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.
An ambulance was dispatched to Waynesville High School at approximately 12:38 p.m. today (Friday, March 13, 2026) to treat an individual student with a medical condition. A parent/guardian has been notified and will determine what, if any, further medical treatment is necessary.
First Dancing with the Stars...Rhythm Nation Edition to be held March 27
Waynesville High School’s Rhythm Nation Dance Team will host its first Dancing With the Stars … Rhythm Nation Edition at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2026, in the WHS gym.
Teachers and students will take the floor together in a fun and competitive dance showcase, all while raising support for the program.
Tickets are required. General tickets are $10 each. Floor seats are $20 each.
Audience members will play an important role in the competition by helping select the Fan Favorite Award winner. Each paid ticket includes one free vote, and during the event guests can cast additional votes for their favorite dance team. Every $1 donated counts as one additional vote. Audience members will be able to vote using cash or a card (a QR code will be displayed during each team’s routine).
Concessions will be available throughout the evening, and guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction featuring a poster from each competing dance team.
“Come cheer on your favorite team, enjoy a night of fun performances and help crown the first WHS Mirror Ball Champion,” said Rhythm Nation Coach Cat Poole.
Waynesville High School’s Rhythm Nation Dance Team will host its first Dancing With the Stars … Rhythm Nation Edition at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2026, in the WHS gym.
Teachers and students will take the floor together in a fun and competitive dance showcase, all while raising support for the program.
Tickets are required. General tickets are $10 each. Floor seats are $20 each.
Audience members will play an important role in the competition by helping select the Fan Favorite Award winner. Each paid ticket includes one free vote, and during the event guests can cast additional votes for their favorite dance team. Every $1 donated counts as one additional vote. Audience members will be able to vote using cash or a card (a QR code will be displayed during each team’s routine).
Concessions will be available throughout the evening, and guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction featuring a poster from each competing dance team.
“Come cheer on your favorite team, enjoy a night of fun performances and help crown the first WHS Mirror Ball Champion,” said Rhythm Nation Coach Cat Poole.
Forte named WHS Rotary Student of the Month
Richmond “Noah” Forte, a senior at Waynesville High School, has been named the WHS Rotary Student of the Month for March 2026.
Forte’s nominator stated, “What truly sets Noah apart is his outstanding communication skills and impressive range of soft skills—including adaptability, collaboration and problem-solving — that allows him to excel in any role or responsibility placed before him. He approaches every task with professionalism and a positive attitude that inspires those around him. Beyond the classroom, Noah selflessly volunteers his time through SGA-sponsored initiatives and actively participates in community service projects, demonstrating a genuine commitment to making a difference both inside and outside of school. Noah embodies the very definition of a well-rounded leader, and there is no doubt that he is most deserving of this honor.”
Forte carries a 3.5 grade point average and a 100 percent attendance rate for his senior year. He is a Student Government Association representative, a member of the Waynesville High School Tiger Pride Marching Band for the last four years and is on the yearbook staff. He is currently the WHS Library Technical Intern and helps new students with their Chromebooks and repairs Chromebooks as needed.
Forte’s future plans are to attend the University of Houston to study music technology or marketing.
Richmond “Noah” Forte, a senior at Waynesville High School, has been named the WHS Rotary Student of the Month for March 2026.
Forte’s nominator stated, “What truly sets Noah apart is his outstanding communication skills and impressive range of soft skills—including adaptability, collaboration and problem-solving — that allows him to excel in any role or responsibility placed before him. He approaches every task with professionalism and a positive attitude that inspires those around him. Beyond the classroom, Noah selflessly volunteers his time through SGA-sponsored initiatives and actively participates in community service projects, demonstrating a genuine commitment to making a difference both inside and outside of school. Noah embodies the very definition of a well-rounded leader, and there is no doubt that he is most deserving of this honor.”
Forte carries a 3.5 grade point average and a 100 percent attendance rate for his senior year. He is a Student Government Association representative, a member of the Waynesville High School Tiger Pride Marching Band for the last four years and is on the yearbook staff. He is currently the WHS Library Technical Intern and helps new students with their Chromebooks and repairs Chromebooks as needed.
Forte’s future plans are to attend the University of Houston to study music technology or marketing.
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.
WHS Jazz Band students take 4th place,
Jazz Band to perform at WCC on April 9
The Waynesville High School Jazz Band took 4th place overall in the Missouri State Jazz Band Festival in Springfield, Mo., on Feb. 21, 2026.
“The ensemble represented Waynesville High School with professionalism and excellence, earning an impressive 4th place overall finish among the jazz bands in attendance,” said Director of Bands Jared Sabatasso. “Their performance reflected both their musical preparation and their commitment to artistic growth.”
In addition to the group’s success, several individual members were recognized for outstanding musicianship in their solo performances:
· Aliyah Bowers for her performance on tenor saxophone
· Jack Gasek for his work on drum set
· Juliet Piper for her trumpet and flugelhorn solos
· Kayden Wass for his trombone performance
“These recognitions highlight the exceptional talent within the ensemble and the dedication each student brings to their craft,” Sabatasso said. “We are incredibly proud of these individual accomplishments and equally proud of the Waynesville High School Jazz Band as a whole.”
Community members are invited to hear these talented musicians perform at their upcoming home concert at 6 p.m. April 9, 2026, in the Waynesville Career Center lobby.
Jazz Band to perform at WCC on April 9
The Waynesville High School Jazz Band took 4th place overall in the Missouri State Jazz Band Festival in Springfield, Mo., on Feb. 21, 2026.
“The ensemble represented Waynesville High School with professionalism and excellence, earning an impressive 4th place overall finish among the jazz bands in attendance,” said Director of Bands Jared Sabatasso. “Their performance reflected both their musical preparation and their commitment to artistic growth.”
In addition to the group’s success, several individual members were recognized for outstanding musicianship in their solo performances:
· Aliyah Bowers for her performance on tenor saxophone
· Jack Gasek for his work on drum set
· Juliet Piper for her trumpet and flugelhorn solos
· Kayden Wass for his trombone performance
“These recognitions highlight the exceptional talent within the ensemble and the dedication each student brings to their craft,” Sabatasso said. “We are incredibly proud of these individual accomplishments and equally proud of the Waynesville High School Jazz Band as a whole.”
Community members are invited to hear these talented musicians perform at their upcoming home concert at 6 p.m. April 9, 2026, in the Waynesville Career Center lobby.
WHS students raise funds for Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks
Three Waynesville High School student groups – FCCLA, HOSA and the WHS Girls Basketball Team – came together to raise $1,672.45 for the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks during the Pink Out game on Feb. 9, 2026. Students from these groups recently delivered the funds to the foundation.
"It started with us deciding that we wanted to do a Pink Out game as a team, and I immediately thought of partnering with the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, because they have worked with some of my family members in the past,” said WHS Senior Lauryn Lercher, who helped lead the effort.
To raise breast cancer awareness, the team annually wears their pink jerseys.
“We wanted the game to be more than just us putting on pink jerseys - we wanted it to be about the community coming together for a bigger cause than just us,” Lercher said. “The Breast Cancer Foundation was an immediate choice because all the money raised comes back into Pulaski County to help breast cancer survivors, and those affected by it, in the community that made the night the success that it was."
Students pictured left to right are Reese Wilson, Lela Burnham, Lauryn Lercher, Kendall Cobb and Aubrey Fields. These students represented the groups (FCCLA, HOSA and the WHS Girls Basketball Team) that raised $1,672.45 for the Breast Cancer Foundation.
Three Waynesville High School student groups – FCCLA, HOSA and the WHS Girls Basketball Team – came together to raise $1,672.45 for the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks during the Pink Out game on Feb. 9, 2026. Students from these groups recently delivered the funds to the foundation.
"It started with us deciding that we wanted to do a Pink Out game as a team, and I immediately thought of partnering with the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, because they have worked with some of my family members in the past,” said WHS Senior Lauryn Lercher, who helped lead the effort.
To raise breast cancer awareness, the team annually wears their pink jerseys.
“We wanted the game to be more than just us putting on pink jerseys - we wanted it to be about the community coming together for a bigger cause than just us,” Lercher said. “The Breast Cancer Foundation was an immediate choice because all the money raised comes back into Pulaski County to help breast cancer survivors, and those affected by it, in the community that made the night the success that it was."
Students pictured left to right are Reese Wilson, Lela Burnham, Lauryn Lercher, Kendall Cobb and Aubrey Fields. These students represented the groups (FCCLA, HOSA and the WHS Girls Basketball Team) that raised $1,672.45 for the Breast Cancer Foundation.
Five Waynesville High School ensembles participated on March 3, 2026, at the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Large Ensemble State Evaluation in Camdenton.
WHS’s five ensembles included Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Saxophone Choir and Brass Choir.
“Each group represented the school with professionalism and dedication, earning tremendous remarks and positive feedback from the judges,” said Director of Bands Jared Sabatasso.
During the evaluation, each ensemble performed prepared selections for three judges before moving to a separate room for the sight-reading portion of the event. In sight-reading, students were given a brand-new piece of music to perform for a fourth judge, demonstrating their musicianship and preparation. All four judges’ scores were combined to determine an overall rating. The Wind Ensemble, Saxophone Choir, and Brass Choir each earned a Gold (Exemplary) rating, while the Symphonic Band and Concert Band received Silver (Outstanding) ratings.
“These achievements reflect the hard work, focus, and commitment of every student involved,” Sabatasso said.
The community will have the opportunity to hear these musicians in upcoming performances.
· The Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band will present their Spring Concert at 6 p.m. on March 30, 2026, in the WHS Auditorium.
· The Saxophone Choir and Brass Choir will perform at 6 p.m. on April 9 in the Waynesville Career Center lobby.
Both events are free and open to the public.
Waynesville JROTC take 1st place at Leavenworth Competition
The Waynesville JROTC Drill Team took 1st place Overall (Grand Champion) out of 27 teams on Feb. 27 and 28, 2026, at the Leavenworth Interservice Drill Competition.in Leavenworth, Kan.
These are the complete results:
- 1st Place Overall - Grand Champion
- 1st Place Overall - Unarmed Division
- 1st Place Overall - Armed Division
- 1st Place - Unarmed Color Guard
- 1st Place - Armed Exhibition
- 1st Place - Unarmed Exhibition
- 2nd Place - Armed Inspection
- 3rd Place - Unarmed Regulation
- 1st Place - Armed Exhibition Dual - Aiden Rivera/Aubrey Ellison
- 2nd Place - Unarmed Exhibition Dual - Addison Bowling/Teyla Byrom
- 1st Place - Individual Drill Down from about 500 Cadets - Serenity Maldonado
They will next compete on March 7, 2026, at Blue Springs South High School.
Links to two videos of our cadets competing:
1. Armed Exhibition Video
(https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1715438929440932)
2. Unarmed Exhibition Video
(https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=26437817815885025)
The Waynesville High School Chamber Choir received Exemplary ratings at the Central Methodist University Music Fest on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. The choir took 10 soloists and one small ensemble.
The following students received an Exemplary rating on their solo and small ensemble:
· Ava Byers
· Cyrus Calhoun
· Isabel Diaz
· Eulalia MOynihan
· Claire Reed
· Lilyana Romero
· A'Nyyah Tollison
· Anastasia Blunt
· small SATB Quartet with Emma Bailly, Ava Byers, A'Nyyah Tollison and Cyrus Calhoun.
The following students received an Outstanding Rating on their solos:
· Cassie Hays and Sainisha Simram
The following students received an Exemplary rating on their solo and small ensemble:
· Ava Byers
· Cyrus Calhoun
· Isabel Diaz
· Eulalia MOynihan
· Claire Reed
· Lilyana Romero
· A'Nyyah Tollison
· Anastasia Blunt
· small SATB Quartet with Emma Bailly, Ava Byers, A'Nyyah Tollison and Cyrus Calhoun.
The following students received an Outstanding Rating on their solos:
· Cassie Hays and Sainisha Simram
Neurodiversity Diversity Awareness Week will be held March 2-6, 2026.
An ambulance was dispatched to Waynesville High School at approximately 4:40 p.m. today (Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026) to treat an individual student with a medical condition.
The individual's parents have been notified and will determine what, if any, further medical treatment is necessary.
The individual's parents have been notified and will determine what, if any, further medical treatment is necessary.
Bill Davenport, a 1963 graduate of Waynesville High School, will be inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 Outdoor Sports class presented by Bass Pro Shops on March 12, 2026, in Springfield, Mo.
The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame shared the following, “At 82 years young, Bill, affectionately known as "The Legend" around Lake of the Ozarks, has earned over 161 tournament wins, influenced countless anglers and even had a popular jig skirt color ("Davenport Special") named after him by Chompers Bait.”
Tickets to the March 12 Outdoor Sports Luncheon may be purchased at https://mosportshalloffame.com/events/.
The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame shared the following, “At 82 years young, Bill, affectionately known as "The Legend" around Lake of the Ozarks, has earned over 161 tournament wins, influenced countless anglers and even had a popular jig skirt color ("Davenport Special") named after him by Chompers Bait.”
Tickets to the March 12 Outdoor Sports Luncheon may be purchased at https://mosportshalloffame.com/events/.
SGA hosts blood drive at WHS
The Student Government Association (SGA) at Waynesville High School sponsored a blood drive with the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026.
Members of SGA and Health Occupations of America (HOSA) volunteered the day of the blood drive to keep donors company, relieve anxiety and escort donors back to class.
SGA and CBCO set a goal of 50 units of blood to be donated during blood drive. Thanks to the students who donated that day, CBCO collected 52 units of blood, which will be used locally in the Ozarks.
The Student Government Association (SGA) at Waynesville High School sponsored a blood drive with the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026.
Members of SGA and Health Occupations of America (HOSA) volunteered the day of the blood drive to keep donors company, relieve anxiety and escort donors back to class.
SGA and CBCO set a goal of 50 units of blood to be donated during blood drive. Thanks to the students who donated that day, CBCO collected 52 units of blood, which will be used locally in the Ozarks.
Jared Sabatasso was named the Educator of the Year by the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, during the Community Leadership Awards Banquet. He is the director of bands for the Waynesville R-VI School District.
Jared Sabatasso is pictured with Brett Reith, president of the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Pictured are band instructors Andrew Tiefenbrunn, Jared Sabatasso, Brady Perkins and Chance Inman.
Members of the Waynesville High School Pep Band who performed at the banquet are pictured along with their band instructors.
Jared Sabatasso is pictured with Dr. Jamie Goforth, assistant superintendent of personnel services, and Courtney Long, executive director of secondary instruction.
Jared Sabatasso is pictured with Brett Reith, president of the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Pictured are band instructors Andrew Tiefenbrunn, Jared Sabatasso, Brady Perkins and Chance Inman.
Members of the Waynesville High School Pep Band who performed at the banquet are pictured along with their band instructors.
Jared Sabatasso is pictured with Dr. Jamie Goforth, assistant superintendent of personnel services, and Courtney Long, executive director of secondary instruction.
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.
Ivy Smith, a senior at Waynesville High School, has signed to continue her academic and athletic (soccer) career at Evangel University. Her signing was held on Feb. 23, 2026.
Aden Maust, a senior at Waynesville High School, has signed to continue his academic and athletic (football) career at Missouri Valley College. His signing was held on Feb. 23, 2026.
Waynesville JROTC finishes 3rd at Ozark
The Waynesville JROTC Drill Team finished 3rd overall in a field of 18 team at the Ozark Drill Competition on Feb. 21, 2026.
The results are as follows:
- 3rd Place Overall
- 3rd Place Armed Overall
- 4th Place Unarmed Overall
- 1st Place Armed Inspection
- 2nd Place Unarmed Inspection
- 2nd Place Armed Exhibition
- 4th Place Armed Color Guard
- 4th Place Armed New Cadet
- 5th Place Unarmed Color Guard
- Aubrey Ellison and Aiden Rivera 1st Place Armed Exhibition Dual
- Aiden Rivera 2nd Place Armed Exhibition Solo
- Addison Bowling 4th Place Individual Drill Down
The next Drill Meet will be held Feb. 28, 2026, at Leavenworth High School.
The Waynesville JROTC Drill Team finished 3rd overall in a field of 18 team at the Ozark Drill Competition on Feb. 21, 2026.
The results are as follows:
- 3rd Place Overall
- 3rd Place Armed Overall
- 4th Place Unarmed Overall
- 1st Place Armed Inspection
- 2nd Place Unarmed Inspection
- 2nd Place Armed Exhibition
- 4th Place Armed Color Guard
- 4th Place Armed New Cadet
- 5th Place Unarmed Color Guard
- Aubrey Ellison and Aiden Rivera 1st Place Armed Exhibition Dual
- Aiden Rivera 2nd Place Armed Exhibition Solo
- Addison Bowling 4th Place Individual Drill Down
The next Drill Meet will be held Feb. 28, 2026, at Leavenworth High School.
