Waynesville Middle School's Spring Band Concert was held on April 28, 2026, in the Waynesville High School Auditorium. The concert featured performances from the Beginning Percussion Ensemble, Full Beginning Band, Advanced Percussion Ensemble, WMS Jazz Band, Tiger Pride Band and Honor Band.
Waynesville High School art students earned seven awards at the Clay It Up/Sketch It Out Competition hosted by Nixa High School on April 18, 2026.
A total of 22 WHS students competed against peers from seven schools, taking on a series of timed challenges throughout the day. Each challenge was 70 minutes long.
A total of 22 WHS students competed against peers from seven schools, taking on a series of timed challenges throughout the day. Each challenge was 70 minutes long.
Shawneen Hefton, Peggy Arold, Sandy Shelton and Col. (Ret.) Charles Williams from the Waynesville Career Center are being recognized as this week’s #TeacherProudTuesday shout-out.
#ProudTeacherTuesday #WaySchools
#ProudTeacherTuesday #WaySchools
Waynesville High School has announced the Prom queen and king candidates. They are as follows:
Prom Queen Candidates:
Breanna Bednarick
Katherine Bercier
Emmalie Erlewine
Destiny Griffin
Prom King Candidates:
Noah Forte
Brandon Jackson
Keegan Sharp
Ki Ventura
Prom will take place Saturday, May 9, 2026.
Prom Queen Candidates:
Breanna Bednarick
Katherine Bercier
Emmalie Erlewine
Destiny Griffin
Prom King Candidates:
Noah Forte
Brandon Jackson
Keegan Sharp
Ki Ventura
Prom will take place Saturday, May 9, 2026.
Join us tomorrow, Wednesday (April 29) for Community Salute to Service!
The community is invited to attend the Community Salute to Service at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2026, in the Waynesville High School Auditorium.
This event is free and open to the public and members of the community are encouraged to attend.
The Community Salute to Service will recognize high school students from throughout Missouri who are joining/attending:
· any branch of the U.S. military
· National Guard
· Reserves
· ROTC program at a college/university
· military academy
Students being recognized should report to the Choir Room at 5:30 p.m. April 29 at WHS, which is located at 200 G.W. Lane St. in Waynesville, Mo.
The community is invited to attend the Community Salute to Service at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2026, in the Waynesville High School Auditorium.
This event is free and open to the public and members of the community are encouraged to attend.
The Community Salute to Service will recognize high school students from throughout Missouri who are joining/attending:
· any branch of the U.S. military
· National Guard
· Reserves
· ROTC program at a college/university
· military academy
Students being recognized should report to the Choir Room at 5:30 p.m. April 29 at WHS, which is located at 200 G.W. Lane St. in Waynesville, Mo.
Ruff Ryders raise funds for autism program
The Fort Leonard Wood Ruff Ryders held a fundraiser and donated $668.80 to the autism program at the Waynesville R-VI School District on April 23, 2026.
Pictured are Ruff Ryders members Michael Washington, Harold Denson, Shauna Smith (district special education coordinator), Dr. Elizabeth Washington (executive director of student services), John Moate, Valerie Moate, Vera, Krystle Garcia and Laurinda Washington.
The Fort Leonard Wood Ruff Ryders held a fundraiser and donated $668.80 to the autism program at the Waynesville R-VI School District on April 23, 2026.
Pictured are Ruff Ryders members Michael Washington, Harold Denson, Shauna Smith (district special education coordinator), Dr. Elizabeth Washington (executive director of student services), John Moate, Valerie Moate, Vera, Krystle Garcia and Laurinda Washington.
Snack in a Pack offering opportunity to win a
Blackstone grill or $200 gift card
Snack in a Pack is hosting a fundraising drawing with an opportunity to win a Blackstone Grill and Amazon Gift Card ($200) with all proceeds going to the Snack in a Pack Program.
Tickets may be purchased online at https://www.raise-365.com/shop/nio4-oxgu?user_id=5141052 through May 1, 2026, with the drawing to be held in early May.
Any purchase or share on social media is greatly appreciated.
Snack in a Pack (SIAP) is a supplemental food program that feeds approximately 450 students in the Waynesville R-VI School District over weekends and extended school breaks. SIAP is a 100% donation-driven program that relies on the generosity of its partners, donors and community volunteers to continue its mission to feed hungry children and improve educational success. Together, we can all make a significant change in the mission to alleviate food insecurity in our schools and community.
Blackstone grill or $200 gift card
Snack in a Pack is hosting a fundraising drawing with an opportunity to win a Blackstone Grill and Amazon Gift Card ($200) with all proceeds going to the Snack in a Pack Program.
Tickets may be purchased online at https://www.raise-365.com/shop/nio4-oxgu?user_id=5141052 through May 1, 2026, with the drawing to be held in early May.
Any purchase or share on social media is greatly appreciated.
Snack in a Pack (SIAP) is a supplemental food program that feeds approximately 450 students in the Waynesville R-VI School District over weekends and extended school breaks. SIAP is a 100% donation-driven program that relies on the generosity of its partners, donors and community volunteers to continue its mission to feed hungry children and improve educational success. Together, we can all make a significant change in the mission to alleviate food insecurity in our schools and community.
All after school activities for today, April 27, 2026, will not be held in the Waynesville R-VI School District due to the potential of impending weather.
This means there will be no Club Tiger, no WIN, no sports practices, no sporting events and no middle school band concert this evening.
The Waynesville Middle School Spring Band Concert has been rescheduled for 6 p.m. tomorrow, April 28, 2026, at Waynesville High School Auditorium.
The WMS baseball game will not be rescheduled, due to scheduling conflicts.
The Central Ozarks Conference Tennis Tournament, which had been scheduled for today, has been postponed until tomorrow.
This means there will be no Club Tiger, no WIN, no sports practices, no sporting events and no middle school band concert this evening.
The Waynesville Middle School Spring Band Concert has been rescheduled for 6 p.m. tomorrow, April 28, 2026, at Waynesville High School Auditorium.
The WMS baseball game will not be rescheduled, due to scheduling conflicts.
The Central Ozarks Conference Tennis Tournament, which had been scheduled for today, has been postponed until tomorrow.
Preschool lottery drawing to be held May 4
Waynesville R-VI will host a lottery drawing for those who have registered for full day preschool at 9 a.m. on May 4, 2026, in Parker Educational Center, 909 U.S. Route 66, Waynesville.
Applicant families are welcome to attend the drawing. Doors will open at 8:45 a.m. for the drawing. Parents will be notified by May 15 if their child is accepted into the program.
Waynesville R-VI will host a lottery drawing for those who have registered for full day preschool at 9 a.m. on May 4, 2026, in Parker Educational Center, 909 U.S. Route 66, Waynesville.
Applicant families are welcome to attend the drawing. Doors will open at 8:45 a.m. for the drawing. Parents will be notified by May 15 if their child is accepted into the program.
JROTC Drill Team takes 3rd place at Nationals
The Waynesville JROTC Tiger Drill Team took 3rd place at Nationals during the U.S. Army Cadet Command Rocky Mountain National Drill Competition from April 22-26,2026.
Waynesville's team was awarded the Norwich Trophy for its 3rd place finish out of a field of more than 50 schools from around the world.
These are the complete results:
· 3rd Place Overall - Norwich Cup
· 3rd Place Armed Division Overall
· 5th Place Unarmed Division Overall
· 2nd Place Armed Inspection
· 2nd Place Unarmed Exhibition
· 3rd Place Armed Exhibition
· 4th Place Armed Color Guard
· 1st Place Armer Exhibition Dual - Austin Bailly & Trevor Skyles
· 1st Place Unarmed Exhibition Dual - Addison Bowling & Addison Smith
· 1st Place Unarmed Exhibition Quad - Danely Aguilar, Addison Bowling, Adriana Martinez and Addison Smith
· 3rd Place Armed Exhibition Solo - Trevor Skyles
· 4th Place Armed Exhibition Quad - Austin Bailly, Kaden Crone, Aubrey Ellison, Trevor Skyles
· 5th Place Best Overall Armed Commander - David Boyd
· 7th Place (of over 500) - Christie Bennett
The Waynesville JROTC Tiger Drill Team took 3rd place at Nationals during the U.S. Army Cadet Command Rocky Mountain National Drill Competition from April 22-26,2026.
Waynesville's team was awarded the Norwich Trophy for its 3rd place finish out of a field of more than 50 schools from around the world.
These are the complete results:
· 3rd Place Overall - Norwich Cup
· 3rd Place Armed Division Overall
· 5th Place Unarmed Division Overall
· 2nd Place Armed Inspection
· 2nd Place Unarmed Exhibition
· 3rd Place Armed Exhibition
· 4th Place Armed Color Guard
· 1st Place Armer Exhibition Dual - Austin Bailly & Trevor Skyles
· 1st Place Unarmed Exhibition Dual - Addison Bowling & Addison Smith
· 1st Place Unarmed Exhibition Quad - Danely Aguilar, Addison Bowling, Adriana Martinez and Addison Smith
· 3rd Place Armed Exhibition Solo - Trevor Skyles
· 4th Place Armed Exhibition Quad - Austin Bailly, Kaden Crone, Aubrey Ellison, Trevor Skyles
· 5th Place Best Overall Armed Commander - David Boyd
· 7th Place (of over 500) - Christie Bennett
Wood Elementary to Present Annie Kids Musical
Wood Elementary invites families and community members to attend its upcoming production of Annie Kids, presented by the Wood Choir. This beloved musical will be brought to life by students in a family-friendly performance.
Performances will take place at 5:30 p.m. on May 5 and May 7 at Wood Elementary, located at 4590 Buckeye Avenue, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
Wood Elementary invites families and community members to attend its upcoming production of Annie Kids, presented by the Wood Choir. This beloved musical will be brought to life by students in a family-friendly performance.
Performances will take place at 5:30 p.m. on May 5 and May 7 at Wood Elementary, located at 4590 Buckeye Avenue, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
LEAP holds GAM Field Day
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, LEAP held it's first Gifted Association of Missouri (GAM) Field Day. Students spent the day engaging their creativity and critical thinking skills through a variety of hands-on activities, including designing 2D alebrijes, reimagining recycled materials, exploring new thinking games, and playing chess. In addition to these enriching experiences, students also gave back to the community by creating birthday cards for children in foster care.
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, LEAP held it's first Gifted Association of Missouri (GAM) Field Day. Students spent the day engaging their creativity and critical thinking skills through a variety of hands-on activities, including designing 2D alebrijes, reimagining recycled materials, exploring new thinking games, and playing chess. In addition to these enriching experiences, students also gave back to the community by creating birthday cards for children in foster care.
Waynesville Middle School students and staff received Culver’s custard sundaes donated by Culver’s on Friday, April 24, 2026, in celebration of April being the Month of the Military Child. Volunteers delivered and handed out the custard. More than 60 percent of Waynesville R-VI students are military impacted.
Ozark Conference Returns in 2027–28; Participating Schools Announced
The Ozark Conference will officially return in the 2027–28 school year, and its participating schools have now been announced.
At this time Camdenton, Lebanon, Rolla, Springfield Central, Springfield Parkview, and Waynesville will form the reestablished conference, bringing together a competitive and tradition-rich group of programs. The return of the OC will reignite longstanding rivalries while creating exciting new moments for athletes, students, and fans.
This announcement signals a strong future for regional competition, rooted in tradition and driven by opportunity.
More details will follow in the coming months. Schools will remain in their current conference alignments during the 2026–27 school year.
The Ozark Conference will officially return in the 2027–28 school year, and its participating schools have now been announced.
At this time Camdenton, Lebanon, Rolla, Springfield Central, Springfield Parkview, and Waynesville will form the reestablished conference, bringing together a competitive and tradition-rich group of programs. The return of the OC will reignite longstanding rivalries while creating exciting new moments for athletes, students, and fans.
This announcement signals a strong future for regional competition, rooted in tradition and driven by opportunity.
More details will follow in the coming months. Schools will remain in their current conference alignments during the 2026–27 school year.
Freedom Elementary students and staff received Culver’s custard sundaes donated by Culver’s on Thursday, April 23, 2026, in celebration of April being the Month of the Military Child. Volunteers delivered and handed out the custard. More than 60 percent of Waynesville R-VI students are military impacted.
In celebration of April being the Month of the Military Child, Culver’s of St. Robert provided custard sundaes to students and staff at Waynesville Schools during the week of April 20-24, including at East Elementary on April 22, 2026.
A special thanks goes to Shaun Morris of Culver’s who donated approximately 7,000 custard sundaes, Ed Morse Ford for providing the vehicles for transporting the custard, Rick Harne for organizing the week, Paula Tackett for organizing the volunteers, Infuze Credit Union, USO, The Pulaski County Sewer District #1, and other volunteers who delivered and served the custard.
At East Elementary, Shaun Morris, owner of Culver’s in St. Robert, Stephanie Linville, FBC for Culver’s in the St. Louis area, and Michael Wieland, director of operations at Culver Franchising System, joined the volunteers to help hand out the custard. They are pictured next to a thank you sign created by East students.
Maries County Band receives Community Recognition Plaque
Dr. Jamie Goforth, assistant superintendent of personnel services, presented the Community Recognition Plaque for April 2026 to Brad Shelton of Maries County Bank during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education on April 20, 2026.
Maries County Bank was recognized for donating hats and for their ongoing support of the Waynesville R-VI students.
Pictured are Dr. Jamie Goforth, assistant superintendent of personnel services, and Brad Shelton, St Robert Branch President at The Maries County Bank.
Dr. Jamie Goforth, assistant superintendent of personnel services, presented the Community Recognition Plaque for April 2026 to Brad Shelton of Maries County Bank during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education on April 20, 2026.
Maries County Bank was recognized for donating hats and for their ongoing support of the Waynesville R-VI students.
Pictured are Dr. Jamie Goforth, assistant superintendent of personnel services, and Brad Shelton, St Robert Branch President at The Maries County Bank.
Members of the 2025-2026 Student Leadership Team met with the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education during the study session on April 20, 2026. Student Leadership Team members provide student input on various pertinent issues in the school district.
Students in the Teaching Pathways class at the Waynesville Career Center attended the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on April 20, 2026, to get a closer look at how school boards operate. The program is designed to inspire future educators and encourage students to return to the district as teachers. Cassandra Shelton, a WCC instructor, leads the program.
WMS earns recognition for student growth in math
Waynesville Middle School was recognized as a top-performing school in Missouri for student growth in mathematics during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on April 20, 2026, by Superintendent Hilary Bales.
The honor came from the PRiME Center at Saint Louis University, which highlighted the school’s strong student growth in math during the 2024-25 school year. The PRiME Center identifies Missouri schools where students show the most progress over time, focusing on how much students improve.
Pictured are Superintendent Hilary Bales, Rebecca Douglas, Taylor Tetreault and WHS Principal Brian Vernon who served as WMS principal during the 2024–25 school year; second row: WMS Principal Brent Dunning, Matthew Wilson, Joe Kincaid, Michael Johnson-Gonzalez. Not Pictured: Joe Wald, Jamie Scholl, Bailey Poncia, Dawn Woods.
