Give a warm welcome to Emily Trinkner, incoming school counselor at the Lied Education Center! 👋
“This will be my second year as a school counselor. I look forward to a great school year!”
In Emily’s free time, she enjoys spending time with friends/family, learning to crochet and spending time outside.
Welcome to the #GoHawk family, Emily! 🙌 #GoWSR #itsagreatdaytobeagohawk
“This will be my second year as a school counselor. I look forward to a great school year!”
In Emily’s free time, she enjoys spending time with friends/family, learning to crochet and spending time outside.
Welcome to the #GoHawk family, Emily! 🙌 #GoWSR #itsagreatdaytobeagohawk
Please join us in welcoming Jared Hensley, incoming teacher at the W-SR Senior High School! 👋
“I am extremely grateful and excited to have the opportunity to teach back here at Waverly-Shell Rock. Let's have a great academic year!”
Jared grew up in a small town in Southwest Iowa called Lenox. Outside of work, Jared likes to be active, whether that is taking his dog for a walk, wrestling or working out.
Welcome back to the #GoHawk family, Jared! 🙌 #GoWSR #itsagreatdaytobeagohawk
“I am extremely grateful and excited to have the opportunity to teach back here at Waverly-Shell Rock. Let's have a great academic year!”
Jared grew up in a small town in Southwest Iowa called Lenox. Outside of work, Jared likes to be active, whether that is taking his dog for a walk, wrestling or working out.
Welcome back to the #GoHawk family, Jared! 🙌 #GoWSR #itsagreatdaytobeagohawk
Say hello to Sara Knutson, incoming teacher at the W-SR Senior High School! 👋
“I’m a passionate art educator with 24 years of experience teaching art,” she says. “I recently returned to the Cedar Valley where I grew up and am excited to continue nurturing creativity in students at the W-SR High School.”
With a deep love for photography and watercolor, Sara brings a unique blend of artistic expertise and enthusiasm to her classroom. “Community is at the heart of everything I do, and when I’m not teaching, you can find me enjoying Iowa Hawkeye football games, boating, traveling and tending to my yard.”
Outside of her professional life, Sara is a proud mother of two daughters – one at the University of Iowa and the other at Iowa State – and shares her home with my husband Jeremie, an administrator in Cedar Falls and her two dogs, Nellie and Mazzie.
We’re so glad you decided to join the #GoHawk family, Sara! 🙌 #GoWSR #itsagreatdaytobeagohawk
“I’m a passionate art educator with 24 years of experience teaching art,” she says. “I recently returned to the Cedar Valley where I grew up and am excited to continue nurturing creativity in students at the W-SR High School.”
With a deep love for photography and watercolor, Sara brings a unique blend of artistic expertise and enthusiasm to her classroom. “Community is at the heart of everything I do, and when I’m not teaching, you can find me enjoying Iowa Hawkeye football games, boating, traveling and tending to my yard.”
Outside of her professional life, Sara is a proud mother of two daughters – one at the University of Iowa and the other at Iowa State – and shares her home with my husband Jeremie, an administrator in Cedar Falls and her two dogs, Nellie and Mazzie.
We’re so glad you decided to join the #GoHawk family, Sara! 🙌 #GoWSR #itsagreatdaytobeagohawk
Please join us in welcoming Greta Nelson, incoming teacher at the W-SR Senior High School! 👋
“I am so excited to be back in Waverly,” she says. “As a Wartburg College grad and former Waverly-Shell Rock student teacher, I am thrilled to be joining this school district. I can’t wait to share my love of choral music with students and this community!”
Welcome back to the #GoHawk family, Greta! 🙌 #GoWSR #itsagreatdaytobeagohawk
“I am so excited to be back in Waverly,” she says. “As a Wartburg College grad and former Waverly-Shell Rock student teacher, I am thrilled to be joining this school district. I can’t wait to share my love of choral music with students and this community!”
Welcome back to the #GoHawk family, Greta! 🙌 #GoWSR #itsagreatdaytobeagohawk
Staack, Chaplin and Hubbard enjoying PD
Give a warm welcome to Caleb Rheingans, incoming teacher at the W-SR Senior High School! 👋
“I’m the new Business Teacher at the W-SR High School,” he says. “Before moving to the area, I taught at Cedar Rapids Prairie for three years. In my free time, I love all things sports – whether that be watching or playing. I hope to get involved as much as possible in the community.”
Caleb comes from a family full of teachers but has always wanted to help people as much as possible. “The best way that I found was by getting young adults prepared for life after high school. I’m looking forward to a great school year and am excited to get started!”
Welcome to the #GoHawk family, Caleb! 🙌 #GoWSR #itsagreatdaytobeagohawk
“I’m the new Business Teacher at the W-SR High School,” he says. “Before moving to the area, I taught at Cedar Rapids Prairie for three years. In my free time, I love all things sports – whether that be watching or playing. I hope to get involved as much as possible in the community.”
Caleb comes from a family full of teachers but has always wanted to help people as much as possible. “The best way that I found was by getting young adults prepared for life after high school. I’m looking forward to a great school year and am excited to get started!”
Welcome to the #GoHawk family, Caleb! 🙌 #GoWSR #itsagreatdaytobeagohawk
Say hello to Amanda Johnson, incoming teacher at the W-SR Senior High School! 👋
“I’m originally from Fairfield, IA and attended Wartburg college. I taught science at Holmes Junior high in Cedar Falls for the past 15 years and will be teaching Biology at the W-SR High School this fall,” she says. “I’m very excited to join the W-SR staff and look forward to meeting my students soon!”
Amanda and her husband, Alex, have three kids and have lived in Waverly for a little over four years. She enjoys spending time outside with her family, running, golfing, walking her dog, baking and reading.
We’re so happy you decided to join the #GoHawk family, Amanda! 🙌 #GoWSR #itsagreatdaytobeagohawk
“I’m originally from Fairfield, IA and attended Wartburg college. I taught science at Holmes Junior high in Cedar Falls for the past 15 years and will be teaching Biology at the W-SR High School this fall,” she says. “I’m very excited to join the W-SR staff and look forward to meeting my students soon!”
Amanda and her husband, Alex, have three kids and have lived in Waverly for a little over four years. She enjoys spending time outside with her family, running, golfing, walking her dog, baking and reading.
We’re so happy you decided to join the #GoHawk family, Amanda! 🙌 #GoWSR #itsagreatdaytobeagohawk
Elementary Cereal Box Challenge-Day of Caring
More than 800 boxes of cereal, brought in by Waverly elementary students, families and staff, were donated to the Bremer County Food Bank on Sept. 11, The Day of Caring. “Our students were so excited about this project which allowed them to work together to meet a goal and impact their own community!”, said Tonya Poppe, North Ridge school counselor. “And it was a meaningful way to show kindness and compassion to hungry families”, said Mary Foy, Prairie West and Shell Rock school counselor. Both agreed collecting cereal is a very impactful way to give back to our community on a day that so much was taken away 24 years ago.
Poppe and Foy used the event to highlight Leader in Me habit #4, win-win, during lessons with the kids. People feel good sharing their resources AND people feel good knowing their community supports them when they are hungry - everyone wins.
To celebrate, each elementary school lined up all the cereal boxes down the hallways for a giant game of dominoes-and the students loved watching them tumble down! A huge THANK YOU to everyone who donated and helped make this day so meaningful and fun.
More than 800 boxes of cereal, brought in by Waverly elementary students, families and staff, were donated to the Bremer County Food Bank on Sept. 11, The Day of Caring. “Our students were so excited about this project which allowed them to work together to meet a goal and impact their own community!”, said Tonya Poppe, North Ridge school counselor. “And it was a meaningful way to show kindness and compassion to hungry families”, said Mary Foy, Prairie West and Shell Rock school counselor. Both agreed collecting cereal is a very impactful way to give back to our community on a day that so much was taken away 24 years ago.
Poppe and Foy used the event to highlight Leader in Me habit #4, win-win, during lessons with the kids. People feel good sharing their resources AND people feel good knowing their community supports them when they are hungry - everyone wins.
To celebrate, each elementary school lined up all the cereal boxes down the hallways for a giant game of dominoes-and the students loved watching them tumble down! A huge THANK YOU to everyone who donated and helped make this day so meaningful and fun.
Please join us in welcoming Emma Poppe, incoming teacher at the W-SR Senior High School! 👋
“I grew up in Clarksville and earned my bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Education and Studies from Iowa State University. (Go Cyclones!” she says. “I had the opportunity to student teach at W-SR Middle School and High School last fall, and I’m excited to return to the district.”
Outside of school, Emma enjoys baking and spending time with her family, and is looking forward to getting the school year started!
Welcome back to the #GoHawk family, Emma! 🙌 #GoWSR #itsagreatdaytobeagohawk
“I grew up in Clarksville and earned my bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Education and Studies from Iowa State University. (Go Cyclones!” she says. “I had the opportunity to student teach at W-SR Middle School and High School last fall, and I’m excited to return to the district.”
Outside of school, Emma enjoys baking and spending time with her family, and is looking forward to getting the school year started!
Welcome back to the #GoHawk family, Emma! 🙌 #GoWSR #itsagreatdaytobeagohawk
School staff shape the school culture - Part 4 in a 4-part series
The fourth and final installment in our four-part series introducing our district's new Mission, Vision, and Core Values was Tuesday, September 16 edition of the Bremer County Independent.
View the fourth installment here, and be sure to scroll through our live feed to review ALL four parts of the series.
Give a warm welcome to Payton Leonard, incoming teacher at the W-SR Middle School! 👋
“I’m a former student of the W-SR CSD. While attending school at W-SR, I was involved in football, baseball and track,” he says. “I attended Iowa Central Community College for my first two years of school, where I graduated with my associate's degree while playing baseball. I then transferred to UNI to begin my teaching degree and my coaching career as a HS football coach for W-SR.”
While working towards his degree, Payton also took part as an assistant Strength and Conditioning coach for the past two years at the high school, helping students and athletes push themselves towards their goals, whether it's in the classroom or on the playing field.
“I’m excited to be back in this wonderful school system now as a teacher, ready to guide students on their path to success, helping them follow their dreams and watching them become who they strive to be!”
We’re so glad you’ve stayed in the #GoHawk family, Payton! 🙌 #GoWSR #itsagreatdaytobeagohawk
“I’m a former student of the W-SR CSD. While attending school at W-SR, I was involved in football, baseball and track,” he says. “I attended Iowa Central Community College for my first two years of school, where I graduated with my associate's degree while playing baseball. I then transferred to UNI to begin my teaching degree and my coaching career as a HS football coach for W-SR.”
While working towards his degree, Payton also took part as an assistant Strength and Conditioning coach for the past two years at the high school, helping students and athletes push themselves towards their goals, whether it's in the classroom or on the playing field.
“I’m excited to be back in this wonderful school system now as a teacher, ready to guide students on their path to success, helping them follow their dreams and watching them become who they strive to be!”
We’re so glad you’ve stayed in the #GoHawk family, Payton! 🙌 #GoWSR #itsagreatdaytobeagohawk
Partnerships with families for success - Part 3 in a 4-part series
Thanks to the Waverly Newspapers for publishing our four-part series introducing our district's new Mission, Vision, and Core Values. Here's the link to the third installment, published on September 11, 2025: https://www.communitynewspapergroup.com/waverly_newspapers/partnerships-with-families-for-success/article_c8dae9a9-3c68-496e-9f4e-cc1dce781770.html?utm_campaign=blox&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwY2xjawMxaVVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHgHRhCQ9aaVvSQCUESpu-01nrib3xWu34DemnKIodUXmZ27yDvr5Spiv4YtR_aem_iMIdD9f7aV9hrGjzg1fDEw
The final installment will be published in the Tuesday, September 16 edition of the Bremer County Independent.
📸🌟 Day of Caring 2025! 🌟📸
🙌 Yesterday, Waverly-Shell Rock educators, students and volunteers came together to make a difference in our community for the annual Day of Caring. 💛 What an incredible opportunity to serve our communities and learn about the importance of service to others! 💪🌱
Thank you to everyone who rolled up their sleeves and contributed to these amazing projects around the Waverly and Shell Rock Communities. You are the heart of what makes our communities so special! 💚
#GoHawks #DayOfCaring #CommunityStrong #ServiceInAction #ProudToServe
🙌 Yesterday, Waverly-Shell Rock educators, students and volunteers came together to make a difference in our community for the annual Day of Caring. 💛 What an incredible opportunity to serve our communities and learn about the importance of service to others! 💪🌱
Thank you to everyone who rolled up their sleeves and contributed to these amazing projects around the Waverly and Shell Rock Communities. You are the heart of what makes our communities so special! 💚
#GoHawks #DayOfCaring #CommunityStrong #ServiceInAction #ProudToServe
Say hello to Emma True, incoming teacher at the W-SR Middle School! 👋
“I was born and raised in Northern Minnesota, but moved to Waverly to attend Wartburg College,” she says. “Throughout my time at Wartburg, I majored in Elementary Education with K-12 Special Education endorsements, while also competing on the track and field team.”
In Emma’s free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, doing arts and crafts and spending time with her puppy. Although she’s relatively new to this community, Emma is excited to contribute to the W-SR family by bringing an inclusive perspective, creativity, and energy to her current and future students!
We’re so happy you decided to join the #GoHawk family, Emma! 🙌 #GoWSR #itsagreatdaytobeagohawk
“I was born and raised in Northern Minnesota, but moved to Waverly to attend Wartburg College,” she says. “Throughout my time at Wartburg, I majored in Elementary Education with K-12 Special Education endorsements, while also competing on the track and field team.”
In Emma’s free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, doing arts and crafts and spending time with her puppy. Although she’s relatively new to this community, Emma is excited to contribute to the W-SR family by bringing an inclusive perspective, creativity, and energy to her current and future students!
We’re so happy you decided to join the #GoHawk family, Emma! 🙌 #GoWSR #itsagreatdaytobeagohawk
Students talked; we listened.
Thanks to the Waverly Newspapers for publishing this four-part series introducing our district's new Mission, Vision, and Core Values, and describing the collaborative process used in the district to arrive at these new guiding statements. Here's the link to the second installment, published in the Bremer County Independent on September 9, 2025: https://www.communitynewspapergroup.com/students-talked-we-listened/article_35c27e79-9952-4255-8894-3d31e463e4b5.html
Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year: A new chapter for W-SR Schools!
Thanks to the Waverly Newspapers for publishing this four-part series introducing our district's new Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Desired Daily Experiences! Here's the link to the first installment, published on September 4, 2025: https://www.communitynewspapergroup.com/welcome-to-the-2025-2026-school-year-a-new-chapter-for-w-sr-schools/article_1d4a52a2-1d10-4cb5-b4fc-cba98c2c6bae.html
📸 Say Cheese! Picture Day is Coming! 😄
Mark your calendars — School Picture Days are right around the corner!
Make sure those outfits are picked out and smiles are ready! ✨
✔️ Pictures will be taken during the school day
✔️ All students will have their photo taken, even if not purchasing
✔️ Check your school communications for order information
Let’s capture those amazing school year memories! 🎓💙
#PictureDay #SchoolMemories #SayCheese
Mark your calendars — School Picture Days are right around the corner!
Make sure those outfits are picked out and smiles are ready! ✨
✔️ Pictures will be taken during the school day
✔️ All students will have their photo taken, even if not purchasing
✔️ Check your school communications for order information
Let’s capture those amazing school year memories! 🎓💙
#PictureDay #SchoolMemories #SayCheese
This fall, our Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) showed what leadership and school spirit look like in action. Ahead of our September 2nd game against Pella, SAAC members worked hard to create an experience of belonging and pride for all students.
Their efforts included:
Students signing their “Nest” contracts and receiving a student section t-shirt
Organizing tailgating games to build excitement before kickoff
Bringing in food trucks to make the evening a true community event
Their leadership and creativity led to a great game experience, one that brought students together and amplified Go-Hawk pride throughout the night. The work of SAAC isn’t just about game day—it’s about building a school culture where every student has the chance to belong and be part of something special.
A big thank you to CUSB and the W-SR Booster Club for their support in making this event possible.
Please join us in welcoming Ben Buseman, incoming 6th grade literacy and social studies teacher at the W-SR Middle School! 👋
“I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa, and I always knew I wanted to be a teacher,” he says. “My dad was a teacher in the district for many years, so being able to see the impact he had on students really sparked my interest.”
Ben is currently the Head 7th Grade Boys Track Coach at the Middle School. He ran track throughout high school and couldn't be more happy to now get to coach it. “I look forward to the new school year, and I'm so glad I get to call myself a Go-Hawk once again!”
We’re glad you stayed in #GoHawk family, Ben! 🙌 #GoWSR #itsagreatdaytobeagohawk
“I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa, and I always knew I wanted to be a teacher,” he says. “My dad was a teacher in the district for many years, so being able to see the impact he had on students really sparked my interest.”
Ben is currently the Head 7th Grade Boys Track Coach at the Middle School. He ran track throughout high school and couldn't be more happy to now get to coach it. “I look forward to the new school year, and I'm so glad I get to call myself a Go-Hawk once again!”
We’re glad you stayed in #GoHawk family, Ben! 🙌 #GoWSR #itsagreatdaytobeagohawk
Give a warm welcome to Nichole Adams, incoming fourth grade teacher at Prairie West Elementary! 👋
“I am thrilled to introduce myself as the fourth-grade bubble teacher at Prairie West Elementary! After an incredible career in photography, I began volunteering and substitute teaching in the Waverly-Shell Rock School District, which sparked my passion for education and inspired me to pursue a master's in teaching,” she says. “I am so excited for the opportunity to teach fourth graders here at Prairie West!”
In Nichole’s free time, you’ll see her with her husband Kyle and two daughters, June and Loraine. They spent their time outdoors, attending concerts and sporting events, playing cards and treasure hunting.
Welcome to the #GoHawk family, Nichole! 🙌 #GoWSR #itsagreatdaytobeagohawk
“I am thrilled to introduce myself as the fourth-grade bubble teacher at Prairie West Elementary! After an incredible career in photography, I began volunteering and substitute teaching in the Waverly-Shell Rock School District, which sparked my passion for education and inspired me to pursue a master's in teaching,” she says. “I am so excited for the opportunity to teach fourth graders here at Prairie West!”
In Nichole’s free time, you’ll see her with her husband Kyle and two daughters, June and Loraine. They spent their time outdoors, attending concerts and sporting events, playing cards and treasure hunting.
Welcome to the #GoHawk family, Nichole! 🙌 #GoWSR #itsagreatdaytobeagohawk
