At Monday night’s Board of Education meeting, Farley Elementary School Principal Katie Sonderegger celebrated three remarkable individuals from the Fox community who are making a lasting difference in their school.

🌟 Shining Star Student Award – Ty Odum
Fifth-grade student Ty Odum was recognized for his outstanding character, strong work ethic, and quiet leadership. A Farley Fox since preschool, Ty leads through his actions, consistently showing kindness, making thoughtful choices, and helping others succeed. Last year, he visited a classroom each morning to read with younger students, practice their heart words, and help with classroom tasks. His teachers describe him as a trustworthy helper, a wonderful friend, and a role model for younger Foxes. His determination and willingness to take on challenges make him a shining example of the character celebrated at Farley.

🌟 Classified All-Star Award – Ashlee Mendoza
Paraprofessional Ashlee Mendoza was honored for the patience, compassion, and consistent support she provides to students each day. She has a remarkable ability to remain calm in challenging situations, understand students’ needs, and help them feel loved and valued. One student affectionately calls her “My Ashlee,” a reflection of the trust and meaningful connections she builds. Ashlee balances encouragement and support with opportunities for students to grow more independent. Her colleagues also appreciate her dependable nature, willingness to help, and the joy she brings to their workday. "You make a difference in ways that go far beyond your job description," shared Sonderegger, "and we are incredibly lucky to have you on our team."

🌟 Certified All-Star Award – Michelle Quinn
Speech-language pathologist Michelle Quinn was recognized for her expertise, unwavering advocacy, and dedication to helping students find their confidence and their voice. Her colleagues regularly turn to her for guidance, and she generously shares her knowledge to help others grow as educators. Michelle also builds meaningful partnerships with families, taking time to listen, explain, and ensure parents feel valued and supported. Principal Sonderegger shared that families sometimes leave Michelle’s IEP meetings with tears of joy over their child’s progress. By helping students communicate with greater confidence and independence, she is making a lasting difference in their lives.

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

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

Seniors will be recognized before the game.

☕ Support a great cause with every cup! 🐾

Washburn Rural High School DECA students Alea Colley and Madyson Nelson have been hard at work this semester on their Sales Project, and it’s finally here!

Meet Blend 437, a delicious coffee option that tastes great and gives back to our local community. For every bag sold, $5.00 will be donated directly to the Helping Hands Humane Society to support animals in need!

Pick up your bag at:
📍 PT's at Wheatfield Village — Wheatfield Village
📍 Hy-Vee — Topeka
📍 WRHS Common Grounds

Common Grounds is one of three school-based enterprises at WRHS, giving students hands-on experience in running a business. From marketing and sales to customer service and teamwork, students put classroom lessons into practice while building skills for their futures.

Grab a bag, support student learning, and help local animals – one cup at a time!

⏰ REMINDER: Early Release Tomorrow!

Wednesday, October 21 is an early release day. All schools will dismiss 90 minutes early. Please plan accordingly.

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

The Shack, one of three school-based enterprises (SBEs) at Washburn Rural High School, is excited to announce the launch of new elementary school merchandise, available for a limited time! Families, students, staff, and community members can show their pride with specially designed t-shirts and crewneck sweatshirts.

Don't miss your chance to grab some new spirit wear and support one of our SBEs in the process. Orders are open now through October 28! Visit the online store at https://ruralspirit.square.site/elementary-schools.

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

Football seniors will be recognized before the game. Seniors of other fall activities will be recognized at halftime.

Come support your Lady Blues and all the students participating at tonight's Volleyball Senior Night Triangular vs. St. James Academy and Seaman! Games start at 5:00 PM in the WRHS Activity Center, and varsity coverage will be live streamed at http://wrhs.net/live.

Seniors will be recognized in between the second and third matches.

Students in our Washburn Rural High School residential carpentry courses have been hard at work building two handcrafted dog houses, and they're raffling them off during the Jr. Blues varsity football game on Friday night!

📅 When: Friday, October 16
📍 Where: Look for the raffle table near the bleacher entrance inside the stadium.
🎟️ Raffle Tickets: 1 ticket for $5 or 5 tickets for $20

Winners will be announced at the end of the 3rd quarter! All proceeds directly benefit students enrolled in our Construction Pathway, helping support hands-on learning and future opportunities in the skilled trades.

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://sites.google.com/usd437.net/cshs/events/steam-carnival.