Yesterday, Waverly-Shell Rock school board members Shawn Ellerbroek, Charlene Wyatt-Sauer, and Dennis Epley, along with Superintendent David Hill, traveled to Ankeny to participate in the Iowa Association of School Boards’ Summit on Student Success.
This was not a typical conference. WSR's team spent the day learning alongside school board members and education leaders from across Iowa as they worked through real-world district scenarios, examined data, discussed governance strategies, and reflected on how strong board leadership can support better outcomes for students.
The timing of this summit was especially important. School districts across Iowa are facing difficult financial realities, including reduced funding due to declining enrollment, rising costs, new unfunded mandates, and the need to make thoughtful decisions about how to best use limited resources. IASB designed this learning opportunity to help school leaders stay focused on what matters most: making student-centered decisions that align with a clear vision for the future.
For Waverly-Shell Rock, this work connects directly to our mission: “Waverly-Shell Rock Community Schools: Where everyone belongs, grows, and succeeds.” By continuing to learn together, our board and district leaders are better prepared to make decisions that support WSR's strategic plan and reflect the district's values of Belonging, Opportunity, and Achievement and while keeping students, staff, families, and our community at the center of our work.
We are grateful for school board members who volunteer their time to learn, lead, and advocate for a strong future for Waverly-Shell Rock students.
It’s a GREAT day to be a Go-Hawk! 🦅💛🖤
#GoHawks #WSRCSD #IASB #StudentSuccess #BelongGrowSucceed #StrongSchoolsStrongCommunity
The dashboard provides a snapshot of district progress in a variety of areas, including student achievement, FAST literacy indicators, enrollment, and demographic information. It is currently updated through the 2024-2025 school year and will be updated again this fall once the district receives 2025-2026 ISASP assessment results.
We invite families, staff, and community members to explore the dashboard to learn more about our schools and the progress we are making in support of our our core values of Belonging, Opportunity, and Achievement.
The Data Dashboard also serves as Waverly-Shell Rock’s state-required annual report to the community.
View the Data Dashboard here:
wsr.k12.ia.us/page/annual-report
Did you know? Since 2022, Waverly-Shell Rock Community Schools has been proactively testing our facilities for radon and publicly sharing the results—long before Iowa's public school testing requirement takes effect in 2027.
While Iowa law requires all public schools to conduct radon testing beginning in 2027, Waverly-Shell Rock became an early leader in adopting this important procedure. Private schools may voluntarily choose to test for radon and share the results publicly, but they are not required under the new law to participate. At WSR, we believe transparency matters when it comes to student and staff safety, which is why we have already been testing our facilities and sharing the results with our community.
You can view our radon testing plan and annual testing results on our website: https://www.wsr.k12.ia.us/page/our-schools (scroll to the bottom and then select RADON TESTING)
#GoHawks #StudentSafety #WSRSchools
The 2025-2026 school year was a 𝙋𝙃𝙀𝙉𝙊𝙈𝙀𝙉𝘼𝙇 year of growth and achievement across the Waverly-Shell Rock Community School District.
Together, our students, staff, and families have truly lived out our mission to help every Go-Hawk 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴, 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗲𝗱.
From early childhood classrooms to our graduating seniors, progress happens every single day. Because of our community's steadfast support, we continue to expand opportunities for exploration and build a bright future for every student.
Thank you for a wonderful year, Go-Hawks! Have a safe, fun, and relaxing summer. We can't wait to welcome our students back on August 24, 2026, for the start of the 2026-2027 school year! ☀️💛🖤
#GoHawks #WSRCSD #BelongGrowSucceed #MovingForward #StrongSchoolsStrongCommunity #ItsAGreatDayToBeAGoHawk
✨⭐This week’s KWAY Teacher of the Week is Erika Ott, a 5th Grade teacher at Waverly-Shell Rock Middle School!⭐✨
Erika Ott is being celebrated for creating an environment where students feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged to reach their maximum potential.
We received many nominations for Mrs. Ott, with students and parents consistently highlighting her kindness and the positive energy she brings to the 5th-grade team. Nominators shared that she is an "amazing teacher" who "truly cares about her students" and makes the transition into the middle school environment a successful one for every child.
The nominations reflect an educator who is "always willing to help" and who creates a classroom where students feel safe and supported.
By holding her students to high standards while actively supporting their mental and physical well-being, Erika ensures that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Please join us in celebrating Erika Ott, and in thanking her for her contribution in making Waverly-Shell Rock a place where EVERYONE belongs, grows, and succeeds!
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Tune in to the Breakfast Club on May 29 (the last day of school) to hear the end-of-year drawing in which one of this year's weekly Teachers of the Week will be drawn to receive $500 from CUSB Bank!
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💛🖤💛🖤 Thanks to Erika Ott and ALL of our teachers for making Waverly-Shell Rock Schools a place where EVERYONE belongs, grows, and succeeds! 🦅✨ 🦅✨
🔥 GO-HAWK GIRLS SUMMER MANUFACTURING CAMP 2026 — Dream It. Build It. Become It. 🛠️
A dynamic, hands-on summer experience where girls explore the world of manufacturing and discover just how powerful their ideas can be.
✨⭐This week’s KWAY Teacher of the Week is Kelly Egan, Social Studies teacher at Waverly-Shell Rock Middle School!⭐✨
Kelly Egan is being celebrated for creating an environment where students feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged to reach their maximum potential.
We received a high volume of nominations for Mrs. Egan from her students and their families. She is described by those she teaches as an "amazing teacher" who "makes learning fun and interesting." Her nominators highlighted her dedication to her students' success, noting that she is "always willing to help and goes above and beyond."
The nominations paint a picture of an educator with true leadership and heart. As one nominator shared, she is an "outstanding teacher who truly cares about her students" and acts as a "great role model for all students" in the middle school.
By holding her students to high standards while actively supporting their academic and personal growth, Kelly ensures that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Please join us in celebrating Kelly Egan, and in thanking her for her contribution in making Waverly-Shell Rock a place where EVERYONE belongs, grows, and succeeds!
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Our last "Teacher of the Week" will be recognized on May 22, and nominations for the 22nd will be accepted through the end of the day TODAY (Friday, May 15).
Use this form to submit a nomination: https://tinyurl.com/WSRTeacherOfTheWeek
On the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - May 29 - listen to the Breakfast Club for the $500 drawing in which one of this year's weekly Teachers of the Week will be drawn to receive $500 from CUSB Bank!
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💛🖤💛🖤 Thanks to Kelly Egan and ALL of our teachers for making Waverly-Shell Rock Schools a place where EVERYONE belongs, grows, and succeeds! 🦅✨ 🦅✨
✨⭐This week’s KWAY Teacher of the Week is Jacqueline Jeffcoat-Schedtler, Social Studies and Talented & Gifted teacher at Waverly-Shell Rock High School!⭐✨
Jacqueline Jeffcoat-Schedtler is being celebrated for creating an environment where students feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged to reach their maximum potential.
We received nominations for Mrs. Jeffcoat-Schedtler from both parents and students. She is known for being "always nice and welcoming" and bringing "energy and excitement to the classroom."
Mrs. Jeffcoat-Schedtler's dedication is especially evident in how she supports the individual needs of her students. As one parent shared: "She deeply cares for her students' mental wellbeing." This parent noted that her child struggles with social anxiety and dyslexia, and she stated, "Mrs. Jeffcoat-Schedtler recognized this and challenged him in different ways helping him work through his issues. My child wouldn’t have been as successful without her... What a hidden gem of a teacher she is!!!"
By recognizing the unique strengths of her students while actively supporting their mental well-being, Jacqueline ensures that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Please join us in celebrating Jacqueline-Jeffcoat Schedtler, and in thanking her for her contribution in making Waverly-Shell Rock a place where EVERYONE belongs, grows, and succeeds!
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Nominations for KWAY's Teacher of the Week feature are still being accepted, but your opportunity to nominate a teacher is coming to a close as the end of the school year is approaching!
Our last two "Teachers of the Week" will be recognized on May 15, and May 22...and then on the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - May 29 - listen to the Breakfast Club for the $500 drawing in which one of this year's weekly Teachers of the Week will be drawn to receive $500 from CUSB Bank!
Nominations will be accepted continuously through Friday, May 15.
Use this form to submit a nomination: https://tinyurl.com/WSRTeacherOfTheWeek
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💛🖤💛🖤 Thanks to Mrs. Jeffcoat-Schedtler and ALL of our teachers for making Waverly-Shell Rock Schools a place where EVERYONE belongs, grows, and succeeds! 🦅✨ 🦅✨
Calendar Reminder
Waverly-Shell Rock's last day of school for the 2025-2026 school year will be Friday, May 29. A "Special Early Dismiss" schedule will be followed on this day. Elementary buildings and the Lied Education Center will dismiss at 12:25 p.m., while the Middle School and High School will dismiss at 12:35 p.m.
Planning ahead to next year? The 1-page planning calendar for the 2026-2027 school year can be viewed here.
✨⭐ This week’s KWAY Teacher of the Week is Cassie McCaslin, a 1st Grade Teacher at North Ridge Elementary! ⭐✨
Cassie is being recognized for her magical ability to engage her students and foster a deep love for learning. Her classroom is a place of wonder where stories don't just stay on the page—they come to life!
Cassie is celebrated as a "warm, inviting teacher" who possesses a unique ability to see each student’s individuality and "meet them where they are." Known for her humble and kind nature, she creates a first-grade classroom that is "fun, engaging, and full of joy," making every child feel deeply valued. One parent shared the impact Cassie has had on their child’s confidence, noting: “My daughter comes home almost every day excited to ‘play school’—her way of reflecting the positivity and inspiration she receives from Mrs. McCaslin.” Whether she is treating colleagues with dignity or helping a student find exactly what they need to succeed, Cassie is an enthusiastic leader who makes the school culture better simply by being herself. As one colleague put it, she is one of those teachers who doesn't "love being credited, but should be!"
Please join us in celebrating Cassie McCaslin, and in thanking her for her contribution in making Waverly-Shell Rock a place where EVERYONE belongs, grows, and succeeds!
Nominations for KWAY's Teacher of the Week feature are still being accepted, but your opportunity to nominate a teacher is coming to a close as the end of the school year is approaching!
Our final three "Teachers of the Week" will be recognized on May 8, May 15, and May 22...and then on the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - May 29 - listen to the Breakfast Club for the $500 drawing in which one of this year's weekly Teachers of the Week will be drawn to receive $500 from CUSB Bank!
Nominations will be accepted continuously through Friday, May 15.
Use this form to submit a nomination: https://tinyurl.com/WSRTeacherOfTheWeek
💛🖤💛🖤 Thanks to Cassie McCaslin and ALL of our teachers for making Waverly-Shell Rock Schools a place where EVERYONE belongs, grows, and succeeds! 🦅✨ 🦅✨
✨⭐ This week’s KWAY Teacher of the Week is Bailey Lubben, a Special Education Teacher at Shell Rock Elementary! ⭐✨
Bailey is being celebrated for her incredible heart and for the way she consistently goes above and beyond to support everyone around her. Her journey with Waverly-Shell Rock has truly come full circle, as she is now teaching in the very same elementary school she attended as a child!
We received wonderful nominations for Bailey, describing her as the "sweetest person ever" who puts her heart into everything she does. Not only is she a light for her students, but she is also a dedicated mentor to her colleagues. As one nominator shared: “She has helped me become successful as a para sub and has given me the opportunity to do that. She is always so supportive and positive... she applies the Go-Hawk Way every day.” By being a constant source of encouragement and staying dedicated to the success of her entire school community, Bailey ensures that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Please join us in celebrating Bailey Lubben, and in thanking her for her contribution in making Waverly-Shell Rock a place where EVERYONE belongs, grows, and succeeds!
Nominations for KWAY's Teacher of the Week feature are being accepted continuously through the end of the school year. Use this form to submit a nomination: https://tinyurl.com/WSRTeacherOfTheWeek
💛🖤💛🖤 Thanks to Bailey Lubben and ALL of our teachers for making Waverly-Shell Rock Schools a place where EVERYONE belongs, grows, and succeeds! 🦅✨ 🦅✨
✨⭐This week’s KWAY Teacher of the Week is Jason Milke, a teacher and coach at Waverly-Shell Rock High School!⭐✨
Jason Milke is being celebrated for creating an environment where students feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged to reach their maximum potential.
We received a surge of nominations for Mr. Milke from current students, parents, and even alumni. He is known for making his classroom a place that students genuinely look forward to visiting—balancing high challenges with a relaxed, safe environment where kids aren't afraid to ask questions.
Jason's dedication expands far beyond the classroom into his work as a coach. He makes sure to celebrate effort and progress for every athlete, reminding them how important they are to the team whether they finish first or last.
Parents and students alike highlight his unique ability to make everyone feel "seen, heard, and valued." Whether he is applying "fake scenarios" to make lessons more engaging or taking a moment in the hallway to check in on a student's well-being, Mr. Milke consistently goes above and beyond. One former student shared: “I can confidently say I would not be who I am or where I am today without Mr. Milke.” He doesn't just teach the material; he builds the confidence of his students by "celebrating effort and progress in every situation." From the classroom to the cross-country path, he provides the opportunity for every individual to grow into a capable, prepared adult while prioritizing their mental and physical health.
By holding his students to high standards while actively supporting their mental and physical well-being, Jason ensures that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Please join us in celebrating Jason Milke, and in thanking him for his contribution in making Waverly-Shell Rock a place where EVERYONE belongs, grows, and succeeds!"
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Nominations for KWAY's Teacher of the Week feature are being accepted continuously through the end of the school year.
Use this form to submit a nomination:https://tinyurl.com/WSRTeacherOfTheWeek
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💛🖤💛🖤 Thanks to Jason Milke and ALL of our teachers for making Waverly-Shell Rock Schools a place where EVERYONE belongs, grows, and succeeds! 🦅✨ 🦅✨
🗓️ 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱-𝟮𝟲 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲
We are pleased to share our anticipated end-of-year dates for Go-Hawk families! Based on our current instructional hours:
✅ 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟰: No School for students (Professional Day)
✅ 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟵: Last Day of School for students (Special Early Dismissal)
We intend to follow this schedule to finish the year barring any significant weather events.
The email linked below (which contains the same information but includes greater detail) was emailed to all Waverly-Shell Rock families earlier this morning: https://bit.ly/4cLXEiT
Thank you for your continued support of the Waverly-Shell Rock Community School District.
#GoHawks #WSRSchools #CalendarUpdate
This week’s KWAY Teacher of the Week is Nick Willenborg, who teaches in the Success Center at Waverly-Shell Rock High School!
Nick Willenborg is being celebrated for his dedication to creating individualized pathways to success and for the profound respect he shows to every student he mentors.
Nick was nominated by a parent whose children have worked with Nick in the High School Success Center. Nick is known for his ability to see the potential in every student, treating them with the dignity and respect they need to navigate their unique educational journeys.
As a key part of the Success Center team, Nick doesn't just help students with schoolwork; he helps them build the confidence and opportunities they need for their futures. As his nominator shared: “Nick treats students with dignity and respect, creating opportunities and pathways to success. I cannot say enough good things about him and his team.”
By providing a supportive environment where students can overcome challenges, Nick ensures that every Go-Hawk has the opportunity to succeed.
Please join us in celebrating Nick Willenborg, and in thanking him for his contribution in making Waverly-Shell Rock a place where EVERYONE belongs, grows, and succeeds!
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Nominations for KWAY's Teacher of the Week feature are being accepted continuously through the end of the school year.
Use this form to submit a nomination: https://tinyurl.com/WSRTeacherOfTheWeek
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💛🖤💛🖤 Thanks to Mr. Willenborg and ALL of our teachers for making Waverly-Shell Rock Schools a place where EVERYONE belongs, grows, and succeeds! 🦅✨ 🦅✨
✨⭐This week’s KWAY Teacher of the Week is Jessica Hamilton, Academic Interventionist at Waverly-Shell Rock Middle School!⭐✨
Jessica Hamilton is being celebrated for leading with compassion and for her unwavering dedication to the well-being of every student who walks into her classroom.
We received multiple nominations for Mrs. Hamilton, highlighting how she creates a welcoming sanctuary where students feel seen, valued, and safe to decompress. She is known for her immense patience—especially when supporting students through behavioral challenges—and for her commitment to finding and celebrating each child's individual strengths.
Jessica’s dedication doesn't stop when the school bell rings. She is frequently spotted at her students’ events outside of school hours, showing her encouragement and support for their lives beyond the classroom. As one nominator shared: “She leads with integrity, kindness, and a genuine dedication to her students. She meets everyone with patience and care, and her commitment to helping kids succeed inspires everyone around her.”
By fostering mentor relationships and providing a steady, encouraging voice, Jessica ensures that every student has the opportunity to belong and grow.
Please join us in celebrating Jessica Hamilton, and in thanking her for her contribution in making Waverly-Shell Rock a place where EVERYONE belongs, grows, and succeeds!
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Nominations for KWAY's Teacher of the Week feature are being accepted continuously through the end of the school year.
Use this form to submit a nomination: https://tinyurl.com/WSRTeacherOfTheWeek
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💛🖤💛🖤 Thanks to Jessica Hamilton and ALL of our teachers for making Waverly-Shell Rock Schools a place where EVERYONE belongs, grows, and succeeds! 🦅✨ 🦅✨
✨⭐The latest teacher to be recognized as KWAY's Teacher of the Week is Jim Vowels, Band Director at Waverly-Shell Rock High School!⭐✨
Jim Vowels is being celebrated for his dedication to his students' musical growth and for creating a music department where every student feels safe and supported.
We received several heartfelt nominations from Jim’s students, many of whom describe him as a "perfect example" of the kind of person they want to be when they grow up. Whether he is helping a student prepare for All-State auditions or simply checking in to make sure everyone is doing okay, Jim goes out of his way to make the High School a more enjoyable and accepting place.
As one student nomination shared: “He truly tries his hardest to make the school a safe environment for everyone he meets. He’s helped me grow as a musician, but he also makes every class feel like a place where you can be yourself.”
By fostering a culture of mutual respect and high achievement, Jim ensures that every student in the band program has the opportunity to grow and reach their full potential.
Please join us in celebrating Jim Vowels, and in thanking him for his contribution in making Waverly-Shell Rock a place where EVERYONE belongs, grows, and succeeds!
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Nominations for KWAY's Teacher of the Week feature are being accepted continuously through the last week of the 2025-2026 school year.
Use this form to submit a nomination: https://tinyurl.com/WSRTeacherOfTheWeek
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💛🖤💛🖤 Thanks to Jim Vowels and ALL of our teachers for making Waverly-Shell Rock Schools a place where EVERYONE belongs, grows, and succeeds! 🦅✨ 🦅✨
🤝 Partnering for Our Students: The WSR Community Schools Foundation🤝
The WSR Community Schools Foundation serves as a catalyst to expand and enhance educational experiences and opportunities for students, staff, and residents of the Waverly-Shell Rock Community School District.
Governed by a volunteer board of directors, the Foundation operates as a separate 501(c)3 organization from the Waverly-Shell Rock Community School District. The Foundation does not receive funds from state or federal sources; instead, they rely on the generosity of our community to fund vital programs, including:
🎓 Go-Hawk Scholarship Fund: Recognizing graduating seniors who have demonstrated good citizenship, community involvement, and academic achievement throughout their school careers.
💡 Smart Money Teacher Grants: Providing funding for educational projects that benefit K-12 learning in the district.
🌱 Nest Money Endowment Fund: A permanent pool of funds supporting teaching excellence and innovation in our district.
🏦 Endowment: A permanent pool of funds generating interest income every year to support all programs of the Foundation.
🔓 Unrestricted: Gifts that provide the greatest flexibility for the Foundation to meet the needs in our district.
All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Stay updated on the amazing projects they fund for our Go-Hawks by giving them a follow! 👇
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/wsrfoundation
#GoHawks #WSRCSD #WSRFoundation #BelongingOpportunityAchievement #InvestInGoHawks #WSRMissionInAction
✨⭐The latest teacher to be recognized as KWAY's Teacher of the Week is Laura Willms, Kindergarten Teacher at North Ridge Elementary!⭐✨
Laura Willms is being celebrated for her "superhuman patience" and for turning the "beautifully unpredictable universe" of Kindergarten into a place of belonging and joy.
In a moving nomination, a parent shared that Mrs. Willms has a unique gift for guiding our tiniest Go-Hawks through one of the biggest transitions of their lives. Whether she is teaching a student to read, helping someone navigate the art of standing in a line, or celebrating the triumph of a small child remembering to raise their hand, Laura meets every student exactly where they are with humor and heart.
Her classroom is described as a sanctuary where students are encouraged to grow into independence—even on days when putting on socks or zipping a coat feels like a major challenge.
As her nominator put it: “Growth doesn’t happen in straight lines, especially in kindergarten... but Laura is the reason so many little humans wake up excited for school. She transforms the start of a child's educational journey into something magical.”
By creating a space where every student feels safe to take risks and make mistakes, Laura ensures that our youngest learners truly BELONG and GROW.
Please join us in celebrating Laura Willms, and in thanking her for her contribution in making Waverly-Shell Rock a place where EVERYONE belongs, grows, and succeeds!
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Nominations for KWAY's Teacher of the Week feature are being accepted continuously through the last week of the 2025-2026 school year.
Use this form to submit a nomination: https://tinyurl.com/WSRTeacherOfTheWeek
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💛🖤💛🖤 Thanks to Laura Willms and ALL of our teachers for making Waverly-Shell Rock Schools a place where EVERYONE belongs, grows, and succeeds! 🦅✨ 🦅✨
✨⭐The latest teacher to be recognized as KWAY's Teacher of the Week is Joel Hunzelman, Language Arts Teacher at Waverly-Shell Rock Middle School!⭐✨
Joel Hunzelman is being celebrated for his unique ability to connect with his students through humor, kindness, and high expectations.
We received numerous nominations from students who wanted to make sure Mr. Hunzelman was recognized for the joy he brings to his Language Arts classroom. His students describe him as "super funny" and "nice," but they also appreciate that he pays close attention to what they need—both personally and academically.
Whether he’s making the class laugh or challenging them to reach a new goal in their writing and reading, Mr. Hunzelman creates an environment where every student feels seen and valued. As one student nomination put it: “He is a very good teacher. He is super funny and makes everyone feel important. He helps students while also challenging them and helping them learn.”
By balancing a fun classroom culture with a dedication to student growth, Joel ensures that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Please join us in celebrating Joel Hunzelman, and in thanking him for his contribution in making Waverly-Shell Rock a place where EVERYONE belongs, grows, and succeeds!
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Nominations for KWAY's Teacher of the Week feature are being accepted continuously through the last week of the 2025-2026 school year.
Use this form to submit a nomination: https://tinyurl.com/WSRTeacherOfTheWeek
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💛🖤💛🖤 Thanks to Joel Hunzelman and ALL of our teachers for making Waverly-Shell Rock Schools a place where EVERYONE belongs, grows, and succeeds! 🦅✨ 🦅✨
