We are proud to recognize a student who has been showing dedication, hard work, a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Keep up the amazing work and continue reaching for your goals!
Post Made By: Kaleyah Buttner
Post Made By: Kaleyah Buttner
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.
āThe biggest take away for our students was don't be afraid to pursue your passion,ā said Advertising Design Instructor Donna Groves. āSometimes 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.ā
Students spent the day learning from Emmalee Rathsam, Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), whose work spans portraiture, architecture and fashion photography.
āAnd this wasn't just a demonstrationāour students became the photographers,ā Groves said. āWith 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.ā
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.
āThese are the experiences that inspire our students, build confidence and connect classroom learning to future careers in the creative industry,ā Groves said. āStudents 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 messageāskills used every day in advertising, commercial photography and magazine publishing.ā
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 WCCās āDesign Hiveā 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 districtās 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.
āThe biggest take away for our students was don't be afraid to pursue your passion,ā said Advertising Design Instructor Donna Groves. āSometimes 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.ā
Students spent the day learning from Emmalee Rathsam, Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), whose work spans portraiture, architecture and fashion photography.
āAnd this wasn't just a demonstrationāour students became the photographers,ā Groves said. āWith 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.ā
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.
āThese are the experiences that inspire our students, build confidence and connect classroom learning to future careers in the creative industry,ā Groves said. āStudents 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 messageāskills used every day in advertising, commercial photography and magazine publishing.ā
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 WCCās āDesign Hiveā 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 districtās 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.
Our Intro To Communications class assisted Waynesville High School Light House Team with their Veteran's Day appreciation video.
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.
Waynesville Career Centerās 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 ā Molly McDermitt, Cycila Keeney and Samantha Etheridge ā received positive feedback from the judges for their dish called Bacon Loverās 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.
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.
There will be no school in the Waynesville R-VI School District on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, for a teacher in-service (professional development) day.
Raiders finish 4th at Smith-Cotton
The Waynesville JRTOC Male Raider Team finished 4th overall in a field of 20 teams in the Smith-Cotton Raider Meet in Sedalia, Mo., on Oct 7, 2026.
Waynesvilleās individual event results included the following:
4th Place Physical Team Team (PTT)
4th Place Gauntlet
5th Place 5k Run
6th Place Cross Country Litter Rescue (CCLR)
7th Place 1 Rope Bridge
Trevor Skyles and Inez Casto competed as the Ultimate Raiders.
The team will compete next at Army Raider Nationals at Fort Knox, Ky., on Oct. 22-24, 2026.
The Waynesville JRTOC Male Raider Team finished 4th overall in a field of 20 teams in the Smith-Cotton Raider Meet in Sedalia, Mo., on Oct 7, 2026.
Waynesvilleās individual event results included the following:
4th Place Physical Team Team (PTT)
4th Place Gauntlet
5th Place 5k Run
6th Place Cross Country Litter Rescue (CCLR)
7th Place 1 Rope Bridge
Trevor Skyles and Inez Casto competed as the Ultimate Raiders.
The team will compete next at Army Raider Nationals at Fort Knox, Ky., on Oct. 22-24, 2026.
Preschool screenings to be held Oct. 13
Preschool screenings will be held at Williams Early Childhood Center on Oct. 13, 2026, for preschool children ages 3, 4 and 5 (not in kindergarten) who live in the Waynesville R-VI School District.
Appointments available at 8:30, 9:30, 10:30, 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30. The child must turn age 3 by Aug. 1, 2026, to be screened. Please call 573-842-2650 to schedule your childās screening at Williams Early Childhood Center, 12225 Pulaski Avenue, Fort Leonard Wood.
Williams preschool program consists of PACE and ECSE. Both are free for Waynesville R-VI residents who are admitted to the program. A student may be selected to attend either a morning (AM) or afternoon (PM) session.
For more information about the PACE program, please go to https://www.waynesville.k12.mo.us/o/wecc/page/pace-preschool.
For more information about the ECSE program, please go to https://www.waynesville.k12.mo.us/o/wecc/page/early-childhood-special-education.
Waynesville High Schoolās Student Government Association will host a free Trunk or Treat event for children from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, in the WHS parking lot.
#wayschools
#wayschools
Our Teaching Pathways students had the opportunity to tour schools throughout the district! They got to explore different classrooms, learn more about the school environment, and see what a day in the life of an educator looks like. Experiences like these help our future teachers gain valuable insight and prepare for their future careers in education.
Photo Creds: Kaleyah Buttner
Today is Custodian Appreciation Day, and we are incredibly grateful for the amazing custodians who care for our schools each and every day.
You help create clean, safe and welcoming spaces where our students can learn and our staff can do their best work.
Thank you for everything you do for our students, staff and schools. We appreciate you more than words can say! š§”š¤
You help create clean, safe and welcoming spaces where our students can learn and our staff can do their best work.
Thank you for everything you do for our students, staff and schools. We appreciate you more than words can say! š§”š¤
Students to showcase their talents on Oct. 1;
4 to be inducted into Wall of Leaders
The Waynesville R-VI School District Foundation will host Showcase Waynesville Schools from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, at Waynesville High School. Following the performances, two alumni and two educators will be inducted into the Wall of Leaders.
āWe invite families and community members to come celebrate the creativity and talent of our students through their artwork and live performances,ā said Foundation President Cheryl Vernon.
From 5:30 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, along with a Waynesville JROTC exhibition.
During the performances, the individuals who will later be inducted into the Wall of Leaders will be introduced. The formal induction ceremony of Brad and Arita Bohannan in the Lifetime Achievement ā Alumni category and Dwight Hensley and David Lawson as Outstanding Educational Professionals will begin at 7:15 p.m. in front of the Wall of Leaders, which is located directly behind the bronze tiger statue.
This yearās Showcase Waynesville Schools is free and open to the public.
Schedule at a glance
5:30 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.
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. Brad and Arita Bohannan will be recognized in the Lifetime Achievement ā Alumni category and Dwight Hensley and David Lawson will be honored as Outstanding Educational Professionals.
Waynesville R-VI offers more than 75 clubs, sports and afterschool activities that give students opportunities to explore their interests, build relationships, develop new skills and grow as leaders. These experiences help bring our mission to life: Leading the Way, Every Day. Inspiring students to learn, lead, and leave a lasting impact on their communities.
Learn more about our afterschool programs at https://www.waynesville.k12.mo.us/page/afterschool-programs
Band photo by Waynesville High School student.
#LeadingTheWay #CSIP #StrategicPlan #WaySchools
Learn more about our afterschool programs at https://www.waynesville.k12.mo.us/page/afterschool-programs
Band photo by Waynesville High School student.
#LeadingTheWay #CSIP #StrategicPlan #WaySchools
Every number tells a story of student success, dedicated staff and a commitment to educational excellence.
Graduation rate: 96.9%
Total meals served in 2025-26: 1,166,688
More than 75 clubs and sports
1,000 teachers, faculty and staff
6,052 students in PreK-12
#PublicSchools #DistrictByTheNumbers #WaySchools
Graduation rate: 96.9%
Total meals served in 2025-26: 1,166,688
More than 75 clubs and sports
1,000 teachers, faculty and staff
6,052 students in PreK-12
#PublicSchools #DistrictByTheNumbers #WaySchools
Our Districtās Strategic Plan
The Waynesville R-VI strategic plan is centered on four priorities that guide our work from 2026ā2031. The Comprehensive School Improvement Plan was developed through a collaboration of community members, students, staff, teachers, parents, volunteers and administrators.
Together, these priorities focus on:
Student Success, Well-Being & Safety
Quality Staffing, Retention & Wellness
Facilities, Safety, Resources & Technology
Community Engagement & Communication
Our District's Mission
Leading the Way, Every Day
Inspiring students to learn, lead, and leave a lasting impact on their communities.
Our District's Vision
Waynesville R-VI will become a school community where students are empowered to lead with integrity, serve, and make a meaningful difference in the world.
The Waynesville R-VI strategic plan is centered on four priorities that guide our work from 2026ā2031. The Comprehensive School Improvement Plan was developed through a collaboration of community members, students, staff, teachers, parents, volunteers and administrators.
Together, these priorities focus on:
Student Success, Well-Being & Safety
Quality Staffing, Retention & Wellness
Facilities, Safety, Resources & Technology
Community Engagement & Communication
Our District's Mission
Leading the Way, Every Day
Inspiring students to learn, lead, and leave a lasting impact on their communities.
Our District's Vision
Waynesville R-VI will become a school community where students are empowered to lead with integrity, serve, and make a meaningful difference in the world.
FFA students volunteer to help pack 25,000 meals
Waynesville FFA students volunteered to help pack 25,000 meals for individuals and families in need in Pulaski County on Sept. 12, 2026. The Laclede Literacy Council hosted the Pulaski County 9/11 Feed Our Neighbors Meal Pack on Sept. 12, 2026, benefiting school backpack programs, senior centers and the Pulaski County Homeless Coalition at the VFW Post #3168 in Laquey.
This information was previously posted on Sept. 1, 2026.
Waynesville to celebrate Military Appreciation Night
Waynesville R-VI will host Military Appreciation Night on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at Waynesville High Schoolās Tiger Stadium.
All Soldiers and Veterans with a military ID will be admitted free to the game.
Activities will begin at approximately 6:45 p.m. with Soldiers marching on the track. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. against Neosho.
Tiger Stadium is located at 200 G.W. Lane St. in Waynesville.
Waynesville to celebrate Military Appreciation Night
Waynesville R-VI will host Military Appreciation Night on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at Waynesville High Schoolās Tiger Stadium.
All Soldiers and Veterans with a military ID will be admitted free to the game.
Activities will begin at approximately 6:45 p.m. with Soldiers marching on the track. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. against Neosho.
Tiger Stadium is located at 200 G.W. Lane St. in Waynesville.
This information was previously posted on Sept. 1, 2026.
Tiger Festival of Nations will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at Waynesville High School on the Ninth Grade Center side of the building.
Attendees will learn about different cultures and sample food from around the world. Tiger Festival of Nations is free and open to the public.
Following Tiger Festival of Nations, Waynesville R-VI will host Military Appreciation Night at Tiger Stadium with all Soldiers and Veterans with an ID being admitted for free. Stadium gates will open at 6 p.m. with the WHS Tigers taking on Neosho at 7 p.m. Regular admission to Tiger Stadium is $4 for school age children and up without a pass.
Tiger Festival of Nations will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at Waynesville High School on the Ninth Grade Center side of the building.
Attendees will learn about different cultures and sample food from around the world. Tiger Festival of Nations is free and open to the public.
Following Tiger Festival of Nations, Waynesville R-VI will host Military Appreciation Night at Tiger Stadium with all Soldiers and Veterans with an ID being admitted for free. Stadium gates will open at 6 p.m. with the WHS Tigers taking on Neosho at 7 p.m. Regular admission to Tiger Stadium is $4 for school age children and up without a pass.
All schools and offices in the Waynesville R-VI School District will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, in observance of Labor Day.
