Waynesville R-VI School District

6th graders use real-world tools Sixth graders on Team Spectacular at the Waynesville Sixth Grade Center spent time studying maps from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and USGS (United States Geological Survey) to learn more about how data is used to help forecast future catastrophic events.

WHS students name to CDMMEA Honor and Concert Choirs The following Waynesville High School students have been selected for the Central District Missouri Music Educators Association (CDMMEA) Honor Choir and are eligible to audition for All-State Choir: Citlali Arzabala AJ Bowling William Figueroa Calley McCall Sydney Myers Xavier Tripp The following WHS students were selected for the CDMMEA Concert Choir: Emma Bailey Faith Bohrer Ava Byers Haley Emmett Derrick Leigey Kamden Raines Lilyana Romero Joshua Noriega-Gil Edric Twine Isaac Williams Members of the WHS Choir will be among the groups performing at Showcase Waynesville Schools on this Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024.

The Waynesville JROTC Raider Team finished 5th overall out of 38 teams from the Midwest at the Leavenworth, Kan., Meet on Sept. 14, 2024. “This is a solid start to another season,” said Col. (Ret.) Charles Williams, a senior Army instructor with the Waynesville JROTC program. The event results are as follows: Overall - 5th Place 3rd Place - 5k Terrain Run 3rd Place – Obstacle Run (.75 Mile Run, uphill run through the woods, with a tire obstacle and 3 x 8 foot walls) 3rd Place - Unconquered (1 Mile uphill run with various obstacles) 4th Place - Cross Country Litter Carry (1.5 mile run through woods, carrying 4 x 35 pound rucksacks, a 100-pound litter, with various obstacles) 4th Place - Physical Team Test (.5 mile agility, strength, and speed test) 5th Place - 1 Rope Bridge (fastest team to construct, traverse a 75-foot gap, and take down a 1-rope bridge) 5th Place - Obstacle Course (Starts with an 11-foot wall, and goes 1 mile through the woods with many obstacles) 4th Place - Ultimate Raider - William Tabor (individual race through the 1-mile obstacle course). The Raiders will compete next on Sept. 28 at the Ozark Raider Meet. The home Raider Meet will be Oct. 5 on Fort Leonard Wood, sponsored by Fort Leonard Wood and the 1st Engineer Brigade.

Save the Date: Two patriotic concerts on one night! East Elementary 4th and 5th graders will perform concerts on Oct. 30 at the WHS Auditorium. (See details below.) The event is free and open to the public.

Faith Bohrer, a sophomore at Waynesville High School, presented her FCCLA project on mental health first aid to 7th graders at Waynesville Middle School on Sept. 17, 2024. "It was such a wonderful contribution to this lesson for my students," said WMS Counselor Jonie Wilson. "They were all excited that a 10th grader presented this to them. She did a phenomenal job."

The VOICES honor choir is made up of 4th, 5th and 6th grade students in the Waynesville R-VI School District. Students auditioned for the choir and 70 were selected by music teachers. They are rehearsing for their upcoming performance during Showcase Waynesville Schools at 6 p.m. Sept. 26, 2024, at the Waynesville High School Auditorium.

Two Waynesville High School seniors - Braylin Scott and Carter Pondrom - were recognized on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting for their assistance in recruiting an athletic trainer for the Waynesville R-VI School District. They are pictured with Courtney Long, executive director of secondary instruction.

Keeton of Eclectic Originals receives Community Recognition Plaque Cheryl Keeton of Eclectic Originals in Waynesville received the Community Recognition Plaque from Dr. Jamie Goforth, assistant superintendent of personnel services, during the Sept. 16, 2024, Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting. Keeton was recognized for generously donating 72 cases of transfers from Dixie Belle Paints to the “Painting Your Passion” LEAD group at the Waynesville Sixth Grade Center. The group will be placing positive messages throughout the building and creating murals in the hallways and putting displays on windows. Eclectic Originals, a retailer of Dixie Belle Paint Company and DIY products, donated the products in support art education.

In observance of Patriot Day, Waynesville High School students hand-delivered sweet treats, thank you cards and posters to first responders in the area to show appreciation of all of their hard work and dedication to our schools and the community. They also delivered a special gift to all the SRO's in the district in appreciation for keeping all of our schools safe. #wayschools

A fire alarm sounded at Waynesville High School at approximately 5:10 p.m. today, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. Out of an abundance of caution, firefighters have been called to the school to confirm that there is no fire or smoke.

Team Spectacular students at the Waynesville Sixth Grade Center used the engineering design process to plan and build catapults this week, adjusting their mathematical calculations based on their previous results until their catapults could launch a marshmallow at least 5 meters.

Law enforcement officials across the nation have been investigating social media threats about alleged school shootings, which appear to be linked with Sept. 11. Like others across the nation, our local law enforcement has investigated an alleged threat on social media (Snap Chat) that was being made toward “Pulaski County middle schools.” Local law enforcement officials have reported that currently there is no credible threat to the schools in the Waynesville R-VI School District. Working with national law enforcement agencies, local investigators believe that the threat was made in reference to a Pulaski County School District in another state. All threats are taken seriously, however, and the safety of our students and staff is our first priority. Out of an abundance of caution, school resource officers and local enforcement will have an increased presence at the Waynesville Sixth Grade Center and Waynesville Middle School. Should you have questions or concerns, please contact your child’s building principal. #wayschools

Lieutenant Colonel Chrystal Batey spoke to Thayer Elementary students about resilience and perseverance as we unite to work together in our communities all across the country during a Patriot Day assembly. She discussed how everyone should show love and kindness to rebuild our country after such a devastating event that changed America forever. Following Batey's speech, Mrs. Taylor conducted the fifth graders as they sang patriotic songs for this event.

Freedom Elementary hosted their annual Patriot Day parade this morning. Students watched as local first responders, the Waynesville High School Drumline and military members paraded through the parking lot. Following the parade students were encouraged to explore first responder vehicles and give high-fives to our local military heroes. #wayschools

The Waynesville Sixth Grade Center hosted a Patriot Day remembrance event on Sept. 11 to honor our heroes. Rick Harne, vice president of the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education and a retired U.S. Army Military Police First Sergeant, served as the keynote speaker. In addition, sixth graders who have been exhibiting the habit of being proactive were recognized with certificates. #wayschools

The Armed Services YMCA hosted a Patriot Day Art Contest for Waynesville R-VI students with many works of art being on display during the Patriot Day event at the Waynesville City Park on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. The following students were awarded with first place ribbons; Carter Smith, 5th grade John Schultz, 12th grade Isabella Johnston, 3rd grade Kendra Franks, 10th grade Max Tayler Joyce, 7th grade Caleb Bradford, 2nd grade Coralline Sanchez, 5th grade Naomi Gonzalez, 7th grade Theo Leinbaugh, 4th grade Drake Volkmer, 3rd grade Lily Whitten, 2nd grade Esther Oppong, 5th grade First place award recipients were awarded a $10 Walmart gift card donated by Walmart St. Robert. #wayschools

Esguerra named WHS Student of the Month Ethan Esguerra, a senior at Waynesville High School has been named the September 2024 Rotary Student of the Month and was recognized during the Rotary Club of Pulaski County meeting on Sept. 9, 2024. He is the son of John and Beverly Esguerra. His nominator stated: "Ethan is my trustworthy student helper, especially when I have a sub. He is very respectful each day and comes in ready and eager to learn. I can trust that he will always do the right thing and he leads my class by example by asking me daily what is next. Ethan is quiet, but he is a very loyal student. He knows when to respond and when to be quiet and sit back and work." Esguerra has participated in basketball, Student Government Association, Student Leadership and Diversity Committee. He will be a member of the National Honor Society and is in the health sciences program at the Waynesville Career Center. Upon graduation, Esguerra would like to attend Mizzou and major in physical therapy.

This month's Teacher Proud Tuesday shout-out goes to Tim Wallace, the video production teacher at the Waynesville Career Center. His nominator says, "Hard worker, overachiever, humble and so much more to describe Mr. Wallace. He is one of the best out there. A mentor, no matter if it was about life, the classroom or the industry. I found a career path because of him and have been able to meet some amazing people too. Thank you, Mr. Wallace. You deserve your flowers.” #TeacherProudTuesday To nominate someone for Teacher Proud Tuesday, please complete the form at https://forms.gle/bwZo8PL27wsnzePP8

One medically diagnosed case of chickenpox reported at East Elementary The Waynesville R-VI School District announced today, Sept. 10, 2024, that East Elementary has had one medically diagnosed case of chickenpox. The district has been working closely with local health officials and are following their recommendations. Students are being reminded of the importance of good hand-washing techniques and to practice good hygiene. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the chickenpox vaccine is safe and effective at preventing the disease. Most people who get the vaccine will not get chickenpox. If a vaccinated person does get chickenpox, it is usually mild—with fewer blisters and mild or no fever. The chickenpox vaccine prevents almost all cases of severe disease. At this point, the local health department is not advising exclusion from school for those students not vaccinated for chickenpox unless they have been in direct contact with the case. The parents of students who are not vaccinated for chickenpox and who had direct contact with the case have been informed of their child’s exposure. The classic symptom of chickenpox is a rash that turns into itchy, fluid-filled blisters that eventually turn into scabs. The rash may first show up on the face, chest, and back then spread to the rest of the body, including inside the mouth, eyelids, or genital area. It usually takes about one week for all the blisters to become scabs. Other typical symptoms that may begin to appear 1-2 days before rash include: • fever • tiredness • loss of appetite • headache A person with chickenpox can spread the disease from 1 to 2 days before they get the rash until all their chickenpox blisters have formed scabs (usually 5-7 days). It takes about 2 weeks (from 10 to 21 days) after exposure to a person with chickenpox or shingles for someone to develop chickenpox. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation and guidelines state that the best way to prevent chickenpox is to get the chickenpox vaccine. Children, adolescents, and adults should have two doses of the chickenpox vaccine. Additional information is available on the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/chickenpox/index.html. If you have any further questions or need additional information, please consult your healthcare provider.

The Fall Tiger Festival of Nations will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday, Spet. 13, 2024, inside the Ninth Grade Center, which is located on the stadium side of the Waynesville High School campus. Admission is free and open to the public. Guest will learn about different cultures and sample food from around the world!