WACO will host 6 track meets this spring. These meets take lots of help from volunteers. If you are willing to help out at a track meet this year, please contact Chad Edeker at chad.edeker@wacocsd.org.
The majority of help is needed at field events that run from 4:30pm to about 6:30pm.
Meets
4/7/26 - HS Coed
4/17/26 - JH Coed
4/21/26 - HS Boys
4/24/26 - JH Coed
4/30/26 - HS Coed (Ekstrand Relays)
5/7/16 - HS Coed (SEISC Meet)
Due to the predicted potential for severe weather this evening, Thursday, April 2, all evening activities and practices have been cancelled.
The safety of our students, staff, and families is our top priority, and we encourage everyone to take appropriate precautions as weather conditions develop.
We will communicate any additional updates if necessary. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
A heartfelt thank you to our amazing WACO paraprofessionals for the compassion, commitment, and support you show our students every single day. The difference you make in the classroom helps each learner thrive, build confidence, and reach their full potential!
We truly appreciate all that you do—WACO is stronger because of you!
📢 Pending Board Approval – WACO Announces New 7–12 Principal
We are proud to announce that, pending board approval, Mr. Caylon DeVaul has been selected as the next 7–12 Building Principal at WACO.
Mr. DeVaul brings over 17 years of experience in education, having served in Missouri, at Lone Tree, and for the past seven years at WACO. His diverse background includes roles in Physical Education, Special Education, and most recently as a Technology Instructional Coach. Beyond the classroom, he has dedicated more than 20 years to coaching Cross Country and Track & Field, demonstrating a deep commitment to student growth and success both academically and athletically.
A strong believer in the power of relationships, Mr. DeVaul is committed to being highly visible, accessible, and engaged with students, staff, and families. His focus on building connections, fostering a positive school culture, and continuing to grow and strengthen the WACO community makes him an outstanding fit to lead our 7–12 building.
Caylon and his wife, Gwen, have been married for 15 years and are the proud parents of three children—Camden, Ruby, and Collins.
Mr. DeVaul says, “I’m incredibly proud to be a part of the WACO community and can’t wait to hit the ground running in this new role.”
Please join us in congratulating Mr. DeVaul as he steps into this important leadership role at WACO! 👏
💬 Read what one colleague had to say about Allyce:
"Allyce is an amazing cook for our elementary school. She accepts every challenge with a smile on her face and always has a kind word to say. She is respectful to all staff and students, patient, and wonderful to work with. Even on days that are hard Allyce keeps a positive attitude and encourages others. We are incredibly fortunate to have Allyce in our kitchen and I am so grateful she is there- both as a coworker and a parent! "
As a reminder, you can submit a shoutout here:
https://forms.gle/ryxw63QNCEQrtkdMA
📅 The WACO School Board approved the 2026–2027 school calendar at the March 23rd board meeting!
Here are a few highlights:
🎄 Winter Break: Over two full weeks
🌷 Spring Break: Full Week
✝️ Easter Break: Four-day weekend
☀️ Last Day for Students: May 25 — wrapping up before Memorial Day
📚 First Day of School: August 24
💬 Read what one community member had to say about Addison:
"We want to give a huge appreciation to Mrs. Fort, a teacher who truly makes a difference every single day. She is the kind of educator who shows up with her whole heart — always ready to listen, support, guide, and encourage. Her positivity fills the classroom, and her dedication to her students does not go unnoticed.
Whether someone needs extra help, a comforting conversation, or just a reminder that they matter, Mrs. Fort is always there. She brings patience, understanding, and kindness into every interaction. Her passion for teaching shines through in the way she works tirelessly to make learning meaningful and enjoyable for everyone.
She believes in her students, pushes them to be their best, and celebrates them for who they are. Not only is she an incredible teacher — she’s a role model, a supporter, and a safe place for her kids to grow.
Thank you, Mrs. Fort, for showing up every day with grace, strength, and love.
Your impact reaches far beyond the classroom, and we appreciate you so much."
As a reminder, you can submit a shoutout here:
https://forms.gle/ryxw63QNCEQrtkdMA
Save the Date!
We are excited to announce the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new Eichelberger Farms Agri-Science Center and Greenhouse.
📅 May 2, 2026
⏰ 8:45 AM
Join us as we celebrate this exciting milestone with a brief presentation followed by the official ribbon cutting ceremony. Guests will then have the opportunity to walk through and explore the new Agri-Science Center and Greenhouse facility.
Our annual WACO FFA plant sale will also be happening the same day, giving visitors the chance to support our program and purchase plants grown by our WACO students.
We look forward to celebrating with our community!
- Go Warriors!
Spencer Lueders
Superintendent
WACO Community School District
Our WACO Staff Shoutout this week goes to Eric Merida : JH/HS Custodian
💬 Read what one parent had to say about Eric:
"Shout-out to Eric Merida for his incredible heart and compassion for students. A few years ago, Eric advocated to bring E-Sports to WACO, giving students a new and meaningful and additional avenue for belonging—something every student needs. Eric leads with empathy and understanding, always going above and beyond to make sure each team member feels included. He supports students in ways that honor their individuality while keeping the spirit of the team at the center. His calming presence creates a safe space where students can truly thrive. Thank you, Eric, for everything you do—both in front of and behind the scenes!"
As a reminder, you can submit a shoutout here:
https://forms.gle/ryxw63QNCEQrtkdMA
If your child is planning on participating in a spring sport (track, soccer, or golf), we need you to register them in Bound. This is how we track physicals and eligibility. You can use the link below to do this.
https://manager.gobound.com/registration/ia/school/waco/family
During TAG/ ELP (Extended Learning Program) future 2 man bobsled team of Kase C. and Otto H. were designing and building a bobsled using different sized boxes.
💬 Read what one colleague had to say about Chad:
“Mr. McClanahan has worked so incredibly hard to make sure our students, families, and community could come together and celebrate reading this month! We are so thankful for Mr. McClanahan and his leadership on WACO Families Read. Not to mention, he's an awesome teacher, too! We are very lucky to have Mr. McClanahan. He helps make WACO Elementary the BEST SCHOOL EVER!”
As a reminder, you can submit a shoutout here:
https://forms.gle/ryxw63QNCEQrtkdMA
💬 Read what one colleague/parent had to say about Shelby:
“Mrs. Salow is new to WACO this year and boy did we hit the jackpot! She is kind, calm, patient and so very caring. As a coworker, I have the pleasure of watching her work with our students. She treats each one like I am sure she does her own. Mrs. Salow helps her students feel safe, smart, and special on a consistent basis. It is obvious that Mrs. Salow was meant to be a teacher. Any parent would be fortunate to have a child in her class. I am so thankful Mrs. Salow is a Warrior!”
As a reminder, you can submit a shoutout here: https://forms.gle/ryxw63QNCEQrtkdMA
We previously shared information about Open Enrollment at WACO Community School District — and we don’t want you to miss these important deadlines!
Families choose WACO CSD for a supportive, student-centered learning environment where academic growth, strong relationships, and strong community values thrive — all made possible by our incredible community support.
Why WACO?
📅 4-Day School Week – Added flexibility for families while maintaining high-quality instruction
🌾 Hands-On Learning Opportunities – Featuring our new Eichelberger Farms Agri-Science Center
🏆 Positive & Supportive Climate – Proud to be named an Iowa Top Workplace, reflecting the strong culture we’ve built for staff and students
🎓 Considering Open Enrollment?
Get started here:
👉 https://www.wacocsd.org/page/open-enrollment
📣 Open Enrollment Deadlines:
• Grades 1–12: Applications due March 1
• Kindergarten & Special Education Preschool: Applications due September 1
💬 Already part of the WACO family? Share in the comments why you chose WACO Community School District! We heard from a few of you previously — and we’re so grateful for those who shared. We would love to hear even more testimonies from our WACO families! Your story could help another family make their decision.
🏆🔥 Good morning, WACO! Ian Maize is wrestling for a STATE TITLE tonight! 🔥🏆
Wrestle free and relentless, Ian — you got this!
📺 5:15 p.m. | Session 7
All Classes • Awards • Grand March • Finals
🎥 Watch live here:
• Iowa PBS: https://www.iowapbs.org/
• Iowa PBS YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHHphhxRHZpMS96kUr4DuwA
• IHSAA Watch Page: https://www.iahsaa.org/watch/
🔥 STATE WRESTLING — IT’S MATCH DAY! 🔥
WACO Wrestling is headed to Des Moines, and we couldn’t be more proud of our four State Qualifiers competing at the 2026 IHSAA State Wrestling Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena!
113 – Ian Maize
120 – Rydge Sterna
132 – Teage Pepper
150 – Harley Larrimore
📍 Wells Fargo Arena | Des Moines
🗓️ Thursday, February 19
⏰ First Session begins at 9:00 AM
🥇 Class 1A – First Round
These Warriors hit the mat THIS MORNING representing WACO and our entire community!
Want to follow along with brackets, results, and updates?
➡️ https://www.iahsaa.org/wrestling/state-tournament-central/
