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.
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.
Riley Grosvenor (pictured left) has signed to play basketball, while Regan Grosvenor (pictured right) has signed to compete in both softball and basketball.
Riley Grosvenor (pictured left) has signed to play basketball, while Regan Grosvenor (pictured right) has signed to compete in both softball and basketball.
Students will dismiss early on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, as follows:
Noon students in grades 6-12 will dismiss
12:45 p.m. Full day preschools (Parker, Pick and Freedom) will dismiss
1 p.m. Students in grades K-5 will dismiss
There will be no afternoon sessions for Williams Early Childhood Center
There will be no school in the Waynesville R-VI School District on Dec. 22, 2025 - Jan. 2, 2026.
District offices will be closed Dec. 24, 25, 26, 31 and Jan. 1.
Students will return to the classroom on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.
Four Waynesville High School band students were recognized for their All-State honors during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting by Courtney Long, executive director of secondary instruction, on Dec. 15, 2025.
Kayden Wass (trombone) was selected to the 2026 Missouri All-State Band and will perform at the Missouri Music Educators Conference Jan. 28-31, 2026. Landon Boswell (tuba), Sarah Pierce (contra clarinet), and Chloe Williams (alto clarinet), were named to the Missouri All-State Honorable Mention Band.
Pictured left to right are WHS students Chloe Williams, Sarah Pierce, Landon Boswell and Kayden Wass, and Courtney Long, executive director of secondary instruction.
The annual Route 66 Shootout will take place on Friday, Dec.19, and Saturday, Dec. 20, at Waynesville High School.
The third class of the WHS Athletic/Activity Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized prior to the 7:30 p.m. game on Friday, Dec.19.
Robert "Bob" Slaughter (Coach/AD)
Robert Sumter (Athlete/T&F & XC)
1974 Track & Field (Team)
Game Schedule
Friday, Dec.19
4:30 p.m. – Waynesville (Girls) vs. Capital City
6:00 p.m. – Poplar Bluff (Boys) vs. Capital City
7:30 p.m. – Waynesville (Boys) vs. Northwest Cedar Hill
Saturday, Dec.20
12:30 p.m. – Waynesville (Girls) vs. St. Elizabeth
2:00 p.m. – Northwest Cedar Hill (Boys) vs. Poplar Bluff
3:30 p.m. – Waynesville (Boys) vs. Hazelwood East
Admission
$10 per person for the weekend
$6 per person per day
All individuals over age 5 are required to purchase a ticket, including senior citizens, season pass holders, annual pass holders, and staff with athletic passes, as these are not regular season games.
One of Mansapit’s nominators stated, "Zetalyn is a very honorable student. She is both a very respectful student and receives that same respect from all her teachers and peers. She has very high goals and achievements set for herself and she ensures she sets herself up to achieve them. Zeta participates in several after school clubs and activities, yet still challenges herself with AP courses and top academic classes, which she excels in. Zeta is one that can be trusted to volunteer and work additional events, be our point of contact when a sub is present, and is always caught doing the right thing. Her honor will help her achieve her dreams and excel in her future endeavors beyond WHS."
Mansapit is an excellent student with a 3.86 grade point average, ranking in the top 10% of her class, and has a 97% attendance rate for all four years of high school. She has taken five Advanced Placement classes and is part of the A+ Program. Mansapit is involved in multiple clubs and activities. She is a varsity volleyball player and has played volleyball since her freshman year. She is the president of the Asian American Pacific Islander Club, a representative for the Student Government Association, a member of the National Honor Society, Model United Nations and HOSA. She also coaches volleyball and volunteers at the local dog shelter.
After graduation, Mansapit plans to attend University of Texas-Austin, and become a pediatric nurse or doctor.
