Mr. Blankenship's AP Environmental Science class show the silver award given to Patrick Henry High School.
For the second year in a row, Patrick Henry High School has been recognized with a Silver Rating by U.S. News and World Report. More than 21,000 public high schools were evaluated in 49 states and the District of Columbia, and top schools were awarded either gold, silver, or bronze medals based on state proficiency standards, college preparation, and successful measurable academic outcomes of the entire student body. Based on the ratings published on April 23, 2013, Patrick Henry High School is among the top 15% of high schools in Virginia and among the top 10% of high schools in the United States. This recognition is a testimony of the hard work and dedication that is put forth by the students, faculty, and staff on a daily basis. Credit should also be given to the supportive parents who entrust Patrick Henry faculty and staff with their most prized possessions each and every day. For more information visit Patrick Henry High School's report at U.S. News and World Report.
Sixth grade science fair winners pose for a picture in the school's library in front of Gavin L.'s first place winning display.
The sixth grade class showcased their science fair projects in the school’s gym during the PTA open house held on Thursday, April 11th. Students incorporated the scientific method of learning and followed the sixth grade Standards of Learning to come up with creative ways to show their ideas and research. Students were required to keep logbooks of their day-to-day activities and observations. They then provided their logbooks with their display boards to be judged. Gavin L. took first place honors with his presentation, “Deep Water, High Pressure.” Rachel C. and Jackson B. tied for second. Both Dylan R. and Kate M. came in third and honorable mentions went to Megan B. and Josh H. Congratulations to these students.
AgriScience students pull weeds, rake soil, and set plants at a side entrance landscape garden.
Seventh grade AgriScience students took advantage of an unusually warm April week by weeding Wallace Middle School's Virginia Landscape Garden under the guidance of their teacher, Mr. Mark Hawkins. The garden, which features soils and plants from Virginia's four geographic terrains, was begun several years ago with a Science Learn & Serve grant that Mrs. Leonard received way back in 2007. Students removed dead plants from various types of soil, pulled networks of weeds, carefully removed dried debris to eliminate the reseeding of undesired plants, and nourished the soil and sustainable planters that are located at the school's side entrance. When students get on and off school buses, they notice the garden's facelift. Everyone at Wallace Middle School appreciates all the hard work that went into making the garden beautiful.
Abingdon Elementary School 4-H students receive banner in honor of Arbor Day.
The fifth grade 4-H students at Abingdon Elementary participated in the celebration of Arbor Day on Friday, April 12. Several distinguished guests attended including: Mr. Billy Brooks, chairman of the Washington County School Board, and Mrs. Elizabeth Lowe, member of the Washington County School Board, Mr. Ed Morgan, mayor of Abingdon, Mr. Monty Vernon from the Abingdon Tree Commission, Mr. Paul Revell from the Virginia Department of Forestry and finally, Mr. John Dew from the Town of Abingdon, and Mr. Kevin Sigmon, Abingdon Town Arborist. Mr. Sigmon facilitated a short discussion of the importance of trees, while Mr. Vernon presented us with several wonderful books for our school library. Mr. Revell presented a Tree City USA flag and declared Abingdon a “Tree City, USA” for the 12th year in a row! The students of Abingdon then had the opportunity to assist in the planting of a beautiful maple tree which will adorn our school yard for many years to come! Finally, everyone enjoyed cookies and lemonade and students were presented with a red oak tree to plant at home. We are honored and privileged to have hosted the celebration of Arbor Day at our school and we look forward to hosting again in years to come!
Tyler Reddick has his picture made with some sixth-graders who attended a Don't Do Drugs program at Wallace Middle School.
During the recent March race week, teen race car driving sensation Tyler Reddick visited sixth-graders at Wallace Middle School. He talked to them about setting goals, working hard in school, and not doing drugs. His dream of becoming a driving champion started fourteen years ago, so at age seventeen, he’s really achieving. He credits his success to hard work, staying out of trouble, respecting others, and not doing drugs or drinking alcohol. Students became instant fans of “The California Kid” as he debuted at Bristol in the March 16 NASCAR K&N Pro Series. They have also followed him as he debuted in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event at Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina on April 14. Students were inspired by his talk, and they hope he will drop by anytime he is traveling past Wallace Middle School.