
WHS students participate in Polar Plunge,
raise funds for Special Olympics
A group of Waynesville High School students participated in the 2024 SOMO Polar Plunge - Columbia on Saturday, March 9, 2024.
This annual event is a fundraiser for the Special Olympics of Missouri. This year's group of plungers from WHS consisted of students from Student Government Association and the CID classes. The week leading up to the plunge students held a penny war fundraiser at lunch in addition to fundraising individually. In total WHS's 10 participants raised $1837 for the Special Olympics. The top fundraisers from the group were Aaron Littleton with $512 and Mackenzie Henderson with $355.
The 10 WHS students and staff who participated were: Emma Stark, Citlali Arzabala, Danika Em, Kaden Crone, Mackenzie Henderson, Mackenzie Workman, Wyatt Carter, Aaron Littleton, and teachers Stephanie Peace, and Nancy Swick. #wayschools




Waynesville High School students, staff and district leaders spoke with Missouri elected officials in D.C., including Sen. Eric Schmitt, and their staff about the importance of Basic Impact Aid. Waynesville R-VI Superintendent Hilary Bales is also pictured with Congressman Mark Alford. #wayschools




We hope this graphic helps clear up confusion over market value vs. assessed value.
For example: A home with a market value $200,000 has an assessed value of $38,000. The 10-cent tax levy on $100 assessed valuation would mean an increase in real property taxes of $38 a year for that homeowner.
If the same homeowner in our example also had vehicles with a market value of $60,000, the assessed value on those vehicles would be $19,980. That would mean an increase in personal property taxes of $19.98 a year.
Combined together (the real and personal property ), the increase in this example would be $57.98. For the purposes of the graphic below, we rounded up to $60 a year.


All 3/19 baseball games have been canceled.
Other baseball updates include:
C team:
No game 4/17 vs. St. James
No game 4/23 vs. St. James
Added game 4/30 vs. Houston at Bandy Field starting at 4:30 p.m.
JV/V:
Rolla game 4/25 moved to 4/24 #wayschools

March is School Board Recognition Month in Missouri and the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education members will be recognized on Monday, March 25, 2024, for their dedicated service. President Paul Shultz II; Vice President Mr. Rick Harne, Treasurer Andy Anderson, Secretary Janel Rowell, and members: Charles Quinn, Aaron Pondrom and Layne Lercher. #wayschools


Parker Preschool in Waynesville is now taking applications for students for the 2024-25 school year. Forty students will be selected for the program through a random lottery.
Parents who are interested in enrolling their students at Parker may begin applying for the lottery at 9 a.m. Monday, March 25, 2024, at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1I4kLS-ybKn-ExuykdRSOvjJ_ek_UijyBbP-yNjemKJA/closedform. Please note that the link to the Google form will close at 4 p.m. on April 12.
Eligibility to apply to be in the lottery drawing:
· Students must turn age 4 before Aug. 1, to be eligible for Parker Preschool, which is located inside the Parker Educational Center, next to Waynesville Middle School.
· Students must provide their child's transportation to and from the center
· Students must reside within the boundaries of the Waynesville R-VI School District.
Applicants will be chosen through a lottery drawing at 1 p.m. on April 25. Parents will be notified by May 3 if their child is accepted into the program.
Students who are selected to attend through the random drawing will:
· participate in a screening in June
· need to complete the enrollment process with the Waynesville R-VI School District
If the link above does not work after 9 a.m. on March 25, the application form will be available via a link on Parker Preschool’s webpage. NOTE: The If you have any questions please email mmitchell@waynesville.k12.mo.us. #wayschools


From our Athletics Department:
The Waynesville R-VI School District's Activities Department is accepting nominations for the Athletic/Activity Hall of Fame Class of 2024-25. This winter we honored the first official inductees of those individuals or groups whose actions, achievements and character bring honor and distinction to the heritage of Waynesville High School.
Congratulations again to our 2023-24 Waynesville Athletic/Activity Hall of Fame inductees;
Norman Anderson, Bobby Dodds, Kenny Foster, Gary Hansen, Dwight Hensley, Vic Lynch (1951 State Runner-up Basketball Team)
Rick Vernon (Football/Coach)
Richard Gan (Wrestling/Athlete)
Russell Sheldon (Cross Country/Athlete & Coach)
Beginning Friday, March 15, 2024, nominations are being accepted for the 2nd annual Waynesville Athletic/Activity Hall of Fame. A maximum of four nominees may be inducted each year unless determined otherwise by the selection committee. A silent ballot will narrow the selection field down to a final 10, including up to eight nominees from athletics and two team nominations. The Waynesville High School Activity/Athletic Hall of Fame Committee looks forward to your nominations and is proud to recognize those who have led the way. The deadline for nominations is June 30, 2024.
Nominations may be made electronically or by paper copy using the following links:
Online:
https://www.waynesville.k12.mo.us/cms/lib/MO01910216/Centricity/Domain/1681/Waynesville%20High%20School%20Hall%20of%20Fame%20Nomination%20Form.pdf
Paper:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDGw6Z5OjLfqmwPp4Ndwjxe4b5xRa1lPU_qF0JCqBNW2YyqQ/viewform
The Hall of Fame serves as a means of recognizing, preserving, and honoring individuals or groups, living and deceased, who made significant contributions to the athletic/activities programs. The Hall of Fame honors the contributions and accomplishments of individuals or groups who are worthy of recognition and are examples for others to emulate. #wayschools


Waypoint donates 1,500+ food items to Snack in a Pack
Waypoint United Methodist Church donated more than 1,500 food items - 500 or more each - of applesauce, Goldfish crackers and Cheerios cereal to Snack in a Pack in March 2024 to help provide food for Waynesville R-VI students. Snack in a Pack provides entrees, fruits, vegetables and snacks to more than 500 students over weekends and extended school breaks, such as Spring Break.
Pictured are Waypoint Lead Pastor Brett Reith and Waynesville R-VI Superintendent Hilary Bales.
About Snack in a Pack
Snack in a Pack (SIAP) is a supplemental food program that feeds approximately 550 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.
The current cost of maintaining the program is $2,500 per week at roughly $4 per student. The program costs an average of $100,000 a year and relies solely on donations from organizations and members of the local community to operate successfully.
To make a donation online, go to https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/stores/catalog/getproduct?productKey=ZZJNGFJ7X20WNYU&OPTZZJNGFJ7X20WNYU=ZZJNGFJ7XH0WSFK
If you are interested in helping donate food or funds to Snack in a Pack, please email spack@waynesville.k12.mo.us or call (573) 842-2250 for more information.


Virginia Fulmer-Rehm gives it her all every day and her students love her for it. As a resource specialist at Freedom Elementary, Fulmer-Rehm works with grades K-5.
“She fosters an inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential,” said Dr. Trish Adkins, assistant superintendent of instructional services. “Her tireless efforts extend far beyond the classroom walls, as she also serves as a CPI instructor and a Special Olympics coach.”
Fulmer-Rehm is a Crisis Prevention Intervention instructor who teaches de-escalation techniques for understanding and aiding trauma-impacted individuals. In this role, she advocates, educates and inspires others to help students when they need it the most. She also coaches students in Special Olympics bowling, basketball and track and field.
“The committee chose Mrs. Fulmer-Rehm because she nurtures confidence, resilience and self-belief in her students,” Adkins said. “She understands that success looks different for everyone. Along with the paras, she ensures that every student receives the personalized attention and support they require to thrive. She helps transform lives through her kindness, patience and unwavering belief in the potential of every individual.”
A Waynesville High School graduate, Fulmer-Rehm has earned her undergraduate, master’s, and specialist degrees. She has taught in the Waynesville R-VI School District for 25 years. Her first 15 years were spent teaching hospitality and tourism at the Waynesville Career Center. She and her husband, James Rehm, the diesel mechanics instructor at the WCC, have five children.
Teacher of the Year criteria includes professional activities, professional development, leadership, community involvement, contribution and accomplishments within the education field. Teachers participate in interviews with the Teacher of the Year Committee. During the interview portion, the committee learns more about the candidate’s teaching philosophy, how they interact with and impact students, as well as those issues that they view as a priority in education.
Fulmer-Rehm will advance to the regional competition. Regional Teachers of the Year from around the state will then move on to the state Teacher of the Year process. #wayschools







This week we celebrated AmeriCorps week in each of our buildings. AmeriCorps members are individuals enrolled for a specific term of service, ranging from 300 to 1700 hours, with the Waynesville AmeriCorps Program. AmeriCorps members are engaged in National Service and are not volunteers or employees. They play a unique role in our district. During the day, AmeriCorps members serve as tutors focusing on areas of math and literacy in order to help close learning gaps. They support Club Tiger or WIN after school programs by providing academic support and assisting in a variety of activities or clubs. Last year, the Waynesville AmeriCorps program enrolled two high school seniors to assist with Club Tiger. The number of high school seniors enrolled this year has greatly increased because of the prior year's success. The Snack in a Pack Program is managed AmeriCorps members, who actively engage in fundraising and recruiting volunteers to reduce food insecurity for students within the district. This week we celebrate and thank them for their service. Shown in the photo are: Front Row: Olivia Provart (year 1) Christina Johnson (year 1) Anke Barrientos (year 1) Esmeralda Lepe (year 1) Ashley Tyler (year 1) Katelynn Crouch (year 1) Middle Row: Ashley White (year 1) Victoria DeGraftenreed (year 1) Marielle King (year 2) Dacoda Zamiska (year 2) Cheryl Johnson (year 1) Janis Bellanger (year 2) Deborah Hodges (year 2) Between middle and back on right side: Mary Ann Crouch (year 1) Jade Jones (year 3) Jessica Ward (year 4) Back Row: Justin Lopez-Johnson (year 2) Nathaniel Tayler (year 1) Walt Derbidge (year 4) Janique Chestnut (year 2) Ashley Clever (year 1) Jorsan Morales (year 1) Collin DeSotel (year 4) Not pictured: Jill Kelly (year 3) Caleb Kelly (year 1) #wayschools




#wayschools


Waynesville JROTC cadets presented the Colors during the NAFIS (National Association of Federally Impacted Schools) Spring Conference on Monday, March 11, 2024, in Washington, D.C.
“I am so proud of how our JROTC Color Guard performed,” said Superintendent Hilary Bales. “Their flawless presentation was clearly a result of their hours of rehearsal and preparation. I hope they always remember this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when as high school students they presented the Colors in our nation’s Capital before the entire conference.”
The Waynesville High School cadets who participated are as follows:
· Cadet Lieutenant Colonel David Bennett
· Cadet Sergeant Major Nathaniel Copeland
· Cadet Major Avery Higdon
· Cadet Master Sergeant Joseph Mendiola
Following the presentation of the Colors, Bennett spoke about his experiences with JROTC and being a military child to the entire conference.
“Cadet Bennett was absolutely amazing,” said Superintendent Hilary Bales. “Far more than even the words he shared, David will be remembered for his resilience, sense of humor and leadership."
The Color Guard, along with Skylar Ringo, who is also a WHS JROTC cadet, addressed all military schools at the MISA (Military Impacted Schools Association) breakfast to talk about struggles military students face with transitions, and how schools can best support them.
“Afterward, I was approached by many superintendents complimenting me about how well our students presented themselves, and how clearly they were able to share their experiences,” Bales said. “Several even stated that our students were their favorite part of the conference! I really could not have been more proud. Our students are awe-inspiring!”
About NAFIS
The National Association of Federally Impacted Schools (NAFIS) represents the 1,100-plus federally impacted public school districts that together educate more than 10 million students across the nation. Federally impacted school districts are those located on or near nontaxable Federal property—including military installations; Indian Trust, Treaty and Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act lands; Federal low-income housing facilities; and national parks, national laboratories and other Federal buildings and property. These school districts, which are demographically and geographically diverse, receive Impact Aid.
About MISA
Military Impacted Schools Association (MISA) is a national organization of school superintendents whose mission is to serve school districts with a high concentration of military children. MISA is also part of the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools (NAFIS).
Formed in 1986, MISA works on funding (Impact Aid), legislation, partnerships and programs for military families on the move. Education is an important quality of life program for military families. MISA partners with the Department of Defense Education Activity, National Military Family Association, and military leaders to ensure that all military children are afforded a quality education. MISA works with local school districts and commanders to highlight best practices and partnerships that can further meet the needs of military families. #wayschools







Waynesville R-VI students in the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades attended an Honors Choir Event at Dixon High School on March 2, 2024. These students collaborated with students from surrounding districts in order to put together a beautiful performance. The students were accompanied by Vanessa Mason, Keisha Jarrett, Laura Taylor, Elizabeth Gibson and Amanda Johnson-Gonzalez. #wayschools

2 WHS students serve on national panel
While many of their fellow students were relaxing or preparing for the upcoming week, two Waynesville High School students were in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, March 10, 2024, serving on a national panel.
Haylee Fort and Skylar Ringo volunteered to serve on the panel for the session, “Supporting Students’ Educational, Emotional and Cultural Needs” during the NAFIS (National Association of Federally Impacted Schools) Spring Conference.
“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to speak in front of this group of educators and bring them a student perspective,” Fort said. “I hope they enjoyed the advice we offered about inclusion and relating to a student's cultural identity. I'm happy I got to bring another point of view to the conversation.”
Waynesville R-VI students, along with students from the Umoⁿhoⁿ Nation Public School District, served on the panel.
“I am so grateful I was able to speak on my experiences as a military kid and a student in the Waynesville School District,” Ringo said. “I believe passing on the knowledge is very important and although it is my senior year, I’m glad I was able to bring exposure and educate administrators to pass onto the next generation of students. It was the opportunity of a lifetime and I am so excited to see the initiatives they bring to their students within the school districts.”
This year’s NAFIS’ theme is “Building A Better Future,” which examines the many forms of “building” required for students to succeed.
“I am so proud of our students for participating in this national conference,” said Waynesville R-VI Superintendent Hilary Bales. “It's not easy for students to speak in front of adults, but our students represented both our district and our state in a professional manner. Their knowledge and personal experiences provided insight about what helps nurture student success. School district leaders from throughout the nation will take the lessons they learned from today back to their own districts.”





Waynesville High School’s Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and Percussion Ensemble all received Exemplary ratings from all of the judges at the MSHSAA State Large Ensemble Contest on March 5, 2024, at Camdenton High School. Exemplary is the highest rating a group can receive. The Brass Choir received a Satisfactory rating as well.
"Your bands have a great approach to fundamentals as well as exemplary ensemble precision,” said Dr. Brian Silvey, band director at the University of Missouri-Columbia.
The Wind Ensemble will travel to Parkview High School next on April 16 for another performance opportunity. The Percussion Ensemble will travel to the University of Missouri-Columbia on March 9 to compete as well.
Waynesville High School bands and ensembles will host a home concert at 6 p.m. on April 23 in the WHS auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.
The directors are Jared Sabatasso, Nathan Gargus, Chance Inman and Andrew Tiefenbrunn. #wayschools





On Friday, March 1, 2024, Waynesville Middle School musicians competed in their annual Music Fest at Central Methodist University in Fayette, Mo. The following students received an Exemplary rating, the best of the day:
Emmanuel Aguirre, snare drum solo
Aaron Chen, marimba solo
Mason Clark, snare drum solo
Andi Cunningham, snare drum solo
Mason McCord, snare drum solo
Shawn Torres, drum set solo
Elina Wu, marimba solo
The following students received an Outstanding rating:
Jack Gasek, drum set solo
Abigail Hanna, marimba solo
Kemper Henson, drum set solo
Jacob Moler, drum set solo
Temperance Osborn, timpani solo
Sheradyn Gilbert received a Satisfactory rating for her timpani solo.
Additionally, several ensembles performed throughout the day. The WMS Advanced Percussion Ensemble earned an exemplary rating for the third year in a row, consisting of the following students:
Emmanuel Aguirre
Aaron Chen
Mason Clark
Andi Cunningham
Jack Gasek
Sheradyn Gilbert
Abigail Hanna
Kemper Henson
Mason McCord
Jacob Moler
Temperance Osborn
Shawn Torres
Elina Wu
A special thanks to Vic Firth sticks & mallets and Zildjian cymbals for their support of our percussion program.
Here are the other woodwind and brass ensembles:
Woodwind Ensemble 1 - Exemplary
Emma Beatty, Flute
Jennifer Cortez, Flute
Cassandra Hays, Flute
Francheska Schmadel, Flute
Emma Smith, Flute
Preston Weatherspoon, Flute
Woodwind Ensemble 2 - Outstanding
Selena Charbonier, Clarinet
Katelynn Compton, Clarinet
Jefferson Leveille, Clarinet
Bernd Gillette, Oboe
Camille Watson, Clarinet
Isaiah Williams, Clarinet
Woodwind Ensemble 3 - Outstanding
Cassandra Doremus, Clarinet
Archer Gutierrez, Clarinet
Riley Haines, Clarinet
Savannah High, Clarinet
Sophia Wagasky, Oboe
Celeste Rivera, Clarinet
Kaylee Rivera, Clarinet
Lynne Rizk, Clarinet
Woodwind Ensemble 4 - Exemplary
Aliyah Bowers, Alto Saxophone
Benjamin Ornburn, Baritone Saxophone
Saya Tully, Tenor Saxophone
Adam Maline, Alto Saxophone
Zoey Heacock, Alto Saxophone
Jesse Carr, Alto Saxophone
Jeramie Mays, Tenor Saxophone
Nicholas Nenadich, Alto Saxophone
Daniel Pierce, Alto Saxophone
Brass Ensemble 1 - Outstanding
Edwin Edelman, Trumpet
Jayla Walker, Trumpet
Willa Demmon, Horn
Victoria Roman, Trombone
Jason Stuart, Trombone
Jackson Shaw - Perez, Tuba
Tara Walley, Tuba
Avanne' Thomas, Trumpet
Brass Ensemble 2 - Exemplary
Emmalea Liegey, Trumpet
Jayden Mitchell, Trumpet
Nicholas Duncan, Trombone
Evelyn Kelley, Trombone
Blaine Cantu, Euphonium
Jiada Munoz, Trumpet
Brass Ensemble 3 - Outstanding
Kaleb Ellson, Trumpet
Andrew Hickey, Trumpet
Logan Batey, Horn
Natalie Dashiell, Horn
Alan DeSouza, Euphonium
Rosalena Licea, Trombone
Brass Ensemble 4 - Outstanding
Charlie Borchardt, Trumpet
Brooklyn Hite, Trumpet
Corey Barlow, Horn
Sophia Quiroz, Horn
Isabella Torres, Horn
Paul Watkins, Horn
Chloe Hudson, Euphonium
Aiden Bio, Trombone
#wayschools





The Hope Squad, made up of student volunteers from the Waynesville Sixth Grade Center, has a passion for making the world a better place. The Hope Squad’s efforts were featured during Tiger Pride Night on March 4, 2024, at the Waynesville Sixth Grade Center. In addition to learning about how sixth graders are giving back to their community, participants also engaged in a hands-on activity that demonstrates how we are connected to our families, community and world. During this school year, 6th graders have raised $1,025, donated hundreds of food items and collected 11,461 pieces of gum in unopened packs for a “Stick it to cancer” project to benefit individuals who are undergoing cancer treatment.
In the group photo, pictured are Hope Squad members Layla Narcotta, Haley Brown, ZiYonnah Lawson, Kenna Rodriguez, and Trenten Mason who led the presentation and their advisors, Kimberly Ramirez, Angie Wilson, Theresa McNutt and Jody Taylor. #wayschools








Missouri’s First Lady Teresa Parson has selected a Waynesville High School student’s artwork for the Governor’s Mansion Award. The painting, created by sophomore Brianna Brown-Myrick, will hang in the Governor’s mansion until March 2025.
Waynesville High School’s Art Teachers Amy Rushing and Sarah Luttrell have eight students’ artworks displayed in the state capitol for the month of March for Youth Art Month. #wayschools



#wayschools


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