Spring Break is March 16-20
There will be no school in the Waynesville R-VI School District on March 16-20, 2026, for Spring Break. District offices will be closed on March 19 and 20.
There will be no school in the Waynesville R-VI School District on March 16-20, 2026, for Spring Break. District offices will be closed on March 19 and 20.
Waynesville High School’s Student Government Association will host a Spring Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at WHS.
Egg hunts will be held at Waynesville High School as follows:
• 10:10 a.m. Pre-kindergarten
• 10:25 a.m. Kindergarten
• 10:40 a.m. 1st Grade
• 10:55 a.m. 2nd grade
• 11:10 a.m. 3rd grade
• 11:25 a.m. 4th grade
• 11:45 a.m. 5th grade
There will be games and prizes and concessions.
Egg hunts will be held at Waynesville High School as follows:
• 10:10 a.m. Pre-kindergarten
• 10:25 a.m. Kindergarten
• 10:40 a.m. 1st Grade
• 10:55 a.m. 2nd grade
• 11:10 a.m. 3rd grade
• 11:25 a.m. 4th grade
• 11:45 a.m. 5th grade
There will be games and prizes and concessions.
Waynesville sets record in statewide art contest
The Waynesville R-VI School District set a record number of achievements in a recent statewide art contest for the MAEA Show Me Art Coloring Book. The following earned recognition:
· 5 schools
· 6 visual art teachers
· 15 art students
· 2 special recognition awards (Back Cover Design Winner and 1st Place Middle School)
Waynesville R-VI visual art students contributed to 17 percent of the artwork in the MAEA Show Me Art Coloring Book, Celebrations & Festivals; 6th edition.
Students were asked to research, synthesize and create an engaging line-drawing based on the theme: “Missouri Celebrations and Festivals,” and then write artist statements about their art. The drawings were collected and curated into a 186-page coloring book.
In being accepted, these art students are now published artists:
· Olivia Davis, grade 5, Thayer Elementary
· Mina Figueroa, grade 5, Thayer Elementary
· Jayce Taylor, grade 4, Thayer Elementary
· Isabella Mendoza, grade 4, Thayer Elementary
· Kyndal Osborne, grade 5, Freedom Elementary
· ZaRiya McCaster, grade 5, Freedom Elementary
· Fiona Qui, grade 4, Freedom Elementary
· Emiyah Glover, grade 5, Wood Elementary – Back Cover Design Winner
· Ezekiel Mason, grade 4, Wood Elementary
· Mya Klontz, grade 7, Waynesville Middle School
· Mayzee Magoo, grade 8, Waynesville Middle School
· Ellery Earnest, grade 8, Waynesville Middle School
· Arianna Haslim, grade 8, Waynesville Middle School - 1st place Middle School
· Roxanne Acklin, grade 9, Waynesville High School
· Kimari Stuart, grade 12, Waynesville High School
The following visual art teachers participated in this statewide collection of artwork: Jamie Erlewine of Thayer Elementary, Christina Biart and Allyson Uhles of Freedom Elementary, Megan Neuman of Wood Elementary, Asilea Edwards of Waynesville Middle School and Amy Rushing of Waynesville High School.
The coloring book may be purchased on Amazon LINKED HERE. (If the link does not work, please copy and paste this link into your browser https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GNS5D75Z?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_MPSZHAKP3T3M59XDATM2_2&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_MPSZHAKP3T3M59XDATM2_2&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_MPSZHAKP3T3M59XDATM2_2&bestFormat=true ).
MAEA uses 100% of the proceeds go back to Missouri students for the MAEA Future Visual Art Teacher Scholarship.
The Waynesville R-VI School District set a record number of achievements in a recent statewide art contest for the MAEA Show Me Art Coloring Book. The following earned recognition:
· 5 schools
· 6 visual art teachers
· 15 art students
· 2 special recognition awards (Back Cover Design Winner and 1st Place Middle School)
Waynesville R-VI visual art students contributed to 17 percent of the artwork in the MAEA Show Me Art Coloring Book, Celebrations & Festivals; 6th edition.
Students were asked to research, synthesize and create an engaging line-drawing based on the theme: “Missouri Celebrations and Festivals,” and then write artist statements about their art. The drawings were collected and curated into a 186-page coloring book.
In being accepted, these art students are now published artists:
· Olivia Davis, grade 5, Thayer Elementary
· Mina Figueroa, grade 5, Thayer Elementary
· Jayce Taylor, grade 4, Thayer Elementary
· Isabella Mendoza, grade 4, Thayer Elementary
· Kyndal Osborne, grade 5, Freedom Elementary
· ZaRiya McCaster, grade 5, Freedom Elementary
· Fiona Qui, grade 4, Freedom Elementary
· Emiyah Glover, grade 5, Wood Elementary – Back Cover Design Winner
· Ezekiel Mason, grade 4, Wood Elementary
· Mya Klontz, grade 7, Waynesville Middle School
· Mayzee Magoo, grade 8, Waynesville Middle School
· Ellery Earnest, grade 8, Waynesville Middle School
· Arianna Haslim, grade 8, Waynesville Middle School - 1st place Middle School
· Roxanne Acklin, grade 9, Waynesville High School
· Kimari Stuart, grade 12, Waynesville High School
The following visual art teachers participated in this statewide collection of artwork: Jamie Erlewine of Thayer Elementary, Christina Biart and Allyson Uhles of Freedom Elementary, Megan Neuman of Wood Elementary, Asilea Edwards of Waynesville Middle School and Amy Rushing of Waynesville High School.
The coloring book may be purchased on Amazon LINKED HERE. (If the link does not work, please copy and paste this link into your browser https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GNS5D75Z?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_MPSZHAKP3T3M59XDATM2_2&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_MPSZHAKP3T3M59XDATM2_2&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_MPSZHAKP3T3M59XDATM2_2&bestFormat=true ).
MAEA uses 100% of the proceeds go back to Missouri students for the MAEA Future Visual Art Teacher Scholarship.
Love of Reading Week Continues
Love of Reading Week is continuing across the Waynesville R-VI School District through Friday, March 6, 2026. Throughout the week, students have enjoyed special visits from guest readers who volunteered their time to share their love of reading.
A few of this week’s guest readers include Col. Glaspell, Col. Ramskugler, School Board President Janel Rowell, School Board Member Aaron Pondrum, Pfc. Solomon, and St. Robert Mayor James Breckenridge. Additional photos from Love of Reading Week will be shared throughout the week.
Love of Reading Week is continuing across the Waynesville R-VI School District through Friday, March 6, 2026. Throughout the week, students have enjoyed special visits from guest readers who volunteered their time to share their love of reading.
A few of this week’s guest readers include Col. Glaspell, Col. Ramskugler, School Board President Janel Rowell, School Board Member Aaron Pondrum, Pfc. Solomon, and St. Robert Mayor James Breckenridge. Additional photos from Love of Reading Week will be shared throughout the week.
Love of Reading kicked off in the Waynesville R-VI School on Monday and will continue through Friday, March 6, 2026. Multiple guest readers have been volunteering to read to students this week. A few of them, including Command Sgt. Maj. Jorge Arzabala, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood Command Sergeant Major; Board Member Rick Harne; and Superintendent Hilary Bales are pictured here, along with Apache who visited Freedom today. More photos will be posted throughout the week.
THURSDAY!!
Waynesville R-VI will host a teacher recruitment event from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, at the Parker Educational Center. The event will begin with a welcome session, followed by screening interviews being held on site. At the end of the evening, a drawing will be held for an iPad.
For more information about openings in the district, please go to https://www.applitrack.com/waynesville/onlineapp/default.aspx?all=1 or call 573-842-2094.
Parker Educational Center is located at 909 U.S. Route 66 in Waynesville.
There will be no school in the Waynesville R-VI School District and all offices will be closed on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents Day.
The Waynesville R-VI School District is now hiring guidance counselors. Apply online at www.applitrack.com/waynesville/onlineapp/
For more information
Phone: (573) 842-2094
Email: personnel@waynesville.k12.mo.us
For more information
Phone: (573) 842-2094
Email: personnel@waynesville.k12.mo.us
Nominations open for Rising Star Award & Support Super Star
The public is invited to nominate a Waynesville R-VI teacher for the Rising Star Award and a staff member for the Support Super Star Award.
The Rising Star Award honors a teacher who is new to the field of education and has demonstrated a positive impact on students. To nominate a teacher for the Rising Star Award, go to https://forms.gle/qDfYnZ9q1S3HALjM6.
The Support Super Star Award honors a staff member for being a support person who has demonstrated a positive impact on students and on education. To nominate a staff member for the Support Super Star Award, go to https://forms.gle/Hj81vWyg3X7Uvkxj8.
The deadline to nominate someone is Feb. 27, 2026.
The public is invited to nominate a Waynesville R-VI teacher for the Rising Star Award and a staff member for the Support Super Star Award.
The Rising Star Award honors a teacher who is new to the field of education and has demonstrated a positive impact on students. To nominate a teacher for the Rising Star Award, go to https://forms.gle/qDfYnZ9q1S3HALjM6.
The Support Super Star Award honors a staff member for being a support person who has demonstrated a positive impact on students and on education. To nominate a staff member for the Support Super Star Award, go to https://forms.gle/Hj81vWyg3X7Uvkxj8.
The deadline to nominate someone is Feb. 27, 2026.
Waynesville R-VI will host a teacher recruitment event from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, at the Parker Educational Center. The event will begin with a welcome session, followed by screening interviews being held on site. At the end of the evening, a drawing will be held for an iPad.
For more information about openings in the district, please go to https://www.applitrack.com/waynesville/onlineapp/default.aspx?all=1 or call 573-842-2094.
Parker Educational Center is located at 909 U.S. Route 66 in Waynesville.
For more information about openings in the district, please go to https://www.applitrack.com/waynesville/onlineapp/default.aspx?all=1 or call 573-842-2094.
Parker Educational Center is located at 909 U.S. Route 66 in Waynesville.
The Waynesville R-VI School District will be in session and will run mostly regular bus routes on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. If your child's bus route is not listed below, then your child's bus route will be the regular bus route.
_______________________________
The exceptions are listed below.
Snow routes - 48, 49 and 82
Routes 48 A&B, 49 A&B, and 82 AM & Noon will be still be snow routes on Monday, Feb. 2.
____________________
Modified routes - 44 and 76
The following routes will be normal routes except for the following changes for Feb. 2:
Rts. 44 and 76: Those who live in Shady Oaks should meet the bus at Y Hwy. and Helm Dr.
_______________________________
The exceptions are listed below.
Snow routes - 48, 49 and 82
Routes 48 A&B, 49 A&B, and 82 AM & Noon will be still be snow routes on Monday, Feb. 2.
____________________
Modified routes - 44 and 76
The following routes will be normal routes except for the following changes for Feb. 2:
Rts. 44 and 76: Those who live in Shady Oaks should meet the bus at Y Hwy. and Helm Dr.
The Waynesville R-VI School District will be in session and will run mostly regular bus routes on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. If your child's bus route is not listed below, then your child's bus route will be the regular bus route.
_______________________________
The exceptions are listed below.
Snow routes - 48, 49 and 82
Routes 48 A&B, 49 A&B, and 82 AM & Noon will be still be snow routes on Monday, Feb. 2.
____________________
Modified routes - 44 and 76
The following routes will be normal routes except for the following changes for Feb. 2:
Rts. 44 and 76: Those who live in Shady Oaks should meet the bus at Y Hwy. and Helm Dr.
The Waynesville R-VI School District will run mostly regular bus routes on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. The exceptions are listed below.
__________________________
Snow routes
Routes 48 A&B, 49 A&B, and 82 AM & Noon will still be snow routes for Friday.
__________________________
Modified routes
The following routes will be normal routes except for the following changes:
29B Stops at Top and Bottom of Brookview will be at Settlers Pass and Brookview Pick up @ 7:21 AM Dropoff at approx. 3:57 PM
Rt 42A Top, Terrain, Triangle, Turkey, Terris Stops to be picked up at Texas and True @ 6:22 AM Please leave room for bus to turn around. Dropped off at approx 3:05 PM
Rt 42A Tundra, Talladega, Titan, and Twilight will be picked up at Texas and Twilight @ 6:27 AM Drop off @ approx. 3:05 PM.
Rt 45B on Talon Ln and Trolley will be picked up at Talon and Tango at 7:30 AM and dropped off at same intersection @ approx. 4:10PM All other stops normal.
Rt 52A Talon Ln and Trolley will be picked up at Talon and Tango at 6:21 AM and dropped off at same intersection @ approx. 3:17 PM
52B 15155 Texas Ln, Top, Terrain, Triangle, Turkey, Terris Stops to be picked up at Texas and True @ 7:59 AM Dropped off at approx 3:46 PM
52 B Tundra, Talladega, Titan, and Twilight will be picked up at Texas and Twilight @ 8:00 AM Drop off @ approx. 3:45 PM.
Rt 46B Rt 47B and Rt 51B will have very minor changes. These parents should have received an email and text.
Parents and guardians of students with IEPs and 504 plans are invited to attend a free special education training session from 5:30–6:30 p.m. on Feb. 10, 2026, at the Parker Educational Center, 909 U.S. Route 66 in Waynesville.
This session, “Navigating Transitions Between Buildings,” is especially recommended for families of students who will be entering one of the following grades or stages during the 2026–27 school year:
Kindergarten
6th grade
7th grade
9th grade
Post-secondary transition (after high school)
During the session, families will gain insight into the behind-the-scenes planning that takes place to support students as they move to a new building. Parents and guardians will also receive practical strategies and tips to help their child feel confident and prepared for their next school transition.
This session, “Navigating Transitions Between Buildings,” is especially recommended for families of students who will be entering one of the following grades or stages during the 2026–27 school year:
Kindergarten
6th grade
7th grade
9th grade
Post-secondary transition (after high school)
During the session, families will gain insight into the behind-the-scenes planning that takes place to support students as they move to a new building. Parents and guardians will also receive practical strategies and tips to help their child feel confident and prepared for their next school transition.
School will be in session on Thursday!
Buses will run snow routes.
Details:
The Waynesville R-VI School District will be in session, but buses will be running snow routes on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026.
When the district runs snow routes in the morning, it will run snow routes in the afternoon.
Snow routes are available on the Bus Quest Mobile App. In some cases, the snow route may be the regular route.
More information about downloading the Bus Quest Mobile App is at https://www.waynesville.k12.mo.us/o/wrv/page/bus-quest.
Buses will run snow routes.
Details:
The Waynesville R-VI School District will be in session, but buses will be running snow routes on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026.
When the district runs snow routes in the morning, it will run snow routes in the afternoon.
Snow routes are available on the Bus Quest Mobile App. In some cases, the snow route may be the regular route.
More information about downloading the Bus Quest Mobile App is at https://www.waynesville.k12.mo.us/o/wrv/page/bus-quest.
School will be in session on late-start Wednesday!
Buses will run SNOW ROUTES (add 30 minutes to your snow route pick-up time because it's late-start Wednesday)
__________________
Details:
The Waynesville R-VI School District will be in session, but buses will be running snow routes on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. When the district runs snow routes in the morning, it will run snow routes in the afternoon.
Because Jan. 28 is late-start Wednesday, please add 30 minutes to the pick-up time for your snow route.
Snow routes are available on the Bus Quest Mobile App. In some cases, the snow route may be the regular route.
More information about downloading the Bus Quest Mobile App is at https://www.waynesville.k12.mo.us/o/wrv/page/bus-quest.
Buses will run SNOW ROUTES (add 30 minutes to your snow route pick-up time because it's late-start Wednesday)
__________________
Details:
The Waynesville R-VI School District will be in session, but buses will be running snow routes on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. When the district runs snow routes in the morning, it will run snow routes in the afternoon.
Because Jan. 28 is late-start Wednesday, please add 30 minutes to the pick-up time for your snow route.
Snow routes are available on the Bus Quest Mobile App. In some cases, the snow route may be the regular route.
More information about downloading the Bus Quest Mobile App is at https://www.waynesville.k12.mo.us/o/wrv/page/bus-quest.
There will be no in-person school in the Waynesville R-VI School District on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026; however, Waynesville R-VI students will attend school virtually on Tuesday as this is an AMI day.
School will be in session using an Alternative Method of Instruction (AMI online) from 8:30 a.m. to noon for grades K-12 and Parker, Pick and Freedom Preschool.
Williams Early Childhood Center AM classes will be online from 8:30 to 10:15 a.m. and Williams PM classes will be online from 10:15 a.m. to noon.
Parents and guardians make check their email for additional details.
School will be in session using an Alternative Method of Instruction (AMI online) from 8:30 a.m. to noon for grades K-12 and Parker, Pick and Freedom Preschool.
Williams Early Childhood Center AM classes will be online from 8:30 to 10:15 a.m. and Williams PM classes will be online from 10:15 a.m. to noon.
Parents and guardians make check their email for additional details.
AMI Day on Monday
There will be no in-person school in the Waynesville R-VI School District Monday, Jan. 26, 2026; however, students will go to school virtually on Monday morning as this is an AMI day. Parents and guardians should check their email for more details.
There will be no in-person school in the Waynesville R-VI School District Monday, Jan. 26, 2026; however, students will go to school virtually on Monday morning as this is an AMI day. Parents and guardians should check their email for more details.
Four Waynesville R-VI Schools Earn Leader in Me Lighthouse Academic Honor Roll Recognition
Four Waynesville R-VI schools—Freedom Elementary, Thayer Elementary, Wood Elementary and Waynesville Middle School—have been named 2025 Leader in Me Lighthouse Academic Honor Roll Schools.
The schools were recognized at the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on Jan. 20, 2026. To earn this distinction, each school first achieved Lighthouse Certification through deep implementation of Leader in Me leadership practices. They then demonstrated exceptional academic growth or proficiency on state assessments.
According to FranklinCovey Education, the designation represents dual recognition—sustaining a strong leadership culture while also delivering outstanding academic results.
Four Waynesville R-VI schools—Freedom Elementary, Thayer Elementary, Wood Elementary and Waynesville Middle School—have been named 2025 Leader in Me Lighthouse Academic Honor Roll Schools.
The schools were recognized at the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on Jan. 20, 2026. To earn this distinction, each school first achieved Lighthouse Certification through deep implementation of Leader in Me leadership practices. They then demonstrated exceptional academic growth or proficiency on state assessments.
According to FranklinCovey Education, the designation represents dual recognition—sustaining a strong leadership culture while also delivering outstanding academic results.
Waynesville R-VI Schools named among 2026 Best Schools by U.S. News
Waynesville R-VI Schools have been recognized among the 2026 Best Elementary, Middle and High Schools by U.S. News & World Report.
Waynesville High School, Waynesville Middle School, Waynesville Sixth Grade Center, Freedom Elementary, Partridge Elementary, Thayer Elementary, and Wood Elementary all earned U.S. News badges. These rankings are based on state performance data from the 2023–24 school year. While East Elementary narrowly missed the 2026 list, its strong 2024–25 results position it well for inclusion in the 2027 rankings. In addition, rankings do not include career centers and preschool programs.
“Each data point represents an individual student and we are so proud of our students’ achievements and their continued growth each year,” said Superintendent Hilary Bales. “This recognition reflects the shared effort of our students, parents, teachers, staff and community.”
U.S. News rankings are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education, including state assessment results in mathematics and reading/language arts, student backgrounds, academic performance in core subjects, and overall student growth. Student-teacher ratios are also considered to help break ties in scores.
The high school rankings were released earlier this year, followed by the elementary and middle school rankings.
“This data-rich resource helps parents identify schools that are truly making a difference in children’s academic journeys.” said LaMont Jones, Ed.D., managing editor for Education at U.S. News.
Photo info
During the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on Jan. 20, 2026, Waynesville R-VI Superintendent Hilary Bales presented certificates to Waynesville High School, Waynesville Middle School, Waynesville Sixth Grade Center, Freedom Elementary, Partridge Elementary, Thayer Elementary and Wood Elementary principals on behalf of their staff and students in recognition of their schools earning a U.S. News badge.
Waynesville R-VI Schools have been recognized among the 2026 Best Elementary, Middle and High Schools by U.S. News & World Report.
Waynesville High School, Waynesville Middle School, Waynesville Sixth Grade Center, Freedom Elementary, Partridge Elementary, Thayer Elementary, and Wood Elementary all earned U.S. News badges. These rankings are based on state performance data from the 2023–24 school year. While East Elementary narrowly missed the 2026 list, its strong 2024–25 results position it well for inclusion in the 2027 rankings. In addition, rankings do not include career centers and preschool programs.
“Each data point represents an individual student and we are so proud of our students’ achievements and their continued growth each year,” said Superintendent Hilary Bales. “This recognition reflects the shared effort of our students, parents, teachers, staff and community.”
U.S. News rankings are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education, including state assessment results in mathematics and reading/language arts, student backgrounds, academic performance in core subjects, and overall student growth. Student-teacher ratios are also considered to help break ties in scores.
The high school rankings were released earlier this year, followed by the elementary and middle school rankings.
“This data-rich resource helps parents identify schools that are truly making a difference in children’s academic journeys.” said LaMont Jones, Ed.D., managing editor for Education at U.S. News.
Photo info
During the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on Jan. 20, 2026, Waynesville R-VI Superintendent Hilary Bales presented certificates to Waynesville High School, Waynesville Middle School, Waynesville Sixth Grade Center, Freedom Elementary, Partridge Elementary, Thayer Elementary and Wood Elementary principals on behalf of their staff and students in recognition of their schools earning a U.S. News badge.
