🚨This just in!🚨

Pauline South Intermediate School is one of 220 schools from 38 states across the country to receive a $5,000 grant through the Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries. The grant will expand the school's collection of books and audiobooks to better support students' reading levels and interests.

Library Media Specialist Lisa Duncan completed the grant application in October 2024. The school was notified of their selection earlier this month.

In a video message to the school community, Mrs. Duncan shared, "For our incoming third- and fourth-graders, this is going to be a tremendous boost to our library to make sure we have plenty of books and audiobooks that you can read at your level, and for our fifth-graders that will be coming back next year, it will be so awesome to get even more books in your hands." She continued, "I hope you all enjoy and make sure you keep reading because that is a skill that will carry you on throughout the rest of your life."

The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries supports school libraries with the greatest needs with the goal of encouraging all students to develop a love of reading and learning. Since its inception in 2002, it has awarded $23 million to over 4,000 schools across the country.

"Books have the power to spark curiosity and inspire lifelong learning. We are thrilled to provide these grants so that librarians can refresh their shelves – opening the door for students to discover new interests and endless adventures," Mrs. Laura Bush said.

Congratulations to our Pauline South Panthers!

For one Auburn-Washburn teacher, Mother’s Day is just another day at the office! Mrs. LaCount, a third grade teacher at Jay Shideler Elementary School, gets to spend each school day working alongside her own children – Paul LaCount, assistive technology aide, and Mackenzie Casey, sixth grade teacher. She also works alongside her daughter-in-law, sixth grade teacher Keliah LaCount.

Fun fact: The LaCounts aren’t alone! Several mother-child duos work side by side throughout Auburn-Washburn. It's one of many things that make our district feel a little more like home.

We wish Mrs. LaCount – and all the other moms and mom-figures across our district – an incredible Mother's Day! We hope you have an A+ day filled with all your favorite things!

Ceramics students at Washburn Rural High School wrapped up the year with a fast-paced, hands-on competition inspired by the hit show, "The Great Pottery Throw Down." Last week, students in each period went head-to-head to see who could throw the most one-pound clay pots in 15 minutes.

Winners from each class period advanced to a championship round, where they faced off against each other and ceramics teacher Gina Baer-Witt for the title of 2025 WRHS Great Pottery Throw Down Champion. This year's top honors went to junior Ryan Schreiber, who threw an impressive seven one-pound clay pots!

Congratulations to early childhood teacher Sandi Liby for receiving the Crystal Apple Award from Majic 107.7!🍎

More than a dozen exciting camps are being offered throughout the Auburn-Washburn district this summer! For full details and registration information, visit http://www.usd437.net/fliers. Opportunities include:

💻 Coding Camp: June 2-5 at the Washburn Rural High School Innovation Center. Open to students in grades K-9.

🔬 Science Camp: This camp is open to students in grades 1-7. Two summer sessions are being offered – May 27-30 and June 2-5. Both sessions will be held at the Outdoor Environmental Lab.

🚨 Sheriff's Office Youth Academy: June 9-13 at Washburn Rural North Middle School. Open to incoming 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students.

⚾️ All Star Baseball Camp: June 2-4 at the WRHS Baseball Field. Open to students in grades 1-8.

🏀 Future Blues Boys Basketball Camp: This camp is open to students in grades 1-8. Two summer sessions are being offered – June 16-19 (WRHS) and July 14-17 (WRMS).

🏀 Girls Basketball Camp: June 9-12 at WRHS. Open to students in grades 3-8.

🏈 Blue & White Youth Football Camp: June 2-4 at the WRHS Football Stadium. Open to students in grades 3-6.

🏈 Falcon Football Camp: June 23-26 at the Washburn Rural Middle School Football Field. Open to incoming WRMS 7th and 8th grade students.

🏈 Ravens Football Camp: June 23-26 at the Washburn Rural North Football Field. Open to incoming WRN 7th and 8th grade students.

⚽️ Champions Boys Soccer Camp: June 23-26 at the WRHS Soccer Field. Open to students entering grades 4-9.

⚽️ Champions Girls Soccer Camp: June 23-26 at the WRHS Soccer Field. Open to students entering grades 4-9.

🥎 Softball Skills Camp: June 18-18 at the WRHS Softball Fields. Open to students entering grades 3-9.

🎾 Mighty Jr. Blues Tennis Camp: June 10-12 at the WRHS Tennis Courts. Open to students in grades K-8.

🏐 High School Volleyball Camp: July 14-17 at WRHS. All students entering grades 9-12 who are interested in trying out for the 2025 volleyball team are strongly encouraged to attend.

🏐 Summer Volleyball Camp: Camp will be held July 14-17 at WRHS. Open to students entering grades 3-8.

💪 Fit Camp: Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, beginning May 27 and ending July 17 at Washburn Rural North. Open to incoming 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students.

Washburn Rural Middle School's seventh grade band hit all the right notes today at the Worlds of Fun music competition! The 83-member group earned an overall excellent rating – one of their highest scores for seventh grade in the last several years!

As luck would have it, the composer of one of their pieces, Amy Webb, was actually in attendance and got to hear them perform live!

"It was a fantastic day," shared WRMS Director of Bands Melissa Lambotte, "and I am beyond proud of their behavior and performance."

For the first time in its history, the Auburn-Washburn School District will operate two middle schools beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. On Monday evening, the district marked this milestone with a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly-constructed Washburn Rural North Middle School. The facility is part of an ongoing series of construction and renovation projects taking place across the district aimed at enhancing the overall student learning experience.

During the ceremony, Auburn-Washburn Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott McWilliams reflected on the significance of this achievement, sharing, "Today marks not just the opening of a new building, but the beginning of countless journeys – of learning, growth, and community. This middle school, the home of the Ravens, stands as a proud symbol of our commitment to excellence in education and the limitless potential of our students. We are deeply grateful to the educators, families, leaders, and community members who turned this vision into reality."

The project was made possible by the passing of a bond election in April 2022. Auburn-Washburn Board of Education president Bryan Smith expressed appreciation for the community's support. "Your input, enthusiasm, and unwavering support have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. Whether you participated in strategic planning meetings, spread the word about the bond election, or remained engaged and supportive of our work, each of you played a crucial part in this journey. Thank you for your belief in the power of innovation and education."

Smith also noted the Board's pride in completing the project on time and on budget, all while prioritizing local partnerships. "By choosing to partner with businesses in our community as much as possible, we not only supported our local economy," said Smith, "but also built strong relationships that will last well beyond this project."

The building was intentionally designed around three major principles – an abundance of natural light, connection to nature and to each other, and functional use of all spaces. "You’ll see natural light in every direction you turn," said Principal Dr. Charlie Stoltenberg, "which an abundance of research has shown to have positive physical and mental health impacts. In addition, you’ll see a connection to nature and to each other through direct access to safe outdoor learning spaces along with indoor learning spaces designed with collaboration and teaming in mind."

At the heart of the school is the main corridor, referred to as the "Forest Walk," which houses an open-concept library and dining area. Each grade-level wing includes dedicated indoor and outdoor collaboration spaces, reinforcing the school's emphasis on flexibility and connectivity.

Washburn Rural North will welcome students for the first day of classes on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. Community members will have the opportunity to tour the new facility in the coming weeks, with specific dates to be announced.

A photo gallery with additional images is available at https://usd437.net/albums/2025-washburn-rural-north-ribbon-cutting.

Three remarkable stars from Washburn Rural Middle School were honored with special awards Monday night at the Board of Education meeting. They are eighth-grade student Cannon Haugsness and staff members Tanya Osmon and Stacey Gonzalez.

Cannon received a ✨Shining Star Student Award✨ for his quiet leadership, kindness, and outstanding character. While honoring him, Principal Mike Haire shared, "Cannon is the kind of student who quietly makes a big impact. He brings a positive attitude into every classroom, greets others with a smile, and treats everyone –students and teachers alike – with kindness and respect." Though he doesn't seek recognition, Cannon’s thoughtful actions, strong work ethic, and generosity make a lasting impact on those around him.

Attendance and registrar secretary Tanya Osmon received an ✨All-Star Staff Award✨ for her exceptional dedication, positivity, and impact. Tanya’s warm personality, strong relationship-building skills, and supportive nature make her a special asset to the Falcons team. Principal Haire shared, "She is an organized, proactive, true team player, and above all, an extraordinary human being who models character and heart in everything she does."

Social Studies teacher Stacey Gonzalez was also recognized with an ✨All-Star Staff Award.✨ "Her professionalism, depth of knowledge, and steady leadership set the standard for what impactful teaching looks like," remarked Principal Haire. She is a standout educator known for her deep care for students and passion for teaching. She creates a classroom environment where every student feels seen, supported, and inspired to learn.

Please join us in congratulating Cannon Haugsness, Tanya Osmon, and Stacey Gonzalez on their well-deserved recognition!

Reminder: Wednesday, May 7 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. Emporia! Varsity game starts around 6:15 PM at the WRHS McElroy Field and will be live streamed at http://wrhs.net/live.