An ambulance was dispatched to Waynesville High School at approximately 5 p.m. today (Wednesday, Oct. 21, 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.
Waynesville R-VI bus drivers and bus aides are celebrating School Bus Safety Week by handing out stickers and pencils to elementary students and hosting a coloring contest. Today, Oct. 21, 2026, drivers and aides were treated to pizza in appreciation of their dedication to safely transporting students to and from school each day.
An ambulance was dispatched to Thayer Elementary at approximately 2 p.m. today (Wednesday, Oct. 21, 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.
3 organizations donate items for elementary students
Bathsheba Chapter #14, King Solomon Lodge #15, and UKHFI Temple #203 generously donated 50 headphones for Waynesville R-VI elementary students and essential clothing items for the nurses’ offices at the schools on Oct. 20, 2026.
Pictured with the donated items are Worthy Matron Miranda Head, Associate Matron Aysia Glaspie of Bathsheba Chapter #14, Brother Erik Head of King Solomon Lodge #15, and Noble Tito Garcia of UKHFI Temple #203.
4 pickleball tournaments to be held on Nov. 14
The Waynesville R-VI School District Foundation will host four different pickleball tournaments on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, in the Waynesville Middle School gym, located at 1001 Historic 66 in Waynesville, Mo.
To register, go to https://forms.gle/o6qBxbi5Z6k5os8f9.
The first tournament will begin at 9 a.m.; start times for subsequent tournaments will follow based on the pace of play. Doors will open at 8 a.m.
The four pickleball tournaments are:
• Recreational Open Doubles: Teams consist of two players of any gender combination.
• Competitive Men’s Doubles: Teams consist of two male players.
• Competitive Women’s Doubles: Teams consist of two female players.
• Competitive Mixed Doubles: Teams consist of one male and one female player.
The registration fee is $50 per team per EACH tournament and must be paid at the event before play begins. There is a limit of 50 teams total.
Each tournament is double elimination but with a three-game guarantee (all teams will play one game prior to the bracket play to help with seeding).
Medals will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams.
Concessions will be available as a way to further support the Foundation.
Proceeds from this tournament will benefit Snack in a Pack through the Waynesville R-VI School District Foundation.
For more information, reach out to Scott Turner at sturner@waynesville.k12.mo.us and include these words in subject line: “Foundation Pickleball Tournament.”
The Waynesville R-VI School District Foundation will host four different pickleball tournaments on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, in the Waynesville Middle School gym, located at 1001 Historic 66 in Waynesville, Mo.
To register, go to https://forms.gle/o6qBxbi5Z6k5os8f9.
The first tournament will begin at 9 a.m.; start times for subsequent tournaments will follow based on the pace of play. Doors will open at 8 a.m.
The four pickleball tournaments are:
• Recreational Open Doubles: Teams consist of two players of any gender combination.
• Competitive Men’s Doubles: Teams consist of two male players.
• Competitive Women’s Doubles: Teams consist of two female players.
• Competitive Mixed Doubles: Teams consist of one male and one female player.
The registration fee is $50 per team per EACH tournament and must be paid at the event before play begins. There is a limit of 50 teams total.
Each tournament is double elimination but with a three-game guarantee (all teams will play one game prior to the bracket play to help with seeding).
Medals will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams.
Concessions will be available as a way to further support the Foundation.
Proceeds from this tournament will benefit Snack in a Pack through the Waynesville R-VI School District Foundation.
For more information, reach out to Scott Turner at sturner@waynesville.k12.mo.us and include these words in subject line: “Foundation Pickleball Tournament.”
Community Recognition Plaque presented to Domino's
Aaron Harrison, assistant superintendent of operational services, presented Domino’s of Waynesville with the Community Recognition Plaque for October 2026 during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on Oct. 19, 2026. Domino’s was recognized for their ongoing support, especially of students who participated in Showcase Waynesville Schools.
Pictured are Superintendent Hilary Bales, Phillip Kiser and Hailey Zilcosky of Domino’s and Aaron Harrison, assistant superintendent of operational services.
Aaron Harrison, assistant superintendent of operational services, presented Domino’s of Waynesville with the Community Recognition Plaque for October 2026 during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on Oct. 19, 2026. Domino’s was recognized for their ongoing support, especially of students who participated in Showcase Waynesville Schools.
Pictured are Superintendent Hilary Bales, Phillip Kiser and Hailey Zilcosky of Domino’s and Aaron Harrison, assistant superintendent of operational services.
Kyleen Oxendine, a teacher at East Elementary, was presented with the 1st Quarter Project Teach Award by Dr. Jamie Goforth, assistant superintendent of personnel services, during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on Oct. 19, 2026.
Oxendine was recognized for her project. "Take Home Reading Success Kits,” which give students a structured, engaging and easy-to-use tool for practicing essential literacy skills outside of school. The award comes with a $100 stipend from Personnel Services.
Oxendine was recognized for her project. "Take Home Reading Success Kits,” which give students a structured, engaging and easy-to-use tool for practicing essential literacy skills outside of school. The award comes with a $100 stipend from Personnel Services.
Sixth Grade Center receives Tiger Spirit Trophy
The Waynesville Sixth Grade Center was again awarded the traveling Tiger Spirit Trophy for the school’s 1st place finish in the 2026 Homecoming Parade. Pictured are Sixth Grade Principal Kevin Schnicker and Superintendent Hilary Bales.
The Waynesville Sixth Grade Center was again awarded the traveling Tiger Spirit Trophy for the school’s 1st place finish in the 2026 Homecoming Parade. Pictured are Sixth Grade Principal Kevin Schnicker and Superintendent Hilary Bales.
Waynesville R-VI School buses receive 100% pass rating
The Missouri State Highway Patrol conducted an unannounced inspection of 10 randomly selected Waynesville R-VI school buses on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. All 10 buses passed inspection, earning a 100% passing rate.
The district recognizes its transportation mechanics and bus drivers for their dedication to maintaining safe, reliable transportation for students. Their continued efforts help ensure student safety remains a top priority.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol conducted an unannounced inspection of 10 randomly selected Waynesville R-VI school buses on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. All 10 buses passed inspection, earning a 100% passing rate.
The district recognizes its transportation mechanics and bus drivers for their dedication to maintaining safe, reliable transportation for students. Their continued efforts help ensure student safety remains a top priority.
This week’s #TeacherProud Tuesday shout-out goes to Katelyn West, Amy Heberling, Tim Rideout, Jamie Erlewine and the Partridge Elementary kindergarten team and the Thayer Elementary fourth grade team. #WaySchools
Photo 1: Pictured from left to right: Katelyn West, Amy Heberling, Megan Jordan, Sadie Rodden, Angela Sinclair and Partridge Principal Susie Shultz.
Photo 2: Pictured from left to right: Tim Rideout, Jamie Erlewine, Brandi Montgomery, Shauna Darley and Thayer Principal Kris Scott.
Photo 1: Pictured from left to right: Katelyn West, Amy Heberling, Megan Jordan, Sadie Rodden, Angela Sinclair and Partridge Principal Susie Shultz.
Photo 2: Pictured from left to right: Tim Rideout, Jamie Erlewine, Brandi Montgomery, Shauna Darley and Thayer Principal Kris Scott.
Waynesville R-VI will host "Math Together: Tools for Home and School" from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, at Parker Educational Center, 909 U.S. Route 66, Waynesville.
The evening will focus on helping families support student success in mathematics. Parents and students will explore practical strategies, hands-on tools and resources to help strengthen math skills, build confidence and encourage problem-solving. Families will leave with ideas and materials to support continued learning.
This is the second in the Tiger Pride Night series for 2026-27.
The evening will focus on helping families support student success in mathematics. Parents and students will explore practical strategies, hands-on tools and resources to help strengthen math skills, build confidence and encourage problem-solving. Families will leave with ideas and materials to support continued learning.
This is the second in the Tiger Pride Night series for 2026-27.
National School Bus Safety Week
The Waynesville R-VI School District recognizes National School Bus Safety Week, Oct. 19-23, 2026. This week serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping students safe while traveling to and from school.
We encourage all motorists to remain alert, follow school bus safety laws and help keep our Tigers safe.
A special thank you to our transportation team for their dedication to student safety each day.
The Waynesville R-VI School District recognizes National School Bus Safety Week, Oct. 19-23, 2026. This week serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping students safe while traveling to and from school.
We encourage all motorists to remain alert, follow school bus safety laws and help keep our Tigers safe.
A special thank you to our transportation team for their dedication to student safety each day.
Waynesville Career Center’s culinary arts students were the first team to turn in their dish to the judges today (Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026) during Finals at the World Food Championships in Indianapolis, Ind.,
The trio – Molly McDermitt, Cycila Keeney and Samantha Etheridge – received positive feedback from the judges for their dish called Bacon Lover’s Christmas. It featured a 4-cheese bacon mac and cheese topped with brown sugar glazed ham, drizzled with a mustard bacon glaze, topped with micro greens, and a cranberry bacon jam on the side.
The students are under the direction of Chef Jon Dye, culinary arts instructor at the WCC. The students qualified on Thursday in the opening round by going up against some of the best chefs in the world. The awards ceremony will begin at 8 p.m. this evening.
Several Waynesville High School students have been named to the Central District Band. Auditions were held on Tuesday,on Oct. 13, 2026, at Rolla High School where they memorized scales and learned multiple etudes to play for a panel of judges.
"We are grateful for these students for taking the initiative to go above what is asked of them to learn this extra music," said Jared Sabatasso, Waynesville R-VI director of bands. "The students represented Waynesville to the highest standard."
Those students that made the Central District Band will practice all day with the other members from the district and put on a concert at Rolla High School at 5 p.m. on Nov. 7th, 2026. The concert is free and open to the public. The students that made the Central District Jazz Band will rehearse and perform at 5 p.m. on Jan. 9, 2027, also at Rolla HS.
Qualifying for Central District are as follows:
Payton Rushing- Piccolo 1st Alternate
Ericah Njuguna- Flute 3rd Chair
Tyler Silbanuz- Flute 4th Chair
Ethan Schacke- Clarinet 6th Chair (Not pictured)
Ethan Schnacke- Alto Clarinet 1st Chair (Not pictured)
Vivien Lu- Clarinet 15th Chair
Zoe Striplin- Clarinet 18th Chair (Not pictured)
Alexzander Romans- Bass Clarinet 3rd Chair
Myra (Archer) Gutierrez- Bass Clarinet 5th Chair
Aliyah Bowers- Alto Saxophone 1st Chair
Kevin Connor- Alto Saxophone 3rd Chair
Aiden York- Alto Saxophone 2nd Alternate
Jenna Ballard- Trumpet 1st Chair
Juliet Piper- Trumpet 8th Chair
Matthew Hinton- Trumpet 11th Chair
Mikaila Knight- Trombone 7th Chair
Haley Brown- Baritone 2nd Alternate
Landon Boswell- Tuba 1st Chair
Harley Atchison- Percussion 5th Chair
Zayden Fikes- Timpani 1st Alternate
Central District Jazz Band
Ayuko Kileleman- Alto Saxophone 1st Alternate (Not pictured)
Connor Reith- Tenor Saxophone 2nd Chair
Jenna Ballard- Trumpet 2nd Chair
Juliet Piper- Trumpet 4th Chair
Dim Nuam- Piano 1st Chair
Ulysses Gonzales- Piano 1st Alternate
"We are grateful for these students for taking the initiative to go above what is asked of them to learn this extra music," said Jared Sabatasso, Waynesville R-VI director of bands. "The students represented Waynesville to the highest standard."
Those students that made the Central District Band will practice all day with the other members from the district and put on a concert at Rolla High School at 5 p.m. on Nov. 7th, 2026. The concert is free and open to the public. The students that made the Central District Jazz Band will rehearse and perform at 5 p.m. on Jan. 9, 2027, also at Rolla HS.
Qualifying for Central District are as follows:
Payton Rushing- Piccolo 1st Alternate
Ericah Njuguna- Flute 3rd Chair
Tyler Silbanuz- Flute 4th Chair
Ethan Schacke- Clarinet 6th Chair (Not pictured)
Ethan Schnacke- Alto Clarinet 1st Chair (Not pictured)
Vivien Lu- Clarinet 15th Chair
Zoe Striplin- Clarinet 18th Chair (Not pictured)
Alexzander Romans- Bass Clarinet 3rd Chair
Myra (Archer) Gutierrez- Bass Clarinet 5th Chair
Aliyah Bowers- Alto Saxophone 1st Chair
Kevin Connor- Alto Saxophone 3rd Chair
Aiden York- Alto Saxophone 2nd Alternate
Jenna Ballard- Trumpet 1st Chair
Juliet Piper- Trumpet 8th Chair
Matthew Hinton- Trumpet 11th Chair
Mikaila Knight- Trombone 7th Chair
Haley Brown- Baritone 2nd Alternate
Landon Boswell- Tuba 1st Chair
Harley Atchison- Percussion 5th Chair
Zayden Fikes- Timpani 1st Alternate
Central District Jazz Band
Ayuko Kileleman- Alto Saxophone 1st Alternate (Not pictured)
Connor Reith- Tenor Saxophone 2nd Chair
Jenna Ballard- Trumpet 2nd Chair
Juliet Piper- Trumpet 4th Chair
Dim Nuam- Piano 1st Chair
Ulysses Gonzales- Piano 1st Alternate
Smithey named WHS Student of the Month
Christina Smithey, a senior at Waynesville High School, has been named the Rotary Student of the Month for October 2026. She was recognized during the Oct. 13, 2026, Rotary Club of Pulaski County meeting, which her father, Christopher Smithey, also attended.
Smithey’s nominator stated, “Christina is one of my most selfless students, always putting others before herself and going above and beyond on individual community service and service through all her school organizations she's involved in. Christina is volunteering with the Red Cross and ran a Leaders Saves Lives drive over the summer to promote blood donation in our community. She helped run our first school drive where over 63 units of blood were received, and she is running our next blood drive. She additionally is involved with the current hygiene drive to promote students and community to help donate needed hygiene products for Veterans in our community. Christina is involved in health science, HOSA, SGA, Beta and much more, but does not expect regards or recognitions for the service and organizations she helps.”
Smithey carries a 3.76 grade point average and a 96% attendance rate for her senior year. She is president of the Health Occupations Students of America, vice president of the Beta Club and a Student Government Association representative. During the summer, Smithey coordinated and ran the Leaders Saves Lives blood drive and is currently the president of the American Red Cross Club. On top of all her extracurricular activities, Smithey is taking classes Ozarks Technical Community College through WHS and is in health sciences at the Waynesville Career Center. She plans to attend a four-year university with the long-term goal of becoming a physician assistant.
Christina Smithey, a senior at Waynesville High School, has been named the Rotary Student of the Month for October 2026. She was recognized during the Oct. 13, 2026, Rotary Club of Pulaski County meeting, which her father, Christopher Smithey, also attended.
Smithey’s nominator stated, “Christina is one of my most selfless students, always putting others before herself and going above and beyond on individual community service and service through all her school organizations she's involved in. Christina is volunteering with the Red Cross and ran a Leaders Saves Lives drive over the summer to promote blood donation in our community. She helped run our first school drive where over 63 units of blood were received, and she is running our next blood drive. She additionally is involved with the current hygiene drive to promote students and community to help donate needed hygiene products for Veterans in our community. Christina is involved in health science, HOSA, SGA, Beta and much more, but does not expect regards or recognitions for the service and organizations she helps.”
Smithey carries a 3.76 grade point average and a 96% attendance rate for her senior year. She is president of the Health Occupations Students of America, vice president of the Beta Club and a Student Government Association representative. During the summer, Smithey coordinated and ran the Leaders Saves Lives blood drive and is currently the president of the American Red Cross Club. On top of all her extracurricular activities, Smithey is taking classes Ozarks Technical Community College through WHS and is in health sciences at the Waynesville Career Center. She plans to attend a four-year university with the long-term goal of becoming a physician assistant.
WCC culinary arts students make it to the Finals at World Food Championships
Three culinary arts students -- Molly McDermitt, Cycila Keeney and Samantha Etheridge -- from the Waynesville Career Center competed earlier today (Oct. 15, 2026) at the World Food Championships in Indianapolis, Ind., where they are going up against some of the best chefs in the world.
The students, who are under the direction of Chef Jon Dye, took 6th place out of 21 teams, putting them in the finals round that will be held on Sunday morning. Superintendent Hilary Bales stopped by the World Food Championships to show her support for our students and encourage them as they showcased their talents.
Their opening round dish included bacon butternut squash sauce with bacon cheddar mashed potatoes, bacon-wrapped meatloaf with bacon apricot brandy jam that was finished with a mustard bacon bourbon glaze.
This marks the fifth straight year the WCC Culinary team has qualified for the WFC.
Three culinary arts students -- Molly McDermitt, Cycila Keeney and Samantha Etheridge -- from the Waynesville Career Center competed earlier today (Oct. 15, 2026) at the World Food Championships in Indianapolis, Ind., where they are going up against some of the best chefs in the world.
The students, who are under the direction of Chef Jon Dye, took 6th place out of 21 teams, putting them in the finals round that will be held on Sunday morning. Superintendent Hilary Bales stopped by the World Food Championships to show her support for our students and encourage them as they showcased their talents.
Their opening round dish included bacon butternut squash sauce with bacon cheddar mashed potatoes, bacon-wrapped meatloaf with bacon apricot brandy jam that was finished with a mustard bacon bourbon glaze.
This marks the fifth straight year the WCC Culinary team has qualified for the WFC.
Student Success and Supporting Staff are priorities of the Waynesville R-VI School District's Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP). On Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, district staff engaged in professional learning that focused on integrating new strategies and resources into their classrooms. This practice helps our educators create even more opportunities for students to learn, grow and succeed.
An ambulance was dispatched to Williams Early Childhood Center at approximately 12:55 p.m. today (Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026) to treat an adult with a medical condition.
The individual will determine what, if any, further medical treatment is necessary.
The individual will determine what, if any, further medical treatment is necessary.
The Waynesville High School Tiger Pride Band competed at the Branson High School marching invitational, placing 11th out of 24 bands in the finals this past Saturday (Oct. 10, 2026)
“The band fought a tough battle through the heat and competed against some of the best bands across the state of Missouri and Arkansas,” said Jared Sabatasso, Waynesville R-VI director of bands. “We are proud of all of these students for their hard work and determination to put on a great show for the audience. It was their best performance to date.”
The band placed 4th in Class 5 in prelims and took home 11th out of 24 bands in the finals.
The band’s last competition will begin with prelims at 10:45 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Rebel Invitational in Park Hills, Mo., at Central High School.
“The band fought a tough battle through the heat and competed against some of the best bands across the state of Missouri and Arkansas,” said Jared Sabatasso, Waynesville R-VI director of bands. “We are proud of all of these students for their hard work and determination to put on a great show for the audience. It was their best performance to date.”
The band placed 4th in Class 5 in prelims and took home 11th out of 24 bands in the finals.
The band’s last competition will begin with prelims at 10:45 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Rebel Invitational in Park Hills, Mo., at Central High School.
This weeks's #TeacherProud Tuesday shout-out goes to Michael McGuire teacher at Wood Elementary. #WaySchools
