Marching in this heat? No sweat!

Well, maybe a little.🥵

Our Washburn Rural High School Marching Band has spent the last two weeks mastering fundamentals, music, drill, choreography, and routines as part of their annual summer Band Camp. Not only are they nailing the notes, they're proving that nothing – not even this August heat – can stop them. Here’s to a season filled with precision, passion, and unforgettable performances!

This morning, the Auburn-Washburn team came together for our annual All Staff Convocation to celebrate “Our Strength. Our Story. Our Community.” We proudly welcomed new faces and reflected on the powerful connections that make this district so special.

In a closely held surprise, Dr. McWilliams honored four family members who, together, have dedicated nearly 70 years of service to the Auburn-Washburn community through teaching, coaching, and mentoring – Washburn Rural Middle School teacher and coach Steve Chooncharoen, Washburn Rural North Middle School teacher Azure Chooncharoen, Indian Hills Elementary School lunchroom aide "Grandma Joyce" Moser, and Indian Hills Elementary School teacher and Washburn Rural High School coach Dave Chooncharoen.

These individuals embody what it means to lead with heart, showing up for our students in every way that matters. Their stories reflect the core of who we are – a close-knit community that cheers each other on, lifts each other up, and cares deeply for one another. Watch now to hear how valued these staff members are: https://youtu.be/_ocjsteDCh8.

It is time.

Elementary "Meet the Teacher" events kick off this week across the district! Students and their families are invited to visit classrooms, drop off supplies, and get ready for an exciting year ahead.

Friday, August 8
✏️ Auburn Elementary School | 4:30–6:00 pm | Grades K–5 & Early Childhood
✏️ Farley Elementary School | 4:30–6:00 pm | Grades K–5 & Early Childhood
✏️ Jay Shideler Elementary School | 4:30–6:00 pm | Grades 1–5
✏️ Pauline South Intermediate School | 4:00–6:00 pm | Grades 3–5
✏️ Wanamaker Elementary School | 4:30–6:00 pm | Grades 1–5 & Early Childhood

Monday, August 11
✏️ Indian Hills Elementary School | 4:30–6:00 pm | Grades 1–5

Tuesday, August 12
✏️ Wanamaker Elementary | 4:30–6:00 pm | Kindergarten

Note: Pauline Central Primary School is hosting Hopes & Dreams Conferences on August 7 & 8 in place of traditional Meet the Teacher Night.

📞 Please contact your school directly with specific questions.

What a difference a day makes!

Construction is moving quickly on the new multipurpose building at Washburn Rural High School. When complete, the building will support physical education classes during the day and a wide variety of student activities and programs after hours.

Our 2025 New Staff Academy kicked off this morning, bringing together passionate educators for two days of collaboration, connection, and preparation. From exploring our district’s mission and values to diving into essential tools and practices, we’re equipping our newest team members for a strong start to the upcoming year. Please join us in welcoming nearly 70 new members to our Auburn-Washburn team! 💙

🚌These wheels are certified to roll! Next stop: the first day of school!🚌

Each year, the Kansas Highway Patrol inspects school buses statewide to ensure they're safe for student transport, and today was our turn! Officers arrived bright and early this morning to inspect our fleet, and thanks to the outstanding work of our Transportation team, all 97 vehicles passed with a perfect score! 💯

If you want to join our award-winning team of bus drivers, there's still time! Visit careers.usd437.net to learn about our new higher wage scale!

📣 Attention Washburn Rural High School families!📣

This is a reminder that WRHS is open TODAY from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm for walk-in registration! If you haven’t completed the process yet, swing by to:

✅Get your school picture taken
✅ Purchase a parking permit
✅ Order a yearbook
✅ Meet with your counselor about any schedule changes

Here's to a strong start to a successful year!

✏️School supply lists for the 2025-2026 school year are now available! Download your list and get a head start on back-to-school shopping at http://www.usd437.net/supplylists.

Congratulations to Washburn Rural High School student Kelsey Louderback on being crowned the 2025 Shawnee County 4-H Queen! She was honored on Sunday, July 27, 2025, during the fair's finale event at the Stormont Vail Events Center.

Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2025 Lil' Blues Clinic!

Aspiring cheerleaders in grades K-6 are invited to join the Washburn Rural High School Cheerleaders on Friday, September 19 for an afternoon of fun, spirit, and stunts. Participants will then cheer on the field during the first quarter of the home football game! 🏈

Registration includes:
✔️ Pizza dinner
✔️ Lil’ Blues t-shirt
✔️ Pom-pom & hair bow
✔️ Admission for one adult to the game

Sign up now at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfQV-SSGuqLDYnkauslrydZ7MJ0uaXp-T8Yy6rHqxR4zfDvlA/viewform