There will be no school in the Waynesville R-VI School District and all offices will be closed on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents Day.
The "circus" came to town, featuring Tammie Schneider’s preschool students at Parker Educational Center, on Feb. 12, 2026. This event served as the culmination of their unit on animals.
On Feb. 10, 2026, parents and guardians of students with IEPs and 504 plans attended the session, “Navigating Transitions Between Buildings.”
During this third Tiger Pride Night session in the Special Education series, families gained insight into the behind-the-scenes planning that takes place to support students as they move to a new building. Attendees received practical strategies and tips to help their child feel confident and prepared for their next school transition.
Presenters included Shauna Smith, district special education coordinator and Dr. Elizabeth Washington, executive director of student services. Dr. Jamie Goforth, assistant superintendent of personnel services, helped coordinate the event.
During this third Tiger Pride Night session in the Special Education series, families gained insight into the behind-the-scenes planning that takes place to support students as they move to a new building. Attendees received practical strategies and tips to help their child feel confident and prepared for their next school transition.
Presenters included Shauna Smith, district special education coordinator and Dr. Elizabeth Washington, executive director of student services. Dr. Jamie Goforth, assistant superintendent of personnel services, helped coordinate the event.
An ambulance was dispatched to Freedom Elementary at approximately 11:35 a.m. today (Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026) to treat an individual student with a medical condition. A parent/guardian has been notified and will determine what, if any, further medical treatment is necessary.
Rowden speaks at Rotary
Tina Rowden of the Waynesville R-VI Community Resource Office spoke during the Rotary Club of Pulaski County meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. Rowden, who serves as the coordinator of grant management and the AmeriCorps director, spoke about the power of volunteering, Snack in a Pack and AmeriCorps members’ positive impact on students. She also thanked the Rotary Club for their generous donations to the Snack in the Pack program.
Pictured left to right are Rotary President Ursala Lebioda, and AmeriCorps members Laura Washbourne and Janis Belanger and Tina Rowden.
Tina Rowden of the Waynesville R-VI Community Resource Office spoke during the Rotary Club of Pulaski County meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. Rowden, who serves as the coordinator of grant management and the AmeriCorps director, spoke about the power of volunteering, Snack in a Pack and AmeriCorps members’ positive impact on students. She also thanked the Rotary Club for their generous donations to the Snack in the Pack program.
Pictured left to right are Rotary President Ursala Lebioda, and AmeriCorps members Laura Washbourne and Janis Belanger and Tina Rowden.
Lercher named WHS Rotary Student of the Month
Lauryn Lercher, a senior at Waynesville High School, has been named the WHS Rotary Student of the Month for February 2026 for representing personal courage. She is the daughter of Layne and Becky Lercher and was recognized during the Rotary Club of Pulaski County meeting on Feb. 10, 2026.
The following is a compilation of statements made by her nominators, “'Lauryn has stepped out of her comfort zone to be a leader by example. She took the initiative to help set up a large Pink Out event to donate money to breast cancer awareness. From the start, Lauryn has been the student leading in every aspect of the planning. Lauryn also shows tremendous responsibility and accountability to ensure tasks are done effectively and efficiently. Lastly, she does a great job of getting other students involved to give them a chance to be leaders in various roles, as well. She is above her years of wisdom and has taken the initiative to reach out to community members, administration, and more to help make this event a success. She remains positive, solution-focused, and courageous in the face of any and all problems that arise. The mindset to stay composed, positive and empathetic while making important decisions is a next-level result of her courage.”
Lercher is an outstanding senior with a 4.28 GPA and a 100% attendance for all four years of high school. She is currently the president of DECA and a member of National Honor Society. She is an active athlete, playing both tennis and basketball. She serves as the captain of the basketball team and has earned the honors of Central Ozark Academic All-Conference and District Academic All-Conference.
Lercher will graduate with academic honors, as well as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) and Phlebotomy certification from her health science class. She plans to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia and has received a $14,000 scholarship. Her long-term goal is to become a nurse practitioner/pediatric oncologist.
Lauryn Lercher, a senior at Waynesville High School, has been named the WHS Rotary Student of the Month for February 2026 for representing personal courage. She is the daughter of Layne and Becky Lercher and was recognized during the Rotary Club of Pulaski County meeting on Feb. 10, 2026.
The following is a compilation of statements made by her nominators, “'Lauryn has stepped out of her comfort zone to be a leader by example. She took the initiative to help set up a large Pink Out event to donate money to breast cancer awareness. From the start, Lauryn has been the student leading in every aspect of the planning. Lauryn also shows tremendous responsibility and accountability to ensure tasks are done effectively and efficiently. Lastly, she does a great job of getting other students involved to give them a chance to be leaders in various roles, as well. She is above her years of wisdom and has taken the initiative to reach out to community members, administration, and more to help make this event a success. She remains positive, solution-focused, and courageous in the face of any and all problems that arise. The mindset to stay composed, positive and empathetic while making important decisions is a next-level result of her courage.”
Lercher is an outstanding senior with a 4.28 GPA and a 100% attendance for all four years of high school. She is currently the president of DECA and a member of National Honor Society. She is an active athlete, playing both tennis and basketball. She serves as the captain of the basketball team and has earned the honors of Central Ozark Academic All-Conference and District Academic All-Conference.
Lercher will graduate with academic honors, as well as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) and Phlebotomy certification from her health science class. She plans to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia and has received a $14,000 scholarship. Her long-term goal is to become a nurse practitioner/pediatric oncologist.
An ambulance was dispatched to East Elementary at approximately 2:50 p.m. today (Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026) to treat an individual student with a medical condition. A parent/guardian has been notified and will determine what, if any, further medical treatment is necessary.
The Waynesville R-VI School District is now hiring guidance counselors. Apply online at www.applitrack.com/waynesville/onlineapp/
For more information
Phone: (573) 842-2094
Email: personnel@waynesville.k12.mo.us
For more information
Phone: (573) 842-2094
Email: personnel@waynesville.k12.mo.us
Nominations open for Rising Star Award & Support Super Star
The public is invited to nominate a Waynesville R-VI teacher for the Rising Star Award and a staff member for the Support Super Star Award.
The Rising Star Award honors a teacher who is new to the field of education and has demonstrated a positive impact on students. To nominate a teacher for the Rising Star Award, go to https://forms.gle/qDfYnZ9q1S3HALjM6.
The Support Super Star Award honors a staff member for being a support person who has demonstrated a positive impact on students and on education. To nominate a staff member for the Support Super Star Award, go to https://forms.gle/Hj81vWyg3X7Uvkxj8.
The deadline to nominate someone is Feb. 27, 2026.
The public is invited to nominate a Waynesville R-VI teacher for the Rising Star Award and a staff member for the Support Super Star Award.
The Rising Star Award honors a teacher who is new to the field of education and has demonstrated a positive impact on students. To nominate a teacher for the Rising Star Award, go to https://forms.gle/qDfYnZ9q1S3HALjM6.
The Support Super Star Award honors a staff member for being a support person who has demonstrated a positive impact on students and on education. To nominate a staff member for the Support Super Star Award, go to https://forms.gle/Hj81vWyg3X7Uvkxj8.
The deadline to nominate someone is Feb. 27, 2026.
Waynesville R-VI will host a teacher recruitment event from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, at the Parker Educational Center. The event will begin with a welcome session, followed by screening interviews being held on site. At the end of the evening, a drawing will be held for an iPad.
For more information about openings in the district, please go to https://www.applitrack.com/waynesville/onlineapp/default.aspx?all=1 or call 573-842-2094.
Parker Educational Center is located at 909 U.S. Route 66 in Waynesville.
For more information about openings in the district, please go to https://www.applitrack.com/waynesville/onlineapp/default.aspx?all=1 or call 573-842-2094.
Parker Educational Center is located at 909 U.S. Route 66 in Waynesville.
Free sports physicals offered by COMC
The COMC will offer free sports physicals for Waynesville R-VI athletes:
4 p.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, and Wednesday, Feb. 18 at the COMC Clinic located inside East Elementary. The clinic entrance is near the FEMA Shelter on the back side of the building. East Elementary is located at 1501 State Road F, Waynesville.
• Appointments are not required. This is done on a first come, first served basis.
• A legal guardian must accompany the student to sign MSHSAA permission forms.
• No insurance card needed. Paperwork available on-site.
• No vaccines will be given at this event.
The COMC will offer free sports physicals for Waynesville R-VI athletes:
4 p.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, and Wednesday, Feb. 18 at the COMC Clinic located inside East Elementary. The clinic entrance is near the FEMA Shelter on the back side of the building. East Elementary is located at 1501 State Road F, Waynesville.
• Appointments are not required. This is done on a first come, first served basis.
• A legal guardian must accompany the student to sign MSHSAA permission forms.
• No insurance card needed. Paperwork available on-site.
• No vaccines will be given at this event.
Spring sports tryouts/practices begin March 2, 2026.
The spring sports, along with their schedules for tryouts/practices, are listed in the graphic below or are at https://aptg.co/0dD-c1.
For more information, go to https://www.waynesville.k12.mo.us/o/waynesville-tiger-athletics/page/playerparent-zone and click on the “Start of Season Information,” which includes information about the required physical.
If you have any questions, please call Athletics at 573-842-2450.
The spring sports, along with their schedules for tryouts/practices, are listed in the graphic below or are at https://aptg.co/0dD-c1.
For more information, go to https://www.waynesville.k12.mo.us/o/waynesville-tiger-athletics/page/playerparent-zone and click on the “Start of Season Information,” which includes information about the required physical.
If you have any questions, please call Athletics at 573-842-2450.
De'Vonte Martin, a senior at Waynesville High School, has signed to continue his academic and athletic (football) career at Washburn University. His signing was held on Feb. 4, 2026.
2 Freedom students have artwork selected for the Picture the Music
Two Freedom Elementary students have had their artwork selected for the Picture the Music contest hosted by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
Aiden Brown, a 3rd grader, and John Stephens, a 2nd grader, will be recognized during the Picture the Music awards ceremony at 7 p.m. March 25, 2026, in Powell Hall at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center. Brown’s art teacher is Christina Underwood and Stephens’ art teacher is Carly Crews.
This season, students created artwork inspired by “Codes,” movement II of Contact by SLSO Composer in Residence Kevin Puts, and more than 500 entries were submitted by teachers. From those, 100 finalists were selected. The finalists’ artwork will be displayed at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center from March 20-29. Then, it will go on tour to the St. Louis Art Museum and the James S. McDonnell Planetarium until April 26.
“Congratulations on having your students’ artwork selected for the exhibit!” stated Education Programs Assistant Joseph Hendricks in a letter. “We look forward to honoring them at the newly renovated Powell Hall.”
The SLSO will be performing Kevin Puts’ Contact on March 20 and 22.
Cutline
John Stephens and Aiden Brown are pictured with their award-winning artwork.
Kaeden O'Brien, a senior at Waynesville High School, has signed to continue her academic and athletic (softball) career at Stephens College. Her signing was held on Feb. 3, 2026.
Law enforcement officials were called to East Elementary at approximately 8:35 a.m. today, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, to assist with an individual student. The parent has been notified.
Ty Kime will become the director of MSHSAA activities and athletics for the Waynesville R-VI School District, effective July 1, 2026. Kime will fill the vacancy created by Cory Ace who will move into the Director of Instructional and Community Services position July 1, 2026.
“Waynesville’s strong commitment to academic excellence attracted me to this position, but what excites me most about becoming AD is working with student athletes and seeing their progress day by day,” Kime said. “I believe success is built through incremental gains—showing up, working hard and staying determined. That grind is what shapes character and leads to lasting success.”
Kime previously served as the athletic director and assistant high school principal at Clever RV Schools, before becoming the ISS/Virtual monitor and head high school football coach and junior high basketball coach at Aurora, Mo. Prior to that, he was the high school athletic director, middle school athletic director, high school football and basketball coach, a middle school baseball coach and a high school teacher at Naches Valley High School in Naches, Wash. In addition to teaching history and psychology, Kime has taught weight training and physical education. Kime has a bachelor’s degree in secondary social studies and a master’s in athletic administration from Central Washington University. He has been married to Sara for 24 years and has two daughters who are student athletes at Peru State College in Nebraska.
“Waynesville’s strong commitment to academic excellence attracted me to this position, but what excites me most about becoming AD is working with student athletes and seeing their progress day by day,” Kime said. “I believe success is built through incremental gains—showing up, working hard and staying determined. That grind is what shapes character and leads to lasting success.”
Kime previously served as the athletic director and assistant high school principal at Clever RV Schools, before becoming the ISS/Virtual monitor and head high school football coach and junior high basketball coach at Aurora, Mo. Prior to that, he was the high school athletic director, middle school athletic director, high school football and basketball coach, a middle school baseball coach and a high school teacher at Naches Valley High School in Naches, Wash. In addition to teaching history and psychology, Kime has taught weight training and physical education. Kime has a bachelor’s degree in secondary social studies and a master’s in athletic administration from Central Washington University. He has been married to Sara for 24 years and has two daughters who are student athletes at Peru State College in Nebraska.
The Waynesville R-VI School District will be in session and will run mostly regular bus routes on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. If your child's bus route is not listed below, then your child's bus route will be the regular bus route.
_______________________________
The exceptions are listed below.
Snow routes - 48, 49 and 82
Routes 48 A&B, 49 A&B, and 82 AM & Noon will be still be snow routes on Monday, Feb. 2.
____________________
Modified routes - 44 and 76
The following routes will be normal routes except for the following changes for Feb. 2:
Rts. 44 and 76: Those who live in Shady Oaks should meet the bus at Y Hwy. and Helm Dr.
_______________________________
The exceptions are listed below.
Snow routes - 48, 49 and 82
Routes 48 A&B, 49 A&B, and 82 AM & Noon will be still be snow routes on Monday, Feb. 2.
____________________
Modified routes - 44 and 76
The following routes will be normal routes except for the following changes for Feb. 2:
Rts. 44 and 76: Those who live in Shady Oaks should meet the bus at Y Hwy. and Helm Dr.
The Waynesville R-VI School District will be in session and will run mostly regular bus routes on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. If your child's bus route is not listed below, then your child's bus route will be the regular bus route.
_______________________________
The exceptions are listed below.
Snow routes - 48, 49 and 82
Routes 48 A&B, 49 A&B, and 82 AM & Noon will be still be snow routes on Monday, Feb. 2.
____________________
Modified routes - 44 and 76
The following routes will be normal routes except for the following changes for Feb. 2:
Rts. 44 and 76: Those who live in Shady Oaks should meet the bus at Y Hwy. and Helm Dr.
Scott to become principal at Thayer on July 1
Kirsten “Kris” Scott, the assistant principal at Freedom Elementary, will become the principal of Thayer Elementary, effective July 1, 2026. Scott will fill the vacancy created by Robyn Justice’s retirement in June.
“My goal is to foster a school environment where every child feels safe, supported and inspired to learn and grow,” Scott said. “Beyond mastering the basics and building a strong academic foundation, I want to help our students develop into confident leaders.”
After teaching at Success, Scott joined the Waynesville R-VI School District in 2008 where she served as a 4th and 5th grader teacher before becoming a principal intern and then assistant principal at Freedom Elementary. Prior to entering education, Scott served in the U.S. Air Force and served as an instructor/course developer at Fort Leonard Wood before retiring from the Air National Guard. Scott has a bachelor’s degree in general education, a master’s in middle school education and an educational specialist degree in educational administration.
Kirsten “Kris” Scott, the assistant principal at Freedom Elementary, will become the principal of Thayer Elementary, effective July 1, 2026. Scott will fill the vacancy created by Robyn Justice’s retirement in June.
“My goal is to foster a school environment where every child feels safe, supported and inspired to learn and grow,” Scott said. “Beyond mastering the basics and building a strong academic foundation, I want to help our students develop into confident leaders.”
After teaching at Success, Scott joined the Waynesville R-VI School District in 2008 where she served as a 4th and 5th grader teacher before becoming a principal intern and then assistant principal at Freedom Elementary. Prior to entering education, Scott served in the U.S. Air Force and served as an instructor/course developer at Fort Leonard Wood before retiring from the Air National Guard. Scott has a bachelor’s degree in general education, a master’s in middle school education and an educational specialist degree in educational administration.
