First-grade students across the district have been taking turns visiting our Outdoor Environmental Lab for their “One in the Sun” field trip. During this day-long experience, students rotate through a series of hands-on learning stations focused on:

💫 Exploring patterns in the sky – Students learned about constellations and the role of the sun as an energy source. Using light meters, they investigated how light travels and extended their learning about UV light by creating UV bead bracelets to see how sunlight impacts our daily lives.

🦎 Animal growth and change – Through live animal experiences, students observed how animals grow and change through their lifespan. The program emphasized conservation, respect for wildlife, and understanding how animals interact with their environments.

🦉 Animal adaptations – Students investigated physical traits that help animals survive. Hands-on activities such as bird beak exploration and a blubber experiment helped demonstrate how structure and function support survival in living organisms.

🪿 Animal communication – Students explored how sound travels through vibrations and applied their learning by creating and testing their own goose calls.

🌿 Survival strategies – During their hike, students searched for real-world examples of plant and animal defenses. A survival-themed scavenger hunt helped students connect classroom concepts to the natural environment.

Experiences like this bring science standards to life by giving students meaningful, real-world opportunities to explore, question, and discover!

Reminder: Wednesday, April 15, 2026, is an early release day. All schools will dismiss 90 minutes early.

Come support your Lady Blues and all the students participating at tonight's softball double header vs. Hayden! First game starts at 4:00 PM at the 58th St Softball Complex and will be live streamed at http://wrhs.net/live.

During Monday's Board of Education meeting, Principal Debbie Williams from Pauline Central Primary School had the privilege of recognizing some truly incredible members of their school community. Here's a quick recap of the well-deserved recognitions:

✨ Shining Star Student Award – Finnly Kratina
Finnley lights up every room she enters with her joyful spirit, determination, and kindness. Her positive attitude, perseverance, and willingness to encourage others make her a wonderful friend and an inspiration to those around her.

✨ All Star Staff Award – Cheri Scott
Speech aide Cheri Scott was honored for her dedication, kindness, and reliability. Known for always stepping up to help wherever needed, Cheri's positive attitude and deep care for students and staff make a lasting impact on our school community.

✨ All Star Team Award – Mental Health Team (Dan Allinder, Mitchel Carver, Amy Heckman, Andrea Okruhlik, and Hannah Toews)
The Pauline Central school-based mental health team was recognized for the powerful work they do supporting students and families. Their compassion, collaboration, and commitment help create a safe, supportive environment where every student can succeed.

Watch the full recognition here: https://www.youtube.com/live/XiRgkeLGu0c?t=1168s

Thank you to these remarkable individuals for making Pauline Central such a special place! 💙

Come support your Jr. Blues and all the students participating at tonight's baseball double header vs. Emporia! First game starts at 4:00 PM at the 61st St Baseball Fields next to WRMS and will be live streamed at http://wrhs.net/live.

Support our schools while saving at local businesses! The Auburn-Washburn Public Schools Foundation's Major Saver Campaign is underway through April 24. Check out the post below to learn how you can support students across our district.

Come support your Jr. Blues and all the students participating at tonight's baseball double header vs. Topeka High! First game starts at 4:00 PM at the 61st St Baseball Fields next to WRMS and will be live streamed at http://wrhs.net/live.

Kindergarten Roundup is next Friday, April 10! The event introduces families to school staff and helps them learn what to expect as they prepare for the year ahead. Learn more and register at http://www.usd437.net/roundup.

Nearly 400 students from more than 30 schools will gather at Washburn Rural Middle School tomorrow for the annual SUMday Mathematics Competition. Students in grades 4-8 will test their skills in two individual events – geometry and number sense. Each test is designed to challenge their mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills.

We are especially proud of the 105 Auburn-Washburn students who are participating tomorrow. These students have spent countless hours over the past several months preparing for this competition.

Best of luck to all of our competitors. We're cheering you on!

🌿🔬 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.