The National Speech & Debate Tournament kicked off Monday in Des Moines, Iowa, and we're proud to share that more than two dozen Washburn Rural High School students are competing on the national stage! Please join us in cheering on the following students as they represent our school community with skill, poise, and confidence:

▪️Jace Raines & GopikaaShri Chidambaranathan (Policy Debate)
▪️Kavinayashri Chidambaranathan & Aditi Nimishakavi (Policy Debate)
▪️Rebecca Reed & Aryan Verma (Public Forum Debate)
▪️Harris Chaudhry & Campbell Hight (Public Forum Debate)
▪️Tarrence Byrd (United States Extemp)
▪️Manaswini Koduru (United States Extemp)
▪️Zain Chaudhry (Congressional Debate-House)
▪️Sophie Heinen (Congressional Debate-Senate)
▪️Ella Conran (Dramatic Interpretation)
▪️Will Boyd & Lizzy Sturgeon (Duo Interpretation)
▪️Holly Sorrenti & Cambria Hall (Duo Interpretation)
▪️Jaiden Loreman & Morgan Boose (Duo Interpretation)
▪️Miriam Smith (Humorous Interpretation)
▪️Kennedy Wright (International Extemp)
▪️Xachary Browne (Program Oral Interpretation)
▪️Ariana Smith (Program Oral Interpretation)
▪️Abigail Buckhalter (Poetry)
▪️Ophelia Lackey (Informative Speaking)
indicates four-time-competitor

As of today, GopikaaShri Chidambaranathan and Jace Raines are still competing among the top 30 policy debate teams in the nation! You can follow the tournament and track results at https://www.speechanddebate.org/national-tournament-2025/.

The Debate and Forensics program is under the direction of head coach Tim Ellis. In his 12-year tenure, Washburn Rural has won three national championships and nine state championships in policy debate.

Go get 'em, Jr. Blues!

It was a great year! From state championships to academic honors, Auburn-Washburn continues to set the standard. Thanks for all you do to help us shine.

Hot off the press! The latest edition of School News is on its way to your mailbox! Inside, you’ll find:

🏆 Award-winning student and staff achievements
✂️ A look inside the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Washburn Rural North Middle School
📚 Highlights from every school in the district
🛠️ Construction updates and future plans
🗓️ Key back-to-school dates and registration information

Can't wait for your mail to arrive? A digital version is available now at https://usd437.net/assets/newsletters/school-news/summer-2025.

A huge shout-out to the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office for hosting their Youth Academy at Washburn Rural North Middle School last week! This incredible program was completely free and open to incoming 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students.

Participants had a jam-packed schedule with several live demonstrations and hands-on experiences that included deploying spike strips, working with K-9 officers, operating drones, and changing a tire. They also received training in basic first aid and CPR, internet safety, drug awareness, and firearms safety.

Thank you to the Sheriff's Office for providing such a fun and educational camp for our students!

Our National History Day qualifiers are at the University of Maryland today to compete in the national competition. Join us in cheering them on and wishing them the best of luck!

Big things are happening at Washburn Rural Middle School! The final phase of a three-part renovation is underway, with summer upgrades including a refreshed entryway, renovated classrooms, updated restrooms, and completion of the Library Media Center. When it's all said and done, it will feel like we have two brand new middle schools in the district! Take a look at the progress! 👇

⭐️ ATTENTION ⭐️

Jr. Blues we have an exciting announcement!

Athletes and partners ages 16–21 are invited to tryout for the Unified Soccer Team representing Team Kansas at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games!

📅 Tryouts: June 5 & 10 at 6 PM (attend one or both)
📍 French Middle School Field, 5257 SW 33rd St
👥 Parent required to complete paperwork
📩 Questions? Contact piercec@soks.org or spackard@tps501.org

Summer Science Camp was officially a success! For the past two weeks, student participants had the opportunity to explore nature, wildlife, and the wonders of science through hands-on learning. The camp’s curriculum focused on conservation, environmental awareness, and wildlife education. Activities included identification of insects, wildflowers, birds, and pond life.

Summer Science Camp takes place at the environmental lab behind Washburn Rural Middle School and is led by gifted facilitator Jenni Howard and outdoor education coordinator Donna Sanders.

Washburn Rural JROTC cadets recently returned from a memorable curriculum-in-action field trip to our nation's capital. This capstone experience bridges classroom instruction with real-world applications, reinforcing the JROTC program’s emphasis on civic responsibility, leadership, and service. Highlights of the trip included visits to Arlington National Cemetery, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the U.S. Capitol, the Pentagon, and the White House.