From our Athletic Office:
All athletic events today April 2, 2024, have been canceled. #wayschools
There will be no school in the Waynesville R-VI School District today (Tuesday, April 2, 2024) due to widespread power outages and downed tree limbs in the area.
For those students who were scheduled to go to Jefferson City today to the State Capitol for the kickoff of the Month of the Military Child, the trip will be made. If you are able to safely make it to your school this morning, please plan to arrive at the time that was previously scheduled. Students who are able to make the trip will need to be picked up at their schools at 2:15 p.m.
From our Athletic Office:
The following events have been rescheduled due to impending weather;
COED JV Track at Marshfield has been rescheduled for April 3
Boys Tennis versus Salem has been rescheduled for April 23
C Team Baseball at Rolla is TBD
#wayschools
April 1-5 is Disability Acceptance Week
Nathan Wilking, a senior at Waynesville High School, has been named the Rotary Student of the Month for March 2024. His parents are James and Sara Wilking.
Wilking was selected to represent the word “integrity.” His nominator stated, “Nathan is a student that is remarkably dependable. Although he participates in a significant number of extracurricular activities, he is a student that I can count on to get things done. He shows up ready to work, never complains, is attentive, and asks questions when needed - and is always willing to help his peers when asked to. He is one of my strongest students and one that I will miss when he graduates.”
Wilking is an outstanding student who carries a 4.19 grade point average, ranking in the top 5% of his class, and has a 97.54% attendance rate for all four years of high school. He is involved in the National Honor Society, Freshman Mentor Program, and A+. On top of the extracurricular activities, he is involved in during the school day, he also runs cross country and plays tennis. Upon graduation, Wilking plans to attend Kaskaskia College where he received a two-year full-ride tennis scholarship. His plan is to become an architect. #wayschools
Attention WHS seniors!
The Waynesville R-VI School District will offer Summer School May 30-June 27 for students entering grades K-12. There will be no summer school on June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.
For summer school, students register for the grade level they will attend in the fall.
Information on summer school programming is available on the district’s website at https://www.waynesville.k12.mo.us/Domain/1831. (Students who will be entering grades K-9 this fall will be bringing home paper copies of the brochures and registration forms later this week. High School students can pick up a paper copy of the form in the HS office. You can also print a copy of the forms from the webpage.) Please contact your student's school if you have additional questions.
Again, the link to Summer School forms is https://www.waynesville.k12.mo.us/Domain/1831.
From our Athletics Office:
Today's (March 25, 2024) tennis match vs. West Plains at Waynesville is cancelled.
On March 14-16 , 2024, delegations from WHS and WMS traveled to Carthage, Mo., to attend the Missouri Association of Student Councils 76th Annual State Convention. Carthage High School hosted the event and planned three days of team-building activities, discussion forums, a charity event and guest speakers to inspire young leaders. WHS and WMS students in attendance had a chance to network and share ideas with peers from around the state. The energy at convention is palpable and students return energized to end the school year while starting to plan for the upcoming school year.
WHS Student Government Association is sponsored by Joshua Mize with assistance by Nancy Swick. WMS Student Council is sponsored by Kayla Atchison with assistance by Angela Rougely-Garcia #wayschools
WHS students participate in Polar Plunge,
raise funds for Special Olympics
A group of Waynesville High School students participated in the 2024 SOMO Polar Plunge - Columbia on Saturday, March 9, 2024.
This annual event is a fundraiser for the Special Olympics of Missouri. This year's group of plungers from WHS consisted of students from Student Government Association and the CID classes. The week leading up to the plunge students held a penny war fundraiser at lunch in addition to fundraising individually. In total WHS's 10 participants raised $1837 for the Special Olympics. The top fundraisers from the group were Aaron Littleton with $512 and Mackenzie Henderson with $355.
The 10 WHS students and staff who participated were: Emma Stark, Citlali Arzabala, Danika Em, Kaden Crone, Mackenzie Henderson, Mackenzie Workman, Wyatt Carter, Aaron Littleton, and teachers Stephanie Peace, and Nancy Swick. #wayschools
Waynesville High School students, staff and district leaders spoke with Missouri elected officials in D.C., including Sen. Eric Schmitt, and their staff about the importance of Basic Impact Aid. Waynesville R-VI Superintendent Hilary Bales is also pictured with Congressman Mark Alford. #wayschools
All 3/19 baseball games have been canceled.
Other baseball updates include:
C team:
No game 4/17 vs. St. James
No game 4/23 vs. St. James
Added game 4/30 vs. Houston at Bandy Field starting at 4:30 p.m.
JV/V:
Rolla game 4/25 moved to 4/24 #wayschools
March is School Board Recognition Month in Missouri and the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education members will be recognized on Monday, March 25, 2024, for their dedicated service. President Paul Shultz II; Vice President Mr. Rick Harne, Treasurer Andy Anderson, Secretary Janel Rowell, and members: Charles Quinn, Aaron Pondrom and Layne Lercher. #wayschools
Parker Preschool in Waynesville is now taking applications for students for the 2024-25 school year. Forty students will be selected for the program through a random lottery.
Parents who are interested in enrolling their students at Parker may begin applying for the lottery at 9 a.m. Monday, March 25, 2024, at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1I4kLS-ybKn-ExuykdRSOvjJ_ek_UijyBbP-yNjemKJA/closedform. Please note that the link to the Google form will close at 4 p.m. on April 12.
Eligibility to apply to be in the lottery drawing:
· Students must turn age 4 before Aug. 1, to be eligible for Parker Preschool, which is located inside the Parker Educational Center, next to Waynesville Middle School.
· Students must provide their child's transportation to and from the center
· Students must reside within the boundaries of the Waynesville R-VI School District.
Applicants will be chosen through a lottery drawing at 1 p.m. on April 25. Parents will be notified by May 3 if their child is accepted into the program.
Students who are selected to attend through the random drawing will:
· participate in a screening in June
· need to complete the enrollment process with the Waynesville R-VI School District
If the link above does not work after 9 a.m. on March 25, the application form will be available via a link on Parker Preschool’s webpage. NOTE: The If you have any questions please email mmitchell@waynesville.k12.mo.us. #wayschools
From our Athletics Department:
The Waynesville R-VI School District's Activities Department is accepting nominations for the Athletic/Activity Hall of Fame Class of 2024-25. This winter we honored the first official inductees of those individuals or groups whose actions, achievements and character bring honor and distinction to the heritage of Waynesville High School.
Congratulations again to our 2023-24 Waynesville Athletic/Activity Hall of Fame inductees;
Norman Anderson, Bobby Dodds, Kenny Foster, Gary Hansen, Dwight Hensley, Vic Lynch (1951 State Runner-up Basketball Team)
Rick Vernon (Football/Coach)
Richard Gan (Wrestling/Athlete)
Russell Sheldon (Cross Country/Athlete & Coach)
Beginning Friday, March 15, 2024, nominations are being accepted for the 2nd annual Waynesville Athletic/Activity Hall of Fame. A maximum of four nominees may be inducted each year unless determined otherwise by the selection committee. A silent ballot will narrow the selection field down to a final 10, including up to eight nominees from athletics and two team nominations. The Waynesville High School Activity/Athletic Hall of Fame Committee looks forward to your nominations and is proud to recognize those who have led the way. The deadline for nominations is June 30, 2024.
Nominations may be made electronically or by paper copy using the following links:
Online:
https://www.waynesville.k12.mo.us/cms/lib/MO01910216/Centricity/Domain/1681/Waynesville%20High%20School%20Hall%20of%20Fame%20Nomination%20Form.pdf
Paper:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDGw6Z5OjLfqmwPp4Ndwjxe4b5xRa1lPU_qF0JCqBNW2YyqQ/viewform
The Hall of Fame serves as a means of recognizing, preserving, and honoring individuals or groups, living and deceased, who made significant contributions to the athletic/activities programs. The Hall of Fame honors the contributions and accomplishments of individuals or groups who are worthy of recognition and are examples for others to emulate. #wayschools
This week we celebrated AmeriCorps week in each of our buildings. AmeriCorps members are individuals enrolled for a specific term of service, ranging from 300 to 1700 hours, with the Waynesville AmeriCorps Program. AmeriCorps members are engaged in National Service and are not volunteers or employees. They play a unique role in our district. During the day, AmeriCorps members serve as tutors focusing on areas of math and literacy in order to help close learning gaps. They support Club Tiger or WIN after school programs by providing academic support and assisting in a variety of activities or clubs. Last year, the Waynesville AmeriCorps program enrolled two high school seniors to assist with Club Tiger. The number of high school seniors enrolled this year has greatly increased because of the prior year's success. The Snack in a Pack Program is managed AmeriCorps members, who actively engage in fundraising and recruiting volunteers to reduce food insecurity for students within the district. This week we celebrate and thank them for their service. Shown in the photo are: Front Row: Olivia Provart (year 1) Christina Johnson (year 1) Anke Barrientos (year 1) Esmeralda Lepe (year 1) Ashley Tyler (year 1) Katelynn Crouch (year 1) Middle Row: Ashley White (year 1) Victoria DeGraftenreed (year 1) Marielle King (year 2) Dacoda Zamiska (year 2) Cheryl Johnson (year 1) Janis Bellanger (year 2) Deborah Hodges (year 2) Between middle and back on right side: Mary Ann Crouch (year 1) Jade Jones (year 3) Jessica Ward (year 4) Back Row: Justin Lopez-Johnson (year 2) Nathaniel Tayler (year 1) Walt Derbidge (year 4) Janique Chestnut (year 2) Ashley Clever (year 1) Jorsan Morales (year 1) Collin DeSotel (year 4) Not pictured: Jill Kelly (year 3) Caleb Kelly (year 1) #wayschools
#wayschools
Waynesville JROTC cadets presented the Colors during the NAFIS (National Association of Federally Impacted Schools) Spring Conference on Monday, March 11, 2024, in Washington, D.C.
“I am so proud of how our JROTC Color Guard performed,” said Superintendent Hilary Bales. “Their flawless presentation was clearly a result of their hours of rehearsal and preparation. I hope they always remember this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when as high school students they presented the Colors in our nation’s Capital before the entire conference.”
The Waynesville High School cadets who participated are as follows:
· Cadet Lieutenant Colonel David Bennett
· Cadet Sergeant Major Nathaniel Copeland
· Cadet Major Avery Higdon
· Cadet Master Sergeant Joseph Mendiola
Following the presentation of the Colors, Bennett spoke about his experiences with JROTC and being a military child to the entire conference.
“Cadet Bennett was absolutely amazing,” said Superintendent Hilary Bales. “Far more than even the words he shared, David will be remembered for his resilience, sense of humor and leadership."
The Color Guard, along with Skylar Ringo, who is also a WHS JROTC cadet, addressed all military schools at the MISA (Military Impacted Schools Association) breakfast to talk about struggles military students face with transitions, and how schools can best support them.
“Afterward, I was approached by many superintendents complimenting me about how well our students presented themselves, and how clearly they were able to share their experiences,” Bales said. “Several even stated that our students were their favorite part of the conference! I really could not have been more proud. Our students are awe-inspiring!”
About NAFIS
The National Association of Federally Impacted Schools (NAFIS) represents the 1,100-plus federally impacted public school districts that together educate more than 10 million students across the nation. Federally impacted school districts are those located on or near nontaxable Federal property—including military installations; Indian Trust, Treaty and Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act lands; Federal low-income housing facilities; and national parks, national laboratories and other Federal buildings and property. These school districts, which are demographically and geographically diverse, receive Impact Aid.
About MISA
Military Impacted Schools Association (MISA) is a national organization of school superintendents whose mission is to serve school districts with a high concentration of military children. MISA is also part of the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools (NAFIS).
Formed in 1986, MISA works on funding (Impact Aid), legislation, partnerships and programs for military families on the move. Education is an important quality of life program for military families. MISA partners with the Department of Defense Education Activity, National Military Family Association, and military leaders to ensure that all military children are afforded a quality education. MISA works with local school districts and commanders to highlight best practices and partnerships that can further meet the needs of military families. #wayschools
2 WHS students serve on national panel
While many of their fellow students were relaxing or preparing for the upcoming week, two Waynesville High School students were in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, March 10, 2024, serving on a national panel.
Haylee Fort and Skylar Ringo volunteered to serve on the panel for the session, “Supporting Students’ Educational, Emotional and Cultural Needs” during the NAFIS (National Association of Federally Impacted Schools) Spring Conference.
“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to speak in front of this group of educators and bring them a student perspective,” Fort said. “I hope they enjoyed the advice we offered about inclusion and relating to a student's cultural identity. I'm happy I got to bring another point of view to the conversation.”
Waynesville R-VI students, along with students from the Umoⁿhoⁿ Nation Public School District, served on the panel.
“I am so grateful I was able to speak on my experiences as a military kid and a student in the Waynesville School District,” Ringo said. “I believe passing on the knowledge is very important and although it is my senior year, I’m glad I was able to bring exposure and educate administrators to pass onto the next generation of students. It was the opportunity of a lifetime and I am so excited to see the initiatives they bring to their students within the school districts.”
This year’s NAFIS’ theme is “Building A Better Future,” which examines the many forms of “building” required for students to succeed.
“I am so proud of our students for participating in this national conference,” said Waynesville R-VI Superintendent Hilary Bales. “It's not easy for students to speak in front of adults, but our students represented both our district and our state in a professional manner. Their knowledge and personal experiences provided insight about what helps nurture student success. School district leaders from throughout the nation will take the lessons they learned from today back to their own districts.”
