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.
Lappi receives Missouri FFA Foundation SAE grant recipient
The Missouri FFA Foundation is awarding a SAE grant to Natasha Lappi, a Waynesville FFA member.
All FFA members are required to participate in a Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE), which may include launching an agriculture-related business, working at an agriculture-related business or conducting an agricultural research project.
Lappi’s agribusiness SAE project brings farming to life through hands-on work raising chickens, goats, pigs and bees. At Stund Acres, located just outside Waynesville, these animals are carefully managed to produce high-quality products for the local community. By selling animal byproducts at her farm stand, Lappi combines sustainability, entrepreneurship and real-world agricultural experience. The grant from the Missouri FFA Foundation will be used to expand her bee operation in hopes of providing honey to the community this summer.
Emily Barnes, the agriculture education teacher at Waynesville Career Center, said, “SAE grants from the Missouri FFA Foundation have been instrumental in growing our chapter’s SAE projects by giving students the chance to build a real business. These opportunities take learning beyond the classroom and develop real world problem-solving skills that strengthen our entire agriculture program. We’re excited to see how this grant helps Natasha expand her bee operation and continue growing her SAE.”
Heather Dimitt-Fletcher, executive director of the Missouri FFA Foundation, said, “These projects speak to the entrepreneurial spirit of our state and represent the future of agriculture. FFA members generally pay the expenses associated with their SAE themselves. Many students and their families do not have the personal financial resources needed to start or expand their projects. That's why the Missouri FFA Foundation’s SAE Grant program is vital. " MFA Inc. Charitable Foundation and the Missouri Sheep Merchandising Council help fund the program.
The Missouri FFA Foundation is awarding a SAE grant to Natasha Lappi, a Waynesville FFA member.
All FFA members are required to participate in a Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE), which may include launching an agriculture-related business, working at an agriculture-related business or conducting an agricultural research project.
Lappi’s agribusiness SAE project brings farming to life through hands-on work raising chickens, goats, pigs and bees. At Stund Acres, located just outside Waynesville, these animals are carefully managed to produce high-quality products for the local community. By selling animal byproducts at her farm stand, Lappi combines sustainability, entrepreneurship and real-world agricultural experience. The grant from the Missouri FFA Foundation will be used to expand her bee operation in hopes of providing honey to the community this summer.
Emily Barnes, the agriculture education teacher at Waynesville Career Center, said, “SAE grants from the Missouri FFA Foundation have been instrumental in growing our chapter’s SAE projects by giving students the chance to build a real business. These opportunities take learning beyond the classroom and develop real world problem-solving skills that strengthen our entire agriculture program. We’re excited to see how this grant helps Natasha expand her bee operation and continue growing her SAE.”
Heather Dimitt-Fletcher, executive director of the Missouri FFA Foundation, said, “These projects speak to the entrepreneurial spirit of our state and represent the future of agriculture. FFA members generally pay the expenses associated with their SAE themselves. Many students and their families do not have the personal financial resources needed to start or expand their projects. That's why the Missouri FFA Foundation’s SAE Grant program is vital. " MFA Inc. Charitable Foundation and the Missouri Sheep Merchandising Council help fund the program.
8 WHS students presented certificates for earning national recognition
Eight Waynesville High School students were recognized for earning national recognition from the CollegeBoard BigFuture Program because of their high performance on AP tests and/or the PSAT as 10th and 11th grade students.
Courtney Long, executive director of secondary instruction, presented certificates to the following students during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on Jan. 20, 2026:
• Brionna Ash
• Serina Chen
• Vung Ciin
• Kaden Crone
• Keegan Graves
• Brooklyn Lercher
• Kalee Rhoades
• Carson Sutphin
The awards were presented in the following categories:
School Recognition Award: Serina Chen, Vung Ciin and Kaden Crone, Keegan Graves, Brooklyn Lercher and Carson Sutphin
Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award: Kaden Crone, Brooklyn Lercher and Carson Sutphin
First Generation Recognition Award: Brionna Ash, Vung Ciin and Kalee Rhoades
Students are eligible for awards by scoring in the top 10% of PSAT/NMSQT test takers in their high school, state's first-generation test takers and/or state's rural and small-town test takers OR earning a 3 or higher on two or more distinct AP exams in the 8th, 9th and/or 10th grade. Students must also have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.3 or higher.
Eight Waynesville High School students were recognized for earning national recognition from the CollegeBoard BigFuture Program because of their high performance on AP tests and/or the PSAT as 10th and 11th grade students.
Courtney Long, executive director of secondary instruction, presented certificates to the following students during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on Jan. 20, 2026:
• Brionna Ash
• Serina Chen
• Vung Ciin
• Kaden Crone
• Keegan Graves
• Brooklyn Lercher
• Kalee Rhoades
• Carson Sutphin
The awards were presented in the following categories:
School Recognition Award: Serina Chen, Vung Ciin and Kaden Crone, Keegan Graves, Brooklyn Lercher and Carson Sutphin
Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award: Kaden Crone, Brooklyn Lercher and Carson Sutphin
First Generation Recognition Award: Brionna Ash, Vung Ciin and Kalee Rhoades
Students are eligible for awards by scoring in the top 10% of PSAT/NMSQT test takers in their high school, state's first-generation test takers and/or state's rural and small-town test takers OR earning a 3 or higher on two or more distinct AP exams in the 8th, 9th and/or 10th grade. Students must also have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.3 or higher.
Dr. Jamie Goforth, assistant superintendent of personnel services, presented Jessie Dickinson with the Community Recognition Plaque for January 2026 during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on Jan. 20, 2026. Dickenson was recognized for volunteering to teach nutrition and wellness to student athletes and parents.
Pictured are Superintendent Hilary Bales, Jessie Dickinson and Dr. Jamie Goforth, assistant superintendent of personnel services.
Due to impending weather, the Waynesville Tiger Battalion has canceled the Annual Waynesville Inter-Service Drill Competition that was originally scheduled for this Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026.
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.
An ambulance has been dispatched to Waynesville High School at approximately 8:10 a.m. today (Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026) to treat an individual employee with a medical condition. The individual will decide what, if any, further medical treatment is necessary.
There will be no school in the Waynesville R-VI School District on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Homecoming Night vs. the Lakers!
Let’s go, Lady Tigers!
Homecoming Night vs. the Lakers!
Let’s go, Lady Tigers!
Supporting students with special needs during school transitions
The Waynesville R-VI School District will offer a free special education training session for parents and guardians of students with IEPs and 504 plans from 5:30–6:30 p.m. on Feb. 10, 2026, at the Parker Educational Center. The Parker Educational Center is located at 909 U.S. Route 66 in Waynesville, next to the middle school.
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 event is the third and final session in the district’s Tiger Pride Series for the 2025–26 school year, which is designed to empower families through information, collaboration and advocacy.
The session will be presented by Dr. Elizabeth Washington, executive director of student services, and Shauna Smith, district special education coordinator.
Aubrey Fields, a senior at Waynesville High School, has been named the Rotary WHS Student of the Month for January 2026. She was recognized during the Rotary Club of Pulaski County meeting on Jan. 13, 2026. She is the daughter of Cody and Brenda Fields.
One of Fields’ nominators stated, "Aubrey is one of the most honorable and honest students I have and has a very strong moral compass. She is very mature and sets very high goals for herself, not stopping until she achieves them above and beyond. Aubrey is trustworthy to be president of our HOSA-Future Health Professional's group-and is excelling in her duties, pushing other students to step out of their shell and achieve goals, as well. Aubrey never lets anything phase her or deter her from doing the right thing, which will bring her a long way in the medical world. She is a top leader in Light House and excels in health science, along with keeping an outside job. Aubrey does everything she's involved in with grace, not expecting to be rewarded, which I love about her. Aubrey will do great things after graduation."
Fields is an outstanding student with a 3.98 grade point average and has an overall attendance of 95 percent since her freshman year. Aubrey is president of HOSA, secretary of the National Honor Society and a member of the Student Lighthouse Team. Fields has obtained her CNA through the health science class at the Waynesville Career Center to kick start her career. After graduation, Fields will attend State Fair Community College for nursing. Her ultimate goal is to become a flight nurse.
One of Fields’ nominators stated, "Aubrey is one of the most honorable and honest students I have and has a very strong moral compass. She is very mature and sets very high goals for herself, not stopping until she achieves them above and beyond. Aubrey is trustworthy to be president of our HOSA-Future Health Professional's group-and is excelling in her duties, pushing other students to step out of their shell and achieve goals, as well. Aubrey never lets anything phase her or deter her from doing the right thing, which will bring her a long way in the medical world. She is a top leader in Light House and excels in health science, along with keeping an outside job. Aubrey does everything she's involved in with grace, not expecting to be rewarded, which I love about her. Aubrey will do great things after graduation."
Fields is an outstanding student with a 3.98 grade point average and has an overall attendance of 95 percent since her freshman year. Aubrey is president of HOSA, secretary of the National Honor Society and a member of the Student Lighthouse Team. Fields has obtained her CNA through the health science class at the Waynesville Career Center to kick start her career. After graduation, Fields will attend State Fair Community College for nursing. Her ultimate goal is to become a flight nurse.
Kendall Cobb, a senior at Waynesville High School, has signed to continue her academic and athletic career playing softball at State Fair College.
Tigers finish strong in OT!
Tiger basketball is underway! Let's go Tigers!
Waynesville High School’s Courtwarming king and queen will be announced between the JV and varsity girls basketball games against Camdenton on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. The C team game will begin at 4:30 p.m. The JV game will begin at 5:30 p.m. and varsity will begin at 7 p.m.
Abigail Nacol, a senior at Waynesville High School, has signed to continue her academic and athletic career playing softball at Missouri State University-West Plains.
Scenes from the Waynesville High School girls swim team competing on Jan. 3, 2026, at the Parkview Valkyrie Invite at John Foster Natatorium. Photos by Connie Feighery.
Happy New Year!
Tigers take a 21–20 lead into halftime! Let’s finish strong!
