Waynesville R-VI hosted a teacher recruitment event on Feb. 26, 2026, at Parker Educational Center.
For a list of job openings in the Waynesville R-VI School District, please go to https://www.applitrack.com/waynesville/onlineapp/default.aspx?all=1 or you may call 573-842-2094 for more information.
For a list of job openings in the Waynesville R-VI School District, please go to https://www.applitrack.com/waynesville/onlineapp/default.aspx?all=1 or you may call 573-842-2094 for more information.
Partridge Elementary named a Leader in Me Lighthouse School
Partridge Elementary has been certified as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School by Franklin Covey Education — a distinction that approximately 700 schools in the world have achieved.
“Leadership skills will be taken with students wherever they go in the world and that is what makes this such an impressive achievement for our students, families and staff,” said Principal Ruth Ann Justus.
Partridge 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.
In addition, Freedom Elementary, Thayer Elementary, Wood Elementary, Waynesville Sixth Grade Center and Waynesville Middle School have also earned the Lighthouse certification prior to this school year.
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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. 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.
Lighthouse 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 transformational leadership strategies.
Partridge Elementary has been certified as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School by Franklin Covey Education — a distinction that approximately 700 schools in the world have achieved.
“Leadership skills will be taken with students wherever they go in the world and that is what makes this such an impressive achievement for our students, families and staff,” said Principal Ruth Ann Justus.
Partridge 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.
In addition, Freedom Elementary, Thayer Elementary, Wood Elementary, Waynesville Sixth Grade Center and Waynesville Middle School have also earned the Lighthouse certification prior to this school year.
____________________________________
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. 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.
Lighthouse 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 transformational leadership strategies.
An ambulance was dispatched to Waynesville High School at approximately 4:40 p.m. today (Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026) to treat an individual student with a medical condition.
The individual's parents have been notified and will determine what, if any, further medical treatment is necessary.
The individual's parents have been notified and will determine what, if any, further medical treatment is necessary.
Sixth Grade Center finishes 1st in State in READBowl
The Waynesville Sixth Grade Center (WSGC) finished 1st in the State of Missouri in the 2026 READBowl competition hosted by the Share the Magic Foundation. In addition, eight WSGC homerooms placed in the Top 100 in the Middle School Division.
"This achievement reflects the dedication, enthusiasm and hard work of our students, as well as the unwavering support of our teachers and families," said WSGC Principal Kevin Schnicker.
According to the Share the Magic Foundation, more than 1,000,000 students worldwide participated in READBowl 2026.
“Our students competed in a very large field and represented WSGC exceptionally well,” said Library Media Specialist Angela Houf. “We are proud of the students’ effort and commitment throughout this competition.”
READBowl is a free global reading competition where PreK-12th grade aged teams around the world compete to read for the most minutes. The competition begins the week before the American College Football National Championship (2nd Monday in January) and culminates on Super Bowl Sunday.
The Waynesville Sixth Grade Center (WSGC) finished 1st in the State of Missouri in the 2026 READBowl competition hosted by the Share the Magic Foundation. In addition, eight WSGC homerooms placed in the Top 100 in the Middle School Division.
"This achievement reflects the dedication, enthusiasm and hard work of our students, as well as the unwavering support of our teachers and families," said WSGC Principal Kevin Schnicker.
According to the Share the Magic Foundation, more than 1,000,000 students worldwide participated in READBowl 2026.
“Our students competed in a very large field and represented WSGC exceptionally well,” said Library Media Specialist Angela Houf. “We are proud of the students’ effort and commitment throughout this competition.”
READBowl is a free global reading competition where PreK-12th grade aged teams around the world compete to read for the most minutes. The competition begins the week before the American College Football National Championship (2nd Monday in January) and culminates on Super Bowl Sunday.
Bill Davenport, a 1963 graduate of Waynesville High School, will be inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 Outdoor Sports class presented by Bass Pro Shops on March 12, 2026, in Springfield, Mo.
The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame shared the following, “At 82 years young, Bill, affectionately known as "The Legend" around Lake of the Ozarks, has earned over 161 tournament wins, influenced countless anglers and even had a popular jig skirt color ("Davenport Special") named after him by Chompers Bait.”
Tickets to the March 12 Outdoor Sports Luncheon may be purchased at https://mosportshalloffame.com/events/.
The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame shared the following, “At 82 years young, Bill, affectionately known as "The Legend" around Lake of the Ozarks, has earned over 161 tournament wins, influenced countless anglers and even had a popular jig skirt color ("Davenport Special") named after him by Chompers Bait.”
Tickets to the March 12 Outdoor Sports Luncheon may be purchased at https://mosportshalloffame.com/events/.
Flag football for 6th-8th graders
Waynesville R-VI Athletics will offer Flag Football for 6th -8th grade students March 23 – May 9, 2026. The cost is $25 per student.
Practices will be held on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:45 to 5:15 p.m. at the grass practice soccer field. Games will be held on Saturdays (to be announced).
Transportation will be provided for students who stay after school for WIN. A shuttle will be provided to and from the practice field, which is located near East Elementary on Highway F.
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Register and pay
Please complete BOTH the registration and payment forms for your student to attend.
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/eAJM2c9TDJGXFwe99
Payment Link: https://www.msbtickets.com/Athletics/event/zkjdmeu4
This program is partially funded through AYPYN United States Army Child and Youth Services. Equipment is provided.
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More info
For more information, contact Kelly Walker at kwalker@waynesville.k12.mo.us or Carl Emperato at cemperato@gmail.com.
Waynesville R-VI Athletics will offer Flag Football for 6th -8th grade students March 23 – May 9, 2026. The cost is $25 per student.
Practices will be held on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:45 to 5:15 p.m. at the grass practice soccer field. Games will be held on Saturdays (to be announced).
Transportation will be provided for students who stay after school for WIN. A shuttle will be provided to and from the practice field, which is located near East Elementary on Highway F.
___________________________________
Register and pay
Please complete BOTH the registration and payment forms for your student to attend.
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/eAJM2c9TDJGXFwe99
Payment Link: https://www.msbtickets.com/Athletics/event/zkjdmeu4
This program is partially funded through AYPYN United States Army Child and Youth Services. Equipment is provided.
___________________________________
More info
For more information, contact Kelly Walker at kwalker@waynesville.k12.mo.us or Carl Emperato at cemperato@gmail.com.
SGA hosts blood drive at WHS
The Student Government Association (SGA) at Waynesville High School sponsored a blood drive with the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026.
Members of SGA and Health Occupations of America (HOSA) volunteered the day of the blood drive to keep donors company, relieve anxiety and escort donors back to class.
SGA and CBCO set a goal of 50 units of blood to be donated during blood drive. Thanks to the students who donated that day, CBCO collected 52 units of blood, which will be used locally in the Ozarks.
The Student Government Association (SGA) at Waynesville High School sponsored a blood drive with the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026.
Members of SGA and Health Occupations of America (HOSA) volunteered the day of the blood drive to keep donors company, relieve anxiety and escort donors back to class.
SGA and CBCO set a goal of 50 units of blood to be donated during blood drive. Thanks to the students who donated that day, CBCO collected 52 units of blood, which will be used locally in the Ozarks.
Jared Sabatasso was named the Educator of the Year by the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, during the Community Leadership Awards Banquet. He is the director of bands for the Waynesville R-VI School District.
Jared Sabatasso is pictured with Brett Reith, president of the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Pictured are band instructors Andrew Tiefenbrunn, Jared Sabatasso, Brady Perkins and Chance Inman.
Members of the Waynesville High School Pep Band who performed at the banquet are pictured along with their band instructors.
Jared Sabatasso is pictured with Dr. Jamie Goforth, assistant superintendent of personnel services, and Courtney Long, executive director of secondary instruction.
Jared Sabatasso is pictured with Brett Reith, president of the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Pictured are band instructors Andrew Tiefenbrunn, Jared Sabatasso, Brady Perkins and Chance Inman.
Members of the Waynesville High School Pep Band who performed at the banquet are pictured along with their band instructors.
Jared Sabatasso is pictured with Dr. Jamie Goforth, assistant superintendent of personnel services, and Courtney Long, executive director of secondary instruction.
THURSDAY!!
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.
Ivy Smith, a senior at Waynesville High School, has signed to continue her academic and athletic (soccer) career at Evangel University. Her signing was held on Feb. 23, 2026.
Aden Maust, a senior at Waynesville High School, has signed to continue his academic and athletic (football) career at Missouri Valley College. His signing was held on Feb. 23, 2026.
An ambulance was dispatched to East Elementary at approximately 1:30 p.m. today (Feb. 24, 2026) to treat an individual student. A parent/guardian has been contacted and will decide what, if any, further medical treatment is necessary.
Waynesville and Laquey High School students kicked off National FFA Week by joining FFA alumni at Mount Gibson Baptist Church on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. FFA members will be volunteering, promoting their projects, hosting a breakfast for alumni and supporters and providing tours to celebrate their week.
False alarm at Waynesville Middle School
A fire alarm was falsely pulled at Waynesville Middle School at approximately 11:55 a.m. today, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. All students are safe. There was no smoke and there was no fire.
A fire alarm was falsely pulled at Waynesville Middle School at approximately 11:55 a.m. today, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. All students are safe. There was no smoke and there was no fire.
Waynesville JROTC finishes 3rd at Ozark
The Waynesville JROTC Drill Team finished 3rd overall in a field of 18 team at the Ozark Drill Competition on Feb. 21, 2026.
The results are as follows:
- 3rd Place Overall
- 3rd Place Armed Overall
- 4th Place Unarmed Overall
- 1st Place Armed Inspection
- 2nd Place Unarmed Inspection
- 2nd Place Armed Exhibition
- 4th Place Armed Color Guard
- 4th Place Armed New Cadet
- 5th Place Unarmed Color Guard
- Aubrey Ellison and Aiden Rivera 1st Place Armed Exhibition Dual
- Aiden Rivera 2nd Place Armed Exhibition Solo
- Addison Bowling 4th Place Individual Drill Down
The next Drill Meet will be held Feb. 28, 2026, at Leavenworth High School.
The Waynesville JROTC Drill Team finished 3rd overall in a field of 18 team at the Ozark Drill Competition on Feb. 21, 2026.
The results are as follows:
- 3rd Place Overall
- 3rd Place Armed Overall
- 4th Place Unarmed Overall
- 1st Place Armed Inspection
- 2nd Place Unarmed Inspection
- 2nd Place Armed Exhibition
- 4th Place Armed Color Guard
- 4th Place Armed New Cadet
- 5th Place Unarmed Color Guard
- Aubrey Ellison and Aiden Rivera 1st Place Armed Exhibition Dual
- Aiden Rivera 2nd Place Armed Exhibition Solo
- Addison Bowling 4th Place Individual Drill Down
The next Drill Meet will be held Feb. 28, 2026, at Leavenworth High School.
An ambulance was dispatched to Waynesville High School at approximately 9:25 a.m. today (Monday, Feb. 23, 2026) to treat an individual employee with a medical condition. The individual will decide what, if any, further medical treatment is necessary.
Aiden Brown, a 3rd grader, and John Stephens, a 2nd grader, were recognized for their "Picture the Music" artwork during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on Feb. 17, 2026.
Mike Henson, executive director of elementary, presented the Freedom Elementary students with certificates for having their artwork selected for the Picture the Music contest, which was hosted by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Their artwork was inspired by a piece of music written by composer Kevin Puts.
The artwork will be on display at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center and will then go on tour to the St. Louis Art Museum and the James S. McDonnell Planetarium. The students will also be honored during the Picture the Music awards ceremony at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center on March 25.
Mike Henson, executive director of elementary, presented the Freedom Elementary students with certificates for having their artwork selected for the Picture the Music contest, which was hosted by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Their artwork was inspired by a piece of music written by composer Kevin Puts.
The artwork will be on display at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center and will then go on tour to the St. Louis Art Museum and the James S. McDonnell Planetarium. The students will also be honored during the Picture the Music awards ceremony at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center on March 25.
Wagasky receives FLW Leadership Award
Sophia Wagasky, a sophomore at Waynesville High School, received the Fort Leonard Wood Leadership Award for February 2026 on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026.
Wagasky was nominated for the honor word integrity. Sophia's nominator stated, "Being honest, trustworthy, and having strong principles are components of integrity and Sophia displays them all. In the time I have known Sophia through the Student Government Association she has shown herself to be honest and dependable. She is one of the managers for the SGA Tiger Store and with that comes the responsibility of keeping the store stocked and maintaining an accurate money box. In conversations with peers, it is clear that Sophia has a strong moral compass when it comes to academics and life. She also works hard academically and asks for help when she needs it."
Lt. Col. Chris McCann and CSM Christina Schoener, 787 MP BN , recognized Wagasky for representing the word integrity, one of the seven Army values. The seven Army values are loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage.
The Waynesville JROTC Drill Team finished 3rd overall in the 3rd Army ROTC Brigade Championship Drill Competition at Smith Cotton on Feb. 13-14, 2026.
These are the complete results:
- Overall Meet Champions - 3rd Place
- Overall Armed Division - 3rd Place
- Overall Unarmed Division - 3rd Place
- Armed Color Guard, 1st Place
- Unarmed Color Guard, 2nd Place
- Armed Regulation - 3rd Place
- Armed Exhibition - 3rd Place
- Armed Inspection - 3rd Place
- Unarmed Regulation - 3rd Place
- Unarmed Regulation - 3rd Place
- Unarmed Inspection - 3rd Place
- Trevor Skyles - 4th Place Armed Exhibition Solo
- Aiden Rivera, Aubrey Ellison 3rd - Armed Exhibition Dual
Their next drill meet is on Feb. 21, 2026, at Ozark High School.
These are the complete results:
- Overall Meet Champions - 3rd Place
- Overall Armed Division - 3rd Place
- Overall Unarmed Division - 3rd Place
- Armed Color Guard, 1st Place
- Unarmed Color Guard, 2nd Place
- Armed Regulation - 3rd Place
- Armed Exhibition - 3rd Place
- Armed Inspection - 3rd Place
- Unarmed Regulation - 3rd Place
- Unarmed Regulation - 3rd Place
- Unarmed Inspection - 3rd Place
- Trevor Skyles - 4th Place Armed Exhibition Solo
- Aiden Rivera, Aubrey Ellison 3rd - Armed Exhibition Dual
Their next drill meet is on Feb. 21, 2026, at Ozark High School.
An ambulance was dispatched to Waynesville High School at approximately 12:25 p.m. today (Tuesday, Feb. 17, 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.