An open house and student showcase at the Washburn Rural High School Innovation Center this afternoon provided guests with a unique opportunity to learn directly from students about their hands-on learning experiences, including:

🌿 Growing a wide variety of plants and flowers in the greenhouse, such as okra, marigolds, jalapeños, peppers, tomatoes, aloe, geraniums, and petunias

🔨 Constructing a modular home in the indoor Construction Science Laboratory

⚙️ Learning welding techniques and skills

🎥 Hosting "Media Day" for the Track and Field team in the Media Production suite

🧫 Researching antibiotic-producing bacteria and sequencing genes in the Biomedical Research Laboratory

🛶 Applying the engineering design process to create innovative projects like canoes, bridges, catapults, and egg cars

🍞 Preparing and serving food in the Culinary Arts Center

Washburn Rural High School offers 18 career-focused Pathway programs, nine of which are housed in the new Innovation Center. Each program is supported by an advisory council comprised of industry-connected community members who help align learning with real-world needs. Nearly 100 dedicated volunteers contribute their time and expertise to ensure students gain relevant, transferable skills that prepare them for future success.

Nearly 400 4th-8th grade students from 34 schools across Topeka and Shawnee County participated in the annual SUM Day math competition on Saturday. Auburn-Washburn was proudly represented by 116 students who took part in the two-part challenge focused on mental math and computational fluency (Number Sense) and concepts related to shapes, area, and volume (Geometry). We are proud to recognize the following Auburn-Washburn students for their podium performances:

4th Grade
🥈Avette Volle – 2nd place on Geometry
🥉🥉Victoria Thompson – 3rd place on Number Sense and tied for 3rd place on Geometry
🥉Shiv Sathish – tied for 3rd place on Geometry
🥉Tate Winterscheidt – tied for 3rd place on Geometry

5th Grade
🥇Taylor Ingalsbe – 1st place on Geometry
🥇Aria Lillo-Nassar – 1st place on Number Sense
🥈Gabby Figuerres – 2nd place on Number Sense
🥉🥉Allison Appuhn – 3rd place on Geometry and tied for 3rd place on Number Sense
🥉Ananya Chamesh – tied for 3rd place on Number Sense

6th Grade
🥇🥈Arav Verma – 1st place on Geometry and 2nd place on Number Sense
🥈Kye Scott – 2nd place on Geometry
🥉Luv Sinha – 3rd place on Geometry
🥉Quaid Karr – 3rd place on Number Sense

7th Grade
🥇🥇Prescott Tuffley – 1st place on Number Sense and 1st place on Geometry
🥈🥈Jake Jiji – 2nd place on Number Sense and 2nd place on Geometry
🥉Graham Figuerres – 3rd place on Geometry
🥉Kallan Schoenfeldt – 3rd place on Number Sense

8th Grade
🥇Akul Chamesh – 1st place on Number Sense
🥇🥈Prajeet Akula – 1st place on Geometry and 2nd place on Number Sense
🥉🥉Ethan Lake – 3rd place on Number Sense and 3rd place on Geometry

REMINDER: Wednesday, April 2 is an early release day. All schools will dismiss 90 minutes early.

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

We are proud to celebrate three exceptional individuals from Pauline Central Primary School who were recognized by the Board of Education last night. They are third-grade student Aubree Quiring and staff members Linda Meredith and Izzy Fry.

Aubree Quiring received the 🌟Shining Star Student Award🌟 for being a kind, hardworking, and compassionate role model who carries a smile wherever she goes. Principal Debbie Williams shared, "She exemplifies our school’s values by consistently demonstrating kindness, perseverance, and a positive attitude about learning. She is a role model in the classroom, always eager to help others and put forth her best effort in all she does."

Linda Meredith, known affectionately as "Nurse Meredith," was honored with the 🌟All-Star Staff Award🌟. Much more than a caregiver, she is a calm and compassionate presence who supports students, staff, and families with dedication and heart. Her impact is felt far beyond the clinic. Her simple, caring gestures bring comfort in moments of need, and her kindness and expertise make a lasting difference. As Principal Williams shared, "She reminds us every day that incredible truly happens here!"

Izzy Fry, a dedicated Special Education teacher, was also recognized with the 🌟All-Star Staff Award🌟. With empathy, patience, and belief in every child’s potential, she creates a safe, supportive classroom where students learn to thrive emotionally and academically. Principal Williams noted, "Through thoughtful strategies, personalized support, and consistent encouragement, Ms. Fry empowers students to regulate their emotions, build positive relationships, and find success both in and out of the classroom."

Please join us in congratulating Aubree, Nurse Meredith, and Ms. Fry – three shining examples of the heart, dedication, and excellence that make Pauline Central such a special place to learn and grow!

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

Have you visited the community section of our website lately? It's filled with valuable links and resources for families. You'll find information on:

🌞 Summer Camps – from coding camps to science camps, there's something for everyone!

🏈 Youth Sports Leagues, including the Jr. Blues Youth Football program, which is beginning to form teams for Fall 2025!

🌸 Fundraisers to support our students, such as the Music Department's can't-miss flower fundraiser!

We’re always adding new opportunities and updates, so be sure to check back often: http://www.usd437.net/fliers.

The Varsity Girls Basketball team is in Wichita this week competing in the 6A State Tournament. The first game is against Blue Valley North tonight, March 13 at 8:00 PM at Wichita State University's Koch Arena.

If you are unable to cheer on our Lady Blues in person, students Peyton Goehring and Calvin Manthe will be providing live commentary! You can listen to the commentary on the WRHS YouTube channel, or at http://wrhs.net/live.

🌸🌿Spring Break is nearly here! 🌿🌸

This is a friendly reminder that Spring Break begins on Friday, March 14. Students will return on Monday, March 24. Have a safe and enjoyable break!

The Varsity Boys Basketball team is in Wichita this week competing in the 6A State Tournament. The first game against Wichita Heights is tonight, March 12 at 8:00 PM at Wichita State University's Koch Arena.

If you are unable to cheer on our Jr. Blues in person, students Peyton Goehring and Calvin Manthe will be providing live commentary! You can listen to the commentary on the WRHS YouTube channel, or at http://wrhs.net/live.