Congratulations to the Washburn Rural High School Class of 2025! The 107th annual commencement ceremony will be held at Stormont Vail Events Center on Sunday, May 18, at 5:30 p.m. The ceremony will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NwF6Ig6ApQ for those unable to make it in person.

Several Washburn Rural High School students – including those in German Honors Levels 3 and 4, Spanish Honors and Accelerated Levels 3 and 4, and juniors in the International Baccalaureate program – recently completed the AAPPL language proficiency exam as part of their pursuit of the Kansas Seal of Biliteracy. This prestigious recognition is awarded to seniors and requires demonstration of at least an Intermediate level of proficiency in both English and a second language. Underclassman had the chance to earn a Global Seal of Biliteracy, which similarly recognizes Intermediate-level proficiency in English and a second language.

Please join us in congratulating the following World Language students who earned either the Kansas Seal of Biliteracy or the Global Seal of Biliteracy.

Washburn Rural High School was formally recognized as a 2025 All Star High School at yesterday’s Kansas Board of Regents meeting! This recognition celebrates the school’s ongoing commitment to helping students succeed beyond graduation. To earn the All Star designation, schools must:

• Host an Apply Kansas: College Application Campaign event,
• Sponsor a FAFSA completion initiative, and
• Organize a senior signing day that honors different post-graduation paths.

This marks the third consecutive year WRHS has earned this award. More information is available at https://www.kansasregents.gov/students/apply-kansas/all-star-high-schools.

🚨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!

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

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!🍎

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."

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!