Walkup named FLW Student of the Month
Clay Walkup, a senior at Waynesville High School, has been named the Fort Leonard Wood Student of the Month for October 2026. He was recognized on Oct. 21, 2026, at WHS, which his mother, Kristi Walkup attended. Walkup was chosen for demonstrating self-respect and respect for others, creating increased morale and promoting positive outcomes for those around him.
Walkup's nominator said, "Clay displays respect in how he quietly assumes leadership roles - be it in class as a student, in his extracurriculars, or in his peer interactions. He is supportive in every capacity and will go out of his way to help the class run smoothly and ensure his classmates get the assistance they need as well."
Clay Walkup, a senior at Waynesville High School, has been named the Fort Leonard Wood Student of the Month for October 2026. He was recognized on Oct. 21, 2026, at WHS, which his mother, Kristi Walkup attended. Walkup was chosen for demonstrating self-respect and respect for others, creating increased morale and promoting positive outcomes for those around him.
Walkup's nominator said, "Clay displays respect in how he quietly assumes leadership roles - be it in class as a student, in his extracurriculars, or in his peer interactions. He is supportive in every capacity and will go out of his way to help the class run smoothly and ensure his classmates get the assistance they need as well."
Veterans Richard Oxendine and Jim Barrett spoke to East Elementary students during a Veterans Day Ceremony held at the school today (Nov. 11, 2026). Waynesville JROTC students presented the Colors to open the event.
Thayer Elementary students celebrated Love of Reading Week, Nov. 2–6, 2026, by bringing their creativity to life as they designed and built robots inspired by Peter Brown’s book, The Wild Robot on the Island.
The Waynesville High School Tiger Pride Marching Band and Waynesville JROTC marched in the Veterans Day Parade held Nov. 7, 2026, in Waynesville, honoring those who have served our nation.
Waynesville Middle School has been celebrating Love of Reading Week Nov. 2-6, 2026!
Students who read and were quizzed this week on any book got a Love of Reading ticket, picked a number, and won prizes.
Five students were inducted onto the WMS Million Word Readers Wall because they have already read over one million words this academic year. WMS Principal Brent Dunning recognized them in front of the library.
#LoveOfReadingWeek #WMSReads #MillionWordReaders
Students who read and were quizzed this week on any book got a Love of Reading ticket, picked a number, and won prizes.
Five students were inducted onto the WMS Million Word Readers Wall because they have already read over one million words this academic year. WMS Principal Brent Dunning recognized them in front of the library.
#LoveOfReadingWeek #WMSReads #MillionWordReaders
After hearing the story, “The Wild Robot on the Island” by Peter Brown, students in Jocelyne Orndorf’s class at Freedom Elementary created their own paper robots with the help of Library Media Specialist Darla Wells. Each student used their creativity and imagination to bring their robot to life as part of the celebration of Love of Reading Week, Nov. 2-6, 2026.
Freedom Elementary students participated in a book tasting as one of several activities during Love of Reading Week, Nov. 2-6, 2026. Instead of sampling food, students enjoyed a literary tasting experience, exploring different genres, discovering new stories and perhaps finding their next favorite book.
Waynesville R-VI students are celebrating Love of Reading Week through Nov. 6, 2026, with activities that bring books to life. At East Elementary, students put their creativity to work by designing entries for a Recycled Robot Contest inspired by Peter Brown’s book, "The Wild Robot." They also participated in a "book tasting" by "sampling" different books.
Striking the right chord: welding, manufacturing and band come together to save $10,000
This fall students in the Waynesville Career Center's welding and manufacturing classes struck just the right chord with the Waynesville High School Tiger Pride Marching Band, helping the band save approximately $10,000 while gaining real-world experience.
When band director Jared Sabatasso needed backdrop props, he turned to WCC instructor Adam Rodden to see if his students could create something similar to a sample he had. Rodden and his welding and manufacturing classes accepted the challenge, creating the props for the band's performances, while saving $10,000.
“The real value of the project, however, goes well beyond the money saved,” says Courtney Long, executive director of secondary. “This collaboration demonstrates how Client Connected Projects (CCPs) provide students with opportunities to solve real-world problems for actual clients while supporting our CSIP commitment to students earning market value assets.”
Just like professionals in the manufacturing industry, the WCC students had to take Sabatasso's vision, understand the specifications and produce a finished product that met the band’s needs. For students, it was an opportunity to see how the skills they are learning in the classroom translate directly into the workplace. The project also introduced some WCC students from sending schools to an unexpected application of their skills.
“Some of our sending schools do not have marching bands, so students had the added bonus of learning how manufacturing could play a role in creating the visual elements of a band performance.”
The collaboration highlights the strength of two outstanding programs—one dedicated to musical excellence and the other to preparing students with technical skills for careers and future opportunities.
And while the fabric and performances may change over the years, the props—and the lessons learned while building them—will endure.
This fall students in the Waynesville Career Center's welding and manufacturing classes struck just the right chord with the Waynesville High School Tiger Pride Marching Band, helping the band save approximately $10,000 while gaining real-world experience.
When band director Jared Sabatasso needed backdrop props, he turned to WCC instructor Adam Rodden to see if his students could create something similar to a sample he had. Rodden and his welding and manufacturing classes accepted the challenge, creating the props for the band's performances, while saving $10,000.
“The real value of the project, however, goes well beyond the money saved,” says Courtney Long, executive director of secondary. “This collaboration demonstrates how Client Connected Projects (CCPs) provide students with opportunities to solve real-world problems for actual clients while supporting our CSIP commitment to students earning market value assets.”
Just like professionals in the manufacturing industry, the WCC students had to take Sabatasso's vision, understand the specifications and produce a finished product that met the band’s needs. For students, it was an opportunity to see how the skills they are learning in the classroom translate directly into the workplace. The project also introduced some WCC students from sending schools to an unexpected application of their skills.
“Some of our sending schools do not have marching bands, so students had the added bonus of learning how manufacturing could play a role in creating the visual elements of a band performance.”
The collaboration highlights the strength of two outstanding programs—one dedicated to musical excellence and the other to preparing students with technical skills for careers and future opportunities.
And while the fabric and performances may change over the years, the props—and the lessons learned while building them—will endure.
Families explored different approaches to solving math problems and practiced using a variety of strategies during “Math Together: Tools for Home and School” on Oct. 27, 2026. They also gained insight into how our math lessons are designed, how skills build upon one another from year to year, and ways they can support their children’s learning at home.
The event was the second in the Tiger Pride series for the 2026–27 school year.
The event was the second in the Tiger Pride series for the 2026–27 school year.
WCC students learn how much work goes into creating magazine
Waynesville Career Center students in the advertising design class recently participated in a behind-the-scenes tour of Missouri Conservationist magazine at the Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City.
Students learned firsthand what it takes to bring a professional magazine to life—from capturing the perfect photograph and creating eye-catching layouts to developing engaging stories that capture readers' attention
“What surprised our students most was the incredible amount of time, patience and planning photographers invest in capturing just one remarkable image,” said Advertising Design Instructor Donna Groves. “Students also discovered how much research, collaboration, and fact-checking go into every issue, including working closely with subject-matter experts to ensure stories are accurate.”
Over the coming months, students will apply what they've learned in their “Design Hive” to plan, design, and produce their very own magazines, using Adobe InDesign, a professional page-layout software used throughout the publishing industry.
“Experiences like this connect classroom learning with real-world careers and help our students see what's possible in the creative industry,” Groves said.
A special thank-you to the talented Missouri Department of Conservation team who shared their expertise:
· Angie Morfeld – Editor
· Ben Nickelson – Art Director
· Noppadol Paothong – Photographer
· David Stonner – Photographer
· Kate Morrow – Designer
Waynesville Career Center students in the advertising design class recently participated in a behind-the-scenes tour of Missouri Conservationist magazine at the Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City.
Students learned firsthand what it takes to bring a professional magazine to life—from capturing the perfect photograph and creating eye-catching layouts to developing engaging stories that capture readers' attention
“What surprised our students most was the incredible amount of time, patience and planning photographers invest in capturing just one remarkable image,” said Advertising Design Instructor Donna Groves. “Students also discovered how much research, collaboration, and fact-checking go into every issue, including working closely with subject-matter experts to ensure stories are accurate.”
Over the coming months, students will apply what they've learned in their “Design Hive” to plan, design, and produce their very own magazines, using Adobe InDesign, a professional page-layout software used throughout the publishing industry.
“Experiences like this connect classroom learning with real-world careers and help our students see what's possible in the creative industry,” Groves said.
A special thank-you to the talented Missouri Department of Conservation team who shared their expertise:
· Angie Morfeld – Editor
· Ben Nickelson – Art Director
· Noppadol Paothong – Photographer
· David Stonner – Photographer
· Kate Morrow – Designer
WHS students to present the comedy: "The Play That Goes Wrong"
Waynesville High School Theatre & Troupe 1669 will present the play, "The Play That Goes Wrong," at 7 p.m. on Oct. 29 & 30, and at 2 p.m. on Oct. 31 & Nov. 1 at WHS Auditorium.
Doors open 30 minutes prior to the event. Tickets are $7 each for general admission.
Waynesville High School Theatre & Troupe 1669 will present the play, "The Play That Goes Wrong," at 7 p.m. on Oct. 29 & 30, and at 2 p.m. on Oct. 31 & Nov. 1 at WHS Auditorium.
Doors open 30 minutes prior to the event. Tickets are $7 each for general admission.
This weeks's #TeacherProud Tuesday shout-out goes to Chad Bolin teacher at Waynesville Sixth Grade Center. #WaySchools
WCC students participate in KC photography experience
Waynesville Career Center advertising design students recently traveled to Kansas City to step behind the camera and experience the world of professional fashion photography.
“The biggest take away for our students was don't be afraid to pursue your passion,” said Advertising Design Instructor Donna Groves. “Sometimes the most valuable lesson isn't just about cameras, lighting, or software. It's about meeting creative professionals who prove that a passion can become a career.”
Students spent the day learning from Emmalee Rathsam, Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), whose work spans portraiture, architecture and fashion photography.
“And this wasn't just a demonstration—our students became the photographers,” Groves said. “With access to professional Canon camera bodies, high-end lenses, and studio lighting equipment, students gained hands-on experience photographing professional model Elena Weber. The experience included a makeup artist, carefully selected high-end wardrobe pieces, and a behind-the-scenes look at how a professional fashion shoot comes together.”
Throughout the seven-hour workshop, students explored the differences between fashion editorial photography and commercial fashion photography, discovering how lighting, styling, composition, and creative direction work together to tell a story or sell a product.
“These are the experiences that inspire our students, build confidence and connect classroom learning to future careers in the creative industry,” Groves said. “Students now have firsthand experience in planning a fashion shoot, setting professional lighting, directing and photographing a model, and making intentional creative decisions that communicate a message—skills used every day in advertising, commercial photography and magazine publishing.”
A special thank you to Rathsam, Weber and Ryan Brown from Canon USA for putting professional photography technology into our students' hands and sharing valuable industry knowledge
Back in the WCC’s “Design Hive” classroom, students continue take images they capture and use Adobe Lightroom to apply the professional editing techniques they are learning.
Our CSIP in action
This is another example of our CSIP in action. The district’s strategic plan, called the CSIP Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP), includes this Collective Commitment:
College & Career Readiness: We commit to preparing students (PK-12) to be college and career-ready through rigorous coursework and relevant learning experiences that foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Waynesville Career Center advertising design students recently traveled to Kansas City to step behind the camera and experience the world of professional fashion photography.
“The biggest take away for our students was don't be afraid to pursue your passion,” said Advertising Design Instructor Donna Groves. “Sometimes the most valuable lesson isn't just about cameras, lighting, or software. It's about meeting creative professionals who prove that a passion can become a career.”
Students spent the day learning from Emmalee Rathsam, Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), whose work spans portraiture, architecture and fashion photography.
“And this wasn't just a demonstration—our students became the photographers,” Groves said. “With access to professional Canon camera bodies, high-end lenses, and studio lighting equipment, students gained hands-on experience photographing professional model Elena Weber. The experience included a makeup artist, carefully selected high-end wardrobe pieces, and a behind-the-scenes look at how a professional fashion shoot comes together.”
Throughout the seven-hour workshop, students explored the differences between fashion editorial photography and commercial fashion photography, discovering how lighting, styling, composition, and creative direction work together to tell a story or sell a product.
“These are the experiences that inspire our students, build confidence and connect classroom learning to future careers in the creative industry,” Groves said. “Students now have firsthand experience in planning a fashion shoot, setting professional lighting, directing and photographing a model, and making intentional creative decisions that communicate a message—skills used every day in advertising, commercial photography and magazine publishing.”
A special thank you to Rathsam, Weber and Ryan Brown from Canon USA for putting professional photography technology into our students' hands and sharing valuable industry knowledge
Back in the WCC’s “Design Hive” classroom, students continue take images they capture and use Adobe Lightroom to apply the professional editing techniques they are learning.
Our CSIP in action
This is another example of our CSIP in action. The district’s strategic plan, called the CSIP Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP), includes this Collective Commitment:
College & Career Readiness: We commit to preparing students (PK-12) to be college and career-ready through rigorous coursework and relevant learning experiences that foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
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.