Congratulations to Washburn Rural North Middle School teacher Randi Stones, for being selected as the Majic 107.7 Crystal Apple Award winner for November! For 21 years, Randi has inspired students to find their voice, going above and beyond to create meaningful learning experiences. Read more about her impact here: https://www.kmaj.com/2025/11/10/4342/.

Big news from the band room! 🎼

Each year, students across Kansas audition for the opportunity to perform in elite district and state honor ensembles. We’re proud to celebrate our Washburn Rural High School, Washburn Rural Middle School, and Washburn Rural North Middle School students who were selected for this year's District Honor Bands following auditions in Eudora this past weekend.

Please join us in congratulating these talented musicians!

Twenty-one Biomedical Research & Biotechnology students from Washburn Rural High School recently explored Stormont Vail for an immersive, behind-the-scenes look at modern healthcare.

Students toured multiple departments, including Cytology, Pathology, the Blood Bank, the Clinical Analysis Lab, and Microbiology, seeing firsthand how each team contributes to patient diagnosis and treatment. They even followed the journey of a sample from collection to analysis.

A highlight of the day was the physiology education lab, where advanced patient manikins simulate real medical scenarios, from trauma response to critical care. Students watched how healthcare professionals use these simulations to build real-time decision-making skills.

The group also visited the Baker University School of Nursing wing and toured the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, learning how specialized teams care for premature and critically ill infants.
Students described the experience as eye-opening, inspiring, and incredibly valuable, giving them a deeper appreciation for the science, precision, and teamwork that define today’s healthcare careers.

More great news from our music programs! The following students have earned a spot in this year’s District Honor Choirs and Orchestras, bringing the total number of Auburn-Washburn musicians selected for honor ensembles to more than 💯!

Congratulations to these instrumentalists and vocalists! We're so proud of your hard work, talent, and commitment.

The northern lights made a rare appearance over Jr. Blues country tonight. ✨

🚨Sound the alarms!🚨 Your Washburn Rural High School Junior Blues are bringing home their second STATE CHAMPIONSHIP in just one week!

Let’s hear it for the boys soccer team, who capped off an incredible 19-1-1 season with a 6A State Championship Title tonight in Wichita! This marks the fourth boys soccer title in Washburn Rural history, and the first since 2012!

This team never gave up. They won an overtime thriller against Shawnee Mission East in a penalty shoot-out. Way to go, BLUES!

Washburn Rural High School Theatre presents TRAP by Stephen Gregg, debuting tonight at 7:00 PM. Step into a chilling mystery that’ll keep you guessing to the very last moment!

📆 November 6, 7 & 8 at 7:00 PM
💵Students: $7 | Adults: $9
🎟 Tickets are available at the door or online at https://gofan.co/app/school/KS24358

The Washburn Rural High School Art Department cordially invites you to the Blue Gallery to view our current show, "The Art of Trying." The show features artwork created by WRHS teachers who aren't art teachers, and may not consider themselves artists, but were once high school students just like our students. These pieces reflect moments of challenge, curiosity, and surprise, where trying something new often led to joy, growth, and sometimes the discovery of unexpected talent. This show isn’t about perfection – it’s about character, effort, and the courage to begin. In the end, it reminds us all that what matters most is that we started.

Work will be on display November 3 - 21.

Three outstanding individuals from Indian Hills Elementary School were recognized by the Board of Education on Monday night for demonstrating qualities important to the school's success:

💫 Shining Star Student Award – Ayaan Gaddam
Fourth grader Ayaan Gaddam shines brightly as a student who leads with responsibility, respect, and curiosity. Nominated by both his teacher and school counselor, Ayaan consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and a positive attitude that inspires those around him. No matter the challenge, he approaches every task with focus, determination, and creativity. “Ayaan is not only a strong student,” shared Principal Chelsea Schmidtlein, "but also a problem solver, a creative thinker, and someone who truly thinks outside the box." Thoughtful, kind, and dependable, Ayaan truly represents what it means to be a Shining Star.

💫 All Star Staff Award – Nicole Vaughn
Second grade teacher Nicole Vaughn exemplifies excellence in education through her commitment to her students. Known for her compassion, energy, and dedication, Nicole goes above and beyond to meet the individual needs of every child in her classroom. “She doesn’t just teach – she connects, she inspires, and she cares deeply,” shared Schmidtlein. “Her students know they are seen, heard, and valued, and her colleagues know they can count on her for support, encouragement, and leadership.” Nicole’s passion and tireless effort make a lasting difference, and we are honored to recognize her with the All Star Staff Award.

💫 All Star Staff Award – Amanda Byard
Speech and language paraeducator Amanda Byard is known for her warmth, positivity, and dedication to helping others. She supports the team with exceptional care and attention to detail – preparing materials, volunteering at events like Kindergarten Roundup, and even organizing the school’s new teacher workroom after bond construction. “What truly stands out about Amanda is her warmth and positivity,” shared Schmidtlein. “You'll always find her with a smile on her face and a friendly greeting for everyone she meets.” Reliable, hardworking, and kind-hearted, Amanda embodies the spirit of teamwork we celebrate with the All Star Staff Award.

Please join us in congratulating Ayaan, Nicole, and Amanda for representing the very best of Indian Hills Elementary!

Washburn Rural High School's Computer Science Honor Society (CSHS) invites USD 437 students to celebrate Computer Science Education Week with a FREE, family-friendly event!

CSHS is an honor society that is built on the pillars of service, equity, and excellence within computer science. Their goal is to spark curiosity and excitement for learning by giving young students a hands-on introduction to computer science and STEAM activities, which include Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics.

The event is designed especially for students in grades K-6, but is open to students through grade 8. No prior experience required! Students will enjoy a variety of activities and carnival-style games, rotating through interactive stations throughout the evening. Parents are welcome to join in and explore the fun alongside their students!

Register today at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfj3asjeK2GBbBoa83NO7Z1HeuWHw5thTr5FPYYGNdsucrnvA/viewform