Iowa when I was almost 3 years old, but Chicago will always have a special place in my heart. I have two siblings, Alyssa and Lindsey, and two cats, Cinder and Biscuit. I play drums and piano in my free time, and I especially love playing 80’s music, such as Toto, on both instruments. I also have a job at the Waukee Fareway store, where I’ve worked for almost a year.

When did you first get involved in the Boy Scouts?

I started Cub Scouts in first grade, when I had no idea that I had just started a very long journey to Eagle Scout. I enjoyed Cub Scouts because of all the friends I made, the experiences I had, and the activities we got to do. In third or fourth grade, I learned about the Boy Scouts and what they do, and about the highest rank of Eagle Scout. I knew I wanted to get there someday.

You just recently completed an Eagle Scout project. Tell us how you came to work on that.

This past February, I started brainstorming project ideas. It took about three years of scouting to get to this point because of all the hard work I had to do with the six ranks below Eagle. For my project, I didn’t want to just get it over with and forget about it; I wanted it to mean something to me, and to be something I was passionate about. After about two weeks of searching, Matt Huth, the choir director at Prairieview School, pitched me the idea to construct drum and equipment carts for the show choirs in the Waukee school district. This idea was right down my lane since I’m a drummer, and I play drums for my grade’s show choir.

What was Mr. Huth’s reaction to your completed project?

Mr. Huth was very thankful, as will be the other choir directors in the district when their carts are delivered to them very shortly. And I am certainly thankful that this project is coming to a close after countless hours of planning, more planning, and finally executing.

We’re in the season of being thankful. What are you most thankful for during all your years in the Scouts?

I am most thankful for the opportunities and skills that scouting has given me. In the past six months, I was able to be the Senior Patrol Leader of my troop, which means I was pretty much the leader of our troop, which gave me a ton of leadership skills. I’ve also had the opportunity to do things I never would have imagined. For example, last summer, I went on a high adventure trip to Colorado where I climbed the tallest mountain in Colorado and went white water rafting the next day. I hope to stay active in my troop and have more amazing opportunities going forward.

Featured Teacher: Julia Roegiers

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It was a gloomy winter afternoon. I was sitting on the couch watching a rerun of “The Office” while holding my sleeping newborn. I felt my phone vibrate and looked at the number. I immediately recognized it. 

“Uh, oh,” I thought. It was my son’s second-grade teacher, Julia Roegiers. At that point in the school year, we had found ourselves in a bi-weekly cadence of phone calls, offering support to one another as we navigated how to best help a kid who wasn’t too keen on school. 

“Hi, Elyssa, I just wanted to call and tell you what a great day Julian is having,” she said. 

This was not the conversation I was expecting. 

We talked for a few minutes more, and I hung up with a happy heart and sleepy grin. During my now seven years with a school-aged child, it’s the only time a teacher has called—unprompted—to share some good news. 

And that’s why I took the opportunity to nominate and celebrate Julia in this issue’s Featured Teacher. 

Julia still teaches second grade—then at Shuler Elementary, now at Radiant Elementary. She’s also taught at Wallace Elementary in Johnston. She’s been in the classroom for 15 years, taking a break somewhere in between to stay at home with her three children. 

Her teaching style goes beyond fostering excellence in academics. Through daily modeling, redirecting and reinforcing student behavior, she works hard to create an empathetic classroom community. 

“We spend a lot of time discussing how we can be caring in our actions and words,” Julia explained. “My classroom is very structured. However, I love to have fun and laugh with my students. I try to encourage them to be curious in the classroom and give them opportunities to take ownership of their learning. When this happens, it provides us with opportunities to empower students.”  

Julia said she’s always wanted to be the kind of teacher who positively impacts the lives of her students. But in 2006, at just 38 years old, a grim cancer diagnosis made an unimaginable impact on her life. 

“I was diagnosed with Stage IIIC ovarian cancer,” she said. “It was a very scary time as there was a low survival rate.  I will be forever grateful to family and friends who prayed for me, helped with the kids, and supported me along the way.  Now, at age 51 or—as I tell my students—two quarters and a penny, I am grateful for the gift of each day and the opportunity it provides me to make a difference.” 

Julia credits the support of her husband for giving her the ability to continue to do something she loves. “My husband, Jim, and I just celebrated our 26th year of marriage,” she said. “For the past three years, our wedding anniversary has fallen on Waukee’s ‘Back to School Night.’ You know you married the most amazing man when he spends his wedding anniversary helping you in your classroom.”

“He takes on many additional home and kid duties during the school year as well as accepting some of my long school nights and weekend hours,” she added.

When I asked Julia what was most challenging about being a teacher, she said it’s that you’re more than your title. “Teachers do not just teach. We are actors, comedians, encouragers, supporters, healers, huggers, referees and expert shoe-tiers. I think one of the most challenging parts of teaching is that it is a profession in which you can always do more. We carry our students in our hearts and our minds all year.”

When I asked what was most rewarding, her answer was in tune with my random request for an interview and my confession that, “Oh, by the way, we loved you the most.”

“I try to create relationships with students and their parents, so we become a team working together to help each child reach their potential,” she said. “The absolute best is when students connect with you years after you were their teacher.” 

“I had one student from Johnston who reached out to me a few years ago,” she explained. “She had named her daughter Julia because of the impact I had on her life. That still gives me the chills. We never know how our words or actions will impact the young lives we come into contact with. Knowing that you have played a small part in making a difference in a child’s life is the goal and dream of every teacher.”

Boundless Optimism

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A new group of do-gooders has come to town with a glass-half-full kind of name to match. The Waukee Optimist Club launched early this September.

The group is focused on supporting youth throughout the area, with an emphasis on academic, athletic and health and wellness opportunities. 

Optimist International is a worldwide volunteer organization with nearly 2,500 clubs and 65,000 members that serve more than six million children each year worldwide. 

Rebecca Butler Mona, a former Optimist International President and member of the Noon Optimist Club of Western Des Moines (one of two local Optimist Clubs partnering to sponsor the new Waukee club), said the organization is always looking for ways to expand its outreach into new communities. 

“Waukee is a vibrant, fast-growing community where there’s interest and the ability to make an impact,” said Mona. 

The current Waukee Optimist roster consists of an eight-person board of directors and eight additional charter members:

President: Billie Reed

Secretary:Kathy Mock

Treasurer: Mary Secress

Vice Presidents: Janelle Martens, Jim Adams

Directors: Evelyn Graff, Michelle Scranton, Katie Ritzman

Charter members: Brenda Jackson, Randy Lovell, Cal Oral, Cassie Meylor Lourens, Gareth Lourens, Kathy Ford, Sonja Coobs, Chase Erickson

Billie Reed, Waukee Optimist President, was drawn to the group not only because of its mission to serve youth in her community, but because she strives to be an “optimist” in her daily life as well. 

“I attempt to begin every day of my life with a positive attitude and purposely

share that with whomever I come in contact with that day,” said Reed. “Being

given an opportunity to brighten the day, and ultimately the life, of youth is

a beautiful thing I’m excited to be a part of.” 

Reed said the group will “encourage youth to be hopeful and expect good outcomes in their lives.”

“Their choices make them who they are,” she said. “Every child can use encouragement to explore and excel in the areas they’re gifted in. We attempt to make those opportunities available. We also encourage youth to be good citizens and give back to their community.”

In addition to charters for adult members, 500 Junior Optimist Clubs have nearly 15,000 members. The Waukee Chapter intends to offer its own Junior Optimist club for youth (high school-aged and younger) this fall. 

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to give high school-aged kids the chance to learn about doing their own community service projects and have different leadership opportunities,” said Mona. “They have the chance to be part of something bigger as well, because we have an Iowa Junior Optimist District where they can serve in roles across the state.”

On Nov. 12, the Optimist clubs are holding a youth appreciation event that recognizes students across the Des Moines metro. Mona said it’s something the group has been doing for about 35 years.

“We reach out to the schools across the Des Moines metro and invite them to nominate two students from every middle school and high school who they view as exemplary community leaders making an impact in their school and their broader community,” she explained.  “We fully expect to have Waukee students recognized at that event this year. So, we’re looking forward to that.”

While the Waukee Optimist group is in the early stages of planning volunteering activities, Mona said they have a few projects in mind. “One of them involves working with an elementary school to establish a reading program for kids. Our members would come in and read to the children.”

Mona said the idea is similar to a successful model they’ve deployed at Hillside Elementary in West Des Moines, which has a diverse student population and a higher level of financial need. 

“We’ve also talked about providing the class with a small stuffed animal they could adopt, and we would encourage the kids to read to the stuffed animal,” said Mona.

Additionally, Mona said the group wants to offer various health and wellness services throughout Waukee, such as partnering with a local organization to provide backpacks filled with food for children who may go hungry on the weekend. “We had the idea of doing a community garden, too, because even when you provide food in a backpack, it tends to be non-perishable items that don’t have the same nutrients as fresh produce,” she explained.

Many Optimist clubs also work to provide recreational opportunities, such as playing soccer, for children after school or in the summer.  “We want to give kids a chance to be part of a team,” said Mona.

While the executive positions at the Waukee Optimist Club are currently filled, it is welcoming new members. “In an Optimist Club, there’s a place for everyone to use their gifts and talents to encourage and uplift the youth of our community and find their niche,” said Reed.

The club has members ranging from young professionals to parents with school-aged children to those enjoying retirement. Mona said the time commitment is manageable as the group meets monthly and will plan for most projects on more

of a virtual, flexible cadence between meetings.

“We often find it to be true that ‘the busiest people get the most done.’ Those who have a heart for volunteering and making a difference generally find a way to make time and to prioritize that because they find it fulfilling and also enjoy working with others who share those values,” said Mona.

If you’re looking for different ways to get involved during the holiday season and beyond, the Waukee Optimist Club meets the third Monday evening of each month at 7 p.m. at Thomas Place, the senior living facility on SE Brick Drive. 

You can also visit facebook.com/WaukeeOptimist/ for more info on club activities or to send them a Facebook message. Additional information on Optimist International can be found at optimist.org. 

Community Spotlight: Prairieview Teacher Baedke Receives Excellence in Education Award

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The Waukee School District consistently ranks as one of the top school districts statewide, and the latest evidence of its merit was on display this past July at the Iowa State Education Association’s (ISEA) Celebration of Excellence Awards Banquet.  Prairieview Spanish teacher Kerisa Baedke was presented with the ISEA Excellence in Education Award, which celebrates educators across the state who touch the lives of their students on an everyday basis. The winner acts as ISEA’s nominee for the National Education Association’s (NEA) Foundation Awards for Teaching Excellence.

Now in her 31st year of teaching world languages, Baedke caught the teaching bug early on.  “I feel like I’ve been teaching most of my life,” she said. Both of her parents taught at UNI, and with two older brothers already in school, Baedke, who was still too young to attend, contented herself with playing school “all the time” at home.

During high school, she decided to study to become a world language teacher, initially planning to major in French.  On the advice of her mother—also a world language teacher—she decided to study Spanish as well, to make herself more marketable.

“My mom is very wise,” explained Baedke, “because all these years later, with a double major in French and Spanish, a teaching certificate, a semester studying abroad in Mexico, a year of teaching English in France, and a Master’s in Spanish, I am living my best life teaching young people language and culture!”

During that year in France, Baedke interviewed by phone for a position teaching French and Spanish at West Delaware High School and Middle School in Manchester, Iowa.  Not only was she hired, but her husband Bruce was also hired as the chemistry and physics teacher in the district. After teaching in West Delaware for five years, the Baedkes moved to the Des Moines metro area so that she could teach at Valley and he could teach at Dowling.  Baedke came to Prairieview in the fall of 2006 and is now entering her 14th year of teaching there.

Baedke is in her element at Prairieview.  The building is home to eighth and ninth grades, and she said she loves this because those are her two favorite grades.  She also praises the district as an excellent place to work and enjoys working with the students at Prairieview. “The students at Prairieview are incredible,” she said. “They’re kind to each other and they’re fun.  They want to learn and grow.” She also described the Prairieview staff as a family: “We strive to create a culture of love and respect that makes coming to Prairieview every day a joy.”

Clearly, Baedke’s appreciation of her students is mutual, as it was one of her students who nominated her for the Excellence in Education Award.  She received a call from Mike Beranek, the President of ISEA, in mid-April to inform her that she had won. “I was shocked,” she said. “I hadn’t known anything about the award and had to ask him several questions about it before I believed him…I still am rather flabbergasted, truth be told.  It’s a great honor, and at the same time, it’s incredibly humbling.”

Baedke’s colleagues aren’t as surprised as she was.  “[This] is a reflection of the impact she has on her students,” said Prairieview Principal Mark Stallman in a press release announcing her receipt of the award.  “We are so proud that she will represent Prairieview, Waukee and the state of Iowa as one of five national finalists for the Horace Mann Award for Teaching Excellence.”

As a finalist for this national award, Baedke will take an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, DC, in February for the National Education Association (NEA) Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education Gala.  She is planning to attend with her husband and her mom. “We’re all very excited!” she said. “I’m looking forward to the event and to meeting all of the other teachers being recognized for excellence by their state education associations.”  

It’s safe to say that regardless of the outcome in Washington, DC, Baedke is already a winner with her students, her colleagues and the Waukee School District.  Congratulations! 

Featured Teacher: Ann Hanigan-Kotz

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This time of year signals a return to school for thousands of Iowa kids, from kindergarten through college. Of course, those kids’ teachers have been hard at work in their classrooms since the beginning of summer, preparing for the hustle and bustle of the coming year. 

And one of the busiest—and best—is Waukee High School English teacher Ann Hanigan-Kotz.

Hanigan-Kotz is heading into her 32nd year of teaching, and she identified her desire to teach early in her college career. After choosing English as a major, “I was practical in wanting a job from my degree,” she said. “I decided I could use my degree in the classroom.” A lifelong lover of reading and analyzing literature, she also wanted to help students the way she had been helped by her own English teachers.

Hanigan-Kotz started teaching in the Waukee School District in 1991 and has now taught all levels of high school English. She said the students are what she enjoys most about her work. “They’re so funny and fun to be around,” she explained. “I especially enjoy watching them grow in their writing and thinking skills. They become so confident. Their academic and personal growth is exciting to watch.”

She has high praise for her students’ parents and her peers, as well. “The students at Waukee work hard and appreciate their education,” she said. “Their parents are supportive of their learning.  I also admire the teachers in the district. They’re professional and care deeply about all of the students. I watch my colleagues go beyond their job description. They put so much of themselves into their profession.”

Hanigan-Kotz fits this mold herself. In addition to teaching advanced English, she also acts as the education teacher at Waukee High School, teaching Introduction to Education, a dual-credit DMACC class that allows students the chance to experience teaching for themselves. A survey class, Introduction to Education, gives students experience in all aspects of teaching, including a practicum component during which they spend 140 hours in the classroom, working with individuals, small groups and the whole class. “They teach, assess, plan and prepare teaching materials,” said Hanigan-Kotz. “They get a far more thorough experience than the colleges can give them.”

Thanks to Hanigan-Kotz, Introduction to Education isn’t the only dual-credit education class available to Waukee High School students. She recently approached UNI and persuaded the university to partner with the school to offer a children’s literature class for education students. According to Hanigan-Kotz, children’s literature is a required course for all elementary education majors, regardless of where they attend college. She team-teaches the course with UNI professor Dr. JD Cryer. She said she wanted to add the literature class to give interested students another education course to take after they finish Introduction to Education.

“They were passionate about being in the classroom, and I wanted to keep that passion burning,” she explained.

She’s also in the process of working with UNI to add another dual-credit class, ideally a course for students who are interested in elementary or secondary education. Hanigan-Kotz wants to ensure that students interested in pursuing education have as many options as possible to further that interest. “We need these passionate young people to go into our profession,” she said. “Teaching is such an honorable and important profession, and it has been so meaningful in my life. I want to share that with others.”

By all appearances, Hanigan-Kotz is making a big impact. She was nominated to be this issue’s Featured Teacher by retired Waukee High School educator Connie Tow, who began teaching there at the same time as Hanigan-Kotz and speaks very highly of her former colleague.

“Her commitment to excellence in the classroom results in students being extraordinarily well-prepared for life after high school, whether on the job or in college,” said Tow. “Her students comment on her high expectations for student achievement and her dedication to their success.”

Tow was the original instructor for the Introduction to Education DMACC class at Waukee High School and said she believes Hanigan-Kotz is doing a tremendous job helping to launch prospective future educators. “Ann’s commitment to quality learning opportunities for students and staff make her a valuable resource to our district,” said Tow. “A true professional. A dedicated teacher. A valued friend to many. A lifelong learner: Ann Hanigan-Kotz.”

Faces of Waukee: Sarah Kautz

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Where are you from?

I was born and raised in the Quad Cities—specifically, East Moline, Illinois.  I graduated from United Township High School in East Moline and also from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA. We have been in the Des Moines metro area for three years.

You’re a mother of three; what does your family do for fun?

I have three kids—ages 16, 14 and 8—all students in the Waukee School District.  We love to travel and go on adventures. The kids have been to more than 40 states.  I also stay busy cheering on the kids in their activities, including football, show choir, track/field and cheerleading.  

Tell us about your role in the Waukee School District.  

As of July 1, I am the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the school district.  I have a responsibility to ensure proper fiscal management for all aspects of the district, including capital and operational budgeting, health insurance, property/casualty insurance, payroll, financial reporting, grants, compliance reporting, internal controls, and advising the board and superintendent regarding financial policies.  It’s a very fun, fast paced, dynamic role and certainly more exciting due to the growth of the district. No two days are the same at Waukee Schools!

What’s your favorite thing about working in Waukee?

We have the best educators, administrators and staff, and they’re all working toward the same goal—to provide the best possible educational experience for our students.  I am proud to be a part of such an amazing team. I truly enjoy coming to work every day.

The growing district has had its share of difficulties in the past few years. What would you say are your biggest goals in your role as CFO?

My biggest goals for the coming year are continuing the great work we have done in the last few months around strengthening our internal control environment and business procedures, developing relationships with building administrators and staff, and ensuring that the district has a strong financial position to support our day-to-day operations and the growth we are experiencing.  Our best days are ahead of us.

Faces of Waukee: Mindi Heitland

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Where did you grow up? 

I grew up on a farm outside of Zearing and graduated from Colo-Nesco. After high school, I earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Coe College and a master’s degree from Drake University. 

Tell us about your family. 

My husband, Brent, is also a teacher and coach in the district. Our two elementary-aged sons have been raised in the bleachers and on the sidelines as Waukee Warrior fans. Outside of school, we enjoy attending our own boys’ sports and activities, time at the lake and traveling.

Tell us about what you do for the Waukee School District. 

As a school-to-work coordinator, I organize and coordinate internships for high school seniors in career fields they are interested in pursuing after graduation. I’m always working to establish partnerships with local businesses and organizations to provide meaningful and authentic internship experiences.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

The number of quality opportunities offered through Waukee Schools is tremendous. It’s very rewarding to watch students find what interests and excites them, and then see them build on those skills to use in the future. 

What are you most looking forward to in the 2019/2020 school year? 

So many exciting changes are happening at Waukee Community School District. I’m looking forward to helping develop great experiences to support both high schools and continued connections within the community.

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