Auburn-Washburn USD 437

Students in the Washburn Rural High School (WRHS) Architecture & Construction pathway witnessed a historic moment this afternoon as FHLBank Topeka president and CEO Jeff Kuzbel presented a $10,000 check in support of the program. The gift will directly enhance hands-on learning for students enrolled in residential carpentry, woodworking, drafting, and other architecture- and construction-related courses by funding essential materials and equipment to support their work.

“We are incredibly grateful for FHLBank Topeka’s investment in our students,” said Auburn-Washburn Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott McWilliams. “This gift strengthens a program that provides meaningful career exploration and industry-aligned skills. Partnerships like this help us prepare students for high-demand careers in the skilled trades.”

The gift reflects FHLBank Topeka’s ongoing commitment to workforce development and affordable housing initiatives. The organization has championed similar education-to-career models, including its partnership with Metropolitan State University of Denver to establish the FHLBank Topeka Affordable Housing Institute at MSU Denver, which helps address the need for skilled professionals in affordable housing, property management, and resident services.

“Education is an important driver for community growth,” said FHLBank Topeka president and CEO Jeff Kuzbel. “As a proud member of the Topeka community since 1932, FHLBank Topeka has long partnered on initiatives that strengthen local development. We recognize the vital role that architecture and construction programs play in preparing high school students for future success and are honored to play a small part in expanding these opportunities at Washburn Rural High School.”

To learn more, visit https://usd437.net/news/2025-12-10-000-gift-from-fhlbank-topeka-supports-hands-on-learning-for-wrhs-architecture-construction-students/public-home.

Auburn-Washburn USD 437

The annual Blue & White Football Clinic hosted by Washburn Rural High School coaches and players is just around the corner. The clinic is open to elementary students in grades 2-5 and will focus on skill development, position-specific drills, scheme awareness, and games. Registration is $30 and the schedule is as follows:

🏈Jay Shideler Elementary School: January 6, 7, 8 (T/W/Th) @ 3:45-5 pm
🏈Auburn Elementary School: January 12, 13, 15 (M/T/Th) @ 3:45-5 pm
🏈Farley Elementary School: January 20, 21, 22 (T/W/Th) @ 3:45-5 pm
🏈Wanamaker Elementary School: January 27, 28, 29 (T/W/Th) @ 3:45-5 pm
🏈Indian Hills Elementary School: February 3, 4, 5 (T/W/Th) @ 3:45-5 pm
🏈Pauline South Intermediate School: February 10, 11, 12 (T/W/Th) @ 3:45-5 pm

Online registration is available at https://forms.gle/rUypqkrDxoBNvtqY8.

Auburn-Washburn USD 437

This Generation, the premier vocal ensemble from Washburn Rural High School, helped usher in the holiday season today with a beautiful performance at First Presbyterian Church of Topeka's Noon Noels concert series.

If you missed the chance to see them live, there are plenty of upcoming opportunities, including their annual Candlelight Concert:

📆Saturday, December 13
📍WRHS Auditorium
⏱️7:00 PM

Come experience an evening of holiday music that will leave you feeling merry and bright!

Auburn-Washburn USD 437

Last night's annual STEAM Carnival, hosted by the Washburn Rural High School Computer Science Honor Society, was a tremendous success! Students in grades K-8 rotated through several interactive stations, exploring hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. They dug into topics like volume, wind energy, physics, biology, coding, robotics, animation, and more!

Held each year in honor of Computer Science Education Week, the event continues to inspire young learners across our district. A big thank you to our CSHS leaders and their sponsor Haley Schmitz for hosting such a fun and educational evening!

Auburn-Washburn USD 437

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

Topeka Rescue Mission Ministries

Before their games start, Washburn Rural High School Boys Basketball players put in some work at our Distribution Center. They sorted clothes, stocked shelves, and helped out with our Christmas gift planning.

Volunteers are especially important at such a busy time for us, so we appreciate the extra muscle!

Best of luck on your season! 🏀

Auburn-Washburn USD 437

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