Save the Date: A Transition Day will be held on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, for ALL Waynesville High School students entering 9th grade and all NEW students to WHS who are entering grades 10, 11 or 12. Students will meet mentors, tour the building, etc.
Waynesville R-VI will host an Elementary Baseball Camp from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on July 16-18, 2024, for students going into 1st-6th grades this fall.
The cost is $25 per camper. In order to be fully registered, both the registration form and payment forms must be completed (see links below) before July 10, 2024.
Times: 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Dates: July 16-18
Location: Bandy Field (Waynesville's baseball field at 1502 Ousley Ln. Waynesville, MO, near East Elementary.)
Cost: $25. Pay in advance at https://www.msbtickets.com/Athletics/schoolevents
Registration (Closes July 10): https://forms.gle/9RfqsYDJqV52eij59
Parents/guardians will need to drop off their camper(s) at Bandy Field by East Elementary (1502 Ousley Ln Waynesville, MO) by 6:20 p.m. and pick their camper up no later than 8:10 p.m.
Camp will be led by Waynesville baseball coaches and players.
If you have any questions, please contact Trent Wise wwise@waynesville.k12.mo.us or Athletic Director Cory Ace - cace@waynesville.k12.mo.us.
Free physicals for athletes Aug. 6, 7 and 8. (Details below. )
A legal guardian must accompany the student to sign the MSHSAA forms.
Physicals are required every year.
Nominations being accepted for outstanding alumni and educators
Do you know a great retired Waynesville R-VI teacher?
Do you know an awesome graduate of Waynesville High School?
If so, please nominate them for the Wall of Leaders.
The Waynesville R-VI School District Foundation announces it is accepting nominations for individuals into the Wall of Leaders for 2025 now through July 15, 2024.
At least one individual will be named in each category – Lifetime Achievement Award for Alumni and Outstanding Educational Professional. Their photos and a brief bio will be on display on the Wall of Leaders located in the main entrance to Waynesville High School near the bronze tiger.
A nomination form is available at
https://www.waynesvilleschoolsfoundation.com/_files/ugd/a24d3c_229d1799114b4fa9b538220648165958.pdf
The criteria (rubric) is available at https://www.waynesvilleschoolsfoundation.com/_files/ugd/a24d3c_a99e51eda5ea41309f8fcc17822ca54b.pdf
In addition, paper copies are available at the Administration Building, 200 Fleetwood Drive, Waynesville. For more information, please contact Cheryl Vernon via email at cannvernon.2@gmail.com or call Marianne Ward at 573-842-2040.
Anthony Caruso will become the Waynesville High School boys head basketball coach effective July 1, 2024.
“Basketball has always been a passion of mine, and coaching emerged as a way to make a meaningful impact in young men's lives,” Caruso said. “Ultimately, my ‘why’ is to coach and mentor young men with the aim of guiding them through high school and helping them develop the character and skills they need to succeed beyond the court and into their futures beyond the hallways.”
Caruso’s “why” aligns with Waynesville’s philosophy of developing the whole athlete.
“Our goal goes beyond wins and losses,” said Cory Ace, director of MSHSAA Activities and Athletics. “We look to develop student athletes into leaders who understand the value of hard work on the court and in the classroom. We want to empower them to be something bigger than themselves, value personal accountability, and lead by example all while creating lifelong friendships. Coach Anthony Caruso is the perfect person to model this for our kids.”
Caruso’s winning coaching career spans 12 years, during which he has served as both an assistant and head coach at various schools including Crane, Nixa, Chadwick, Richland, Lesterville and Alton. His name may also sound familiar as he previously served as an assistant coach in the Waynesville R-VI School District. Given his connections to the community, it’s no surprise that he has already hit the ground running.
“This summer I have been collaborating closely with Coaches Copling, Supancic and Hyatt,” Caruso said. “We've started the process of evaluating our players' character and basketball abilities. We will sit down this summer and set a plan of attack for preseason training and what we would like to do X’s and O’s wise in the regular season.”
Beyond coaching, Caruso will teach health part-time and serve as the A+ Coordinator.
Kalem Copling, the former boys varsity basketball coach at Niangua R-VI School District, will be the assistant boys basketball coach.
Waynesville Athletic/Activity Hall of Fame Nominations for the 2024-25 year will close on Sunday, June 30.
If you are interested in making a nomination, you may do so online at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDGw6Z5OjLfqmwPp4Ndwjxe4b5xRa1lPU_qF0JCqBNW2YyqQ/viewform.
Thayer Elementary parents were invited to learn more about their students' STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) projects during summer school on June 27, 2024, following a musical performance. Students showed their parents how they learned about what it takes to be a zookeeper, an astronaut and a paleontologist who studies fossils.
JLAB team wins spirit award at Nationals
Waynesville's JLAB (JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl) Academic Team received the Col. Carlos R. Glover “Mega Hooah” Espirit de Corps Award at the JLAB National Championship on June 21-25, 2024, in Washington, D.C.
“While the team did not win, they were in the final 32 of over 1,700 high school teams, and did very well,” said Col. (Ret.) Charles Williams, senior Army instructor of Waynesville JROTC. “They also earned the award for being the most motivated and spirited team!”
This was the first Waynesville JLAB team to compete in Nationals.
“Now that we have made it to Level 3, we can better prepare our future teams for Nationals,” Williams said. “In addition to the general SAT/ACT and AP class questions, the teams had to answer math questions. Keep in mind that the questions are given verbally and each team has just 10 seconds to answer.”
The subjects, along with an estimated percentage of questions in each subject area, are as follows:
- English (20-25%)
- science and mathematics (25-30%)
- social studies (35-40%)
- fine arts (5%)
- miscellaneous (5%)
The team competing at Nationals consisted of Joseph Mendiola, Marissa Esquivel, Luke Pollman and Kaden Crone. Earning their way from Level 2 to Level 3 were team members Mendiola, Esquivel, Nathaniel Copeland and Julian Vassallo.
“Cadets Copeland and Vassallo are at Army Basic Combat Training, so Pollman and Crone stepped in to save the day,” Williams said.
Photo information:
The students pictured in their uniforms are from left to right Luke Pollman, Joseph Mendiola, Marissa Esquivel and Kaden Crone.
Waynesville R-VI Superintendent Hilary Bales met with military leaders on issues concerning the nation’s security and welfare during the National Security Seminar at Army War College in June 2024.
Bales attended the National Security Seminar, which serves as the capstone event for War College students and is designed to enhance student learning through exposure to a cross-section of American perspectives.
“I am grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in high-level discussions with U.S. Army leaders, international soldiers and civilians from across the nation,” Bales said. “It was an honor to represent this community.”
Bales was nominated by Rick Morris, civilian aide to the secretary of the Army.
The National Security Seminar is a fast-paced, four-day event providing civilian leaders with a unique opportunity to meet future military leaders and engage them in open and frank dialogue on issues concerning the nation's security and welfare. Additionally, resident Army War College students benefit greatly from being exposed to NSS guests, with their unique experiential backgrounds and individual understanding of key national and international issues facing the country.
About the photos:
Waynesville R-VI Superintendent Hilary Bales is pictured with National Security Seminar participants outside the Army War College. She is fourth from left.
Waynesville R-VI Superintendent Hilary Bales is pictured with members of the 2024 National Security Seminar group at Army War College. She is pictured on the front row, second from left.
Waynesville R-VI Superintendent Hilary Bales is pictured with Maj. Gen. David Hill, Commandant of the U.S. Army War College.
During the seminar, participants learned more about U.S. Army capabilities. #wayschools
Dr. Jamie Goforth, assistant superintendent of personnel services, presented the Community Recognition Plaque to Lisa Ellis, owner of NextHome Team Ellis, for her Shoes from the Heart sponsorship during the June 17, 2024, Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting. The 24 pairs of shoes were used to open a shoe closet at Waynesville High School.
Pictured are Superintendent Hilary Bales, Lisa Ellis of NextHome Team Ellis and Dr. Jamie Goforth, assistant superintendent of personnel services. #wayschools
Maya Duncan and Josemmidee Moody, graduated seniors at Waynesville High School, have signed to wrestle with Ottawa University in Arizona. #wayschools
Wood Elementary has been certified as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School by Franklin Covey Education — a distinction that approximately 600 schools in the world have achieved.
“The Leader In Me process is integral to our approach, promoting continuous growth and excellence in embodying leadership culture and principles. Through this process, we aim to cultivate leaders who are well-prepared to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond,” said Principal Susan Shultz. “What’s most impressive about this achievement is that our students, families and staff worked together to earn this designation as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School.”
Leader in Me Program Background from FranklinCovey Education
Leader in Me is a research-backed framework, co-created with educators, aimed at fostering resilience and leadership in students while cultivating a culture of trust. It's crafted to enhance academic performance and empower students, educators and families with essential leadership and life skills necessary for success in an evolving world. Leader in Me brings together students, staff and families with a shared objective: equipping students with the essential skills for college, career and life readiness in today's dynamic world. Through this approach, students develop self-awareness and interdependence, cultivate initiative, plan effectively, set and monitor goals, manage their time, practice empathy, communicate proficiently, resolve conflicts, innovate, appreciate diversity, maintain balance and actively contribute to society.
In the education sphere, schools often receive accolades for exceptional accomplishments. Lighthouse Certification stands out as a prestigious benchmark. These certified schools exemplify a robust leadership framework, demonstrating substantial, measurable outcomes aligned with their objectives through the integration of Leader in Me principles and practices. This certification signifies a school's commitment to excellence and its success in implementing transformative leadership strategies. Wood Elementary will maintain its Lighthouse Certification for two years and will continue to foster its growth and proficiency in exemplifying a leadership culture and principles. Central to the Leader in Me model is the belief in every child's unique strengths and leadership potential.
In addition, both Waynesville Sixth Grade Center and Thayer Elementary earned the Lighthouse certification this year. #wayschools
Thayer Elementary has been certified as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School by Franklin Covey Education — a distinction that approximately 600 schools in the world have achieved.
“From this early age, our students will take their leadership skills with them wherever they go in the world and that is what makes this such an impressive achievement for our students, families and staff,” said Principal Robyn Justice.
Leader in Me Program Background from FranklinCovey Education
Leader in Me is a research-backed framework, co-created with educators, aimed at fostering resilience and leadership in students while cultivating a culture of trust. It's crafted to enhance academic performance and empower students, educators and families with essential leadership and life skills necessary for success in an evolving world. Leader in Me brings together students, staff and families with a shared objective: equipping students with the essential skills for college, career and life readiness in today's dynamic world. Through this approach, students develop self-awareness and interdependence, cultivate initiative, plan effectively, set and monitor goals, manage their time, practice empathy, communicate proficiently, resolve conflicts, innovate, appreciate diversity, maintain balance and actively contribute to society.
In the education sphere, schools often receive accolades for exceptional accomplishments. Lighthouse Certification stands out as a prestigious benchmark. These certified schools exemplify a robust leadership framework, demonstrating substantial, measurable outcomes aligned with their objectives through the integration of Leader in Me principles and practices. This certification signifies a school's commitment to excellence and its success in implementing transformative leadership strategies. Thayer Elementary will maintain its Lighthouse Certification for two years and will continue to foster its growth and proficiency in exemplifying a leadership culture and principles. Central to the Leader in Me model is the belief in every child's unique strengths and leadership potential.
In addition, both Waynesville Sixth Grade Center and Wood Elementary earned the Lighthouse certification this year. #wayschools
Preschool screenings to be held in July
July screenings for pre-school children ages 3 and 4 who live in the Waynesville R-VI School District are now being scheduled at Williams Early Childhood Center, 12225 Pulaski, Fort Leonard Wood.
Appointments are being scheduled for July 29, 30 or 31.
o Students must be ages 3 or 4 by August 1, 2024, to qualify for
screening.
o Students who have already been screened and are on a waiting
list do not need to be re-screened.
To schedule an appointment, please call 573-842-2650. #wayschools
Fourth graders explored the major components of various habitats during summer school at Partridge Elementary. Using classroom materials, the students teamed up to collaboratively create a model of a life-sustaining habitat. The students brainstormed, then submitted a proposal for materials and spent a morning assembling their habitats. Each team chose to represent either a river/pond, a forest, a desert, a jungle or an ocean habitat. After the projects were completed, the students presented their work and provided a narrated tour to Partridge administrators and teachers. #wayschools
Waynesville Sixth Grade Center has been certified as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School by Franklin Covey Education — a distinction that approximately 600 schools in the world have achieved.
“We are thrilled to have been certified as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School,” said Principal Ruth Ann Justus.
Leader in Me Program Background from FranklinCovey Education
Leader in Me is a research-backed framework, co-created with educators, aimed at fostering resilience and leadership in students while cultivating a culture of trust. It's crafted to enhance academic performance and empower students, educators and families with essential leadership and life skills necessary for success in an evolving world. Leader in Me brings together students, staff and families with a shared objective: equipping students with the essential skills for college, career and life readiness in today's dynamic world. Through this approach, students develop self-awareness and interdependence, cultivate initiative, plan effectively, set and monitor goals, manage their time, practice empathy, communicate proficiently, resolve conflicts, innovate, appreciate diversity, maintain balance and actively contribute to society.
In the education sphere, schools often receive accolades for exceptional accomplishments. Lighthouse Certification stands out as a prestigious benchmark. These certified schools exemplify a robust leadership framework, demonstrating substantial, measurable outcomes aligned with their objectives through the integration of Leader in Me principles and practices. This certification signifies a school's commitment to excellence and its success in implementing transformative leadership strategies. WSGC will maintain its Lighthouse Certification for two years and will continue to foster its growth and proficiency in exemplifying a leadership culture and principles. Central to the Leader in Me model is the belief in every child's unique strengths and leadership potential.
Thayer Elementary and Wood Elementary also received Lighthouse certification this year.
#wayschools
Slaughter Field and the track at Waynesville Middle School are scheduled to be closed July 1-Aug. 12, 2024, while the turf is being replaced.
“We realize this temporary closing will have an impact on community organizations and citizens who use this facility,” said Chief Financial Officer Aaron Harrison. “We apologize for the inconvenience; however, we are excited to provide a fully restored playing surface for our students and local community organizations.”
Waynesville buses earn Fleet of Excellence Award
Waynesville R-VI had 90 percent or more of its buses pass inspection, making the department eligible for the Missouri Highway Patrol's Total Fleet of Excellence Award for 2024.
"The Excellence Award reflects how all of our transportation employees work together to safely deliver our students to and from school each day," said Aaron Tronstad, director of transportation.
The award means that the district’s buses have earned the right to display the Patrol's Total Fleet of Excellence sticker in the lower corner of the first window on the passenger entry side of each bus. #wayschools
Superintendent Hilary Bales recently spoke at the Rotary Club of Pulaski County. Following her talk, Rotary President Kerstin Ellis presented her with the Rotary coin. #wayschools
The Waynesville Athletic Department will host in-person parent meetings for students and parents to receive information regarding MSHSAA, NCAA, Waynesville R-VI School and Athletic Department guidelines and policies for the 2024-25 school year. Parents will meet in the Waynesville High School Auditorium at 5:30 p.m. on either July 22, 2024, or August 5, 2024.
Before participating in any competitions, it is mandatory for all student athletes who have not attended or viewed the parent/athlete meeting to do so. The information discussed in this session is essential for both parents and athletes, and will greatly enhance the success of your student athlete in the program. #wayschools