An ambulance was dispatched to Waynesville High School at approximately 12:38 p.m. today (Friday, March 13, 2026) to treat an individual student with a medical condition. A parent/guardian has been notified and will determine what, if any, further medical treatment is necessary.
Freedom Elementary 2nd and 3rd graders held their music programs on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Freedom.
First Dancing with the Stars...Rhythm Nation Edition to be held March 27
Waynesville High School’s Rhythm Nation Dance Team will host its first Dancing With the Stars … Rhythm Nation Edition at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2026, in the WHS gym.
Teachers and students will take the floor together in a fun and competitive dance showcase, all while raising support for the program.
Tickets are required. General tickets are $10 each. Floor seats are $20 each.
Audience members will play an important role in the competition by helping select the Fan Favorite Award winner. Each paid ticket includes one free vote, and during the event guests can cast additional votes for their favorite dance team. Every $1 donated counts as one additional vote. Audience members will be able to vote using cash or a card (a QR code will be displayed during each team’s routine).
Concessions will be available throughout the evening, and guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction featuring a poster from each competing dance team.
“Come cheer on your favorite team, enjoy a night of fun performances and help crown the first WHS Mirror Ball Champion,” said Rhythm Nation Coach Cat Poole.
Waynesville High School’s Rhythm Nation Dance Team will host its first Dancing With the Stars … Rhythm Nation Edition at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2026, in the WHS gym.
Teachers and students will take the floor together in a fun and competitive dance showcase, all while raising support for the program.
Tickets are required. General tickets are $10 each. Floor seats are $20 each.
Audience members will play an important role in the competition by helping select the Fan Favorite Award winner. Each paid ticket includes one free vote, and during the event guests can cast additional votes for their favorite dance team. Every $1 donated counts as one additional vote. Audience members will be able to vote using cash or a card (a QR code will be displayed during each team’s routine).
Concessions will be available throughout the evening, and guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction featuring a poster from each competing dance team.
“Come cheer on your favorite team, enjoy a night of fun performances and help crown the first WHS Mirror Ball Champion,” said Rhythm Nation Coach Cat Poole.
Forte named WHS Rotary Student of the Month
Richmond “Noah” Forte, a senior at Waynesville High School, has been named the WHS Rotary Student of the Month for March 2026.
Forte’s nominator stated, “What truly sets Noah apart is his outstanding communication skills and impressive range of soft skills—including adaptability, collaboration and problem-solving — that allows him to excel in any role or responsibility placed before him. He approaches every task with professionalism and a positive attitude that inspires those around him. Beyond the classroom, Noah selflessly volunteers his time through SGA-sponsored initiatives and actively participates in community service projects, demonstrating a genuine commitment to making a difference both inside and outside of school. Noah embodies the very definition of a well-rounded leader, and there is no doubt that he is most deserving of this honor.”
Forte carries a 3.5 grade point average and a 100 percent attendance rate for his senior year. He is a Student Government Association representative, a member of the Waynesville High School Tiger Pride Marching Band for the last four years and is on the yearbook staff. He is currently the WHS Library Technical Intern and helps new students with their Chromebooks and repairs Chromebooks as needed.
Forte’s future plans are to attend the University of Houston to study music technology or marketing.
Richmond “Noah” Forte, a senior at Waynesville High School, has been named the WHS Rotary Student of the Month for March 2026.
Forte’s nominator stated, “What truly sets Noah apart is his outstanding communication skills and impressive range of soft skills—including adaptability, collaboration and problem-solving — that allows him to excel in any role or responsibility placed before him. He approaches every task with professionalism and a positive attitude that inspires those around him. Beyond the classroom, Noah selflessly volunteers his time through SGA-sponsored initiatives and actively participates in community service projects, demonstrating a genuine commitment to making a difference both inside and outside of school. Noah embodies the very definition of a well-rounded leader, and there is no doubt that he is most deserving of this honor.”
Forte carries a 3.5 grade point average and a 100 percent attendance rate for his senior year. He is a Student Government Association representative, a member of the Waynesville High School Tiger Pride Marching Band for the last four years and is on the yearbook staff. He is currently the WHS Library Technical Intern and helps new students with their Chromebooks and repairs Chromebooks as needed.
Forte’s future plans are to attend the University of Houston to study music technology or marketing.
Waynesville sets record in statewide art contest
The Waynesville R-VI School District set a record number of achievements in a recent statewide art contest for the MAEA Show Me Art Coloring Book. The following earned recognition:
· 5 schools
· 6 visual art teachers
· 15 art students
· 2 special recognition awards (Back Cover Design Winner and 1st Place Middle School)
Waynesville R-VI visual art students contributed to 17 percent of the artwork in the MAEA Show Me Art Coloring Book, Celebrations & Festivals; 6th edition.
Students were asked to research, synthesize and create an engaging line-drawing based on the theme: “Missouri Celebrations and Festivals,” and then write artist statements about their art. The drawings were collected and curated into a 186-page coloring book.
In being accepted, these art students are now published artists:
· Olivia Davis, grade 5, Thayer Elementary
· Mina Figueroa, grade 5, Thayer Elementary
· Jayce Taylor, grade 4, Thayer Elementary
· Isabella Mendoza, grade 4, Thayer Elementary
· Kyndal Osborne, grade 5, Freedom Elementary
· ZaRiya McCaster, grade 5, Freedom Elementary
· Fiona Qui, grade 4, Freedom Elementary
· Emiyah Glover, grade 5, Wood Elementary – Back Cover Design Winner
· Ezekiel Mason, grade 4, Wood Elementary
· Mya Klontz, grade 7, Waynesville Middle School
· Mayzee Magoo, grade 8, Waynesville Middle School
· Ellery Earnest, grade 8, Waynesville Middle School
· Arianna Haslim, grade 8, Waynesville Middle School - 1st place Middle School
· Roxanne Acklin, grade 9, Waynesville High School
· Kimari Stuart, grade 12, Waynesville High School
The following visual art teachers participated in this statewide collection of artwork: Jamie Erlewine of Thayer Elementary, Christina Biart and Allyson Uhles of Freedom Elementary, Megan Neuman of Wood Elementary, Asilea Edwards of Waynesville Middle School and Amy Rushing of Waynesville High School.
The coloring book may be purchased on Amazon LINKED HERE. (If the link does not work, please copy and paste this link into your browser https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GNS5D75Z?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_MPSZHAKP3T3M59XDATM2_2&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_MPSZHAKP3T3M59XDATM2_2&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_MPSZHAKP3T3M59XDATM2_2&bestFormat=true ).
MAEA uses 100% of the proceeds go back to Missouri students for the MAEA Future Visual Art Teacher Scholarship.
The Waynesville R-VI School District set a record number of achievements in a recent statewide art contest for the MAEA Show Me Art Coloring Book. The following earned recognition:
· 5 schools
· 6 visual art teachers
· 15 art students
· 2 special recognition awards (Back Cover Design Winner and 1st Place Middle School)
Waynesville R-VI visual art students contributed to 17 percent of the artwork in the MAEA Show Me Art Coloring Book, Celebrations & Festivals; 6th edition.
Students were asked to research, synthesize and create an engaging line-drawing based on the theme: “Missouri Celebrations and Festivals,” and then write artist statements about their art. The drawings were collected and curated into a 186-page coloring book.
In being accepted, these art students are now published artists:
· Olivia Davis, grade 5, Thayer Elementary
· Mina Figueroa, grade 5, Thayer Elementary
· Jayce Taylor, grade 4, Thayer Elementary
· Isabella Mendoza, grade 4, Thayer Elementary
· Kyndal Osborne, grade 5, Freedom Elementary
· ZaRiya McCaster, grade 5, Freedom Elementary
· Fiona Qui, grade 4, Freedom Elementary
· Emiyah Glover, grade 5, Wood Elementary – Back Cover Design Winner
· Ezekiel Mason, grade 4, Wood Elementary
· Mya Klontz, grade 7, Waynesville Middle School
· Mayzee Magoo, grade 8, Waynesville Middle School
· Ellery Earnest, grade 8, Waynesville Middle School
· Arianna Haslim, grade 8, Waynesville Middle School - 1st place Middle School
· Roxanne Acklin, grade 9, Waynesville High School
· Kimari Stuart, grade 12, Waynesville High School
The following visual art teachers participated in this statewide collection of artwork: Jamie Erlewine of Thayer Elementary, Christina Biart and Allyson Uhles of Freedom Elementary, Megan Neuman of Wood Elementary, Asilea Edwards of Waynesville Middle School and Amy Rushing of Waynesville High School.
The coloring book may be purchased on Amazon LINKED HERE. (If the link does not work, please copy and paste this link into your browser https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GNS5D75Z?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_MPSZHAKP3T3M59XDATM2_2&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_MPSZHAKP3T3M59XDATM2_2&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_MPSZHAKP3T3M59XDATM2_2&bestFormat=true ).
MAEA uses 100% of the proceeds go back to Missouri students for the MAEA Future Visual Art Teacher Scholarship.
Fire alarm sounds at Waynesville Career Center
Fire officials were called to the Waynesville Career Center at approximately 12:55 p.m. today (March 10, 2026) for smoke in the culinary arts area as a result of bacon burning.
All students and staff remained safe. The district is grateful for the swift response of our local fire department.
Fire officials were called to the Waynesville Career Center at approximately 12:55 p.m. today (March 10, 2026) for smoke in the culinary arts area as a result of bacon burning.
All students and staff remained safe. The district is grateful for the swift response of our local fire department.
As part of their service-learning project, Thayer Elementary students delivered multiple boxes of snacks, tea bags, notes, etc. to nurses and staff at the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital on March 6, 2026. The students created and displayed banners and hearts, thanking the nurses for all that they do and Thayer’s Spirit Squad performed two cheers for staff during the event.
WHS Jazz Band students take 4th place,
Jazz Band to perform at WCC on April 9
The Waynesville High School Jazz Band took 4th place overall in the Missouri State Jazz Band Festival in Springfield, Mo., on Feb. 21, 2026.
“The ensemble represented Waynesville High School with professionalism and excellence, earning an impressive 4th place overall finish among the jazz bands in attendance,” said Director of Bands Jared Sabatasso. “Their performance reflected both their musical preparation and their commitment to artistic growth.”
In addition to the group’s success, several individual members were recognized for outstanding musicianship in their solo performances:
· Aliyah Bowers for her performance on tenor saxophone
· Jack Gasek for his work on drum set
· Juliet Piper for her trumpet and flugelhorn solos
· Kayden Wass for his trombone performance
“These recognitions highlight the exceptional talent within the ensemble and the dedication each student brings to their craft,” Sabatasso said. “We are incredibly proud of these individual accomplishments and equally proud of the Waynesville High School Jazz Band as a whole.”
Community members are invited to hear these talented musicians perform at their upcoming home concert at 6 p.m. April 9, 2026, in the Waynesville Career Center lobby.
Jazz Band to perform at WCC on April 9
The Waynesville High School Jazz Band took 4th place overall in the Missouri State Jazz Band Festival in Springfield, Mo., on Feb. 21, 2026.
“The ensemble represented Waynesville High School with professionalism and excellence, earning an impressive 4th place overall finish among the jazz bands in attendance,” said Director of Bands Jared Sabatasso. “Their performance reflected both their musical preparation and their commitment to artistic growth.”
In addition to the group’s success, several individual members were recognized for outstanding musicianship in their solo performances:
· Aliyah Bowers for her performance on tenor saxophone
· Jack Gasek for his work on drum set
· Juliet Piper for her trumpet and flugelhorn solos
· Kayden Wass for his trombone performance
“These recognitions highlight the exceptional talent within the ensemble and the dedication each student brings to their craft,” Sabatasso said. “We are incredibly proud of these individual accomplishments and equally proud of the Waynesville High School Jazz Band as a whole.”
Community members are invited to hear these talented musicians perform at their upcoming home concert at 6 p.m. April 9, 2026, in the Waynesville Career Center lobby.
WHS students raise funds for Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks
Three Waynesville High School student groups – FCCLA, HOSA and the WHS Girls Basketball Team – came together to raise $1,672.45 for the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks during the Pink Out game on Feb. 9, 2026. Students from these groups recently delivered the funds to the foundation.
"It started with us deciding that we wanted to do a Pink Out game as a team, and I immediately thought of partnering with the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, because they have worked with some of my family members in the past,” said WHS Senior Lauryn Lercher, who helped lead the effort.
To raise breast cancer awareness, the team annually wears their pink jerseys.
“We wanted the game to be more than just us putting on pink jerseys - we wanted it to be about the community coming together for a bigger cause than just us,” Lercher said. “The Breast Cancer Foundation was an immediate choice because all the money raised comes back into Pulaski County to help breast cancer survivors, and those affected by it, in the community that made the night the success that it was."
Students pictured left to right are Reese Wilson, Lela Burnham, Lauryn Lercher, Kendall Cobb and Aubrey Fields. These students represented the groups (FCCLA, HOSA and the WHS Girls Basketball Team) that raised $1,672.45 for the Breast Cancer Foundation.
Three Waynesville High School student groups – FCCLA, HOSA and the WHS Girls Basketball Team – came together to raise $1,672.45 for the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks during the Pink Out game on Feb. 9, 2026. Students from these groups recently delivered the funds to the foundation.
"It started with us deciding that we wanted to do a Pink Out game as a team, and I immediately thought of partnering with the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, because they have worked with some of my family members in the past,” said WHS Senior Lauryn Lercher, who helped lead the effort.
To raise breast cancer awareness, the team annually wears their pink jerseys.
“We wanted the game to be more than just us putting on pink jerseys - we wanted it to be about the community coming together for a bigger cause than just us,” Lercher said. “The Breast Cancer Foundation was an immediate choice because all the money raised comes back into Pulaski County to help breast cancer survivors, and those affected by it, in the community that made the night the success that it was."
Students pictured left to right are Reese Wilson, Lela Burnham, Lauryn Lercher, Kendall Cobb and Aubrey Fields. These students represented the groups (FCCLA, HOSA and the WHS Girls Basketball Team) that raised $1,672.45 for the Breast Cancer Foundation.
An ambulance was dispatched to the Waynesville Career Center at approximately 6:20 p.m. today (Thursday, March 5, 2026) to treat an adult with a medical condition.
The adult will determine what, if any, further medical treatment is necessary.
The adult will determine what, if any, further medical treatment is necessary.
An ambulance was dispatched to East Elementary at approximately 3:40 p.m. today (Thursday, March 5, 2026) to treat an individual student with a medical condition.
The individual's parents have been notified and will determine what, if any, further medical treatment is necessary.
The individual's parents have been notified and will determine what, if any, further medical treatment is necessary.
Love of Reading Week Continues
Love of Reading Week is continuing across the Waynesville R-VI School District through Friday, March 6, 2026. Throughout the week, students have enjoyed special visits from guest readers who volunteered their time to share their love of reading.
A few of this week’s guest readers include Col. Glaspell, Col. Ramskugler, School Board President Janel Rowell, School Board Member Aaron Pondrum, Pfc. Solomon, and St. Robert Mayor James Breckenridge. Additional photos from Love of Reading Week will be shared throughout the week.
Love of Reading Week is continuing across the Waynesville R-VI School District through Friday, March 6, 2026. Throughout the week, students have enjoyed special visits from guest readers who volunteered their time to share their love of reading.
A few of this week’s guest readers include Col. Glaspell, Col. Ramskugler, School Board President Janel Rowell, School Board Member Aaron Pondrum, Pfc. Solomon, and St. Robert Mayor James Breckenridge. Additional photos from Love of Reading Week will be shared throughout the week.
An ambulance was dispatched to Waynesville Middle School at approximately 5:10 p.m. today (Wednesday, March 4, 2026) to treat an individual student with a medical condition. A parent/guardian has been notified and will determine what, if any, further medical treatment is necessary.
Five Waynesville High School ensembles participated on March 3, 2026, at the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Large Ensemble State Evaluation in Camdenton.
WHS’s five ensembles included Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Saxophone Choir and Brass Choir.
“Each group represented the school with professionalism and dedication, earning tremendous remarks and positive feedback from the judges,” said Director of Bands Jared Sabatasso.
During the evaluation, each ensemble performed prepared selections for three judges before moving to a separate room for the sight-reading portion of the event. In sight-reading, students were given a brand-new piece of music to perform for a fourth judge, demonstrating their musicianship and preparation. All four judges’ scores were combined to determine an overall rating. The Wind Ensemble, Saxophone Choir, and Brass Choir each earned a Gold (Exemplary) rating, while the Symphonic Band and Concert Band received Silver (Outstanding) ratings.
“These achievements reflect the hard work, focus, and commitment of every student involved,” Sabatasso said.
The community will have the opportunity to hear these musicians in upcoming performances.
· The Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band will present their Spring Concert at 6 p.m. on March 30, 2026, in the WHS Auditorium.
· The Saxophone Choir and Brass Choir will perform at 6 p.m. on April 9 in the Waynesville Career Center lobby.
Both events are free and open to the public.
Love of Reading kicked off in the Waynesville R-VI School on Monday and will continue through Friday, March 6, 2026. Multiple guest readers have been volunteering to read to students this week. A few of them, including Command Sgt. Maj. Jorge Arzabala, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood Command Sergeant Major; Board Member Rick Harne; and Superintendent Hilary Bales are pictured here, along with Apache who visited Freedom today. More photos will be posted throughout the week.
Waynesville JROTC take 1st place at Leavenworth Competition
The Waynesville JROTC Drill Team took 1st place Overall (Grand Champion) out of 27 teams on Feb. 27 and 28, 2026, at the Leavenworth Interservice Drill Competition.in Leavenworth, Kan.
These are the complete results:
- 1st Place Overall - Grand Champion
- 1st Place Overall - Unarmed Division
- 1st Place Overall - Armed Division
- 1st Place - Unarmed Color Guard
- 1st Place - Armed Exhibition
- 1st Place - Unarmed Exhibition
- 2nd Place - Armed Inspection
- 3rd Place - Unarmed Regulation
- 1st Place - Armed Exhibition Dual - Aiden Rivera/Aubrey Ellison
- 2nd Place - Unarmed Exhibition Dual - Addison Bowling/Teyla Byrom
- 1st Place - Individual Drill Down from about 500 Cadets - Serenity Maldonado
They will next compete on March 7, 2026, at Blue Springs South High School.
Links to two videos of our cadets competing:
1. Armed Exhibition Video
(https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1715438929440932)
2. Unarmed Exhibition Video
(https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=26437817815885025)
The Waynesville High School Chamber Choir received Exemplary ratings at the Central Methodist University Music Fest on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. The choir took 10 soloists and one small ensemble.
The following students received an Exemplary rating on their solo and small ensemble:
· Ava Byers
· Cyrus Calhoun
· Isabel Diaz
· Eulalia MOynihan
· Claire Reed
· Lilyana Romero
· A'Nyyah Tollison
· Anastasia Blunt
· small SATB Quartet with Emma Bailly, Ava Byers, A'Nyyah Tollison and Cyrus Calhoun.
The following students received an Outstanding Rating on their solos:
· Cassie Hays and Sainisha Simram
The following students received an Exemplary rating on their solo and small ensemble:
· Ava Byers
· Cyrus Calhoun
· Isabel Diaz
· Eulalia MOynihan
· Claire Reed
· Lilyana Romero
· A'Nyyah Tollison
· Anastasia Blunt
· small SATB Quartet with Emma Bailly, Ava Byers, A'Nyyah Tollison and Cyrus Calhoun.
The following students received an Outstanding Rating on their solos:
· Cassie Hays and Sainisha Simram
A fire alarm sounded at approximately 9:30 a.m. today, March 2, 2026, at Partridge Elementary.
Students and staff temporarily evacuated the building out of an abundance of caution. Students and staff will return to the building when fire officials give the all-clear.
All students and staff are safe.
Students and staff temporarily evacuated the building out of an abundance of caution. Students and staff will return to the building when fire officials give the all-clear.
All students and staff are safe.
CASA presented with Community Recognition Recognition Plaque
Dr. Jamie Goforth, assistant superintendent of personnel services, presented Amber Stienbarger, executive director of CASA of South Central Missouri, with the Community Recognition Plaque for February 2026 on Feb. 27, 2026.
Court Appointed Special Advocates were chosen as the recipients of the community recognition plaque for their support of the Waynesville R-VI School District students. The announcement was made during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting.
Pictured are Dr. Jamie Goforth, assistant superintendent of personnel services, and Amber Stienbarger, executive director of CASA of South Central Missouri.
Dr. Jamie Goforth, assistant superintendent of personnel services, presented Amber Stienbarger, executive director of CASA of South Central Missouri, with the Community Recognition Plaque for February 2026 on Feb. 27, 2026.
Court Appointed Special Advocates were chosen as the recipients of the community recognition plaque for their support of the Waynesville R-VI School District students. The announcement was made during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting.
Pictured are Dr. Jamie Goforth, assistant superintendent of personnel services, and Amber Stienbarger, executive director of CASA of South Central Missouri.
Waynesville R-VI hosted a teacher recruitment event on Feb. 26, 2026, at Parker Educational Center.
For a list of job openings in the Waynesville R-VI School District, please go to https://www.applitrack.com/waynesville/onlineapp/default.aspx?all=1 or you may call 573-842-2094 for more information.
For a list of job openings in the Waynesville R-VI School District, please go to https://www.applitrack.com/waynesville/onlineapp/default.aspx?all=1 or you may call 573-842-2094 for more information.
