During the Board of Education meeting last Monday, Principal Mike Haire of Washburn Rural Middle School recognized three exceptional members of the Falcon school community for the kindness, dedication, and character they demonstrate each day.

🌟 Shining Star Student Award – Ava Golden
Eighth-grade student Ava Golden was recognized for her outstanding character, strong work ethic, and commitment to helping others. Her teachers describe her as someone who consistently does the right thing, even when no one is watching. Beyond the classroom, Ava is partnering with WRMS and local nonprofit Be Filled on a Girl Scout Silver Award project to collect hygiene products for families in need. Her kindness, initiative, and drive to make a difference make her a role model among her peers.

🌟 Classified All-Star Award – Casey Gilfillan
Instructional Support Assistant Casey Gilfillan was honored for her unwavering dedication to students in the Ascend Program. During her 13 years with Auburn-Washburn, Mrs. Gilfillan has served in several roles and has become an invaluable leader and advocate for students. She creates an individualized, supportive learning environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive. Currently pursuing her degree and teaching credentials in special education, she continues to demonstrate her commitment to growing as an educator. She was described by one of her colleagues as “a gift not only to the Ascend classroom, but also to WRMS and the entire district.”

🌟 Certified All-Star Award – Doug Holmes
Collaboration teacher Doug Holmes was recognized for his compassion, flexibility, and dedication to building meaningful relationships with students. With more than 30 years of experience in education, Mr. Holmes continues to bring a thoughtful, steady, and positive presence to the classroom. His colleagues praise his ability to understand students' individual needs and approach challenges with patience and empathy. One student summed up his impact perfectly, saying, “He does his job better than he has to.” His genuine investment in his students and willingness to go above and beyond make him an invaluable member of the WRMS team.

Congratulations to these well-deserving individuals for being recognized as shining stars in the Auburn-Washburn community!

Students in Wanamaker Elementary School's 5th Grade Book Club celebrated their love of reading at the all-day Heartland Literature Festival at Washburn University earlier this week.

This year’s festival featured award-winning nonfiction author Steve Sheinkin. In preparation for the event, the young readers read his book, "Diamond Fever!" Hear more about the experience from one of our Mustang students here: https://www.wibw.com/video/2026/10/08/literature-festival-washburn/

We are so proud of these young readers and their librarian, Mrs. Alice Reinert, for inspiring a love of literature and making this experience possible!

Congratulations to Carlin Smith, fourth grade teacher at Pauline South Intermediate School, on being selected as a Corps member of the Midwest STEM Alliance!

Mrs. Smith is one of just 18 elementary science teachers across Iowa, Kansas, and Minnesota recruited for this multi-state initiative. Backed by a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation, the Midwest STEM Alliance is focused on celebrating, resourcing, and strengthening the work of rural elementary science educators who are making a lasting impact on their students and communities.

“I believe there are so many opportunities to bring in scientists and researchers to our classrooms, or take the students to the real world whether that be through field trips or virtual learning experiences. In doing this, students get their hands on science and
actually experience what a textbook is talking about,” said Smith.

We’re excited to see Carlin represent our school community while helping advance STEM education across the Midwest!

Before the drivers started their engines, our students took center stage! 🏁

The Washburn Rural North Middle School Choir, under the direction of Mr. Tomas Lambotte, had the unique opportunity to perform before the NASCAR races at Kansas Speedway last month. Nearly 100 sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students volunteered their time for extra rehearsals and the out-of-town performance. They delivered beautifully and represented Raven Nation and our entire district with pride.

Congratulations to Mr. Lambotte and the WRN Choir on a job well done!

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

Bring the family, wear your favorite costume, and join us for a fun-filled Trunk-or-Treat, sponsored by the Washburn Rural High School Student Council!

📅 Thursday, October 29
⏰ 5:30–6:30 PM
📍 Washburn Rural High School

For more details, including an event map, visit: https://usd437.net/assets/fliers/wrhs-trunk-or-treat

🌱 What does it take to keep an ecosystem healthy?

Our fifth graders are discovering the answer firsthand during their trip to the ESTEEM Lab! Students are exploring how energy flows through an ecosystem, investigating the important roles of plants, animals, and decomposers, and putting their math skills to work by calculating just how much soil it takes to fill a raised garden bed.

It’s hands-on learning at its best—bringing environmental science, technology, engineering, expression, and math together in the great outdoors. 🌎🌿

Come support your Jr. Blues and all the students participating at tonight's Varsity Football game vs. Emporia! Game starts at 7:00 PM in the WRHS Bowen-Glaze Stadium and will be live streamed at http://wrhs.net/live.

The Homecoming Ceremony will take place during halftime.

It's Homecoming Week, and Washburn Rural High School invites the entire WRHS community to join us in celebrating!

This year’s theme, "A Hollywood Homecoming," culminates in a full slate of festivities on Friday, October 2:

Homecoming Parade | 2:15 PM
The Homecoming Parade will begin at the west end of the access road, travel around the middle school, and return west along the access road in front of the high school. See map in comments.

Tailgate Party | 4:30-7:00 PM
Join us on the access road between the tennis courts and stadium for a community tailgate before kickoff. Meals are $5 and include a burger, chips, drink, and treat.

WRHS vs. Emporia Varsity Football | 7:00 PM
Come cheer on the Jr. Blues as they take on Emporia! Pre-game activities begin at 6:30 PM, with the Homecoming crowning ceremony taking place at halftime.

Additional details can be viewed here: https://usd437.net/assets/fliers/homecoming-1.

Come support your Lady Blues and all the students participating at tonight's Volleyball Dual vs. De Soto! JV match starts at 5:00 PM with Varsity to follow around 6:30 PM in the WRHS Activity Center. Varsity coverage will be live streamed at http://wrhs.net/live.