Waukee Community School District Introduces New Bell Times for 2025-26 School Year
The Waukee Community School District (CSD) has officially announced changes to its daily bell schedule for grades 6-12, set to take effect in the 2025-26 academic year. This adjustment aims to enhance transportation efficiency and support the district’s strategic goals, including accommodating the upcoming launch of Transitional Kindergarten (TK).
Revised Bell Schedule
Effective fall 2025, the updated bell times are as follows:
– Grades TK-5: 8:50 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. (No change)
– Grades 6-8: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
– Grade 9: 7:40 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.
– Grades 10-12: 7:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.
These updates represent a calculated approach following extensive consultation with district staff and administrators, reflecting the district’s commitment to continuous improvement in educational delivery and operational efficiency.
Reasons Behind the Changes
The bell time modifications were prompted by several key factors:
1. Transportation Optimization: Feedback from Durham School Services, the district’s transportation partner, indicated the necessity for an additional ten minutes between secondary and elementary bus routes. This adjustment allows buses to adhere to schedules more reliably.
2. Shared Transportation for High School Students: With 9th grade students set to share bus routes with grades 10-12 beginning next year, the new schedule minimizes transportation costs and effectively manages student traffic during peak times, particularly in parking areas.
3. Support for Transitional Kindergarten: The introduction of TK requires strategic scheduling to facilitate student transitions between neighborhood schools and the TK program. The revised bell times ensure that instructional periods remain uninterrupted during these shuttle sessions.
4. Instructional Time Consistency: The adjustments also aim to align instructional minutes across grade levels, promoting collaboration among educators and enabling more effective planning for curriculum delivery.
In his statement, Dr. Brad Buck, Superintendent of Waukee CSD, expressed gratitude for the support and understanding of families amidst these changes: “While we recognize that any change requires adjustment, we worked to find a solution that best met our goals while minimizing disruption to families and students.”
Community members are encouraged to direct any inquiries regarding the new bell schedule to their child’s school principal or the District Office. This proactive approach by the Waukee CSD emphasizes the district’s commitment to creating an optimal learning environment for all students while effectively addressing logistical needs.
For further updates, keep an eye on the district’s official communications and website.
