
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!


Waynesville R-VI students participated in the Armed Services YMCA Patriot Day event on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in the Waynesville City Park, including the Waynesville JROTC Color Guard presenting the Colors , Citlali Arzabala singing the National Anthem and the Waynesville High School Choir singing. In addition, Waynesville R-VI students were among those dancing with Destination Dance. Hundreds of pieces of artwork by Waynesville R-VI students were on display during the event. The winners of the art contest will be announced in a separate post.











Waynesville’s Homecoming is Sept. 27
Waynesville R-VI’s Homecoming will be held on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.
Schools will let out early, with students in K-5 being dismissed at 1 p.m. and students in grades 6-12 being dismissed at noon. Parker Educational Center students will dismiss at 12:45 p.m. There will be no afternoon session at Williams Early Childhood Center.
The Homecoming Parade will start at 2:30 p.m. The route begins on Benton Street on the square, turns onto Historic Route 66 and continues to Waynesville Middle School.
Following the parade, the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Community Pride Night, featuring a free hot dog roast and celebration. There will be giveaways from area businesses and organizations in front of the Waynesville High School gym.
Homecoming Court Coronation will be at 6:25 p.m. inside Tiger Stadium. The Waynesville Tiger football team will play Ozark at 7 p.m. Admission to Tiger Stadium is $4 per person for school age and up without a pass.



The Waynesville High School Softball team hosted a softball jamboree with Rolla and Cuba on Aug. 27, 2024, at WHS.
"Waynesville Lady Tigers are working hard in practices in order to compete with the new rigor of competition we face in the new COC," says head coach Rochelle Maubach. "We are learning to strengthen our resilience, not give up despite challenges and to show up and compete. These are skills we take onto the softball field and hone in on for life off the field. Every game we show up for and compete is a win."
You can find this season's schedule at https://www.waynesville.k12.mo.us/o/whs/page/athletics. Click on the 24-25 Game Schedules on the left. #wayschools

WMS inducted 119 members into the National Junior Honor Society on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024.
Mike Dunbar, CEO of Security Bank of Pulaski County, served as the keynote speaker. WMS Principal Brian Vernon provided the history of NJHS. Students, including Emily Lund, Hailey Brixey, Austin Lujan, Nyla Jackson, Mason McCord and Jameir Washington, participated in the ceremony. NJHS advisors Kelly Tillott and Dr. Raquel DeSouza read the student names and led the NJHS pledge, respectively.
The students who were inducted include the following:
Alik, McGarrett Garson
Amos, Kaitlin Helene
Asher, Logan
Bales, Walker
Baumeister, Locklen
Beal, Everley Jean
Bedillion, Carson
Bennett, Madalyn Marie
Berber, Adrian
Berger, Logan Sean
Boda, Andrea Shirley
Bondoni, Smith Harrison
Brixey, Haley Anna *
Bullard, Brandon Marshall
Cain, Aspen Gabriella
Calhoun, Akaylah Lynn
Cedeno, Leyah Nicolle
Chadwell, Meilani
Chen, Aaron K.
Cohen, Jamelliah
Compton, Katelynn Marie
Cornelius, Ally Jane
Cossey, Zoey Paige
Crader, Kayla Grace
Dahms, Connor Michael
Davis, Flora
Davis, Jayden Christian
Decker, Kennedy Nalise
Denham, Cole Hensley
Ditmeyer, Mieke Kayann
Doranski, Parker John
Dubose, Skye
Farrell, Conner J
Fazzino, Carmella Marie
Feagin, Conner
Forrest, Avaonni
Fowler, Tianna Katelynn
Fox, Jocelyn Rylan
Geraldo, Citlali
Goerl, Adam Joseph
Gonzalez, Anahi
Good, Grant Clifford
Goulden, Alaina
Gutierrez, Dominyk R
Gyamfi, Cristabel Adu
Haten, Taniya ElaineMarie
Hay, Peyton Matthew
Hayes, Hailey A
Heger, Veronica Jade
Henson, Kemper Dale
Hepperle, Dominic
Herrington, Emmalyn
Hickey, Andrew
Hite, Brooklyn Elise
Hodges, Ta'jhaun Makai'o
Jackson, Nyla Michelle
Jarrett, Kenzington Brogen
Jones, Aydan
Kaiser, Olivia Isabel
Keown, Rutledge J.
Knight, Mikaila Ann
LaRoche, Samantha Renee
Larson, Aidric Dale
Lewis, Omari Devon
Linde, Amelia Jo
Liu, Vivien
Lujan, Austin John *
Lund, Emily Kim
Marand, Chloe Alexandrea
May, Robert George
McBride, Clyde Aiden
McCord, Mason Michael
Mertz, Cora Elizabeth
Miller, Blake William
Moore, Kennedi
Morales, Carolyn Michelle
Moredock, Amelia Lynn
Nabors, Sarai Corinne
Nix, Jacob
Nuam, Dim Ngaih
Njuguna, Ericah Mumbi
Ogden, Addilynn
Ornot, Lillian Makenzie
Pahuyo, Brent Ashton Mikael Laguitao
Perez, Cecilia Amaris
Pimentel, Payton Layne
Potts, Chloe Madison
Quintana, Araiyin Jonah V
Rase, Wesley Carson
Rawlings, Jenna Elizabeth
Reinke, Abagail Kathrine
Rohwer, Isabelle Renea
Romans, Alexzander Lee
Rule, Piper Quinn
Rutter, Brianna Estella Timkang
Sanchez, Naomi Isabell
Schaub, Madison Lynn
Seger, Bella Marie
Sheehan, Braydon
Sheets, Zoe
Silbanuz, Tyler Ikaika
Smith, Monica
Smith, Vivienne Ruth
Suber, Chloe N
Tabor, Sarah Elizabeth
Thibodeau, Brooklyn Paige
Townsend, Bryson Daniel
Tully, Alexander Kei
Tully, Xavior Jordan
Ussery, Evan Jacob
Valdes, Savanna Alma-Rose
Villalobos, Jeremiah Greyson
Walker, Gabriella Riley
Washington, Jameir
Weigelt, Brooklynn Marie
Wistuk, Aliyah Rae
Woods, AbbeyJo Pearl
Wu, Elina Ruo Xin
Zalewski, Aliza











Waynesville High School Varsity Football team faced the Carthage Tigers Friday Aug. 30, 2024, in this season's home opener featuring appearances by WHS Tiger Cheer, Rhythm Nation, JROTC Color Guard, the Guard and Band. The next home game will take place next Friday, Sept. 13, 2024.










There will be no school on Monday, Sept. 2, 2024.


The Waynesville R-VI School District Foundation will host Showcase Waynesville Schools from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, at Waynesville High School. Following the performances, four individuals will be inducted into the Wall of Leaders.
“This event celebrates our students' creativity and innovation,” said Foundation President Cheryl Vernon. “The first hour will feature student art pieces on display, along with art and robotics demonstrations and will be followed by dance, musical and choral performances. Each student is showcasing their unique talents and we're thrilled to share this with our community."
During the performances, the four individuals who will later be inducted into the Wall of Leaders will be introduced via video. The formal induction ceremony of the late William C. Anderson Jr. and Jim Bales as Lifetime Achievement - Alumni and Erwin “Erv” Morriss and Lula Mae “Luge” Hardman as Outstanding Educational Professionals will begin at 7:30 p.m. in front of the Wall of Leaders, which is located directly behind the bronze tiger statue.
Showcase Waynesville Schools is free and open to the public; there will be no banquet this year. Guests should enter through the main WHS entrance and follow the signs.
“Wall of Leaders inductees are being recognized for the first time during Homecoming week,” Vernon said. “Our hope is to engage more families and community members in this less formal event.”
Schedule at a glance
5 to 6 p.m. WHS 1st Floor
Guests will view student artwork and students will demonstrate their artistic and robotic skills on a first floor wing of WHS.
6 to 7 p.m. WHS Auditorium
All guests will be invited to the WHS Auditorium to watch talented Waynesville R-VI students perform dance, musical and choral numbers. Wall of Leaders inductees will be introduced via video.
7:30 p.m. WHS Bronze Tiger
Close friends and family members are invited to stay for the formal Induction ceremony into the Wall of Leaders of the late William C. Anderson Jr. and Jim Bales as Lifetime Achievement - Alumni and Erwin “Erv” Morriss and Lula Mae “Luge” Hardman as Outstanding Educational Professionals. During the ceremony, the inductee or a family member will have an opportunity to speak. #wayschools
