The Board of Education proudly recognized three members of the Jay Shideler Elementary School community on Monday night as part of the district's monthly recognition program. They are student Cody Holland and staff members Heidi Nelson and Sharla Bradley.

💫Shining Star Student Award – Cody Holland💫
Fifth-grade student Cody Holland was recognized for his positive attitude, strong work ethic, and compassionate nature. "What makes Cody even more deserving of this recognition is his character," shared Principal Sandra Cromwell. "He is a genuinely kind student who looks for ways to help others whenever he can. Whether it's offering assistance to a classmate, encouraging a peer, or simply modeling respectful behavior, Cody leads by example."

💫All Star Staff Award – Heidi Nelson💫
Third-grade teacher Heidi Nelson was honored for her dedication to students, families, and colleagues. "She goes above and beyond to adapt lessons, provide encouragement, and ensure that every child has the support they need to succeed," said Cromwell. "But what truly sets her apart is the way she lifts up everyone around her. She is a true team player, supporting her colleagues with positivity, grace, and compassion. Her energy, warmth, and enthusiasm are infectious, and she brings a sense of joy and optimism to our building every day."

💫All Star Staff Award – Sharla Bradley💫
Sharla Bradley is a long-serving paraprofessional whose impact spans classrooms, grade levels, and even generations of students. She has given her best to students for more than 25 years. "She is always willing to step in wherever she is needed," shared Cromwell. "She maintains a calm and steady demeanor, even in the most challenging moments. She is a true team player who looks for ways to lift others up, all while maintaining high expectations and preserving the dignity of our most vulnerable students."

Please join us in congratulating Cody, Heidi, and Sharla for the many ways they help our district shine a little brighter!

The Board of Education has named three finalists in its search for the district's next Superintendent of Schools. The finalists, listed in alphabetical order, are Dr. Kellen Adams, Dr. Kathleen (Katie) Collier, and Dr. Justin Henry.

Community members are invited to attend a public forum on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Indian Hills Elementary School to hear directly from the candidates. All attendees will have the opportunity to submit feedback directly to the Board via an online submission form.

Read the full media alert and view finalist information here: https://usd437.net/news/2026-03-board-of-education-announces-finalists-for-superintendent

Congratulations to Washburn Rural High School senior Cody Spangler for winning the Class 6A State Bowling Championship! Spangler rolled an impressive 756 series to capture the individual title and helped lead Washburn Rural to a fifth-place team finish.

🔑Doors opening soon!

McElroy Fieldhouse, the new 19,000 square-foot multipurpose facility at Washburn Rural High School, opens this week for spring sports and will begin hosting high school physical education classes later this month. Designed to support a variety of programs, the fieldhouse features a mixed-use court, removable turf, batting cages, a wrestling room, and locker rooms.

The fieldhouse is one of many construction and renovation projects made possible by our community with the passing of the April 2022 bond election.

Come support your Lady Blues and all the students participating at tonight's Sub-State Varsity Girls basketball game vs. Wichita South! Game starts at 6:00 PM in the WRHS Activity Center and will be live streamed at http://wrhs.net/live.

The winner of tonight's game will advance to the Sub-State Championship game on Friday, March 6.

It's back-to-back-to-back state wrestling titles for Washburn Rural High School senior Landen Kocher-Munoz! Hats off to him and our other STATE CHAMPION — junior Jadyn Baum. Way to get it done, boys! Read on for full results from the 2026 Class 6A State Wrestling Championships.

BOYS INDIVIDUAL WRESTLING RESULTS
🥇Landen Kocher-Munoz (144 lb. weight class) | 3-time state champion
🥇Jadyn Baum (215 lb. weight class)
🥈Andrew Peterson (113 lb. weight class)
🥈Ryder Harrison (120 lb. weight class)
🥈Cooper Stivers (138 lb. weight class)
🥉Brodye Kocher-Munoz (150 lb. weight class)
5th Place – Hayden Broxterman (106 lb. weight class)
5th Place – Kaiden Marshall (285 lb. weight class)
6th Place – Brenner Beninga (175 lb. weight class)

GIRLS INDIVIDUAL WRESTLING RESULTS
🥈Lacey Middleton (125 lb. weight class)
🥈Emme Blanco (145 lb. weight class)
🥈Elia Smith (170 lb. weight class)
🥉Aliyah Tangpricha (105 lb. weight class)
🥉Madi Blanco (140 lb. weight class)
4th Place – Raella Ebanez (155 lb. weight class)
5th Place – Lily Davis (190 lb. weight class)

In addition to these individual podium finishes, both teams finished third overall! Job well done, Jr. Blues!

Congratulations to our Auburn-Washburn students selected to perform at the Kansas Music Educators Association In-Service Workshop in Wichita! These talented musicians earned All-State honors through a competitive audition process. The All-State Elementary Choir performs tonight at Century II Convention Center. The other All-State ensembles perform on Saturday.

We’re also proud to celebrate Washburn Rural High School’s This Generation and the WRHS Jazz Band for being selected to perform. This is an incredible honor earned through a competitive audition process!👏

🎙️ Livestream viewers are in for a special treat tonight! 🎙️

Washburn Rural High School senior Peyton Goehring, the driving force behind the student-led Rural Broadcast Initiative, will be joined by his dad Jared Goehring – WRHS teacher and Head Boys Golf Coach – for live play-by-play coverage of tonight’s varsity basketball games. Tune in to listen to this special father-son duo beginning at 6:00 PM at http://wrhs.net/live.

Come support your Jr. Blues and all the students participating at tonight's basketball games vs. Manhattan! Varsity Girls start at approximately 6:00 PM and Varsity Boys afterward around 7:30 PM in the WRHS Activity Center and will be live streamed at http://wrhs.net/live.

Seniors of winter sports/activities will be recognized between games.

Kindergarten Roundup is almost here! Families of incoming kindergarten students are invited to join us on Friday, April 10. Details and registration info below.