🌿🔬 Calling all young scientists!

Get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure at Science Camp! Students entering 1st–7th grade will explore nature, wildlife, and the world around them through hands-on activities like hiking, discovering insects, and investigating pond life.

Spots are limited and fill quickly. Don’t miss out on this fun, engaging outdoor learning experience!

Register today at https://usd437.net/assets/fliers/summer-science-camp-3.

The Auburn-Washburn Board of Education has reached an agreement with Dr. Katie Collier to serve as the district’s next Superintendent of Schools.

Dr. Collier currently serves as Deputy Superintendent of Blue Valley School District and brings more than 30 years of experience in public education. She was selected following a comprehensive national search that included extensive community input.

Dr. Collier will succeed Dr. Scott McWilliams, who is retiring after 11 years of service to Auburn-Washburn. She is expected to begin her role on July 1, 2026, pending formal board approval at an upcoming meeting.

Read the full media alert here: https://usd437.net/news/2026-03-auburn-washburn-board-of-education-announces-next-superintendent

We are proud to share that Pauline South Intermediate School teacher Carlin Smith was selected as one of just six teacher leaders in Kansas for the Midwest STEM Alliance Teacher Corps. This prestigious opportunity is part of a National Science Foundation–funded initiative aimed at strengthening STEM education in rural elementary schools.

As a member of this elite cohort, Mrs. Smith will collaborate with educators across four states to enhance science instruction and integrate science, mathematics, and English Language Arts in meaningful ways.

Through this program, participants receive ongoing professional development, mentorship, and support over four years, all while helping elevate the teaching profession and improve outcomes for students.

Congratulations, Mrs. Smith! We are so proud to have you representing our district.

Make that three in a row!♟️

The Washburn Rural Middle School Chess Team placed first at the Kansas State Chess Championships again this year! Congrats to them on their back-to-back-to-back victory in the K-8 Division!

Have you visited the community section of our website lately? It's filled with valuable links and resources for families. You'll find information on:

🌞Summer Camps - from coding camps to science camps, there's something for everyone!

🏈Youth Sports Leagues, including the Jr. Blues Youth Football program, which is beginning to form teams for Fall 2026!

📆Community events and activities, such as the upcoming Community Blood Drive at Washburn Rural High School.

We're always adding new opportunities and updates, so be sure to check back often: http://www.usd437.net/fliers.

Students in Washburn Rural High School's HOSA club explored the world of healthcare recently during two visits to Stormont Vail.

During a behind-the-scenes hospital tour, students explored advanced simulation labs, laboratory science departments, and specialized patient care units, learning how teams of professionals collaborate to care for patients every day.

Students also attended Stormont Vail’s “Life – Choose Your Path” career exploration event, where they heard directly from healthcare professionals about their career journeys, daily responsibilities, and the many pathways available in the medical field.

Experiences like these help our students connect classroom learning with real-world careers. Thank you to Stormont Vail for partnering with us to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals!

This is a friendly reminder that Spring Break begins on Friday, March 13. Students will return on Monday, March 23. Have a safe and enjoyable break!

❗️Don’t forget to join us for the parent and community forum tonight at 6:30 PM at Indian Hills Elementary School. Attendees will have the chance to hear from all three finalists.❗️

Elementary students across the district have been celebrating Read Across America Week, an annual event held the first week of March to promote literacy and encourage a lifelong love of reading. Established by the National Education Association in 1998, the week coincides with Dr. Seuss’s birthday and includes school-wide activities, dress-up days, guest readers, and more.

Take a look at these creative “Genre Caves” built by fifth-graders at Jay Shideler Elementary School. Students loved curling up inside and exploring new books!

Another example of Washburn Rural High School students doing amazing things.💙

WRHS Choir students organized a fundraiser to support their classmate and bring art supplies, games, and activities to patients at Children's Mercy. Their kindness and commitment to caring for others truly reflect the spirit of our school community.