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Check out the latest issue of the Junior Blues Newsletter!

https://usd437.net/assets/newsletters/junior-blues-news/summer-2025

(Freshmen/New Student) Parents & Students: Our third guided tour of the facility will be on Wednesday at 1:00 PM. Registration is required. Refreshments provided at the end of the tour! Sign up at:

https://forms.gle/a5rUcM2KMH6jpDFi6

Best of luck to these students competing in the National Speech & Debate Tournament!


Auburn-Washburn USD 437

The National Speech & Debate Tournament kicked off Monday in Des Moines, Iowa, and we're proud to share that more than two dozen Washburn Rural High School students are competing on the national stage! Please join us in cheering on the following students as they represent our school community with skill, poise, and confidence:

▪️Jace Raines & GopikaaShri Chidambaranathan (Policy Debate)
▪️Kavinayashri Chidambaranathan & Aditi Nimishakavi (Policy Debate)
▪️Rebecca Reed & Aryan Verma (Public Forum Debate)
▪️Harris Chaudhry & Campbell Hight (Public Forum Debate)
▪️Tarrence Byrd (United States Extemp)
▪️Manaswini Koduru (United States Extemp)
▪️Zain Chaudhry (Congressional Debate-House)
▪️Sophie Heinen (Congressional Debate-Senate)
▪️Ella Conran (Dramatic Interpretation)
▪️Will Boyd & Lizzy Sturgeon (Duo Interpretation)
▪️Holly Sorrenti & Cambria Hall (Duo Interpretation)
▪️Jaiden Loreman & Morgan Boose (Duo Interpretation)
▪️Miriam Smith (Humorous Interpretation)
▪️Kennedy Wright (International Extemp)
▪️Xachary Browne (Program Oral Interpretation)
▪️Ariana Smith (Program Oral Interpretation)
▪️Abigail Buckhalter (Poetry)
▪️Ophelia Lackey (Informative Speaking)
indicates four-time-competitor

As of today, GopikaaShri Chidambaranathan and Jace Raines are still competing among the top 30 policy debate teams in the nation! You can follow the tournament and track results at https://www.speechanddebate.org/national-tournament-2025/.

The Debate and Forensics program is under the direction of head coach Tim Ellis. In his 12-year tenure, Washburn Rural has won three national championships and nine state championships in policy debate.

Go get 'em, Jr. Blues!

Way to go, Lady Blues! You make us proud!


Auburn-Washburn USD 437

🚨This is not a drill. Repeat. This is not a drill.🚨

For the first time in school history, your Lady Blues Soccer team is 6A STATE CHAMPIONS!

In what will go down as one of the hardest-fought battles in program history, the Lady Blues triumphed after double overtime and a penalty kick shootout. Congratulations to these amazing athletes and their coaches. You've made history!

The gold rush continues!🥇


Auburn-Washburn USD 437

There’s fast. And then there’s Jr. Blues fast!

Congratulations to these standout athletes who brought home gold at the Class 6A State Track & Field Championships:

🥇Isaiah Terry, Liam Morrison, Draden Chooncharoen, and Matthew Houser | 4x400 meter relay
🥇Isaiah Terry | 400 meter dash
🥇Liam Morrison | 300 meter hurdles

Not only did the 4x400 relay team win the state title, they broke the state record in the process!

Congratulations, athletes! You've etched your names in school history.


Dear WRHS Families and Students,

As we close the chapter on another remarkable school year, I want to take a moment to thank you—our students, families, and community—for your partnership, your trust, and your unwavering support of our mission here at Washburn Rural High School.

Each year brings its own set of triumphs and challenges, and this one was no exception. From academic milestones to musical performances, athletic grit to quiet acts of kindness, our students have grown in ways both visible and profound. I remain proud of the resilience, purpose, and spirit they’ve shown, and I’m equally grateful to the families who walk beside them in that journey.

Summer is a time to recharge, reflect, and reconnect. I hope each of you can find space to do just that—whether through rest, adventure, work, reading, or time with loved ones. I also encourage our students to keep one eye on the horizon: to use the summer months not just to pause, but to prepare. Great things rarely happen by accident. Whether you’re a rising freshman or a graduating senior, intentional choices now can set the stage for a meaningful, successful future.

To our graduates: thank you for leaving your mark on WRHS. You’ve shaped our halls with your presence and your leadership. As you step forward into what’s next, know that you carry the pride of a community that believes in you.
To all returning students and families: we look forward to welcoming you back in August, rested, inspired, and ready to build on the foundation we've laid together.

Until then, be safe, be kind, and be well.

Warm regards,

Ed Raines, Principal
raineedw@usd437.net
785-339-4100

Last night, nearly 450 Washburn Rural High School seniors turned their tassels and officially became alumni. For nearly half of them, this moment marked the culmination of a 13-year journey that began in our district as kindergarteners. It has been a true honor to witness their growth, resilience, and accomplishments along the way. Congratulations to the entire Class of 2025! We are so proud of you and wish you nothing but success and fulfillment on the road ahead!


We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2025!


Auburn-Washburn USD 437

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.

Dear WRHS Parents and Guardians,

We're reaching out to ask for your help in building a strong, reliable pool of substitute teachers for the 2025-2026 school year. Whether you're available once a week or every day, your presence can make a significant impact in our classrooms-and help ensure consistency and support for our students when teachers must be away.

Do you-or someone you know-enjoy working with teenagers, have a flexible schedule, and want to make a difference in our school community? If so, we would love to have you consider becoming a substitute at Washburn Rural High School!

Two Flexible Options:
Day-to-Day Substitute:
Work when it fits your schedule-no long-term commitment required!

$125.00 per full day
/ $62.50 per half day

Building-Based Substitute:
Be a consistent presence on campus Monday through Friday.

$150.00 per full day
/ $70.00 per half day

Requirements:
A Standard Substitute License is required, but the process is straightforward and can be started online.

How to Apply:

Start the licensing process through the Kansas Department of Education:
KSDE Substitute License Information
https://www.ksde.gov/Agency/Division-of-Learning-Services/Teacher-Licensure-TL/Standard-Emergency-Substitute-License-Requirements

Apply directly to our district:
USD 437 Substitute Teacher Application
https://careers.usd437.net/jobs/5909628-substitute-teacher-secondary-schools

We are proud of the supportive, respectful environment here at WRHS, and we make it a priority to ensure our substitutes feel welcomed and equipped.

Thank you for considering this opportunity-or for passing it along to someone who may be a great fit.

Your partnership makes a difference!

Best,

Ed Raines
Principal

Check out the latest issue of the Junior Blues Newsletter!
https://usd437.net/assets/newsletters/junior-blues-news/may-2025