Principal

Hello again,

As we wrap up the first nine-week grading period, it is a good time to reflect on what has already been a busy and successful start to the school year. There is much to celebrate at Washburn Rural High School, and I am proud of the work our students and staff are doing each day.

As both the principal of WRHS and the parent of two WRHS graduates, I have had the opportunity to experience our school from more than one perspective. I remain confident in the quality of education our students receive and in the dedication of the teachers and staff who support them. At the same time, we recognize that students sometimes encounter challenges along the way. With plenty of time remaining before the end of the semester, now is an excellent opportunity to identify concerns and take advantage of the resources available to help.

One of the most valuable tools for monitoring your child's progress is our Parent Portal. Through the portal, families can keep track of grades, attendance, behavior, lunch account balances, and other important information. Because information is updated regularly, the portal provides an excellent way to stay connected to your child's progress throughout the semester.

If you have not yet activated your Parent Portal account, please contact my Administrative Assistant, Ms. Susan Kaspar, at 785-339-4104 to obtain your activation key and assistance getting started. If you notice an area of concern while reviewing your child's information, I encourage you to reach out directly to their teacher.

Our teachers are available before school beginning at 7:30 AM and generally after school until approximately 3:30 PM to provide additional assistance. Teachers who also have coaching or activity responsibilities may have limited availability after school but are happy to arrange a time to meet with students before school.

If your child needs additional support, I also encourage you to contact their counselor. Our counseling staff is an excellent resource for students and families:

• Leslie Fischer (339-4117): Last names A–D
• Keith Wetzel (339-4116): Last names E–J
• Emilio Chavez (339-4103): Last names K–O
• Michelle Pegram-Caporusso (339-4911): Last names P–T
• Marie Coates (339-4118): Student Services
• Marcie Frederickson (339-4115): Last names U–Z, International Baccalaureate, Student Services–Gifted
• Brooke Mulford (339-4119): Alternative Education, REACH

Our counselors work closely with students, families, and teachers to help students reach their academic goals. When additional assistance is needed, a student may be referred to our Student Intervention Team (SIT). This collaborative process brings together educational professionals and parents to review a student's progress, identify areas of concern, and develop appropriate interventions. Many challenges can be successfully addressed through this process, and when additional steps are needed, our counselors will work with families to explore the available options.

At Washburn Rural High School, student success is a shared effort. We appreciate the partnership of our families and encourage you to stay connected, ask questions, and reach out when your child needs support. Working together, we can help ensure that every student has the opportunity to make the most of the remainder of the semester and the school year ahead.