Freedom Elementary

Mike Henson, executive director of elementary instruction, recognized Niki Dailey, a 3rd grade teacher at Freedom Elementary, for being selected to the Personalized Competency-Based Master Teacher Cadre during the Waynesville R-VI Board of Education meeting on April 21, 2025. This opportunity is being hosted by the Success-Ready Student Network (SRSN) in partnership with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Waynesville R-VI Superintendent Hilary Bales encouraged Freedom Elementary staff members to continue to give their best through the final stretch of the spring semester. Bales also provided updates about the district during their Super Session on April 14, 2025. Afterward, Dr. Jamie Goforth, assistant superintendent of personnel services, led staff in a communication activity. #wayschools

There will be no school in the Waynesville R-VI School District on Friday, April 18, 2025. All offices will be closed on April 18 as well.

Waynesville R-VI will host a Kindergarten Kickoff at 5:30 p.m. on May 2, 2025, at the Parker Educational Center. This is for parents of students who will be going into kindergarten this fall. Future kindergartners are welcome to attend as well. Please see the flyer for more details. #wayschools

To show support for military children, please wear purple on April 15 for Purple Up Day.

Monday night! 6 p.m. WHS Auditorium Officer David Gomez – a nationally renowned speaker – wants the community to know how to protect children from becoming victims online. Gomez will speak at 6 p.m. Monday, April 14, 2025, in the Waynesville High School Auditorium. This event is free of charge, open to the public

TODAY! Waynesville High School will host a Spring Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at WHS. Egg hunts begin at 10:40 a.m. on the throws field at Waynesville High School. as follows: 10:40 a.m. Age 3 and under / pre-kindergarten - kindergarten 11:00 a.m. 1st - 2nd grade 11:20 a.m. 3rd - 5th grade The throws field is located on the east side of the WHS campus, near Tiger Stadium and the tennis courts.

Students at Freedom Elementary received custard sundaes courtesy of the USO and Culvers, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in celebration of April being the Month of the Military Child. In addition to USO volunteers and staff, Brig. Gen. Bradley Leonard, Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood Deputy Commanding General, helped welcome students to show his support for April being the Month of the Military Child. #wayschools

Thank you to all of our volunteers. Waynesville R-VI's volunteers were recognized for their dedication and support in every area from classroom assistance to extracurricular activities during the Annual Volunteer Banquet on April 8, 2025, at the Waynesville Career Center. Waynesville Mayor Sean Wilson served as the keynote speaker. Volunteers were recognized by their building leaders, along with the Partners in Education (military units who volunteer with our schools), WayConnect Mentors, Partners on Patrol, PTO volunteers, the Community Based Instruction classes, Snack in a Pack volunteers and donors, and other district volunteers. The President's Volunteer Service Awards were awarded for those with more than 100 volunteers, including AmeriCorps members. (AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism.) The Partners in Education (PIE Partners) that were recognized, included the following: DENTAC & MEDDAC & GLWACH, WECC 31st Engineer Battalion, East Elementary 84th Chemical Battalion, Freedom Elementary 2-10 Infantry Battalion, Partridge Elementary 1-48th Infantry Battalion, Thayer Elementary 35th Engineer Battalion, Thayer Elementary Air Force 368th Training Squadron, Wood Elementary 795th Military Police Battalion, WSGC 701st Military Police Battalion, WMS, Parker Education Center US Navy Detachment; Alternative Education Program 787th Military Police Battalion, WHS / WCC Receiving special recognition were WayConnect Mentors, Snack In A Pack, Stephanie Peace’s Community Based Instruction (CBI) classes and Jade Jones and Jill Kelly. Superintendent Hilary Bales presented the President’s Volunteer Service Awards as follows: Bronze 100-249 Volunteer Hours Ingrid Sundquist (101+ Volunteer Hours) Kathy Mellecker (119+ Volunteer Hours) Donna Brashear (120+ Volunteer Hours) Memrie Schrump (221+ Volunteer Hours) Whitney Worley (125+ Volunteer Hours) Mary Hoare (129+ Volunteer Hours) Sheree DeWitt (148+ Volunteer Hours) Nina Bergmark (193+ Volunteer Hours) Silver 250-499 Volunteer Hours Pamela Tetreault (390+ Volunteer Hours) Angela Brown (250+ Volunteer Hours) Lastanton Neal (250+ Volunteer Hours) Gold 500 or More Volunteer Hours Jade Jones (2745+ Volunteer Hours) Jill Kelly (2126+ Volunteer Hours About the President’s Awards In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action, too. The PVSA has continued under each administration, honoring the volunteers who are using their time and talents to solve some of the toughest challenges facing our nation. Led by AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light, this program allows Certifying Organizations to recognize their most exceptional volunteers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the value of volunteer time to be $28.54 per hour, and through their service, Americans invest billions in their local communities – to say nothing of the immeasurable impact volunteers have on others and the character of their communities. Presidential recognition is a tremendous honor. Even though our volunteers do not seek recognition, their example can deliver a powerful message that encourages others to take action.

Last chance to submit application for Parker Preschool for 2025-26 school year Parker Preschool is taking applications for 2025-26 Parker Preschool is taking applications for students for the 2025-26 school year via a Google Form at https://forms.gle/xwNx74ykEuM8utWn8. The application link closes at 4 p.m. on April 13, 2025. Applicants will be chosen through a lottery drawing. The lottery drawing will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, May 9, at Parker Educational Center. Applicant families are welcome to attend the drawing. Parents will be notified by May 16 if their child is accepted into the program. Students must reside within the boundaries of the Waynesville R-VI School District. About Parker Preschool Parker Preschool is a free preschool with the Waynesville R-VI School District. Students must turn age 4 by July 31, 2025, to be eligible for Parker Preschool, which is located inside the Parker Educational Center, next to Waynesville Middle School. In order to be eligible to attend the Parker Preschool program, the child’s birthdate must be between 8/1/2020 and 7/31/2021. Parker students begin at 8:15 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and dismiss at 3:05 p.m. Doors open at 8:05 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. On Wednesdays, Parker begins at 8:45 a.m. and doors open at 8:35 a.m. For more information If you have any questions, please email Dr. Molinda Mitchell at mmitchell@waynesville.k12.mo.us.

Officer David Gomez – a nationally renowned speaker – wants the community to know how to protect children from becoming victims online. Gomez will speak at 6 p.m. Monday, April 14, 2025, in the Waynesville High School Auditorium. This event is free of charge, open to the public and is being sponsored by: · Pulaski County Opioid Committee · City of Waynesville · Four Rivers Community Health Center · Waynesville RV-I Foundation Gomez will share what he has learned as a law enforcement officer who has operated multiple undercover social media accounts to arrest predators and track down missing children. He will also speak about the dangers of social media, normalization of drugs in social media, and the influence of drugs and alcohol on the youth population. You can find Gomez educating others on YouTube, giving a Ted Talk, positively influencing youth in his hometown, and traveling the country helping youth (and parents) make better choices about digital devices and drugs and alcohol.

Parker Preschool is taking applications for 2025-26 Parker Preschool is taking applications for students for the 2025-26 school year via a Google Form at https://forms.gle/xwNx74ykEuM8utWn8. The link will close at 4 p.m. on April 13, 2025. Applicants will be chosen through a lottery drawing. The lottery drawing will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, May 9, at Parker Educational Center. Applicant families are welcome to attend the drawing. Parents will be notified by May 16 if their child is accepted into the program. Students must reside within the boundaries of the Waynesville R-VI School District. About Parker Preschool Parker Preschool is a free preschool with the Waynesville R-VI School District. Students must turn age 4 by July 31, 2025, to be eligible for Parker Preschool, which is located inside the Parker Educational Center, next to Waynesville Middle School. In order to be eligible to attend the Parker Preschool program, the child’s birthdate must be between 8/1/2020 and 7/31/2021. Parker students begin at 8:15 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and dismiss at 3:05 p.m. Doors open at 8:05 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. On Wednesdays, Parker begins at 8:45 a.m. and doors open at 8:35 a.m. For more information If you have any questions, please email Dr. Molinda Mitchell at mmitchell@waynesville.k12.mo.us.

Current 5th and 6th Grade Boys Basketball Development & 3 vs. 3 Camp April 14, 21, and 28 Register here: https://forms.gle/QdMvbknUgH9Wg828A Camp will begin at 6:00 PM and end at 7:30 PM at the Waynesville High School Gym (enter at the gym entrance). The cost is $30 per participant. Payment should be made at My School Bucks https://www.msbtickets.com/Athletics/event/tom4zlcj Our Camp will consist of individual & direct instruction along with 3 vs. 3 competition. Parents/guardians will need to drop off their camper(s) at the Waynesville High School Main Gym entrance by 5:50 PM and pick their camper up no later than 7:40 PM. Camp will be led by Waynesville Basketball coaches and players. Any questions please contact Head Basketball Coach Anthony Caruso acaruso@waynesville.k12.mo.us or Athletic Director Cory Ace - cace@waynesville.k12.mo.us

Officer David Gomez – a nationally renowned speaker – wants the community to know how to protect children from becoming victims online. Gomez will speak at 6 p.m. Monday, April 14, 2025, in the Waynesville High School Auditorium. This event is free of charge, open to the public and is being sponsored by: • Pulaski County Opioid Committee • City of Waynesville • Four Rivers Community Health Center • Waynesville R-VI Foundation Gomez will share what he has learned as a law enforcement officer who has operated multiple undercover social media accounts to arrest predators and track down missing children. He will also speak about the dangers of social media, normalization of drugs in social media, and the influence of drugs and alcohol on the youth population. You can find Gomez educating others on YouTube, giving a Ted Talk, positively influencing youth in his hometown, and traveling the country helping youth (and parents) make better choices about digital devices and drugs and alcohol.

Officer David Gomez – a nationally renowned speaker – wants the community to know how to protect children from becoming victims online. Gomez will speak at 6 p.m. Monday, April 14, 2025, in the Waynesville High School Auditorium. This event is free of charge, open to the public and is being sponsored by: • Pulaski County Opioid Committee • City of Waynesville • Four Rivers Community Health Center • Waynesville R-VI Foundation Gomez will share what he has learned as a law enforcement officer who has operated multiple undercover social media accounts to arrest predators and track down missing children. He will also speak about the dangers of social media, normalization of drugs in social media, and the influence of drugs and alcohol on the youth population. You can find Gomez educating others on YouTube, giving a Ted Talk, positively influencing youth in his hometown, and traveling the country helping youth (and parents) make better choices about digital devices and drugs and alcohol.

Officer David Gomez – a nationally renowned speaker – wants the community to know how to protect children from becoming victims online. Gomez will speak at 6 p.m. Monday, April 14, 2025, in the Waynesville High School Auditorium. This event is free of charge, open to the public and is being sponsored by: • Pulaski County Opioid Committee • City of Waynesville • Four Rivers Community Health Center • Waynesville RV-I Foundation Gomez will share what he has learned as a law enforcement officer who has operated multiple undercover social media accounts to arrest predators and track down missing children. He will also speak about the dangers of social media, normalization of drugs in social media, and the influence of drugs and alcohol on the youth population. You can find Gomez educating others on YouTube, giving a Ted Talk, positively influencing youth in his hometown, and traveling the country helping youth (and parents) make better choices about digital devices and drugs and alcohol.

Summer School registration is now open online! For more details and to sign up your student, click here https://www.waynesville.k12.mo.us/o/wrv/page/summer-school. Please note that you should register your student for the grade they will be GOING INTO this fall. Partridge and WHS students, please note the locations of your summer school.

Parker Preschool is taking applications for 2025-26 Parker Preschool is taking applications for students for the 2025-26 school year via a Google Form at https://forms.gle/xwNx74ykEuM8utWn8. Parker Preschool is a free preschool with the Waynesville R-VI School District. Students must turn age 4 by July 31, 2025, to be eligible for Parker Preschool, which is located inside the Parker Educational Center, next to Waynesville Middle School. In order to be eligible to attend the Parker Preschool program, the child’s birthdate must be between 8/1/2020 and 7/31/2021. Parker students begin at 8:15 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and dismiss at 3:05 p.m. Doors open at 8:05 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. On Wednesdays, Parker begins at 8:45 a.m. and doors open at 8:35 a.m. Applicants will be chosen through a lottery drawing. The lottery drawing will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, May 9, at Parker Educational Center. Applicant families are welcome to attend the drawing. Parents will be notified by May 16 if their child is accepted into the program. Students must reside within the boundaries of the Waynesville R-VI School District. Please note that the link to the Google Form will close at 4 p.m. on April 13th. If you have any questions, please email Dr. Molinda Mitchell at mmitchell@waynesville.k12.mo.us.

Freedom Elementary’s 4th and 5th graders presented a concert, “A Blast from the Past,” on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the Waynesville High School Auditorium. These photos are from the 5th grade concert. #wayschools

Waynesville High School will host a Spring Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at WHS. Egg hunts begin at 10:40 a.m. on the throws field at Waynesville High School. as follows: 10:40 a.m. Age 3 and under / pre-kindergarten - kindergarten 11:00 a.m. 1st - 2nd grade 11:20 a.m. 3rd - 5th grade The throws field is located on the east side of the WHS campus, near Tiger Stadium and the tennis courts.