Auburn-Washburn USD 437

Washburn Rural High School's Computer Science Honor Society (CSHS) invites USD 437 students to celebrate Computer Science Education Week with a FREE, family-friendly event!

CSHS is an honor society that is built on the pillars of service, equity, and excellence within computer science. Their goal is to spark curiosity and excitement for learning by giving young students a hands-on introduction to computer science and STEAM activities, which include Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics.

The event is designed especially for students in grades K-6, but is open to students through grade 8. No prior experience required! Students will enjoy a variety of activities and carnival-style games, rotating through interactive stations throughout the evening. Parents are welcome to join in and explore the fun alongside their students!

Register today at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfj3asjeK2GBbBoa83NO7Z1HeuWHw5thTr5FPYYGNdsucrnvA/viewform

Auburn-Washburn USD 437

This just in! Your Washburn Rural High School Jr. Blues are 🏆6A Boys Cross Country State Champions!🏆 Four runners placed in the top 30:
🏅 Henry Laubach (22)
🏅 Brooks Kehoe (25)
🏅 Clayton Fink (26)
🏅 Duke Graf (28)

The Girls Cross Country team also had a strong showing, finishing 7th overall with top performances from:
🏅 Alyson Hinck (25)
🏅 Emily Graf (30)

Congratulations to all our runners and coaches for their incredible dedication and teamwork! You have made us proud!

Auburn-Washburn USD 437

It was a cold, wet weekend in Independence, Kansas, but that didn't keep the Washburn Rural High School band from showing up and showing out at this year's Neewollah Marching Festival.

WRHS swept their division, earning:
🏆Best of Class
🏆Outstanding Drum Major
🏆Outstanding Color Guard
🏆Outstanding Percussion Line
🏆People's Choice Award

They were also named Runner-Up Grand Champions!

Congratulations to our dedicated band members and their incredible directors on this outstanding achievement!

Auburn-Washburn USD 437

Washburn Rural High School Principal Ed Raines has been selected as one of only three recipients statewide for the Principal Advocate Award, presented annually by the Kansas School Counselor Association.

The award recognizes school leaders who demonstrate exceptional support for comprehensive school counseling programs and who actively collaborate with school counselors to promote student success. Recipients exemplify leadership in advancing school counseling initiatives, supporting professional development, applying data-driven practices, and fostering a safe and positive school climate.

Marcie Frederickson, WRHS Department Chair and school counselor, nominated Raines for the honor, detailing his steadfast commitment to the counseling profession, his encouragement of professional involvement, and his data-informed approach to improving student outcomes. “He demonstrates unwavering respect for our profession, supports our professional development, and continually strives to partner with us to find ways to improve academic achievement,” Frederickson wrote. "He is extremely positive, supportive, and regularly expresses his appreciation for our work."

Under Raines’ leadership, Washburn Rural High School has seen measurable growth in student participation in programs such as Washburn Tech, where enrollment increased 55 percent in a single year. He has also championed initiatives like Apply Kansas, which has earned WRHS recognition as an All-Star High School for four consecutive years, and Sources of Strength, a student-led program that promotes mental wellness and suicide prevention.

Following the announcement, Auburn-Washburn Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott McWilliams remarked, “This recognition is incredibly well-deserved. Principal Raines is deeply invested in creating a positive and supportive environment for both students and staff. His leadership sets a standard for advocacy and collaboration that strengthens our entire school community.”

The Kansas School Counselor Association recognized Raines and the other award recipients at their annual conference on Friday, October 10.