WMS earns recognition for student growth in math
Waynesville Middle School was recognized as a top-performing school in Missouri for student growth in mathematics during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on April 20, 2026, by Superintendent Hilary Bales.
The honor came from the PRiME Center at Saint Louis University, which highlighted the school’s strong student growth in math during the 2024-25 school year. The PRiME Center identifies Missouri schools where students show the most progress over time, focusing on how much students improve.
Pictured are Superintendent Hilary Bales, Rebecca Douglas, Taylor Tetreault and WHS Principal Brian Vernon who served as WMS principal during the 2024–25 school year; second row: WMS Principal Brent Dunning, Matthew Wilson, Joe Kincaid, Michael Johnson-Gonzalez. Not Pictured: Joe Wald, Jamie Scholl, Bailey Poncia, Dawn Woods.
Waynesville Middle School Student Council was recognized for receiving the Gold Honor Council Award and Special Olympics School of Character Gold Award by Superintendent Hilary Bales during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on April 20, 2026.
Honor Council
WMS STUCO received the Gold Honor Council Award from the Missouri Association of Student Councils. The award honors councils that have a comprehensive program in promoting student activities and student leadership. Activities include school service, spirit, community service, student and teacher recognition and leadership training activities.
This is the fourth consecutive year WMS STUCO has received this prestigious award.
Special Olympics School of Character
WMS STUCO is one of three middle schools in the State of Missouri to receive the prestigious Special Olympics Missouri School of Character Award this spring.
The award, established in 2014 in partnership with the Missouri Association of Student Councils (MASC), recognizes schools that demonstrate involvement in inclusive youth leadership, Unified Sports® and community engagement. It celebrates schools that foster a supportive community, promoting character development through sports and leadership.
Students recognized for having artwork published
Waynesville R-VI students were recognized for having their artwork published in the Missouri Art Education Association's Show Me Art Coloring Book during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education on April 20, 2026.
Students designed a coloring page based on their favorite outdoor activities, such as cycling, fishing, camping, sports, etc. and submitted their work for consideration in the publication.
Arianna Haslim's artwork took 1st place at the middle school level, and Emiyah Glover's artwork is featured as the back cover design winner.
Mike Henson, executive director of elementary, and Courtney Long, executive director of secondary, presented certificates to the following:
Freedom Elementary:
• Fiona Qui, 4th grade
• ZaRiyah McCaster, 5th grade
• Kyndal Osborne, 5th grade
Thayer Elementary:
• Jace Taylor, 4th grade
• Isabella Mendoza, 4th grade
• Olivia Davis, 5th grade
• Mina Figueroa, 5th grade
Wood Elementary:
• Ezekiel Mason, 4th grade
• Emiyah Glover - Back Cover Design Winner, 5th grade
Waynesville Middle School:
• Mya Klontz, 7th grade
• Mayzee Magee, 8th grade
• Ellery Earnest, 8th grade
• Arianna Haslim - 1st Place Middle School, 8th grade
Waynesville High School
• Roxanne Acklin, 9th grade
• Kimari Stuart, 12th grade
Soon after, the West Point Parachute Team made a dramatic landing right onto the field.
Inside the stadium, Waynesville Middle School students showcased Sapper-themed artwork, showing their support and encouragement for the competitors.
The 42 elite teams competed in a grueling, combat driven non-standard physical fitness test in hopes of earning the title of Best Sapper. -focused, non-standard physical fitness test, each pushing for the title of Best Sapper. More information about the competition is at https://www.facebook.com/fortleonardwoodmissouri.
#WaySchools #BestSapper26
Waynesville R-VI will transition from the Central Ozark Conference (COC) to the newly reorganized Ozark Conference (OC) beginning with the 2027–28 school year.
This realignment will renew long-standing rivalries and enhance athletic competition across a variety of sports.
Additional details regarding the transition and conference structure will be shared in the coming months.
During the 2026–27 school year, Waynesville will continue to compete within Central Ozark Conference (COC).
#ProudTeacherTuesday #WaySchools
On a dare, a student made a statement indicating he/she had a gun. School officials immediately investigated the situation and confirmed that there was no weapon present. At no time were students in danger, and all students are safe.
The situation was addressed promptly, and appropriate actions are being taken in accordance with district discipline policies. While we cannot share specific details regarding individual students, please know that we take all statements of this nature very seriously.
We ask that you take a moment this evening to speak with your child about the importance of school safety and the serious consequences of making statements that can cause fear or disruption.
We appreciate your partnership in helping us maintain a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.
All processes were followed. All students are safe.
Current 8th graders interested in cheer leading next year, WHS Cheer Tryouts are right around the corner. Make sure you enroll in the Google Classroom and attend the mandatory clinics! Go Tigers!
