Waynesville R-VI School District

The “Happy Helpers” are a group of 24 individuals dedicated to community service who do everything from sending positive messages with Meals on Wheels, to helping students in foster care, to preparing discount key tags to encourage individuals to shop local. More remarkable than their actual work is that they are students in grades 2-5 at Freedom Elementary in St. Robert, Mo., who spent their 2023-24 school year dedicated to service learning. “Students learn about social issues, develop empathy and gain practical skills while making a positive impact on our community,” said Shanel Leighty, the teacher who facilitates the group, along with fellow teacher Carrie Spoorse. “This experience has fostered civic responsibility and teamwork among our young learners.” Students work on projects that benefit people both inside the school as well as throughout the community. One community partner is the Military Police Regimental Association. “We are working together to learn about the services MPRA provides their members,” Leighty said. “MPRA believes in the mission of the Happy Helpers and at the end of the school year, MPRA gave T-shirts to our students so they can better advertise their work in the community.” To further promote their work, an article about the Happy Helpers will appear in the July issue of the national magazine MPRA, “The Dragoon." It will highlight the services that the students have provided for the Waynesville, St. Robert and Fort Leonard Wood community. When a 4th grade student was asked what his favorite service learning activity was this year, he responded, “It was meeting Mr. Harne, who is involved with the Military Police.” In addition to working with MPRA, students created cards, letters, poems and drawings to be placed in the meals that go out to local senior citizens through the Meals on Wheels to brighten up their day. The Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Happy Helpers to assemble key tags that will be given to new community members, which provide a discount at certain local businesses. It is the group's hope that more people will take advantage of the discounts and choose to shop locally, helping to keep the local economy strong. The group also partnered with the Court Appointed Special Advocate’s Wish program to start a service learning project to help more than 200 foster children celebrate their birthdays. The students collected an assortment of supplies to create birthday kits. Choices for People brought a team to Freedom Elementary to help assemble the kits together. The Fort Leonard Wood Thrift Shop helped fund the CASA’s Wish Service Learning project by awarding a grant to purchase items to complete the 200 kits. Happy Helpers, is one of the Leader in Me initiatives that is modeled after Steven Covey’s 8 Healthy Habits of Successful People. The program empowers students with leadership and life skills. Through various activities and projects, students learn to take initiative, set goals, prioritize tasks, work well with others and develop a strong sense of responsibility and teamwork. As part of the Leader in Me program, students select their area of interest. These groups encompass activities such as cheer squad, cooking, birthday brigade, snack cart, fitness and service projects, etc. Students then meet in their groups once-a-month with a teacher leader. Students from the Happy Helpers group were interviewed and asked questions about leadership. When asked about someone he looks up to as a leader, a 4th grader answered, “I look up to my grandpa because he served in the Army and helped everyone in our country.” Another 4th grader stated, “The definition of a leader is a well-behaved person who follows all eight habits.” She is referring to being proactive, beginning with the end in mind, putting first things first, thinking win-win, seeking first to understand and then to be understood, synergizing, sharpening the saw and finding her voice. This 4th grader stated, “A leader is someone who is able to show kindness, responsibility and growth. A 3rd grader was asked why leadership was important in children and said, “Leadership is important in children to show younger students ways to be responsible. It’s also important to remind ourselves as well.” A 4th grader who was asked how does a child show leadership said, “A child shows leadership by helping one another.” A 2nd grader answered, “I will be a helper to show leadership.” When asked about what leadership activities he has been involved in, a 4th grade student said, “I have been selected as the Leader of the Month.” One 5th grader was asked how she could continue to provide service learning activities outside of the school, and she stated, “I will help clean up areas in public like the parks and stores.” As their name “Happy Helpers” implies, students find it rewarding to help others in the community.

Summer school at East Elementary is underway with fun filled activities utilizing building strategies, letter work and a question of the day.

An ambulance has been dispatched to East Elementary at approximately 12:08 p.m. today, June 3, 2024, to treat an individual student with a medical condition. The parents have been notified and will decide what, if any, further medical treatment is necessary. #wayschools

Wood Elementary’s Tiger PTO embodied the “reduce, reuse, recycle” model to fashion a custom-made book vending machine, which left enough funds available to purchase a new book for each Wood student to take home with them. The newly installed book vending machine was only a dream at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year. In the fall, Wood PTO leaders decided they wanted to leave a lasting legacy at the school and when Principal Susan Shultz suggested that a book vending machine would do just that, Wood PTO set that as their goal. Wood PTO President Alysia Damin then researched to see if she could find a book vending machine cheaper than the $5,000 to $7,000 for a new one and found a company in Springfield, Mo., that refurbishes beverage and snack vending machines into book vending machines. For about $800, PTO purchased the refurbished machine and a wrap. Damin’s husband and other volunteers from the Delta Company 35th Engineer Battalion drove to Springfield on a Saturday to pick up and then install the machine in the school. Wood Tiger PTO parent volunteers then wrapped the machine and fully stocked it with a large range of newly purchased books. “This is a milestone project,” said Principal Susan Shultz. “Wood PTO leaders and volunteers far exceeded their goal of having a book vending machine. Each student got to visit the machine and select a new book to take home with them at the end of the school year.” A special thank you goes to the PTO, Wood families and staff, and the PIE partners, the 368th Air Force Training Squadron, who helped with multiple fundraising events, and the 35th Engineer Battalion for picking up and delivering the book vending machine. #wayschools

Would you like to work part-time? Would you like for your hours to be flexible to fit your schedule? If so, please check out the flyer about these positions: - District Afterschool Activity Driver - Activity Trip Driver Call 573-842-2199 to get your copy of the paper application for these positions. The bus driver application is also available for download at https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4597/WRV/3945368/PDF_Transportation_Application.pdf _____________________________________________________ Would you like to work part-time after school? If so, please check out the flyer about this position: - After School Activity Sponsor Contact personnel@waynesville.k12.mo.us or call 573-842-2030 to learn more about the after school activity sponsor.

A logo designed by Faith Valdes, an advertising design student at the Waynesville Career Center, has been selected as the winning design in the Missouri S&T Celebration of Nations logo contest. Valdes’ design was selected for its creativity, attention to detail and the way it aligns with this year’s theme, which is “Solving for the World.” “We are excited to incorporate your logo into our Celebration of Nations branding and believe it will significantly enhance our visual identity,” stated Rebecca West, DEI program manager, in a letter to Valdes. The Celebration of Nations will be held Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Rolla, Mo., beginning with a parade at 11 a.m. As the winner of the contest, Valdes will receive honorary recognition during the festivities, an award certificate for the winning design and merchandise at Missouri S&T University Bookstore. Valdes’ design will also appear on t-shirts. #wayschools

Seven Waynesville High School students placed at the State Track and Field Meet Meet that was held Friday and Saturday, May 24 and 25, 2024, in Jefferson City. The following WHS students placed: Jayzen Blake - 2nd 110 meter hurdles Brandon Howard - 7th 100 meter dash Jonathan Hedrick - 8th Long jump, 6th Triple Jump Girls 4x100 relay - 6th- Lenayah Thomas, A’Nyyah Tollison, Lexi Bigelow and Madison Roberts

Work is being done on the phones at Waynesville High School and the Waynesville Sixth Grade Center today, Wednesday, May 29, 2024. The phones may be out temporarily (off and on) throughout the day. We apologize for any inconvenience. #wayschools

A dance group led by Eunice Mancia, an ELL teacher at WSGC, performed a Polynesian dance for Asian Pacific Islanders Month at the Waynesville Sixth Grade Center assembly on May 23, 2024. #wayschools

#wayschools

Would you like to work part-time? Would you like for your hours to be flexible to fit your schedule? If so, please check out the flyer about these positions: - District Afterschool Activity Driver - Activity Trip Driver Call 573-842-2199 to get your copy of the paper application for these positions. _____________________________________________________ Would you like to work part-time after school? If so, please check out the flyer about this position: - After School Activity Sponsor Contact personnel@waynesville.k12.mo.us or call 573-842-2030 to learn more about the after school activity sponsor.

Six Waynesville R-VI students have had their artwork published in the Missouri Art Education Association (MAEA) Show Me Art Coloring Book; Missouri Literature, 4th edition. Students were asked to research, synthesize and create an engaging line-drawing based on the theme: “Missouri Authors, Poets, and Literature.” The drawings were collected and curated into a 162-page coloring book. The following Freedom Elementary and Waynesville High School students were selected to have their artwork included in the coloring book: Kyndal Osborne (Freedom), Samarah Soto (Freedom), Dahlia Sisson (Freedom), Kelise Johnson (Waynesville High School), Abbagail Johnson (Waynesville High School) and Madison Cox (Waynesville High School). “In being accepted, this student is now a published artist; an accolade many adult professionals cannot claim,” said Kim Powell of the Missouri Art Education Association. “Many thanks to your visual art teachers, Allyson Uhles, Christina Biart and Amy Rushing, for participating in this state-wide collection of artwork.” To celebrate their achievement, Freedom hosted an artist book signing for their students on May 24. Freedom families could purchase the coloring book or free labels were provided so that everyone who wanted one could get an artist’s signature. Books are $14 from Amazon an d are for sale at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3Y5TCRM?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_BK8PFT0753W63AAMAQFD_2&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_BK8PFT0753W63AAMAQFD_2&skipTwisterOG=1 All proceeds from the sale of MAEA coloring books go back to Missouri students. Funds are used for the MAEA Future Visual Art Teacher Scholarship. Pictured are Samarah Soto (Freedom), Superintendent Hilary Bales and Dahlia Sisson (Freedom). #wayschools

The Voices Choir, Waynesville R-VI's elementary honor choir, sang “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” at the Springfield Cardinals baseball game on Sunday, May 19, 2024. Voices consists of select 4th, 5th and 6th graders throughout the district and is directed by Vanessa Mason, Keisha Jarrett, Laura Taylor, Beth Gibson, Bethany Moebes, and Amanda JG. "Singing at the baseball game was a fun way to end our school year of singing events," Mason said. "Throughout the year, we performed at the Senior Citizen’s Center, a holiday concert, Central District Honor Choir, and spring concert in addition to the baseball game. We are excited for all that next year has in store for this group of amazingly talented students."

An ambulance has been dispatched to the Waynesville Career Center at approximately 3:05 p.m. Friday, May 24, 2024, to treat an adult with a medical condition. The adult will decide what, if any, further medical treatment is necessary. #wayschools

Free meals on Fridays during summer school for all children ages birth to 18 OPAA! and Waynesville R-VI Schools are partnering to provide free meals through a drive-through service each Friday during Summer School at Waynesville High School and Wood Elementary. All children in the community ages birth to 18 are eligible to receive the meals; however, families must register in advance to receive the meals by going to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdH-1wLysZ3zxKiBnm65FgPrfL7XUljE-GCD7p-_Y-VnVrOWQ/viewform and filling out the brief form. Details · The meals will be available on the following Fridays: May 31, June 7, 14 and 21. Please indicate on the form which Fridays you will be available to pick up the meals. · The WHS drive-through will be open from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m. · The Wood Elementary drive-through will be open from 2:10 to 3:10 p.m. · Each bag will contain two breakfasts and two lunches for each child who has registered through the brief Google form at link above. · A family may only go to one site and must indicate on the form whether they will pick up the meals at the high school or elementary school. Frequently asked questions 1. Are there income guidelines for this program? a. No. All children ages birth to 18 are eligible. 2. Does my child have to be enrolled in summer school to be eligible for this program? a. No. This program is open to the community. 3. Do I have to fill out the form each week? a. No. Please indicate on the form which Fridays you will be picking up the meals. 4. How is this program being funded and why is it being offered? a. The Federal Government is funding this program and OPAA! volunteered to participate so that families in our community could receive the meals. Children are most hungry during the summer months when regular school is not in session and OPAA! is partnering with Waynesville R-VI schools to help ensure that children have food on the weekends during summer school.

Dr. Jamie Goforth, assistant superintendent of personnel services, presented the Community Recognition Plaque to AUSA during the May 20, 2024, Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting. The Mid-Missouri Chapter of the Association of the United States Army was recognized for their generous donation to the Waynesville R-VI Snack in a Pack program. Accepting on behalf of AUSA are Freddie Brock and Brittany Raines. Pictured are Superintendent Hilary Bales, AUSA volunteers Brittany Raines and Freddie Brock, and Dr. Jamie Goforth, assistant superintendent of personnel services.

Taylor receives Project Teach Award Laura Taylor, a music teacher at Thayer Elementary, received the Fourth Quarter Project Teach Award for her project "More Ukes, More Fun!" during the May 20, 2024, Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting. The project fostered student engagement, curiosity and love of music.

Waynesville JROTC Drill Team recognized for finishing 3rd in Nation The Waynesville JROTC Drill Team was recognized during the May 20, 2024, Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting for finishing 3rd in the Nation and being awarded the Norwich Cup. The team finished 3rd overall at the U.S. Army Cadet Command Rocky Mountain Drill Nationals among a field of more than 50 teams on April 20 in Denver, Colo. Their results also included the following: Armed Division 3rd Place Overall 2nd Place Armed Exhibition 3rd Place Armed Regulation 6th Place Color Guard Unarmed Division 4th Place Overall 1st Place Unarmed Regulation 9th Place Unarmed Exhibition 6th Place Color Guard Individual, Dual & Quad 1st Place Unarmed Exhibition Quad (Jennifer Boyd, Kylee Gravette, Annalyse Rivera, Avery Higdon) 2nd Place Armed Exhibition Solo (Joseph Mendiola) 3rd Place Unarmed Exhibition Dual (Jennifer Boyd & Annalyse Rivera) 4th Place Armed Exhibition Solo (Lord Torres) 4th Place Armed Exhibition Quad (Chris Torres, Lord Torres, Joseph Mendiola & Aiden Rivera) Joseph Mendiola 8th Place Individual Drill Down (IDD) out of more than 500 Cadets. They are pictured with Dr. Trish Adkins, assistant superintendent of instructional services.

Waynesville Career Center students who took 1st place at State were recognized during the May 20, 2024, Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting. Thirteen WCC students earned gold at the Missouri SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference that was held April 4-6, and will compete at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta in June. The 1st place (gold medal) winners were as follows: Barbering- Jenna Matlock Cosmetology- Sa'Nijha Hightower Esthetics- Chevelle Buechter First Aid/CPR- Haley Underwood Nail Care- Annah Lowe Pin Design- Aliyah Jones Restaurant Services- Alexandria Holt Video News Production- Dominic Leone, Emjay Luna, Damen Plotner and Rileigh O'Donnell Video Production- Ava Feagin and Hayden Waddell The students are pictured with Dr. Trish Adkins, assistant superintendent of instructional services.

Waynesville High School band and choir students were recognized during the May 20, 2024, Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting for earning gold ratings at the District competition. The gold ratings made them eligible to compete at the MSHSAA State Solo/Ensemble Festival that was held on the University of Missouri-Columbia campus on April 25, 2024. The band is under the direction of Jared Sabatasso and the choir is under the direction of Cydnee Gilmore. The State band results are as follows: Gold Rating: Landon Boswell- Tuba Solo MacKenzie Colgan- Clarinet Solo Nicholas McMurray- Trombone Solo Jade Anderson, MacKenzie Colgan, Yediel Santana-Horta and Seth Steuck - Saxophone Quartet Cassandra Plummer- Clarinet Solo Yediel Santana-Horta- Saxophone Solo Seth Steuck- Saxophone Solo Silver Rating: Connor Long- Trumpet Solo Juliet Piper- Trumpet Solo Alivia Seibert- Flute Solo Kayden Wass- Trombone Solo Bronze Rating: Dylan Liegey- Trumpet Solo The State choir results were as follows: Gold Rating: Blaise Moynihan Citlali Arzabala Silver Rating: Rachel Scobee Talia Johnson Andrew Lindberg Viola Simram SATB Quartet: Citlali Arzabala, Viola Simram, Blaise Moynihan and Andrew Lindberg The students are pictured with Dr. Trish Adkins, assistant superintendent of instructional services.