We had genuinely hoped to welcome students back today, but after carefully evaluating bus routes this morning, we have made the difficult decision to keep schools closed. This decision was influenced by three primary factors:

• Additional snow accumulation overnight
• Refreezing of previously treated streets
• Many streets and roadways remaining impassable

We understand the challenges this week has presented for our families, and we share in your eagerness to resume school. However, the safety of our students and staff must remain our top priority, and we simply cannot reopen until we feel conditions are safe. Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, January 13, 2025.

After assessing conditions during our bus route attempts today, Auburn-Washburn schools will remain closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025. Despite the dedicated efforts of road crews, many residential side streets and county roads remain untreated, making it unsafe for buses to navigate all routes. Crews continue to work around the clock to treat streets, and with the warmer temperatures expected tomorrow, we are hopeful schools will safely reopen on Friday. Thank you for your patience as we navigate these challenging weather conditions together.

Schools in the Auburn-Washburn district will remain closed on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. This decision was made after careful consultation with city and county authorities, as well as input from seasoned bus drivers who have been assessing road conditions on our routes. This was a historic storm – the third-largest single-day snowfall on record – and additional time is needed to ensure our roadways are safe for travel. We look forward to welcoming students back from winter break, but must place priority on student and staff safety at this time. We appreciate your understanding.

You’ve probably heard of Flat Stanley – the beloved project that encourages children to practice letter-writing by documenting Flat Stanley’s adventures around the world. But have you heard about Flat Mike? This life-size cardboard cutout of Washburn Rural Middle School principal Mike Haire has become a playful fixture in the building, often popping up in hallways, workrooms, and even classrooms to surprise unsuspecting staff and students.

Today, Flat Mike finds himself in the media center, overseeing contractors as they put the final touches on the back half of the center. The front half of the center is set to undergo renovations throughout the spring semester.

Washburn Rural High School coaches and players are excited to offer a "Blue and White Football Camp" to elementary students in grades 3-6. The camp will focus on skill development, position-specific drills, scheme awareness, and competitions and games. Registration is $30 and the schedule is as follows:

🏈Jay Shideler Elementary School: January 13, 14, 16 (M/T/Th) @ 3:45–5 pm
🏈Auburn Elementary School: January 21, 22, 23 (T/W/Th) @ 3:45–5 pm
🏈Farley Elementary School: January 28, 29, 30 (T/W/Th) @ 3:45–5 pm
🏈Wanamaker Elementary School: February 4, 5, 6 (T/W/Th) @ 3:45–5 pm
🏈Indian Hills Elementary School: February 17, 18, 20 (M/T/Th) @ 3:45–5 pm
🏈Pauline South Intermediate School: February 25, 26, 27 (T/W/Th) @ 3:45–5 pm

Online registration is available at https://forms.gle/iRRJSUitZZHYn1f4A.

Due to ongoing weather conditions, schools in the Auburn-Washburn district will remain closed on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. City, county, and district crews are working tirelessly to clear roadways, parking lots, and sidewalks, and we offer our deepest appreciation to them for their dedicated efforts. Given the extent of snow, however, additional time is needed to ensure all areas are properly treated for a safe return to school. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.

School has been canceled in the Auburn-Washburn district for Monday, January 6, 2025, due to inclement weather. Please stay safe as this winter storm continues to move through our area.

📢 Attention Families of Bus Riders 📢

Please review the My Ride K-12 app for the latest updates on bus stop locations, routes, and pick-up times. Some details may have changed over winter break, so please double-check before next week.

The latest edition of School News is out now! Peek inside to discover:

💬 What students think about the Innovation Center at Washburn Rural High School
🚧 How construction projects are progressing throughout the district
🏆 What national awards and honors the district is currently celebrating
📚 How our schools are investing in new teaching and learning methods
📝 How you can help shape the district's future by taking part in our strategic planning survey

https://usd437.net/assets/newsletters/school-news/winter-2024-2025

One of the things we are most proud of as a district is how dedicated our students and staff are to supporting the broader community. From hosting giving assemblies to organizing toy drives and angel trees, each of our schools has found meaningful ways to give back this holiday season.

A shining example of this is the school-wide toy drive led by the health science club (HOSA) at Washburn Rural High School. From November through early December, students and staff came together to donate items like stuffed animals, coloring books and crayons, fuzzy socks, and board games. Student volunteers then wrapped the gifts and Letters of Love created heartfelt cards to accompany them. The HOSA President and Vice President delivered the gifts to pediatric patients at Stormont Vail Health earlier this week.

HOSA provides a unique program of leadership development, motivation, and recognition exclusively for secondary, postsecondary, adult, and collegiate students enrolled in health science education and biomedical science programs or who have an interest in pursuing careers in health professions. The WRHS club is guided by advisors Allison Bunck and Shelley Wichman.