Michelle Garst was presented with the 2026 Rock Port Elementary Outstanding Educator Award at the May 20 assembly. Michelle joined the Rock Port staff in 2018 as elementary secretary and has been the friendly face that greets visitors, coworkers and students since.

 

Elementary Principal Steve Waigand addresses the students and community members present at the elementary awards assembly on May 20.

 

Second grader Cartyr Lloyd received a check for $600 on behalf of the school from Forest Finds Candle and Soap Co. owners Gena (left) and Ellee Lloyd (right). Cartyr created his own soap for Autism Awareness month and all proceeds went towards the donation.

 

Elementary Student Council members were recognized at the awards assembly. Members include, from left to right: third graders Addaline Larson and Kolcyn Barnes, fourth graders Beau Waigand and Belle Herron, and fifth graders Blaykleigh Daugherty and Aislyn Barnes.

 

Bess Griffin and Ray Herron were the top readers out of the kindergarten class of 2026.

 

Beau Waigand presents Braeley Cook with a medal for reaching her AR goal all four quarters. Members of Student Council, handed out certificates and medals.

 

Dakota Melton and the rest of the Little Jays Twirlers put on a performance before the assembly began.

 

Fifth grader Kyler Culp was one of four students with artwork being added to the Principal’s Art Gallery for his drawing of Earth from the Moon.

 

Daxxyn Moore stands proudly beside her painting that was selected for the Principal’s Art Gallery.

 

Students who met their Accelerated Reader goals all four quarters were presented with a Reading Superstar certificate. Students were called up to the stage 10 at a time. This group, from left to right, featured: Cane Stanton, Nora Spiegel, Dash Chamberlain, Kasen Dodson, Nolan Waigand, Laine Goins, Raylan Wamsley, Lillian Ottmann, Brodie Pierpoint, and Autumn Lingerfelt.

 

Students who were in the 80th percentile or above in STAR reading or math assessments were awarded with the Superior Achievement certificate while students who saw a 20 percent or more increase in their test scores throughout the year were presented with the Superior Growth certificate. This group of Superior Growth awardees includes, from left to right: Addaline Larson, Layla Hughes, Abel Holmes, Belle Herron, Maddie Henggeler, Jaxson Henggeler, Elsie Gubser, Wynne Griffin, Leland Gibson, and Xander Goolsby.

 

Jaylee Wood was one of the Mark Twain awardees. She read five or more of the books selected for the Battle of the Books competition.

Rock Port fourth grade wax museum

Rock Port fourth graders researched a famous American, then portrayed that individual during a wax museum, held May 20. Gentry Welch selected Rosa Parks to research and depict.

 

Beau Waigand delivers his informational speech as famous Missourian Mark Twain, detailing his life and achievements, during the Rock Port Elementary Wax Museum on May 20.

 

Chase Krutz portrayed famous outlaw Jesse James.

 

The 2026 elementary awards assembly was held Wednesday, May 20, 2026, for grades K-5 at Rock Port Elementary School.

Dr. Steve Waigand, principal, welcomed everyone to celebrate the accomplishments of students and staff from the 2025-26 school year. He thanked the parents and family members who were present and extended a special thank you to Michelle in the office for all her time and effort into helping prepare for this day.     

The Blue Jay Twirlers performed to kick off the assembly. They are led by Mrs. Palmer and Mrs. Lansdown.    

Dr. Waigand then introduced Gena Lloyd and Ellee Lloyd, co-owners of Forest Finds Candle and Soap Company, along with second grader, Cartyr Lloyd, and special education teacher, Ms. Rains. Cartyr, with the help of Gena and Ellee, created a special scent of soap and helped make it for Autism Awareness Month. The proceeds from the soap sales were donated to the school for sensory and movement rooms. Gena and Ellee presented a $600 check to Cartyr and Ms. Rains.

Elementary Student Council Representatives were recognized. They are: Aislyn Barnes and Blaykleigh Daugherty, fifth grade; Belle Herron and Beau Waigand, fourth grade; and Kolcyn Barnes and Addaline Larson, third grade. These students were responsible for daily announcements, putting the flag out each morning, a Blue Friday spirit wear competition, and running the Energy Bus assemblies as well as Frozen Friday treats each month. They have also answered student questions and feedback from the schoolwide suggestions box.

Accelerated Reader

Reading Goals

Students who met their quarterly reading goals through Accelerated Reader were recognized. The following students met their AR reading goals all four quarters: kindergarten – Brett Garst, Millie Graves, Ray Herron, Alora Kroeger, River Ottmann, Sophie Smith, Zeppelin Greene, Bess Griffin, Megan Hale, Truman Herron, Autumn Lingerfelt, Brodie Pierpoint, Lillian Ottmann, and Raylan Wamsley; first grade – Kasen Dodson, Laine Goins, Nolan Waigand, Dash Chamberlain, Nora Spiegel, Cane Stanton, Arya Thomas, and Grayson Wood; second grade – Nova Carter, Braeley Cook, Jaxson Henggeler, Jeriah Jones, Cartyr Lloyd, Zayley Makings, Paige Morriss, Elsie Ostrom, Oscar Palmer, Lena Paris, Finnley Riley, Kamden Schulte, Elliott Thomas, Charlie Carpenter, Hunter Gibson, Maxon Graves, Iris Guerrero, Bradley Howell, Everett Leseberg, Dakota Melton, Naomi Morgan, Drey Parsons, Kyler Perry, Haizley Pierpoint, Vada Seeley, Taeyln Sloop, Willow Smith, Collin Stanton, and Mila Cantu; third grade – Cole Alexander, Sadie Chaney, Tucker Deatz, Emma Garst, Wynne Griffin, Addaline Larson, Valerie Nielsen, Myla Rogers, Logan Schlup, Kolcyn Barnes, Emersyn Martin, Josiah Shimmel, and Ryne Shrader; fourth grade – Layla Hughes, Sawyer Proctor, Rory Robertson, Beau Waigand, Kendall Wamsley, Gentry Welch, Jaylee Hudson, Elsie Gubser, Mason Henggeler, Belle Herron, Rhett Murphy, Knox Schulte, Ella Sperber, and Cass Stanton; and fifth grade – Markie Gaines, Maddie Henggeler, Portia Ingram, Vera-Ann Newbanks, Aislyn Barnes, Sophia Bare, Izzy Carpenter, Kyler Culp, and Jaylee Wood.

Top Readers

The following students are the top readers based on Accelerated Reader for their classroom: kindergarten – Ray Herron 130.1 (Mrs. Lawrence), breaking the record of 50 set by Kamden Schulte in 2024, and Bess Griffin 76.3 (Ms. Roup); first grade – Nolan Waigand 80.7 (Mrs. Geib) and Cane Stanton 68.4 (Mrs. Hunter); second grade – Kamden Schulte 213.8 (Mrs. Carpenter) and Drey Parsons 111 (Mrs. Gilson); third grade – Wynne Griffin 355.1 (Mrs. Forehand), breaking the record of 279 set by Mya Welch in 2018, and Kolcyn Barnes 69.2 (Mrs. Larson); fourth grade – Layla Hughes 127.6 (Mrs. Hayes) and Belle Herron 201 (Mrs. Wood); and fifth grade – Markie Gaines 130.7 (Mrs. Thomas) and Aislyn Barnes 220.4 (Mrs. Weber).

STAR Assessments

The following awards were given to students with superior achievement or superior growth on the STAR assessments for math and reading. Students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade take these assessments two to three times a year – the fall, winter, and spring. Students with Superior Achievement scored in the 80th percentile or above on the STAR assessments, placing them in the top 20% of all students in the country that take the assessments. They are: Cole Alexander (Math 96), Judah Allen (Math 82), Sophia Bare (Reading 91, Math 88), Aislyn Barnes (Reading 93, Math 88), Kolcyn Barnes (Reading 96, Math 96), Mila Cantu (Reading 91, Math 82), Izzy Carpenter (Math 85), Nova Carter (Reading 83), Sadie Chaney (Math 82), Kyler Culp (Math 93), Blaykleigh Daugherty (Reading 84, Math 87), Raylan Daugherty (Math 82), Kasen Dodson (Reading 92, Math 94), Markie Gaines (Reading 91, Math 88), Xander Goolsby (Reading 97, Math 93), Maxon Graves (Math 86), Wynne Griffin (Reading 96, Math 95), Gabe Gronniger (Math 87), Elsie Gubser (Math 89), Iris Guerrero (Reading 93), Everly Hayes (Reading 95, Math 97), Jaxson Henggeler (Reading 99, Math 99), Maddie Henggeler (Reading 95, Math 91), Mason Henggeler (Reading 80, Math 94), Cyrus Herrington (Math 90), Belle Herron (Reading 98, Math 81), Bradley Howell (Reading 99, Math 94), Layla Hughes (Reading 98, Math 91), Portia Ingram (Reading 94, Math 80), Dawson Irvine (Reading 87), Jersey Jones (Reading 94), Chase Krutz (Reading 82, Math 80), Addaline Larson (Reading 92, Math 89), Everett Leseberg (Math 87), Zayley Makings (Reading 91), Emersyn Martin (Math 82), River McCown (Math 91), Mason Meyerkorth (Math 82), Paige Morriss (Reading 84), Dakota Melton (Reading 94), Isaiah Newbanks (Reading 85, Math 98), Vera-Ann Newbanks (Reading 99, Math 98), Valerie Nielsen (Reading 80), Elsie Ostrom (Math 90), Drey Parsons (Reading 95, Math 99), Kyler Perry (Math 85), Haizley Pierpoint (Reading 82), Rory Robertson (Reading 96, Math 87), Logan Schlup (Math 88), Kamden Schulte (Reading 94, Math 97), Brewer Shallenberger (Math 88), Ryne Shrader (Reading 89, Math 95), Willow Smith (Reading 96, Math 94), Paislee Sollars (Reading 81), Ella Sperber (Reading 83, Math 91), Nora Spiegel (Reading 95, Math 95), Cane Stanton (Reading 82, Math 94), Cass Stanton (Reading 89, Math 89), Collin Stanton (Math 81), Arya Thomas (Math 90), Noah VanGundy (Reading 87, Math 95), Piper VanSickle (Reading 81, Math 93), Beau Waigand (Math 88), Nolan Waigand (Reading 83, Math 91), Grayson Wood (Reading 95, Math 98), and Jaylee Wood (Reading 87, Math 97).

Kindergarten students with Superior Achievement (80th percentile or above) on STAR Early Literacy were: Cruze Carter (92), Leland Daugherty (83), Cord Davis (98), Bailey Finnell (93), Brett Garst (97), Millie Graves (94), Bess Griffin (99), Megan Harding-Hancock (91), Ray Herron (91), Truman Herron (85), Fallon Hughes (91), Jet Jones (89), Alora Kroeger (95), Autumn Lingerfelt (95), Lillian Ottmann (93), River Ottmann (91), Brodie Pierpoint (97), Amelia Ridley-Logan (95), Jaelynn Smith (93), Sophie Smith (99), Triptyn Smith (91), and Raylan Wamsley (94).

Students (grades 1-5) with Superior Growth scored in the 80th percentile or above on the STAR assessments, placing them in the top 20% of all students in the country for growth from the beginning of the year to the end of the year. Those students are: Judah Allen (Math 94), Kolcyn Barnes (Reading 80), Mila Cantu (Reading 95, Math 89), Nova Carter (Math 86), Dash Chamberlain (Math 87), Kyler Culp (Reading 96, Math 93), Lexi Culp (Reading 91), Blaykleigh Daugherty (Math 96), Kasen Dodson (Math 87), Markie Gaines (Math 83), Leland Gibson (Math 82), Xander Goolsby (Math 96), Wynne Griffin (Math 82), Elsie Gubser (Reading 84, Math 93), Jaxson Henggeler (Reading 98), Maddie Henggeler (Reading 88, Math 95), Belle Herron (Reading 85), Abel Holmes (Reading 85), Layla Hughes (Math 99), Addaline Larson (Math 93), Everett Leseberg (Math 80), Louie Leseberg (Reading 89, Math 92), Zayley Makings (Math 84), Hayes Martin (Math 94), River McCown (Math 93), Mason Meyerkorth (Reading 88), Gentry Moore (Reading 88), Vera-Ann Newbanks (Math 88), Drey Parsons (Math 81), Kinsley Perry (Reading 81), Kyler Perry (Reading 83), Rory Robertson (Reading 90), Briggs Roup (Reading 84), Logan Schlup (Reading 89, Math 82), Knox Schulte (Reading 99, Math 97), Vada Seeley (Math 84), Oaklee Smith (Math 95), Ella Sperber (Math 98), Cane Stanton (Reading 81, Math 92), Cass Stanton (Math 88), Remi Stoner (Reading 91), Ayra Thomas (Math 98), Braylon Thomas (Math 93), Elliott Thomas (Reading 90), Piper VanSickle (Reading 98, Math 95), Beau Waigand (Reading 98, Math 89), Kendall Wamsley (Reading 92), Gentry Welch (Math 99), Grayson Wood (Math 98), and Jaylee Wood (Math 99).

Kindergarten students with Superior Growth (80th percentile or above) on STAR Early Literacy were: Cord Davis (91), Bailey Finnell (85), Brett Garst (89), Millie Graves (97), Sam Hallowell (82), Megan Harding-Hancock (95), Ray Herron (99), Fallon Hughes (97), Jet Jones (95), and Jaelynn Smith (97).

Battle of the Books

Three teams competed in the Battle of the Books. They were: The Curious League of Book Battlers (their second year participating, went into overtime, tied for second place) – Aislyn Barnes, Blaykleigh Daugherty, Markie Gaines, and Jaylee Wood; The Mystery of the Radcliffe Readers (first year participants) – Maddie Henggeler, Portia Ingram, and Vera Newbanks; and The Blue Jay Book Worms (first year participants) – Elsie Gubser, Belle Herron, Sawyer Proctor, and Beau Waigand.

Mrs. Gaines presented the Mark Twain Awards. The following students read five or more of the Mark Twain nominated books: Aislyn Barnes, Blaykleigh Daugherty, Vera Newbanks, and Jaylee Wood.

TAG Awards

Mrs. Spiegel teaches the Rock Port Elementary Talented and Gifted Program. To qualify for the Talented and Gifted Program, second through fifth grade students must meet certain criteria. This year, they learned all about the Titanic and concluded the unit by going on a field trip to the Titanic exhibit at Union Station in Kansas City. They have also done some really cool science experiments each week and the students even memorized all 50 states in alphabetical order.

Outstanding TAG students for the 2025-2026 school year are: Kolcyn Barnes and Wynne Griffin, third grade, and Bradley Howell and Jaxson Henggeler, second grade.

March Mathness Awards

Mrs. Gaines shared the winners of the March Mathness competition.

Jersey design contest winners were: kindergarten – Noah VanGundy; first grade – Drey Parsons; second grade – Jersey Jones; third grade – Greenly Moore; fourth grade – Portia Ingram; and fifth grade – Bertie Meyerkorth.

Math facts champions were: kindergarten – Nolan Waigand and Grayson Wood; first grade – Everett Leseberg and Drey Parsons; second grade – Cole Alexander and Kolcyn Barnes; third grade – River McCown and Briggs Roup; fourth grade – Portia Ingram and Louie Leseberg; and fifth grade – Eli Meyerkorth and Nash Schomburg.

Outstanding Educator Award

Each year the school recognizes an educator who has had a profound, positive impact on the lives of our students, fellow colleagues, and community as a whole. This year’s recipient is certainly worthy of the honor and has put countless hours into helping our students succeed.Mrs. Michelle Garst was named the 2026 Rock Port Elementary Educator of the Year.

Dr. Waigand shared the following thoughts on Mrs. Garst and the impact she has made for students and the school:

“Michelle Garst truly embodies what it means to be an Educator of the Year. While many people see Michelle as the friendly face at the front desk or the warm voice on the phone, those of us who work alongside her know she is so much more than that. She is the steady presence that helps keep our elementary running smoothly each and every day.

“No matter the task or situation, Michelle approaches it with a positive attitude and willingness to help. From supporting students and families, to helping staff navigate the day-to-day challenges of school life, she is someone everyone can count on. She has a unique ability to make people feel welcomed, heard, and cared for the moment they walk into the office. She truly helps set the tone for our entire building.

“Michelle is a “doer.” Whether it is organizing substitute coverage, preparing for Energy Bus assemblies, helping families check lunch balances, part-time workroom copier repair person, walking dismissal change messages up to the classroom, or simply making sure someone feels welcomed when they walk through our doors, she consistently goes above and beyond. So much of what she does happens behind the scenes, but the impact is felt by every student, staff member, parent, and visitor in our building.

“One of the things I appreciate most about Michelle is the way she treats people. She listens with empathy, celebrates others, protects confidentiality, and creates a warm and inviting environment for everyone. We often receive compliments about how welcoming our school feels, and Michelle plays a huge role in creating that atmosphere.

“Michelle stays calm and positive in just about every situation . . . unless blood is involved. We have learned over the years that blood may be her one kryptonite! Thankfully, even then, she still finds a way to help however she can.

“Michelle, thank you for the love, support, positivity, and care you provide to our students, staff, and families every single day. Our school is stronger because of you, and we are incredibly proud to recognize you as this year’s Elementary Educator of the Year. Congratulations!”

Principal’s Art Gallery

Each year the school recognizes and displays outstanding artwork from our students in the Principal’s Art Gallery outside of the cafeteria. This is a tradition that started many years ago and helps bring the hallways to life. When students graduate from Rock Port they take their artwork with them. Ella Meyerkorth, Skylar Stoner, and Camden McEnaney were this year’s seniors. The following students that will add their artwork to the halls of Rock Port Elementary: Raylan Wamsley, kindergarten; Beau Waigand, fourth grade; Daxxyn Moore, fifth grade; and Kyler Culp, fifth grade.

Drawing For $100 Bill

Students earn tickets for a drawing for a $100 bill through hard work and effort throughout the year. Jersey Jones was the winner.

Each year Dr. Waigand presents a summer challenge for students. Each student received a blank bingo card and were challenged to fill the card full this summer with activities they do. Students received one free space (Field Day 2026). Students who complete a blackout of the bingo board can bring it back to school at the start of the new year to earn a Frozen Friday treat for August.