Save the Date!
We are excited to announce the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new Eichelberger Farms Agri-Science Center and Greenhouse.
đź“… 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
đź’¬ 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.
đź’¬ 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
đź’¬ 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
đź“Ł 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!
đź“ş 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
đź“Ť 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/
đź’¬ Read what one colleague/parent had to say about Amy:
“Amy is at school early each day to help out with the supervision of children in the WACO Elementary gym. She is also in the lunchroom every day helping with seating, condiments, opening containers, getting students items they may forget, washing tables, excusing kids for bathroom breaks, helping scrape trays, etc. I know she loves each student, including my son, like her own and she always has a smile on her face and a positive thing to say. My son adores her and I am so grateful that she is with him every day.”
As a reminder, you can submit a shoutout here:
https://forms.gle/ryxw63QNCEQrtkdMA
WACO wrestling qualifies four for the State Tournament.
113 - Ian Maize
120 - Rydge Sterna
132 - Teage Peper
150 - Harly Larrimore
They will wrestling on Thursday morning in Des Moines
Congrats to Coach Pugh, his staff, and the wrestlers.
Get your WACO Elementary Kindness Shirts!!!
$10 t-shirt, sweatshirts available! Orders close February 23rd! Order on the link below.
https://bohobailey.com/products/waco-kindness-week-tees
Thank you to this incredible team for all they do to help our students grow, excel, and find their passion each and every day. We are so grateful for the guidance, support, and care you provide to our students and families.
Abbey Shelman – Elementary School Counselor (PK–6)
Rita Alspach – Jr./Sr. High School Counselor (7–12)
Thank you for all you do!
đź’¬ Read what one colleague had to say about Kate:
“She knows each of her students as individuals and uses that knowledge to help every student grow. Mrs. Lefeber sets high expectations for all learners, consistently encouraging students to challenge themselves and believe in their abilities. At the same time, she provides support, guidance, and an understanding of what a student needs to reach those high expectations. Because of her dedication and commitment to meeting students where they are, and giving them the tools to help them go to the next level, Mrs. Lefeber makes a meaningful and lasting impact on student success and learning.”
As a reminder, you can submit a shoutout here:
https://forms.gle/ryxw63QNCEQrtkdMA
Interested in becoming a WACO Warrior?
Families choose WACO Community School District for a supportive, student-centered learning environment where academic growth, strong relationships, and community values thrive—made possible by our unbelievable community support.
Why WACO?
📅 4-Day School Week – Offering families added flexibility while maintaining high-quality instruction
🌾 Hands-On Learning Opportunities – Including a brand 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?
Learn more and get started here:
👉 https://www.wacocsd.org/page/open-enrollment
đź“Ł WACO Open Enrollment Deadlines
• Grades 1–12: Applications due March 1
• Kindergarten & Special Education Preschool: Applications due September 1
đź’¬ We want to hear from YOU!
If you’re part of the WACO family, comment below and tell us why you chose WACO Community School District. Your story might help another family make their decision!
Our WACO Staff Shoutout this week goes to Michelle Fedler: Preschool Teacher/Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
đź’¬ Read what one parent had to say about Michelle:
“She does such an amazing job with all her students talks, listens, and supports them. She treats her kids like they are her own!! My daughter loves going to her class and if she could tell me about her day it would be full of wonderful things!”
As a reminder, you can submit a shoutout here:
https://forms.gle/ryxw63QNCEQrtkdMA
In an effort to help families plan ahead, we want to notify you that WACO Community School District will operate on a 2-hour delay on Monday, January 19th, due to predicted cold weather conditions and the potential for blowing snow throughout the evening.
We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we make adjustments to prioritize the safety and well-being of our students and staff.
Thank you for your continued support.
đź’¬ Read what one colleague had to say about Ameur:
“He always has a smile on his face and always willing to help out. "
We are so thankful for Ameur at WACO CSD!
As a reminder, you can submit a shoutout here:
https://forms.gle/ryxw63QNCEQrtkdMA
