Students to perform in free showcase;
3 to be inducted into Wall of Leaders
The Waynesville R-VI School District Foundation will host Showcase Waynesville Schools from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, at Waynesville High School. Following the performances, three individuals will be inducted into the Wall of Leaders.
“We invite everyone – from family members to the community—to come see our student’s artistic talents and to watch the performances on stage,” said Foundation President Cheryl Vernon.
From 5 to 6 p.m. student art pieces will be on display, along with art and robotics demonstrations. At 6 p.m. students will take the stage for dance, instrumental and choral performances.
During the performances, the three individuals who will later be inducted into the Wall of Leaders will be introduced via video. The formal induction ceremony of Janice Roam Dye
and the late Dr. Ogden DeWitt as Lifetime Achievement – Alumni, and the late Sadie Navarre as Outstanding Educational Professional will begin at 7:15 p.m. in front of the Wall of Leaders, which is located directly behind the bronze tiger statue.
This year’s Showcase Waynesville Schools is free and open to the public.
Schedule at a glance
5 to 6 p.m. WHS 1st Floor
Guests will view student artwork and students will demonstrate their artistic and robotic skills on the first floor fine arts wing of WHS.
6 to 7 p.m. WHS Auditorium
Waynesville R-VI students will perform dance, musical and choral numbers in the WHS Auditorium. Wall of Leaders inductees will be introduced via video.
7:15 p.m. WHS Bronze Tiger
Close friends, family members and community leaders are invited to stay for the formal Induction ceremony into the Wall of Leaders – Janice Roam Dye and the late Dr. Ogden DeWitt as Lifetime Achievement - Alumni and the late Sadie Navarre as Outstanding Educational Professional
3 to be inducted into Wall of Leaders
The Waynesville R-VI School District Foundation will host Showcase Waynesville Schools from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, at Waynesville High School. Following the performances, three individuals will be inducted into the Wall of Leaders.
“We invite everyone – from family members to the community—to come see our student’s artistic talents and to watch the performances on stage,” said Foundation President Cheryl Vernon.
From 5 to 6 p.m. student art pieces will be on display, along with art and robotics demonstrations. At 6 p.m. students will take the stage for dance, instrumental and choral performances.
During the performances, the three individuals who will later be inducted into the Wall of Leaders will be introduced via video. The formal induction ceremony of Janice Roam Dye
and the late Dr. Ogden DeWitt as Lifetime Achievement – Alumni, and the late Sadie Navarre as Outstanding Educational Professional will begin at 7:15 p.m. in front of the Wall of Leaders, which is located directly behind the bronze tiger statue.
This year’s Showcase Waynesville Schools is free and open to the public.
Schedule at a glance
5 to 6 p.m. WHS 1st Floor
Guests will view student artwork and students will demonstrate their artistic and robotic skills on the first floor fine arts wing of WHS.
6 to 7 p.m. WHS Auditorium
Waynesville R-VI students will perform dance, musical and choral numbers in the WHS Auditorium. Wall of Leaders inductees will be introduced via video.
7:15 p.m. WHS Bronze Tiger
Close friends, family members and community leaders are invited to stay for the formal Induction ceremony into the Wall of Leaders – Janice Roam Dye and the late Dr. Ogden DeWitt as Lifetime Achievement - Alumni and the late Sadie Navarre as Outstanding Educational Professional
East and Freedom Elementary’s library media specialists were recognized in the September 2025 edition of the Missouri Association of School Librarians newsletter. Cassie Wilson, Jennifer Henson and Kristin Ross were recognized for going above and beyond to promote a love of reading, including:
launching the Tiger Express Bookmobile
highlighting State Award titles
hosting guest readers
creating a vibrant reading culture that extends beyond the library
Tiger Festival of Nations is Friday
Tiger Festival of Nations will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, at Waynesville High School. The entrance will be on the Ninth Grade Center (east) side of the building. Tiger Festival of Nations is free and open to the public.
Attendees will learn about different cultures, sample food from around the world and the WHS Steel Pan Band will perform.
Gates will open at 6 p.m. to Tiger Stadium, where the WHS Tigers will take on the Neosho R-5 Wildcats at 7 p.m. Admission to the stadium is $4 per person without a pass.
Photos are from the September 2024 Fall Tiger Festival of Nations.
Tiger Festival of Nations will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, at Waynesville High School. The entrance will be on the Ninth Grade Center (east) side of the building. Tiger Festival of Nations is free and open to the public.
Attendees will learn about different cultures, sample food from around the world and the WHS Steel Pan Band will perform.
Gates will open at 6 p.m. to Tiger Stadium, where the WHS Tigers will take on the Neosho R-5 Wildcats at 7 p.m. Admission to the stadium is $4 per person without a pass.
Photos are from the September 2024 Fall Tiger Festival of Nations.
East Elementary commemorated Patriot Day by honoring heroes impacted by the events of 9/11/01 on the Tiger Playground on Sept. 11, 2025. Students and staff marched together and shared words of thanks while presenting emergency responders with artwork, letters and notes of appreciation.
Future Cheer will be held for students in grades K-6 at Waynesville High School.
The dates and times are as follows:
· Cheer clinic: Saturday, Sept. 13: 9 a.m. to noon at WHS Gymnasium
· Practice: Thursday, Sept. 18: 5 to 6:15 p.m. at WHS Gymnasium
· Performance: Friday, Sept. 19: Halftime of the home varsity football game at Tiger Stadium
To attend, a student must BOTH register and pay the clinic.
Register at https://forms.gle/q9d1nNbnWMvpPVv98
******Registration Closes Sept. 12, 2025******
Please make your $35 payment at https://www.msbtickets.com/Athletics/schoolevents after registering to confirm your registration.
Sign up for Future Cheer REMIND and announcements by texting the message @25fallyc to 81010
The dates and times are as follows:
· Cheer clinic: Saturday, Sept. 13: 9 a.m. to noon at WHS Gymnasium
· Practice: Thursday, Sept. 18: 5 to 6:15 p.m. at WHS Gymnasium
· Performance: Friday, Sept. 19: Halftime of the home varsity football game at Tiger Stadium
To attend, a student must BOTH register and pay the clinic.
Register at https://forms.gle/q9d1nNbnWMvpPVv98
******Registration Closes Sept. 12, 2025******
Please make your $35 payment at https://www.msbtickets.com/Athletics/schoolevents after registering to confirm your registration.
Sign up for Future Cheer REMIND and announcements by texting the message @25fallyc to 81010
Celebrate Military Appreciation Night on Friday, Sept. 5
Waynesville High School will celebrate Military Appreciation Night on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, before and during the varsity football game at Tiger Stadium.
All active duty service members and military retirees with a military ID will be admitted to the game FREE of charge.
Gates open at 6 p.m. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
Waynesville High School will celebrate Military Appreciation Night on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, before and during the varsity football game at Tiger Stadium.
All active duty service members and military retirees with a military ID will be admitted to the game FREE of charge.
Gates open at 6 p.m. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
Waynesville’s Homecoming is Oct. 3
Waynesville R-VI’s Homecoming will be held on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025. This year’s theme is “Deep Sea Roar: A Homecoming Quest.”
Schools will let out early, with students in K-5 being dismissed at 1 p.m. and students in grades 6-12 being dismissed at noon. Parker Educational Center and Pick Educational and Volunteer Center students will dismiss at 12:45 p.m. There will be no afternoon session at Williams Early Childhood Center.
The Homecoming Parade will start at 2:30 p.m. The route begins on Benton Street on the square, turns onto Historic Route 66 and continues to Waynesville Middle School.
Following the parade, the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Community Pride Night from 4:30 to 6 p.m., featuring a free hot dog roast and celebration. There will be giveaways from area businesses and organizations in front of the Waynesville High School gym.
Homecoming Court Coronation will be at 6:25 p.m. inside Tiger Stadium. The Waynesville Tiger football team will play Ozark at 7 p.m.
Admission to Tiger Stadium is $4 per person for school age and up without a pass.
Waynesville R-VI’s Homecoming will be held on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025. This year’s theme is “Deep Sea Roar: A Homecoming Quest.”
Schools will let out early, with students in K-5 being dismissed at 1 p.m. and students in grades 6-12 being dismissed at noon. Parker Educational Center and Pick Educational and Volunteer Center students will dismiss at 12:45 p.m. There will be no afternoon session at Williams Early Childhood Center.
The Homecoming Parade will start at 2:30 p.m. The route begins on Benton Street on the square, turns onto Historic Route 66 and continues to Waynesville Middle School.
Following the parade, the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Community Pride Night from 4:30 to 6 p.m., featuring a free hot dog roast and celebration. There will be giveaways from area businesses and organizations in front of the Waynesville High School gym.
Homecoming Court Coronation will be at 6:25 p.m. inside Tiger Stadium. The Waynesville Tiger football team will play Ozark at 7 p.m.
Admission to Tiger Stadium is $4 per person for school age and up without a pass.
There will be no school in the Waynesville R-VI School District on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, in observance of Labor Day and all offices will be closed.
Celebrate Military Appreciation Night on Sept. 5
Waynesville High School will celebrate Military Appreciation Night on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, before and during the varsity football game at Tiger Stadium.
All active duty service members and military retirees with a military ID will be admitted to the game free of charge.
Gates open at 6 p.m. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
About 68% of Waynesville R-VI students are military impacted. Waynesville R-VI's tagline is where the orange and black unite with the red, white and blue.
Waynesville High School will celebrate Military Appreciation Night on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, before and during the varsity football game at Tiger Stadium.
All active duty service members and military retirees with a military ID will be admitted to the game free of charge.
Gates open at 6 p.m. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
About 68% of Waynesville R-VI students are military impacted. Waynesville R-VI's tagline is where the orange and black unite with the red, white and blue.
Kindergarten families attended Meet the Teacher on Aug.25, 2025.
Waynesville R-VI’s LEAP program held an open house at Waynesville Middle School on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. Students in 1st-5th grades spend a full day each week with their gifted teacher at the LEAP Center, which is located inside Waynesville Middle School.
Learn more about special education on Sept. 9
Understanding special education will be the first topic in a series of Tiger Pride Nights focusing on special education. The first one will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, in Parker Educational Center, 909 U.S. Rte 66, in Waynesville, next to the middle school.
The session will provide:
· an overview of special education
· parent and student rights
· roles and responsibilities
Understanding special education will be the first topic in a series of Tiger Pride Nights focusing on special education. The first one will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, in Parker Educational Center, 909 U.S. Rte 66, in Waynesville, next to the middle school.
The session will provide:
· an overview of special education
· parent and student rights
· roles and responsibilities
Reminder: Kindergarten Meet the Teacher Night coming up this Monday!
Library media specialists recognized for traveling bookmobile program
Mike Henson, executive director of elementary, recognized the Waynesville R-VI library media specialists who provided the Tiger Book Express bookmobile two days a week throughout the summer. Kristin Ross, Cassie Wilson, Kennedy Beauchamp, Lori Crabtree, Raquel DeSouza and Jennifer Henson, were recognized during the Aug. 18, 2025, Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting.
Their efforts provided an opportunity for kids throughout our community to experience a traveling library and to continue their Love of Reading during the summer months in the Waynesville and St. Robert City Parks.
Pictured are Lori Crabtree, Raquel DeSouza, Kennedy Beauchamp, Jennifer Henson, Kristin Ross, Cassie Wilson and Mike Henson.
Mike Henson, executive director of elementary, recognized the Waynesville R-VI library media specialists who provided the Tiger Book Express bookmobile two days a week throughout the summer. Kristin Ross, Cassie Wilson, Kennedy Beauchamp, Lori Crabtree, Raquel DeSouza and Jennifer Henson, were recognized during the Aug. 18, 2025, Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting.
Their efforts provided an opportunity for kids throughout our community to experience a traveling library and to continue their Love of Reading during the summer months in the Waynesville and St. Robert City Parks.
Pictured are Lori Crabtree, Raquel DeSouza, Kennedy Beauchamp, Jennifer Henson, Kristin Ross, Cassie Wilson and Mike Henson.
To help kick off the first day of school on Aug. 18, 2025, Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, United States Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general, and his wife Sally greeted students at Waynesville Middle School and East Elementary, along with Command Sgt. Maj. David Palmer, U.S. Army Engineer School command sergeant major. A special thank you also goes to our Partners in Education for their assistance this morning.
Firefighters responded to a false alarm due to a sensor at East Elementary at approximately 7:45 a.m. Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. There was no smoke and no fire.
East Elementary welcomed families to Meet the Teacher Night on Aug. 14, 2025.
As a reminder the first day of the 2025-26 school year is tomorrow, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025.
As a reminder the first day of the 2025-26 school year is tomorrow, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025.
The Waynesville R-VI School District Foundation awarded a record amount – more than $8,400 – to teachers in the form of Foundation Teach Impact Grants during Convocation on Aug. 11, 2025. The winners of 2025-26 Foundation grants are as follows:
LEAP
Christina Wallace, $489 for micro bit kits
EAST ELEMENTARY
Haley Jones, $150 for a Free Little Library project
Teresa Vogtman, $204 for a TonieBox with stories for comprehension
Deena Kitchens, $100 for “Project Me” to build self-awareness and management
Emmalee Damson, $61 for “Mathematical Mind Work” puzzles
Tammy Nelson, $263 for “Friendships and Foundations” Learning through play
Elizabeth Knisell, $110 to support ELA through LETRs strategies
Makaela Diedrich, $337 for Wipebooks for math collaboration
FREEDOM ELEMENTARY
Cara Kelley, $206 for math and literacy manipulatives
Christina Underwood, $107 science experiment supplies
Amanda Wadkins, $107 science experiment supplies
Andy Scott, $107 science experiment supplies
Keisha Bostic, $107 science experiment supplies
Sydney Kunneman, $107 science experiment supplies
Bella Kowal, $107 science experiment supplies
Alexis Smith, $107 science experiment supplies
Pamela Earls, $300 for sound/syllable mapping soundboards
Denise Holtzscher, $494 for “Composing in Color”
Stephanie Sanders, $348 in coins for practicing real world math
Traci Simpson, $247 for a Toniebox with story characters
Jessica Babb, $246 for “Imagination Station” to enhance imaginative play
PARKER EDUCATION CENTER
Tami Schneider, $213 for “Under the Big Top” circus performance
PERIMETER EDUCATION CENTER
Kim Bahr, $496 to start an art program at Perimeter
THAYER ELEMENTARY
Joni Harris, $412 for a “Cooking with Kindness” project
Kim Connolly, $70 for STEM and ELA activities to reinforce skills
WAYNESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Marielle King, $260 to start a heritage club for archaeology and anthropology
Amy Rushing, $167 to create 3D printed printing presses
Stephanie Peace, $250 for morning work and early finishers activity supplies
WAYNESVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Taylor Tetreault, $110 for Vertical Non-Permanent Work Spaces
Michael Johnson-Gonzales, $110 for Vertical Non-Permanent Work Spaces
Becky Douglas, $110 for Vertical Non-Permanent Work Spaces
WAYNESVILLE SIXTH GRADE CENTER
Terri Heiby, $258 to purchase headphones for music students learning to play the keyboard
WILLIAMS EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
Allison Sylvester, $320 for dramatic play items to promote language and social/emotional skills
Lora Thompson, $177 for a sensory wall
Manuela Phinn, $100 to purchase CD players and Bluetooth headphones for listening/tech center
Patricia Bay-Fadgen, $315 for chick brooder heating plates
WOOD ELEMENTARY
Jennifer Schaub, $146 for interactive decodable CVC text set for learning to read
Jennifer Schaub, $236 for Rekenreks and mini writing boards
Karin Smith, $365 for supplies for a “Junior STEMgineers Club
The Waynesville R-VI Foundation awarded more than $8,400 in teach grants to Waynesville R-VI teachers during Convocation on Aug. 11, 2025. The grant recipients are pictured with Foundation President Cheryl Vernon.
LEAP
Christina Wallace, $489 for micro bit kits
EAST ELEMENTARY
Haley Jones, $150 for a Free Little Library project
Teresa Vogtman, $204 for a TonieBox with stories for comprehension
Deena Kitchens, $100 for “Project Me” to build self-awareness and management
Emmalee Damson, $61 for “Mathematical Mind Work” puzzles
Tammy Nelson, $263 for “Friendships and Foundations” Learning through play
Elizabeth Knisell, $110 to support ELA through LETRs strategies
Makaela Diedrich, $337 for Wipebooks for math collaboration
FREEDOM ELEMENTARY
Cara Kelley, $206 for math and literacy manipulatives
Christina Underwood, $107 science experiment supplies
Amanda Wadkins, $107 science experiment supplies
Andy Scott, $107 science experiment supplies
Keisha Bostic, $107 science experiment supplies
Sydney Kunneman, $107 science experiment supplies
Bella Kowal, $107 science experiment supplies
Alexis Smith, $107 science experiment supplies
Pamela Earls, $300 for sound/syllable mapping soundboards
Denise Holtzscher, $494 for “Composing in Color”
Stephanie Sanders, $348 in coins for practicing real world math
Traci Simpson, $247 for a Toniebox with story characters
Jessica Babb, $246 for “Imagination Station” to enhance imaginative play
PARKER EDUCATION CENTER
Tami Schneider, $213 for “Under the Big Top” circus performance
PERIMETER EDUCATION CENTER
Kim Bahr, $496 to start an art program at Perimeter
THAYER ELEMENTARY
Joni Harris, $412 for a “Cooking with Kindness” project
Kim Connolly, $70 for STEM and ELA activities to reinforce skills
WAYNESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Marielle King, $260 to start a heritage club for archaeology and anthropology
Amy Rushing, $167 to create 3D printed printing presses
Stephanie Peace, $250 for morning work and early finishers activity supplies
WAYNESVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Taylor Tetreault, $110 for Vertical Non-Permanent Work Spaces
Michael Johnson-Gonzales, $110 for Vertical Non-Permanent Work Spaces
Becky Douglas, $110 for Vertical Non-Permanent Work Spaces
WAYNESVILLE SIXTH GRADE CENTER
Terri Heiby, $258 to purchase headphones for music students learning to play the keyboard
WILLIAMS EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
Allison Sylvester, $320 for dramatic play items to promote language and social/emotional skills
Lora Thompson, $177 for a sensory wall
Manuela Phinn, $100 to purchase CD players and Bluetooth headphones for listening/tech center
Patricia Bay-Fadgen, $315 for chick brooder heating plates
WOOD ELEMENTARY
Jennifer Schaub, $146 for interactive decodable CVC text set for learning to read
Jennifer Schaub, $236 for Rekenreks and mini writing boards
Karin Smith, $365 for supplies for a “Junior STEMgineers Club
The Waynesville R-VI Foundation awarded more than $8,400 in teach grants to Waynesville R-VI teachers during Convocation on Aug. 11, 2025. The grant recipients are pictured with Foundation President Cheryl Vernon.
The Waynesville R-VI School District honored its staff members celebrating 30, 25 and 20 years of service during Convocation on Aug. 11, 2025.
Those celebrating 30 years of service are Maria Butler, Melissa Childs and Jason Helton.
Those celebrating 25 years of service are first row: Donna Murray, Robyn Justice, Ruth Ann Justus, Tina Budding, Kellie Scott, Jeanie Wade, Andrea Wessell. Back Row: Jason Davis, Jon Dye, Peggy Arnold, Maranda Beck, Mary Myers, Saralice Campbell, Matthew Johnson and Michael Thompson.
Those celebrating 20 years of service are first row: Jenni Robbins, Linda Luckritz, Denise Holtzcher, Amy Benson, Candace Turner, Jaime Erlewine, Priscilla Perez, Rebecca Robertson, Traci Simpson, Melissa Vernon, Annette Salcedo. Back row: Dawn Smith, Shelly Oliver, Olivia Horton, Jack Berger, Amaris Breton, Kelly Jackson, Kelly Gard, Tabitha Guzman and Scott Turner.
Please join us in welcoming our 2025-26 Paraprofessionals: Kaili Craig, Tina DeHaan, Morgan DeNoon, Andrew Dixon, Jennifer Eberhard, Tiffany Elsenraat, Amber Ferrell, Kendra Fosberg, Christina Gore, Denise Gregg-Read, Jennifer Hobbs, Danielle Johnson, Angela Jones, Angeline Knights-Pelletier, Savannah Koen, Kristina Macdonald, Jorsan Morales, Colton Motsinger, Rachel Nardone, Brenton Noble, Gisela Perkins, Tyler Pouncy, Timothy Rideout, Chloe Riedle, Hannah Rymers, Jennifer Serna, Ashlyn Sinclair, Ariel Slavin, Heather Twenter, Nagomi Watanabe, Meghan Weyerbacher, Nathan White, and Cassandra Wilson.
