Reminder: There are still three in-person opportunities to share your feedback with members of the Board of Education!

📅 Wed., Oct. 22 at 6:00 PM | Washburn Rural North Middle School
📅 Thur., Oct. 23 at 6:00 PM | Washburn Rural High School
📅 Wed., Oct. 29 at 6:30 PM | Shuler Education Center

In addition to these in-person meetings, please consider participating in the online survey, which gives every stakeholder an opportunity to provide input on the qualities most important in our next leader: https://forms.gle/aGT9XcwroPWAztpz8.

Washburn Rural High School Principal Ed Raines has been selected as one of only three recipients statewide for the Principal Advocate Award, presented annually by the Kansas School Counselor Association.

The award recognizes school leaders who demonstrate exceptional support for comprehensive school counseling programs and who actively collaborate with school counselors to promote student success. Recipients exemplify leadership in advancing school counseling initiatives, supporting professional development, applying data-driven practices, and fostering a safe and positive school climate.

Marcie Frederickson, WRHS Department Chair and school counselor, nominated Raines for the honor, detailing his steadfast commitment to the counseling profession, his encouragement of professional involvement, and his data-informed approach to improving student outcomes. “He demonstrates unwavering respect for our profession, supports our professional development, and continually strives to partner with us to find ways to improve academic achievement,” Frederickson wrote. "He is extremely positive, supportive, and regularly expresses his appreciation for our work."

Under Raines’ leadership, Washburn Rural High School has seen measurable growth in student participation in programs such as Washburn Tech, where enrollment increased 55 percent in a single year. He has also championed initiatives like Apply Kansas, which has earned WRHS recognition as an All-Star High School for four consecutive years, and Sources of Strength, a student-led program that promotes mental wellness and suicide prevention.

Following the announcement, Auburn-Washburn Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott McWilliams remarked, “This recognition is incredibly well-deserved. Principal Raines is deeply invested in creating a positive and supportive environment for both students and staff. His leadership sets a standard for advocacy and collaboration that strengthens our entire school community.”

The Kansas School Counselor Association recognized Raines and the other award recipients at their annual conference on Friday, October 10.

💡Pauline South Intermediate School was buzzing with excitement last week, as third- and fourth-graders concluded their science units on energy! Students rotated through several stations, learning about renewable energy sources, network fiber services, soundwaves, and more. "Energy Day" included hands-on demonstrations in robotics, drones, and wind energy. A heartfelt thank you to Evergy, Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, and the K-State Energy Program for sharing your expertise with our students!

Come support your Jr. Blues and all the students participating at tonight's Senior Night Boys Soccer game vs. Seaman! Varsity game starts around 6:15 PM at the WRHS McElroy Field and will be live streamed at http://wrhs.net/live.

Seniors will be recognized before the game.

Come support your Lady Blues and all the students participating at tonight's Volleyball Senior Night Triangular vs. Blue Valley West and Olathe Northwest! Games start at 5:00 PM in the WRHS Activity Center, and varsity coverage will be live streamed at http://wrhs.net/live.

Seniors will be recognized in between the second and third matches.

Come support your Jr. Blues and all the students participating at tonight's Boys Soccer game vs. Emporia! Varsity game starts around 6:15 PM at the WRHS McElroy Field and will be live streamed at http://wrhs.net/live.

🎨October Art Show🎨

Washburn Rural High School alumnus Lino Anguiano is this month’s exhibiting artist! Anguiano’s work will be on display in the BLUE Gallery. Stop by to view the exhibit and celebrate the incredible artistry of one of our own!

REMINDER: Friday, October 10, 2025, is a Staff Work Day. Students will not have school on this date.

Get ready to trot for a cause!🏃‍♂️🦃All of our elementary schools are joining together for our first ever Turkey Trot 5K & Fun Run to raise funds that benefit each school’s PTO! Bring your family, lace up your shoes, and come run, walk, or trot with us!

📅 When: Saturday, November 22
📍 Where: Washburn Rural High School
💻 Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/KS/Topeka/TurkeyTrotAndFunRun

Every registration supports your local elementary school. Let’s make this a district tradition full of fun, feathers, and community spirit!

At last night’s Board of Education meeting, we were proud to honor three outstanding individuals from Wanamaker Elementary School:

💫 Shining Star Student Award – Caroline Wiltz
Caroline shines brightly as a student who leads with kindness, integrity, and determination. "She is kind, respectful, and always willing to help others," shared Principal Marc Sonderegger. "Her teachers describe her as mature beyond her years – someone who can always be counted on to make good choices, stay on task, and be a good friend." She represents what it means to be a model Mustang, and we are proud to honor her with the Shining Star Student Award.

💫 All Star Staff Award – Sarah Pruden
Special education teacher Sarah Pruden was recognized for being a remarkable educator who quietly makes an extraordinary impact. "She consistently goes above and beyond, not only for the students on her caseload, but for any student who needs her support," shared Sonderegger. "She's innovative, flexible, and always willing to try something new if it means helping a child grow." Sarah’s dedication and compassion make a lasting difference, and we are proud to recognize her with the All Star Staff Award.

💫 All Star Staff Award – Bruce Smith
Paraeducator Bruce Smith is known for being dependable, reliable, and open-minded. With patience and heart, he builds strong connections with students and lifts up his team. "He has a unique gift for helping students find their footing again when they're stuck, and he does it with a smile and a sense of humor that lifts everyone around him," shared Sonderegger. Steady, encouraging, and deeply valued, Bruce embodies the spirit of teamwork we celebrate with the All Star Staff Award.

Please join us in congratulating Caroline, Sarah, and Bruce for representing the very best of Wanamaker Elementary!